Happy New Year!

To all, I wish you and yours a Happy New Year! I hope you ring in the New Year with joy and wonder. Be safe in your travels and your celebrations!

Master Cook?

I by no means am a Master Cook. However, I did manage to make a vegetable soup which my husband complimented me on and said was TV worthy. :) Every once and a while I pull a rabbit out of my hat, lol.

This was my first time actually making the vegetable soup. I have made other soups and they have turned out really good too. However the veggie soup tonight was pretty, had multiple colors, orange, red, black, green, yellow and white. The broth was really good too.

Needless to say, I am feeling pretty good about the meal I cooked tonight. :) I know I won't ever be able to achieve exactly the same soup again since I didn't follow a recipe I just tossed in what I wanted to have in the soup and what I had in the house to toss in the soup. :)

I have found when I get creative, I tend to actually make something really good. I guess being creative when you cook is the key to making really good dishes. Fun in the kitchen!

Movie Night

Tonight was movie night with the hubby. We went to see the new movie Passengers with Jennifer Lawrence. It was a great movie. It was a sweet story line. I absolutely loved it.

I was very pleased it turned out to be as good as the previews had hyped it up to be. It is always a bit of a risk to go to the movies to see a new release. You never really know if it will be worth the amount you are charged to see the movie.

It is always a let down with the movie turns out to not be worth what you paid to watch it. Most of the time you can tell if the movie will be worth going to the theater or if you should just wait until it comes out on video. But there are always those times when you get caught and the hype was more than the movie was worth what you paid to see it.

However, Passengers was a good Sci-Fi film. The cinemaphotography was really good. I could actually imagine myself in the story and for me, it is what makes a movie great for me. Just like any book, if I can imagine myself as one of the characters in the story the better I like it.

So, I say, if you have an opportunity to go see the film, I say go and enjoy. :)

What Does Not Kill Me, Makes Me Stronger

Most all of us look back on our childhoods to point to why we are the way we are and how we have become who we are.

In many ways, I agree with the statement. However, how we become who we are is always changing because we are always changing. So, in a manner of speaking our past is not fully responsible for who we are.

Every challenge we face, every change we are presented, every decision we make, every success and every failure is what continues to make us who we are. We continue to grow every day. What we learn and how we use what we have learned is what shapes us to be who we are.

Personality, knowing right and wrong, and our morality are the things we carry through from our childhood. What we were taught at young ages. Outside of those who we are comes from our everyday interactions and exposures.

So hence the title "What Does Not Kill Me, Only Makes Me Stronger!" For every day, I wake up and face what comes my way and not give into fear, anger or defeat, makes me a stronger me, a new me, because with every challenge comes a lesson and every lesson learned comes wisdom and strength.

New Year Resolutions

Why do people make resolutions?

Most start out and make it the first two weeks, but I have never heard of any reaching completion of their resolutions. I don't usually make them because most of the time they aren't attainable resolutions anyway. Why do we make resolutions we know we aren't going to keep. Are we purposely setting ourselves up for failure? If so, Why? Is it because we see it as an excuse to fail?

Here's something, failure is always found along the path of success, so without the failure, we would never succeed.

I am going to challenge myself this year to overcome previous failures. I don't want to look back and blame the bumps in the road for why I haven't gotten where I want to be. The ride was never meant to be smooth otherwise, we would never learn.

This is my "resolution" to learn everything I can from the failures and the success which will come my way this New Year. I wish you are luck on reaching your resolutions/goal for the upcoming year!

Happy Holidays - Merry Christmas - Happy New Year!

Looking for a New Book??

Come and check out new authors, some self-published, some traditionally published. This event was created to help the authors reach new readers and readers to find new authors. Each author has posted links to their work, take a look you just might find your next favorite author. :)https://www.facebook.com/events/281456242248842/

Onward & Upward

My goal this week is to work towards letting things go. So this year hasn't been the best of years, but it hasn't been the worst of them either. Life is full of challenges and twist we don't expect but should cause hey it's life it is always changing.

I've talked about different things over the past year and opened myself up to new things. Have there been dips on the roller coaster, sure, but the win is I kept going and didn't give up. I may fall and stay down for a moment, but I get back up and brush myself off.

I may get angry at a new challenge thrust in my face, but I eventually find a way to conquer it, or a way to solve it. I refuse, with how far I have come, to give into difficulties just because it is easier to do so. I have never been a quitter and I refuse to become one now. There are always going to be obstacles blocking my straight ahead, but just because I have to turn doesn't mean it isn't the right way to go.

A new year is coming, with means with it, new obstacles and new accomplishments. I will have decided, looking back is an obstacle I place in front of myself, what is ahead of me will give me enough without me adding things to it.

From now on my response to anything negative will simply be "Onward & Upward" cause it is the only way I intend on traveling. I decide my path and only I can push through the obstacles I have no control over.

So, to next year I say, BRING IT ON!! I got this!!

Maturity??

What exactly is maturity? Do you know? Does anyone know or is it just an idea each of us have? What dictates what someone's maturity is? Is it their life experiences? Is it their age? How about is it a combination of those two? What about choices we make, is it those which dictate maturity?

Well, my opinion, agree or disagree, you have that right, is our maturity is based on our life experiences and how we deal with them dictates some of our maturity. Choices we make help us grow into maturity even if the choices are immature. The choices we make lead us to maturity, they don't determine if we are mature or not. We all do immature things at times, it doesn't make us immature as a person or not grown up. Our failures and successes in life are what shape and form us so, wouldn't they also be part of maturity?

What do you think? Are our choices the sign of our maturity completely? Do our real life experiences come into play? What about our age? They say with age comes wisdom and with wisdom comes maturity. Isn't it our choices which lead us to wisdom?

Rejections

Even when you know it is coming, it still stings. Rejection is a part of life, and without it, you won't savor the approvals. There are all kinds of ways to put a positive spin on the negativity, but it still doesn't take the full blow of the sting away. Makes it a bit easier to take, but doesn't make it nonexistent.

Rejection comes in every aspect of our life, be it in a relationship, a job, life choices and just all around daily life. It may come in various forms, but the pain of the sting is still the same. Most people claim it just wasn't the door they were meant to go through, and there will be another door to open.

Finding the silver lining in the recovery of the rejection is just human nature. It just takes some longer than others to get there. I try not to let rejection get to me because I know it is always a possibility and in some cases an inevitability. It just is what it is, and life will go on no matter what the rejection was, and I have to move with the ups and downs.

Knowing something is coming at some point, doesn't change the fact of it happening or the reaction to it. It just puts you in a different perspective when it does happen. I think being prepared for a rejection gives you the upper hand so to speak in handling it in a more positive way.

Kind of like knowing an accident is about to happen, but making a choice on which is the best path to take in the accident. Do you go in headlong or do you go on the defensive and try to avoid the impact which will cause the most damage? Which would you do?

Taking the path of least resistance is not always the safest path, sometimes you have to take the one most blocked with obstacles. The obstacles are the rejections and how you overcome them is the path you choose, your silver lining so to speak.

I have always been told I do everything the hard way, but to me, it is how you learn the best. Can you learn if you take the easy way, maybe, but will you learn if you take the hard way, yes! There is no doubt in my mind nothing ventured is nothing gained. So, I say take those rejections and turn them into the silver lining they truly are.

Commercials

UHG!!! Is there any commercial which just grates on your last nerve every time you see it come on the screen?

Well for me it is the Tresemé commercial with the Tegan woman. I am fine up until the end where she yells at me. Why would anyone think having the spokesperson yell at the end of an advertisement would be a good idea?

I mean I get the idea behind advertisement, it is to get people attention, but I have to say I am not one for enjoying getting yelled at by an advertisement.

I generally ignore most commercials but that one just really irritates me. It is fine up until the end, they just need to change the end.

Okay, off the soapbox now...just had to vent.

Entitlement

Can anyone explain to me the thought process behind "Entitlement" cause I just don't get it!

I mean I understand what the word means, but what I don't get is how anyone can feel and express they deserve better than someone else. We all have to work for what we get, respect, money, and possessions.

The only thing I see anyone of us has a right to feel "entitled" to, is the right to live. Breath air into our lungs and have opinions. However, just because you are entitled to your own opinion, does not entitle you to force it upon others.

We all work hard for what we have gained, but to me, it doesn't "entitle" one to look down upon another, just because they have gained less.

I am very saddened by what I am seeing coming up with the next several generations. The idea of "entitlement" has trickled down and perspective has been lost. The display of attitudes and lack of respect has grown overwhelmingly to almost nonexistent and been replaced with the idea of "entitlement."

Somewhere along the line, the thought of reality, of entitlement has been replaced with perceived notions of what it is to be entitled.

Money does not equal entitlement
Power does not equal entitlement
Greed does not equal entitlement

History is there to teach us not to give reasons for entitlement - We are to learn, not repeat, to be better, accept differences and grow.

Entitlement is not something earned or something to be demanded
Entitlement is what each of us has a god given right to do from the day we are born and it is to live, love, be good to one another and excel at life.

Now, of course, this is my opinion of what I see and experience. If you agree or disagree I am all for hearing your points of view and opinions.

Gilmore Girls

Okay, I have been a fan of this show for years. I loved the storyline and watching the lives unfold. The ups and downs, the twists and turns which in my opinion were amazingly close to real life and very relatable. The show was great!

Then they came out with the netflix episodes Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, which I have to say I could not wait to come out. Which it did today and of course I sat and watched all four episodes. I cried and I laughed. I loved it completely.

I only have one complaint, if they leave it where they left it and don't make more I will forever be crushed. I love storylines which draw you in and make you feel apart of them, but you can't leave those kinds of storylines without a true ending.

I get the whole coming full circle and kind of ending it on the same note it started on, but come on. Anyway, it was awesome, I just want more Gilmore Girls!!

If you have not ever seen it, I strongly encourage you to watch it.

Curiousity

I am curious about something. How long does it take to get over the anger and bitterness in regards to someone you trusted who betrayed you?

I have tried really hard to understand and forgive things, but when it comes to anger and bitterness it is really hard to let it go so easily. When a cut is deep it takes longer to heal, which is common knowledge, but when it is a deep cut to emotions. How long does it take to heal?

I mean it has been years, heck decades, but yet the anger and bitterness still leave a bad taste in my mouth and thoughts. I was recently told I could hold a grudge like no other. However, I am unsure if this would be considered a grudge or just the type of betrayal creates the kind of anger and bitterness which is beyond grudge status.

So, the question is: Is prolonged anger and bitterness always a grudge or does it depend on what causes the anger or bitterness which determines if it is a grudge?

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming, I love the smell of the turkey and all the sides cooking. The togetherness of family and friends. The warmth in being with the ones you care about. The ability to be thankful for all you have in your life. The ability to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and hardships you have overcome.

When I was younger it was all about the food, dessert and drawing names for Christmas. Now I see it is about the being together and celebrating everything there is to be thankful for and to truly be thankful. Now don't get me wrong, I am still all about the food, cause come on, it is good! :)

Even with all the pitfalls, I have experienced over the past year, I still have my family and friends who love and care about me and support me no matter how bad things get. For them I am thankful and them I thank them for being there.

Looking back over this past year, what do you have to be thankful for? Who do you have to be thankful for? Happy Thanksgiving to you all and I wish you all happiness and love over the holiday season!

Friday follies...

Well as most know Friday was Veterans Day, the say we thank those who are serving, and who have served. We celebrate them for the gifts they allow us to enjoy. I said my thanks via Facebook to those who are too far to thank in person and hugged those who were near.

Well for the follies of this is I was sitting on my couch, actually doing some writing when I noticed bright lights flashing on the wall opposite of where I was sitting. Of course, my couch is between the windows not facing them. The dog had been barking but since I was so consumed in what I was writing I just kept telling her to hush.

Little did I realize, until I got up and looked, a cop had pulled a car over in my driveway and was doing the normal pull over deal. Well, the best part, maybe not the best part, is, I realized it was my son. He was pulled over in our driveway. Now who can say they have been pulled over in their own driveway?

I didn't want to go out onto the porch so as to not upset the cop or cause any issues, so I watched from the window, then went back to the couch and looked at my phone. I had a text from him saying "Yup, that just happened." I couldn't help but laugh.

His story was the cop followed him riding his butt about 2 miles and when he put his turn signal on to pull into the yard he flipped his lights. He had his conversation with the cop, did all the respectful things. The cop said to him, "I will be right back." When he came back he handed my son his stuff back said, "Thank you for your service son and please slow down. Have a great night."

It pays to be respectful no matter what the situation is. The cop didn't have to let his infraction go, but because my son showed him the respect he was due, the cop also showed the respect my son was due. Now don't get me wrong, there are those cops out there who abuse the power, but I truly believe if you show respect you will get respect.

Choose to respect, not disrespect it is just the humane and right thing to do.

Just my two cents...

I refuse to give into the hate, negativity, and rudeness. There is a lot of negativity, finger pointing, name calling and just down right rudeness going around. In every election, there is a winner and a loser. It is just how it works. We all have the right to vote the way we decide to vote without being belittled or bashed for our choice.

The world didn't end, and it isn't going to end. Eight years ago people were upset and spewing negativity as they did again four years ago. But again the world didn't end. Stop spewing the rudeness and get on with life.

The saying "everything happens for a reason" seems to only be relevant when people like what has happened. However, there is always a reason for why things happen the way they do. Now we have to believe the reason will present its self and things will change as promised.

So, you aren't happy with who was elected, you have that right. However, those who are happy with who was elected have that same right. Stop being part of the problem by attacking each other and focus on being part of the solution. Stop letting fear of the unknown motivate the hate and negativity.

It is what it is and it will be what it will be. Will you work towards helping to heal or will you be an addition to making it worse? Say what you feel, but respect what others have to say and feel. It doesn't matter what you think of the commander and chief, it is how you show respect to your fellow individuals. Be the better person, stand up for what you believe, but allow others to do the same.

RESPECT & ACCEPTANCE!!! Without them we doom ourselves!

Euphoric

As a writer, I have had my moments of excitement and thrills. I have also had my dips and pot holes. I have used resources at my disposal and attempted to do a lot of things I had never done before. I have learned the writing part is the easy part in comparison to everything the happens once those words are down.

The editing is just the first step towards publishing the book. Then you have the multiple redrafts. Then the submissions for publishing by publishing companies or finding agents to represent you to submit to publishing companies.

Or doing it the way I have and many others before me, self-publishing. Stepping into the ring with no safety net. Attempting the marketing, the advertising, the posting and repostings of the advertisements. Finding those who have traveled the road before you and getting advice. Finding the sites to use to get your book out to the public. This is all very difficult and takes a lot of determination to not give up.

Well, today I got the best experience a writer can ever get, I held my first published book in my hand. I got to see my name in print and feel the cover of a book I put my heart and soul into writing and putting together. It was the most amazing feeling, euphoric is the closest word I can think of to put the feeling into words and come close to explaining the overwhelming emotion attached to holding the book, my book in my hand.

Wild, Wild West!!!

Now I know why cow herders rode horses!!! Got my taste of cow herding today. I always thought I was born in the wrong era, well I now know, NOT! I am in the era I am supposed to be in, I would have never made it in the wild west days...

Well, maybe I would have if I had horses to go with the cows. Even now who in their right mind would have cows and no horses to herd them when they get out? Well, being neighborly is a good thing and help each other out. I did my good deed today. :)

I really like my farm neighbors across the street from me. They are really sweet people. But those cows are huge in comparison to me at my little 5-foot body. Talk about something funny to watch...lol

How do you even call a cow, "Here Bessy?" At least with a horse, you can make a clicking noise and they will come, but a cow, they are like cats, they go and do what they want when they want! LOL

Author pitch

If you liked Twilight and 50 Shade you will love this combination of the two books with an addition of magic, check out the book Lyric & Michael, the first book in the series "The Ties That Bind." Get your copy today, either as an e-reader or printed. Follow one of the links below to get there. Happy reading!!!

The first link printed copy. The second e-reader.

https://www.createspace.com/6616204

https://www.amazon.com/Lyric-Michael-Ties-That-Bind-ebook/dp/B00DKMKGFO

Everything Happens in 3's

I have heard all my life everything happens in 3's and to be honest, I have alway experienced things in 3's. Good or bad they have always been in a pattern of three in a row.

For the most part, the pattern of three has been for the good. There have been instances where the good and bad have been mixed in the pattern, so I am keeping fingers crossed the current pattern I am in will end on a positive note.

Have you ever thought about the patterns of thing happening in your life previously? Most people don't, they just say "it's life" and move on. Me I always read into everything. I am not a superstitious kind of person, but there are things I really do believe to be true because of experiences.

I wear Turkish good luck charms every day I am apart from my children with the belief it keeps them with me and helps to protect them. As a mom, you always want the best for your children and to protect them even when you can't be with them.

Truth be known I think we all want every family member safe, be it a parent, a sibling, an aunt or uncle, a cousin or grandparent. We all do what we can to assure the ones we love and care about are safe and protected.

What do you do without really thinking about it, something which is second nature to you to do to help assure yourself you are helping assist in the protection of  your loved ones. Do you pray? Do you think positive thoughts about them? Do you just ask for them to be safe and protected? Do you tell them as they leave your presence to be safe? We all do little things without really thinking about why we are doing it, we just do it. So, what is your thing or things?

Kids

What can I say, KIDS!!

No matter how old they get, if you are a mom it doesn't matter they are still your baby. The worry, the love, the concern and the pride get more intense when they are not under foot.

The unnerving phone call you get when your child calls to tell you, I was just in an accident. I'm okay, but my car, on the other hand, is not. The immediate wash of relief because they are okay, then you berate them with a mash of questions in an attempt to know if it was their fault, where they were, how fast they were going, how bad is the damage to the car, and were there any witnesses.

As a mom, I have been really lucky. Even though two of my boys have been in accidents, they have both been physically all right. However, my nerves knowing they are driving long distances or even short distances still puts me on edge until I know they are home with me or at their destination.

I honestly think they believe I am just being over protective, but you know what if I am being over protective then hey they can just suck it up and do as I request and text me when they have reached their desired destination. Most of the time they remember to text, but sometimes I just have to take on the no news is good news attitude just to keep my sanity.

As my husband reminds me, they are grown adults and responsible for themselves. My job of raising them is done and I need to trust I did a good job. I guess it is different for fathers than it is for mothers. But then again I think it all depends on if the child is a son or a daughter. Fathers tend to be over protective of daughters. Mothers, however, are over protective no matter son or daughter.

To all those parents out there, take deep breaths and believe you did a great job. You can't always protect them from evil, but be confident in them and what you taught them.

The Gift of Sight

As most know, I have been dealing with vision issues for more than two years now. I have worked hard at staying positive in regards to getting my full vision back. I have maintained a strong front and pushed away the negative thoughts which threaten to take hold.

However, even with forcing myself to stay positive I have still kept hold of the actual reality the vision won't return. I have admitted on several occasions the fear has overwhelmed me. The reality of this situation is the possibility the sight would not return fully. I know the reality of this, but still, I try to hold on to the hope.

The reality is currently the vision is not getting better. The doctor was expressly optimistic the last laser procedure was working the way he had hoped. I want to believe in his optimism but for the past several days have proved to be less optimistic. Dizziness has been worse this time around. The ability to make out shapes has diminished. The ability to make out partial images of what I know to be there is also gotten worse.

The upside and downside are on my next visit to the doctor he will most likely say I need another steroid shot, which on the one side assists with decreasing the fluid causing swelling in my eye to decrease, but on the downside, causes cataracts to get worse. So either way, the vision is hindered.

At some point, I will have to make the call to end this up and down roller coaster. The thought of making that call is terrifying because it is giving up and I don't give up on things. The knowledge of not get the sight back in my left eye is bad enough, but wondering if I have actually done everything I can to make sure I could do to gain my sight back.

So, when is enough, enough when it comes to giving up on hope?

PTSD is real!

I saw this and thought it needed to be shared! If you know anyone who has PTSD this is something you should see. My heart breaks every time I think about the pain and suffering done in silence. Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

10 THINGS YOUR COMBAT VET WANTS YOU TO KNOW
1. He/she is addicted to war, although he loves you. War is horrible, but there is nothing like a life-and-death fight to make you feel truly alive. The adrenaline rush is tremendous, and can never be replaced. Succeeding in combat defines a warrior, places him in a brotherhood where he is always welcome and understood. The civilian world has its adrenaline junkies as well; just ask any retired firefighter, police officer, or emergency room staff if they miss it.

2. Living for you is harder. It would be easy for him to die for you because he loves you. Living for you, which is what you actually want, is harder for him. It is even harder for him if you are smart and do not need him to rescue you since rescuing is something he does really well. If you are very competent at many things, he may at times question if you need him at all. He may not see that you stay with him as a conscious choice.

3. “The training kicks in” means something very different to him. It is direct battle doctrine that when ambushed by a superior force, the correct response is “Apply maximum firepower and break contact.” A warrior has to be able to respond to threat with minimal time pondering choices. While this is life-saving in combat, it is not helpful in the much slower-paced civilian world. A better rule in the civilian world would be to give a reaction proportionate to the provocation. Small provocation, small response (but this could get you killed on the battlefield). When the training becomes second nature, a warrior might take any adrenaline rush as a cue to “apply maximum firepower.” This can become particularly unfortunate if someone starts to cry. Tears are unbearable to him; they create explosive emotions in him that can be difficult for him to control. Unfortunately, that can lead to a warrior responding to strong waves of guilt by applying more “maximum firepower” on friends, family, or unfortunate strangers.

4. He/she is afraid to get attached to anyone because he has learned that the people you love get killed, and he cannot face that pain again. He may make an exception for his children (because they cannot divorce him), but that will be instinctual and he will probably not be able to explain his actions.

5. He knows the military exists for a reason. The sad fact is that a military exists ultimately to kill people and break things. This was true of our beloved “Greatest Generation” warriors of WWII, and it remains true to this day. Technically, your warrior may well be a killer, as are his friends. He may have a hard time seeing that this does not make him a murderer. Although they may look similar at first glance, he is a sheepdog protecting the herd, not a wolf trying to destroy it. The emotional side of killing in combat is complex. He may not know how to feel about what he’s seen or done, and he may not expect his feelings to change over time. Warriors can experiences moments of profound guilt, shame, and self-hatred. He may have experienced a momentary elation at “scoring one for the good guys,” then been horrified that he celebrated killing a human being. He may view himself as a monster for having those emotions, or for having gotten used to killing because it happened often. I can personally recommend 'On Killing' by Dave Grossman.

6. He’s had to cultivate explosive anger in order to survive in combat.

7. He may have been only nineteen when he first had to make a life and death decision for someone else. What kind of skills does a nineteen-year-old have to deal with that kind of responsibility? One of my veterans put it this way: “You want to know what frightening is? It’s a nineteen-year-old boy who’s had a sip of that power over life and death that war gives you. It’s a boy who, despite all the things he’s been taught, knows that he likes it. It’s a nineteen-year-old who’s just lost a friend, and is angry and scared, and determined that some *%#& is gonna pay. To this day, the thought of that boy can wake me from a sound sleep and leave me staring at the ceiling.”

8. He may believe that he’s the only one who feels this way; eventually he may realize that at least other combat vets understand. On some level, he doesn’t want you to understand, because that would mean you had shared his most horrible experience, and he wants someone to remain innocent.

9. He doesn’t understand that you have a mama bear inside of you, that probably any of us could kill in defense of someone if we needed to. Imagine your reaction if someone pointed a weapon at your child. Would it change your reaction if a child pointed a weapon at your child?

10. When you don’t understand, he needs you to give him the benefit of the doubt. He needs you also to realize that his issues really aren’t about you, although you may step in them sometimes. Truly, the last thing he wants is for you to become a casualty of his war.

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The Battle Buddy Foundation has a profound dedication to supporting our veterans and their families in a long term and tangible way. TBBF is committed to setting the standard high among veteran nonprofit organizations, and doing everything possible to positively affect the current veteran suicide rate.
#22TooMany

The Battle Buddy Foundation is the most recognized national non-profit organization founded by veterans with the combined mission of providing service dogs to disabled veterans of all eras at no cost, providing a program for veteran employment and mentorship opportunities, while promoting education and awareness for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and the current veteran suicide epidemic.

Be a hero to a veteran in need today by helping to provide the training and placement of service dogs with disabled veterans --- become a monthly contributor today:http://www.tbbf.org/dollar-drive

Join our daily mission here: https://www.facebook.com/battlebuddy

Learn more about TBBF on our website: www.TBBF.org

Enlightenment

I find it interesting how no matter how old my kids get, the kids I meet who are younger than them still attempt to think they are smarter than the adults and work harder at trying to get away with things they know are against the rules rather than just doing the right thing.

I enjoy the fact I am able to catch most of them off guard and prove they are not smarter or craftier. It makes me smile knowing, they know I have caught them and they weren't as slick as they thought they were.

Score one for the adults.

Matthew After Math...

I have learned over the years, the projected tracks are never right. North Carolina wasn't supposed to get much of the hurrican, but guess what we got the worst of it because it came in land then turned out to sea. Flooding and property losses is high and luckily the death toll isn't high.

To all my NC friends stay safe!!

Hurricane Season

Growing up Hurricane season was nothing more than lots and lots of heavy rain and wind. I really didn't think much about them. Living in FL Hurricanes were just a part of life. As I've gotten older I know they can be more than just lots of heavy rain and wind. They not only bring destruction, but they can bring deaths.

People joke about FL and how they deal with Hurricanes. Celebrating, having hurricane parties and just all around making light of the destructive weather. We may not panic and clear out the grocery stores when we know the storm is coming.

However, we do know to go with nonperishables and food which can be cooked without electricity or need refrigeration. Power outages are always highly likely, so making sure there is plenty of water stored up for flushing toilets and brushing teeth as well as to drink.

I am just thankful none of these natural weather occurrences has ever taken anyone I knew, know or related to. To those who have lost loved ones or friends to these occurrences I am sorry and my heart goes out to you.

Book available in Print

The link below will take you to the location you can purchase a paperback copy of my very first book in my series The Ties That Bind - Lyric & Michael

https://www.createspace.com/6616204

Respect?

What do you think when someone says respect? Do you think it is an entitlement? Do you think it is something to be earned? Do you think it is something to be mutually given?

When I think or hear the word respect, it makes me think of many different things. I believe respect is something you earn. I also believe it is something which should be given mutually. Respect, however, is in no way an entitlement because of age. Just because you have age on someone does not entitle you to automatic respect and if you do not give respect to others I do not believe you should receive respect.

People are people no matter what their ages are, however respect is something you have to teach as well as earn and give. The way you treat someone shows them the level of respect or the lack of respect you have, not only for them but for yourself.

So the next time you feel you are not being respected, check yourself and see if you are showing any respect. It is a two-way street, just like many other things when you are dealing with other people.

Bucket Lists

Are Bucket Lists a societal norm? Is it something everyone one thinks about doing or is it just something we do without putting a lot of thought into or even writing down?

I know I have thought about things I would like to do or accomplish before I die. It is not like I think about dying or do I want to think about not being around for a very long time. But as we all know dying is just a fact of life and inevitable.

I think for most even if they don't realize it is to leave a mark on the people in our lives, to make a difference in some manner. The way we impact those around us or the lives we cross paths with is what shows the kind of person we are.

How do you impact those around you? How do the people in your life see you?

All I can hope for is the impact I have on the people I touch is a positive one. However, I am not nieve enough to believe it is possible to make everyone happy or please everyone. All I can do is be true to myself and be who I am. This is what is top of my Bucket List and the most important item on it.

I think it should be the top of everyone's list to be true to themselves and to be happy with who they are.

So in closing -- Be proud of the person you are and if you aren't, find a way to be proud of who you are!

Book Cover Release

The link below is to the event for The release of Book Three's Cover. Come and join the fun and give your feedback.

https://www.facebook.com/events/949186725207714/

Pick your battles!

Which is best when you are angry, talking it out or silence? Does it depend on the situation as to which is correct? Is someone always right in a disagreement?

Everyone believes what they think and feel is right, however, the belief doesn't make them correct. There are always two sides to a story. We all have different perspectives, but our perspectives don't make us more right than the other person's perspective.

We all have our own way of doing things, it doesn't make it wrong or right, just different. Putting it simply I fold my towels in thirds, but my husband only folds in halves. Just because he doesn't do it the way I want or the way I would, doesn't make him wrong and me right. Just makes it our own way.

Now don't get me wrong there are some things there is, a right way and a wrong way to do them, but in most things, there are just different ways, not right or wrong.

How do you work?

Everyone has a different way of approaching how they work. What I mean by how you work is, what keeps you on task? What helps you focus? Work isn't just a job you do, work is how your mind functions and process what you are thinking or doing.

For me I have to have back ground noise, static if you will. I use the tv or music to keep my focus on what I am doing. I find it keeps me from be distracted when I am doing things. With the tv it has to be on a channel which plays shows I have already seen so it doesn't pull my attention. Music is my favorite back ground noise. However the down side to music is the impulse to want to dance to certain songs. LOL

Here is why I know this about myself. When I was a child I was trained to sleep with a fan and to sleep at 12 hour intervals. I can't say how the 12 hour intervals occurred, but they did and still continue to this day. Well when I can anyway. As I got older my mother attempted to break this pattern with no luck. She would come in during the night and turn my fan off, especially in the winter and as soon as she would turn the fan off I would wake up. It really made her crazy because I slept with the fan in my open window. So glad I never had to look or understand the electric bill, at least then anyway. LOL So you see in my opinion, our training for how we do things as adults started when we were children. So what we call habits or personality, it started at the beginning.

There are those who need the silence, but I just can't comprehend no sound. I find silence deafening. I can't even get my mind to stay on one track when there is complete silence. I feel like I am losing my mind when it is silent.

So, how do you work? Do you know why?

Notorious

I don't normally comment on TV shows, but this new show. But in this case, I will because it has one of my favorite actresses Piper Perabo. I have loved her since  the movie Coyote Ugly, which yes I own.
If you are able to catch this show I suggest you do. It is an awesome show!!

Lyric & Michael 2nd edition Released

https://www.amazon.com/Lyric-Michael-Ties-That-Bind-ebook/dp/B00DKMKGFO

Mental Breaks

We focus so much and so hard on what we are trying to accomplish. I have found it is very important to take a step back and breathe, play or just veg. I have been so determined to finish the editing on two different books, I had lost my drive and focus on the reason I was doing this. I love to write and had lost my path of the love.

If you are doing something you love, don't ever focus so hard, you lose the love of what and why you are doing what you are doing. Always maintain the love of what you are doing by stepping back everyday.

Reconnect with things you did previously to give yourself a break from the things you wanted to avoid or not do at all. Those same breaks are good and healthy so do them! You deserve the breaks!

Author Interview

As promised, here is the link to my author interview.
http://wp.me/p6LAko-Kf

Book Review

I received this book as an ARC for a fair and impartial review.

The first book in D. M. Simpson’s The Ties That Bind series, starts the series off with a bang.

I have to say I’m a bit fantasy fan. So when I had the opportunity to get a copy of Ms. Simpson’s first book, I was excited. What could be better than a were-wolf story with all of the intrigue of a full on thriller?

The main character, Lyric, has her own set of problems. Not fully were-wolf, and teased about it her whole life, she feels like an outsider. That rubs up hard against her true love, Michael, alpha male pack leader, who loves her to distraction but is confused about her reluctance. Oh, this is where it gets more complicated. Jessie, were-wolf and witch, wants Michael and not just for love.

Ms. Simpson has done an excellent job of creating a fast-paced, furious world of magic, jealousy, and love. You’ll stay up all night reading it.

I have found this book on Amazon so if your library doesn't carry it, you can get it there. Happy reading!

Stop and smell the roses!

I can not express the overwhelming feelings of joy I am currently feeling. I have found support in places I never knew I had.
I have met many new points of contacts and support through taking a class so I could enter a writing contest to possibly win a chance to coauthor a book with the famous James Patterson.
I knew it was a million to one chance I would even make it as a possibility, but I received so much support to enter the contest, to begin with, I put myself out there. Once I was there, I met others and found a whole other group of support and others that I could show support.
I have always been the one to encourage and push those around me, not that I didn't get encouraged and pushes also, I just spent more time focusing on everyone else.
I am just ever so elated by the show of support I have gotten over the past several months and the friends I have made.
Take a moment and look around yourself and see the true support of those you have in your life. When people say "Stop and smell the roses." I honestly believe they are saying take stock in those around you and see the beauty they possess and pass on to you.

Book link

Amazon has approved the changes and the book is now live and available for purchase. The link below will take you to the book directly. Happy reading!!!

https://www.amazon.com/Lyric-Michael-Ties-That-Bind-ebook/dp/B00DKMKGFO

Event

Come join the event for the book release. Just click the link below to get to the event. Look forward to seeing you there!!!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1309577882387605/

Book Release - Announcement

I am happy to announce Lyric & Michael 2nd edition is back on the market. It could be up to 48 hours before you can actually purchase it, but that time is only an estimation so please keep checking back for availability.
Happy reading!!!

Technology

The amount of our lives that revolves around technology is amazing. There isn't anywhere you can go where you won't see someone on a cell phone, staring at a tablet, or a laptop. We rely so strongly on technology these days, we sometimes forget they aren't immune to human error.
Frustration kicked in for me after a solid four hours of work lost because my computer shut down unexpectedly on my and I had not set up for auto backup of my work to be saved so I didn't have to manually do it every so often. Well needless to say the lost work was a tough reminder to go into the settings and correct that human error.
Going to the power of positive thinking, it forced me to take responsibility for the lost work because I didn't set up the autosave option as well as gave me the ability to accept the previous changes may not have been the correct ones but if they were, I would repeat them the same. Everything happens for a reason.
Technology is part of our lives and will continue to be, but we still have to keep in mind, it is not perfect and will fail because of human error.

Power of Positive Thinking

I have to say, I truly believe in the power of positive thinking. It keeps your mental state out of the darkness of doubt. It also gives you a glow of confidence for all to see.
Everyone has rough days, weeks or months. I can admit there are times when I let the darkness of doubt leak into my mind and it affects my mood immensely. I don't like being negative, it just isn't me and it brings me down as well as people around me. I truly dislike causing anyone else to be negative.
It has always been my thing to be positive to help keep others positive. The darkness of doubt is a cloud I destroy, it is not allowed in my world and when it casts its shadow the fight in my grows.
Even with the bad week I've had, it has not kept me down. The art of positive thinking is my goal!!
I challenge you all to take a week and think positive and do a positive spin on anything negative. I'm telling you, it will make a huge difference on your outlook.

Manners still taught or not?

My husband and I have been going to the local OutBack Steak House on our anniversary for the past couple years. The service and the food are always excellent. The wait to get in, on the other hand,    
leaves a lot to be desired. We were told it would be thirty-five minutes or less. An hour later after watching others who came in after us get seated before us. Very frusterating!
However to pass the time I people watched, which is a favorite pass time of mine. I found myself wondering where the world of manners went. I watched people come through the door expecting immediate service; it was the body language which gave away the attitude. It is one thing to expect service when you enter a place of business, but it is a whole different thing when you know there are other people also waiting for the same service and feel you are more important than the others waiting.
The other thing as far as manners, what the hell is it with entering a building and not removing your hat. What is that? When you enter a building, manners require you to remove your hat; it is not an accessory to and outfit when it has a bill. I don't care if you are a boy or a girl, you remove your hat to show good manners and respect for others around you. Have manners gotten so forgotten that people think wearing a ball cap while in a restaurant is okay?
Come on, manners are not a style thing, they are manners and should still be just as important as teaching right and wrong. Schools do not allow hats to be worn while inside the building, and that is including country schools. People remove hats in church. Why would it be okay to keep your hat on in a restaurant where people are eating.
Are there exceptions to the manners regarding hats, yes. There is a time and a place for such things as hats to be worn, but while you are in a restaurant is not one of them in my opinion.What are your thoughts on this subject? Do you agree or disagree and why?
Please share your thoughts.

Mowing

Let me just tell you, mowing is hazardous. Especially if you are signing. Bugs flying around seem to target open mouths. lol
No, I refuse to acknowledge bugs as protein.
Who ever said having a push mower for over an acre of land was good exercise, was insane...oh wait, that's right it was me.
Another never ending chore added to the never ending list.
Happy Wednesday everyone!!

Moving Day...

Move In day for college...so excited, not...lol
Early morning, long drive, but college sophomore is back on campus, and all moved in. So excited for my son to be back at school, but sad to see him go. He missed school and his college buddies. Hope this year goes smoother than his freshman year.
I watched as other students and parents moved boxes on top of boxes into different rooms. It was so easy to pick out the freshman students and their parents...the ones like me last year...unsure of what they would need and bringing everything to make sure they have the comforts of home, just in case they might need it.
The ironing board, extra drawers for desk, bathroom or clothing, cause you know when they were at home they so used them...lol Luckily my son already knew we had overcompensated for last year, and so he only took a few things, three boxes, one with clothes and shoes, the other with bathroom needs, bedding needs, food needs and of course some of those pesky things called school supplies. The third box was his actual school books and a few more school supplies. A bean bag chair, futon, TV, game system and of course the most important item the mini fridge.
Ahh moving day...the joys and the pride as a parent...the empty nest again...
What can I say mixed emotions!!!

DeadLines

What can I say, deadlines suck, even if they are self-inflicted. I have set a release time for myself to get the 2nd edition to my first book back out on the market. I know I have several individuals waiting for me to release it, the hard part is everyday life doesn't alway allow for the time I need to do the editing...
I want to meet my own deadline, but just feeling overwhelmed by the end of Aug is coming so fast and I feel the deadline mocking me as each day passes and I am unable to actually sit down and do the final edited draft. UGH!!!
So glad the deadline was set by myself or the pressure would be even worse!!! I really need to set shorter goals to meet the deadline, then it won't feel so overwhelming...I am really good with helping others, but I am really bad at taking my own advice...lol
I so need to start listening to my own advice for others, it seems to work for them, so it should work for me too...DeadLine, you will not beat me!! I'm coming for you!!

Excitement

What excites you?
There are a world of things which can excite a person. Life is full of chances to get excited and have an overwhelming feeling of joy.
Life moves so fast and most of the time people don't stop to experience what gets them excited. You go through your daily routines of getting up, going to work, sending kids off to school, you know the normal everyday stuff.
We all get so caught up in what needs to be done to live, we forget to actually live. Living is about experiencing, getting excited, smelling the roses and loving those who are in our lives.
Somehow we as responsible people have gotten it into our heads, if we slow down things will fall apart, our lives won't become what we are striving for them to be. We won't make the numbers for the work week, which won't make the dollars in the paycheck. Guess what, those numbers and that paycheck can't give you back what you've missed trying to achieve them.
Slowing down won't take away from your life, it allows you to live your life. The bills will still be there, the work will still be there, the stress of everyday life will still be there. Guess what won't still be there if you don't slow down...all those moments which happen if you catch them or don't and all those moments you said, next time, we will do that later. When those moments come and go, they are gone you can't get them back. Life doesn't stop and wait for you to have the time for it, it keeps going without you.
Stop letting life go on without you! Take that extra moment to hug the people you love. Talk to the people who matter to you. Listen to the people who matter to you. Get excited about life and all the possibilities it has for you to be excited. Stop rushing for that next moment, live the one you have right in front of you. Live life, don't just watch it pass you by. Living life is how you succeed at life, not in struggling to achieve more than what you have.
Get excited and stay excited, don't let excitement be something you could have or should have done in the past!

Choices

The end of last month was very hard for me. It was a real eye-opener, to say the least. I lost a family member. I went home to be with the family to grieve the loss. I watched a beautifully put together video of pictures of the life of my cousin. As I watched the pictures flash up on the screen. I saw a man I didn't know; he was my family, but I had no idea of the man he had become. All the memories of him for me were from when we were kids.
I listened to the crying around me of other family members who were present in the photos and knew the man in them. I listened to the minister talk about a person in my family that I did not know. Now it was my choice to leave our hometown and live my life separate from the family. I didn't want to stay in the small town. That was my choice, and I have to say I honestly would not change that choice. I do wish I had not completely stepped away and continued the closeness I had known growing up.
However, my cousin had also made a choice. In most cases of grief, we blame everyone else for the loss. My Aunt blames herself for not helping him enough. My cousin blames the dealer, which I am sure most if not all the family does.
The problem with this blame game, the wrong people are being blamed. The blame lies solely with my cousin and his choice. He made the choice to do what he knew could and would harm him and everyone who loved him. I don't believe he made the choice to end his life; I think it was an accident. His choice was not an accident, the consequences that followed were an unintentional result of the choice.
The man everyone described throughout the day was a kind and good-hearted man who loved his family and was looking forward to the future. A man who wanted things he would have to wait to see happen. A man who used his experiences to help others. A man who would drop anything to lend a hand to someone in need. So as a new choice for myself, I choose to remember the boy I knew and the man they all described.
Everyone makes bad choices at some points in their lives, what they learn from those choices and move forward from those choices is what makes all the difference. If you have made choices you regret, don't regret them, learn from them and make better choices in the future. Moving forward and not repeating wrong choices is how you know you have learned the lesson making that choice taught you.

The Count Down Begins

Well as we enter August we start the countdown to school starting. The rush to get the school supplies and clothes just to start. Then you wait for the official first day of school. For those seasoned school parents, this is just another year closer to the end of pre-college schooling. A year closer to high school graduation.
For the newcomers to this fun adventure called school, the roller coaster ride is not always a fun one. However, the ride will be like nothing you have experienced thus far. The only advice I can pass being what I would call a seasoned school parent. Take lots of deep breaths and don't always assume your child is innocent, but on the same note don't always assume your child is in the wrong. Listen to both sides and since you know your child and their behavior, you will know who is telling you the truth. Always trust your own judgment of the child you know and have raised.
Now, I get to learn the college parent roller coaster. This roller coaster is more of a sit back watching and waiting until they need the help. They are now grown up and responsible, well that is the hope anyway...lol But it is the whole letting go thing, it is hard.
I get to welcome back one of my sons and send one back off to college. I get all three of my kids back in NC, I am so excited.
I wish you all a great week!!!

Love with no regrets...

I have spent most of my life losing grandparents and older family members, but this week I lost a cousin who was younger than me. It is hard to express my feelings about this loss. I have so many mixed emotions. I am grieving the loss of my cousin, but at the same time, I am seeing how detached I am from the family I was once so close to.

I grew up around my family and we did a lot of things together. We spent summers at the grandparents house (all together, and there were 9 of us). Several of us went to the same high school together. We spent every holiday (Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course Christmas) together as a family. We spent our birthdays together with large family parties. We did summer cookouts roasting a pig at least once every summer.

However, all those memories for me are from when I was younger and still in school. I don't have the adult memories of many of my cousins because I left our hometown. So when I say I have mixed emotions it is coming from sadness for the loss and anger at myself for not trying to stay a part of a family I grew up with.

I love my family because they are my family and will always be my family, everyone changes and grows and moves on with their lives. That is just a fact of life, but everyone has to make a choice about how they choose to either keep their families apart of their own lives or move on without them. I am making the choice to keep my family apart of my life.

Hug your loved ones and tell them every chance you get that you love them. But most importantly live life and make the memories, because once someone is lost, there is no going back to make those memories.

For my cousin Daniel Travis Nowlin, you may be gone and I may not have the adult memories of the man you became, but the childhood memories let me know you were every bit the man I knew you would become. I love you and will always remember you happily and with love.

Depression...

I have seen a lot of posts about Depression. I have also heard a lot of people say they have it. When I hear someone say they have depression I ask, "Did a current situation cause your depression?"
Generally, they say, "Yes."
Then they ask me, "Why do you ask?"

Well here is why I ask that question. There is a huge difference between being depressed and having depression. Situations can make you sad and you are depressed, but it is not depression. Depression is much more than being sad over something that has occurred. Depression takes no situation to hit. I spent a large part of my life being told to stop wallowing in self-pity and to get over things. The problem with that statement is, there wasn't anything to get over. I couldn't explain why I didn't want to get out of bed, or leave the house, or have conversations with people. All I knew was I wanted to disappear, be invisible or in some cases, the darkness was so suffocating I just didn't want to be at all.

I spent almost an entire year of my life not knowing what was going on with me. As a whole my life was good, I had made a moved, I had started a new job, things were going well. However, I felt like I was falling apart, I would cry on a dime. I would shut down or I would blow up for no obvious given reason. The worst part I had no control over any of my emotions. I was told it was a hormonal imbalance at first and placed on birth control pills. Now that was a complete laugh to me cause I hadn't been on them in years, but hey the doc said it would help. Well, guess what, it didn't it only made it worse when the spells would happen. I truly thought I was going crazy or possibly bi-polar, that scared me more than anything. So, I go back to the doc and the plan is put me on an antidepressant. Well, the first medication made me to complacent and I hated the feeling, most of the time I just didn't care about anything and felt numb to everything. Long story short I changed doctors and was finally diagnosed correctly with depression. The relief of hearing that I was not losing my mind and that my emotional rollercoaster wasn't my fault.
I have since learned how to recognize the signals and learned how to deal with them without medication. I was fortunate that my depression was not as severe as some.

The writing life...

There are so many different aspects in writing. The easy part is the writing itself. Then you have the editing, that can be a little nerve racking. Then you have the redrafts, if you are lucky they aren't immense. Then comes the picking which publisher to submit your manuscript too, only to find out you have to have an agent to submit to the publisher. UGH!!

I thought the marketing was the hardest part. I am now learning there are harder things when you want to break into traditional publishing. Lots and lots of different curves in this road to writing.

However, I will not give up on breaking into traditionally published work. I love to write and will continue to do so no matter what. Eventually as it is with everything, it will happen when it is supposed to happen!!

Onward and Upward....To the stars!!!

Life Choices...

I was having a conversation the other day and realized how much I have allowed my out look on things to change.

Major life changes of my life in just the past two years.
A year ago I lost my job two months short of my 8 year anniversary of employment. My two youngest boys graduated high school and left home. I have been having treatments to deal with the sight loss in one of my eyes {I have posted about it before giving updates on treatments}. As well as pushing to make my writing an actual job for myself {Dealing with ups and downs as well as the madness of market}.

With all of this I have endeavored to stay strong and positive. I have hit road blocks, but have forced myself to see the silver lining around every disappointment. I have not always seen myself has the positive force for myself. However, I have always been the positive and supportive force for my friends and loved ones. I just never expected anything in return for that support, I gave it because I cared and saw their potential and wanted to always make sure they saw it too, even if it was through my eyes.

I post my updates regarding my treatments to make it easier to let family and friends know how things are going, mostly to save having to repeat myself multiple times :). I have been both honored and blessed by the amount of support and love I have been receiving from both family, old friends and new friends.

With my writing I have put my work out there for other writers to view and review. I have gotten a wide range or reactions to my first book {since it is the only one I have put out there so far}. The reviews have ranged from ecstatic and wanting more, moderate and even the not so ecstatic. However, I have refused to view any of the reviews negatively. You can't please everyone all of the time and not everyone likes the same thing, but every review ecstatic or non-ecstatic has value if you allow yourself to view everything as constructive.

Nothing has to be taken negatively unless you allow yourself to let it be negative. You have the power over how you value everything said, done or experienced. It is the one thing I have finally realized and because of it, I have stopped being afraid to say what I think or feel. I am proud of the woman I have become and proud of the life choices I have made. I have learned from my mistakes and have grown from those lessons. There are still more lessons to be learned and I eagerly await them with the goal of not allowing negativity to pull my back down.

Growth people, growth is what life is all about!! Live life, take chances, smell the roses, walk on the beach and dig your toes into the warm sand. The point is accept the choices you have made and learn the lessons from those choices and LIVE, don't WATCH life.

Hair Salon Days

I don't know about you, but I always feel so much happier after I spend some time with my beautician. Besides the fact that she does a fabulous job, I leave her "office" feeling better than when I walked in.

There is just something about having someone wash your hair that puts you at ease and relaxes you beyond belief. My hair always feels healthier and softer after spending time in her hands. It is a massage for your head and it is amazing!!

A day at the spa getting your body massaged is great too, but it isn't quite the same as having head massaged. I think I feel more relaxed after a day/hour maybe three hours at the hair salon than anytime I have ever gone to the spa...

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy a great body massage, but there is a different euphoria to having your head massaged when you go in to have your hair done. I feel amazing every time!

I wish you all the same euphoria after a visit to your beautician!!

Belief in Dreams...Real or Fantasy?

Have you ever wondered what a dream meant and then looked it up some where?
Have you ever had a dream that later unexpectedly became a reality?
Have you ever thought some of your dreams were premonitions of an event for your life?
Have you ever experienced deja-vu?

I can honestly say I have. All four of the questions have been actual for me. I have a very open mind about a lot of things, some might call it head in the clouds or even not living in reality. But I myself call it being open and excepting. I have taken those "How high is your IQ?" "What personality color are you?" and my all time favorite "Right Brain Left Brain, which are you?"

I believe we all have a sixth sense, whether we choose to listen to it is always up to us. I have had flashes of images of events that months later actually happened. I have had many occasions of deja-vu, but could not recall when the event had happened previously. However the feeling was so overwhelming there was no way in my mind I had not experienced it before.

I also believe everything happens for a reason, that is not limited to things you have no control over. For every action, there is a reaction. We all know this to be true and a fact, simplest example is the ripples across a pond after a pebble is thrown into the water. Our minds are like that pond after the pebble has been thrown, pay attention to those ripples, they mean something.

I have said before the mind is an amazing thing, these are just a few more examples of why I truly believe that. My reasons my not be on a scientific level, but none the less, to me they are reasons. So, I say to you, if you have said yes to any one of my four questions. Start listening, because you have an ability to help you see what can be when the time is right and recognize that time when it arrives.

Believe in yourself! Believe in what can be! Believe in what will be! Simply, just believe!

Thought...

Have you ever thought about the line in the movie Avitar "I See You!"?
Have you ever looked at someone and truly seen that person and not the outer shell?

There are a lot of beautiful people out there, and that beauty is only skin deep. Then there are those that are truly beautiful all the way down to their soul. There are those when you first see the shell they aren't so beautiful, but when you see the beauty inside them, you see nothing but beauty regardless of the shell.

The saying "don't judge a book by its cover" goes along well with the movie line "I See You!"

When you truly see someone, you see all of them. The light, the dark, the joy, the fear, and all the parts they try to hide from the world. We all hide within ourselves the things we know others will judge us by. Even those that speak their minds and say a lot of what they feel, still have a side of themselves they hide from everyone.

So, I ask you, is there someone in your life you can say, "I See You!" or do you have someone that can say to you, "I See You!"

I hope you all can say you have both! But if you only have the one side, value them! Unconditional acceptance and nonjudgment is the best way to love someone and it is the only way to truly love someone.

Insomnia

As I laid trying to sleep my mind refused to stop. Thoughts just kept randomly flashing. Some of them were images of previous encounters, others things I had in my heart that my mind decided needed reviewing.

The mind is an amazing thing when you think about it. Your body tells you when it is hungry, tired, in pain, content or in need. But your mind tells you when something is right, wrong, happy, sad, angry and many other things. It always reminds you what is meant for you. It reminds you of dreams you have locked away and temporarily forgotten. It reminds you of people who mean something to you. It attempts to remind you of you.

Insomnia is your minds way of telling you, you are missing something. You have something to say or do that you haven't done or said yet. So the next time insomnia knocks, listen to what is right there in front of you.

Maybe it is an untold story. Maybe it is a person who needs to hear from you. Maybe it is as simple as you just need to hear your own voice and listen to what it is telling you. At night when it is dark and quiet is the best time to listen to you! Try it next time and you will be amazed at the results you will get.

Grammar...UGH!!!

Grammar and knowing how to use proper grammar is not easy. Especially when outside of school slang is more readily used. Trying to always remind yourself when you are writing to use proper grammar and not slang is "Hard"

As a kid, I hated "Language Arts" and as a teenager I really hated "English" I believe it was the having to follow all the rules. The rules were never easy to remember or made much sense to me. My poor little brain didn't work like that.

However, now as an adult and writing, some of those really pain in the but rules that made no sense, now make sense and aren't as hard as I believed them to be as a kid. I am actually learning what I had such difficulty with as a kid.

There are still rules that I don't get, and some that I just have to be reminded of in formal writing and pleasing as many readers as possible. I love to write and entertain with words, I just have to rely on editors to remind me of the grammar rules and I am okay with that.

So to anyone that has either just started writing or is thinking about writing, my advice focus on the writing and let editors catch the grammar stuff. As a writer your job is to write, so just do it!!

Respect and Love

The only way this is going to end is if we end "HATE"
My heart breaks for those who have been affected by any form of hate. I am by no means a bleeding heart and believe any wrong done the person or persons responsible should be held accountable for their wrong doings. And most may call me nieve and I'm okay with that, but I am saying this in the simplest of terms, this all boils down to one thing -- {{HATE}} it is what drives the ill will in all of us, in one way or another. I am not one to just lay down and blindly follow, and I don't believe showing respect is laying down or blindly following. I will and do show respect to those who cross my path. I don't care what god you believe in or if you believe in any god at all, the pain and suffering that is being witnessed and inflicted on us all is very simple. Once people realize it really is that simple, then just maybe we can start to heal as a people, a nation, as a species. ‪#‎STOPTHEHATE‬‪ #‎TEACHLOVE‬
We are all different and I for one and grateful for that. We would not be individuals if we were all the same. Accept people for who they are, people! Just because you may not agree with someone or something, doesn't make it wrong or scary, just makes it different. Disagreeing with something doesn't make it hate either, what makes it hate is when your words or actions become negative and harmful, that is hate taking over. Regardless of how you show your hate, it is still hate and it is wrong.
I am voicing my opinion because I have the ability to do so, if you do not agree with my opinion, I respect that because it is the ability you have, to disagree and have your own opinion. All I ask is regardless of your opinion, be mindful to be respectful and not hate.
Passion in what you believe is a good thing, it becomes a bad thing when you purposely force or try to force your opinion or belief onto others without regard to their thoughts and beliefs. So be passionate, but still respect others passions as well.

Human Beings

I am not a political person. Nor am I a racial person. I have my beliefs, my moral compass and my love for people in general. These are the things which help me along my journey called life.
I am currently having a love/hate relationship with the media and social media. Every time something bad happens the media turns it into a complete circus and hate frenzy.
If something is wrong, then it is wrong and the wrong should be held accountable, however, the media make things a whole lot worse than needed by encouraging more hate.
If people would just stop seeing skin color and start seeing human beings/people, because in reality, no matter what color your skin is, you are a human being, a person.
We as people need to stop allowing things to be judged by the color of one's skin. But until we can do it and see people as people and not skin color there will be no change. Hate is out there and it doesn't discriminate, hate twists and mutilates everything it comes in contact with. So in truth HATE is what needs to change to help people change and be more accepting.

Judgmental Family Members

We all have them. Those family members who like to make it known to you other family members are somehow better than you and you really aren't as smart or able to make choices. They have the ability to tell you, you aren't as strong as you think.

Well I say to all those family members out there who think it your duty to make other family members feel less important than other members...You need to take a good hard look at yourself before telling someone else they aren't good enough.

Everyone has abilities which are possibly stronger than another, however it doesn't make them better or the other less of a person. With each ability makes each of us unique and special. Strengths and weaknesses make us who we are and if you can't accept everyone for who they are then you need to keep your comments to yourself. It is better to not say anything than to say something hurtful.

The saying you can't pick your family, well you may not be able to pick the biological ones, but we all have the ability to choose who we want as a family. I am in many ways closer to friends than I am to actual blood family.

Now don't misunderstand me, I love my family and I will never disown any of them, but I can not speak for what they will or won't do. I just know I am no longer going to allow anyone to make me doubt my own worth!! I am who I am and I will not be ashamed of who I have become or who I am still yet to become.

So, to my followers, I hope you take a stand for yourselves and don't let anyone make you doubt or question who you are and be proud of yourself and your own accomplishments no matter how small!!

To be mad or Not to be mad

Okay question...
When someone you care about is hurting , do you think you have the right to be upset by the person that has caused the pain?
I previously had a conversation about this very question and this was the point of view the other person gave:

     In my opinion it is not (my) place to be upset because the situation does not involve me, now will I be there for the person I care about, yes, but as far as the other person is concerned, I don't have a right to have any feeling about them.

What do you think? Do you think you have a right to be upset or angry with the pain inflictor?

Honey or Vinegar??

This is an important question you should always ask yourself before you speak to someone: Are your words sweet or ugly, Honey or Vinegar??
I have always been very protective of my friends no matter what. Now mind you I stand all of 5 feet and was even shorter during school, but trust I have a big mouth and a mind that won't allow me to hold my tongue when I feel someone I care about is being wronged, which makes me feel 10 feet tall.
I tend to get myself into some trouble on occasions, for example, I took a punch to the face in 8th grade for a friend being harassed. Now did I know the punch was coming, no, but I took it like a champ and didn't even know what had happened...lol Now, I have not taken any other physical punches, but it never stopped me standing up and speaking my mind.
The hard part is understanding what the hell makes people think it is okay to say hurtful things, even if they think they are being nice. Come on people think before you speak!! Honey, not vinegar!!
Tell me which one sounds better when trying to compliment someone:
"Hey, you have lost a ton, I mean a TON!"
"Hey, you look amazing! What have you been doing?"
The biggest thing is, think, before you speak, whether you are speaking to a friend or a stranger or even an acquaintance. Kindness people, KINDNESS it is important!!

Be Kind to each other 

Paying it Forward

I'm sure many of you have heard this line before, "Pay it forward" I know I have on many occasions and usually associated with money.
Well, the thought occurred to me, "does 'paying it forward' only refer to if you pay for something?
In this girls opinion, I say NO...the act of  'paying it forward' means so much more. Paying it forward is any act of kindness passed on to another person.
People pay it forward every day, every minute. Any act of kindness is paying it forward, no matter how small a thing you think it might be, to the person who is receiving it, it isn't a small thing at all. Sometimes, you don't even realize you have done it until someone points it out. You are just being you when it's done.
I strive to be kind to everyone I come in contact with. I don't always achieve it, but I always try. The simplest of ways to pay it forward is to smile at a passing stranger. When you smile, you are showing that person you see them and they matter. You never know what someone else needs or is going through, but just showing them someone sees them, is sometimes the one thing which helps them make it through one more minute of their day.
So if you have always thought, "Paying it Forward" only meant paying for someone's meal in the line behind you or something larger. Now you can see, there is so much more to the phrase 'paying it forward'.

Learning...

Everyone says you are always learning something...each day brings new things into your life.
I have to say I completely agree with you never stop learning.
When I was in school, I hated the everyday lessons taught by the teachers, now there were things I did like and strived at...my father would say socializing and PE...Those were where I got the best grades...lol
But really, the structure and the conformity I believe is what I had the most issue with, now do I understand the need for it, yes. Still doesn't change the fact I didn't like it.
We all learn in different ways, which makes the conformity even harder for those of us who don't learn in the conformity way. Now, will every child learn through conformity, yes, they will adapt to learning something even if they struggle.
It has taken me years to realize how I learn best and retain what I have learned. I know I have to enjoy and like what I am trying to learn otherwise it is a struggle. Now does it mean I won't learn what I don't like, no, it just simply means I have to work harder to learn it. Step outside my comfort zone so to speak. But learning is what we do, it's how we live.
Learn yourself and you will know how to learn others. Me, I'm still learning myself, however, you will always learn new things about yourself as you go!
Learn yourself, love yourself, know yourself!!

Questions...

Have you ever wondered why you aren't getting the answers you seek?
Have you thought about the questions you are asking?
How about the way you are asking the question?

I realized yesterday while I was sitting in the eye doctor's chair waiting for the numbing drops to take effect so the injection could be administered. As normal the doctor talked, giving me information as he normally did about what to expect and why we were waiting.
Now mind you, I had taken my anxiety medication to help keep me calm during the procedure. Trust me when I tell you, I hated needles before all of this, now I really hate them. However, this injection went as well as the past ones, but I felt the pressure more and heard the click of the injection shooting the steroid pill into my eye, not something I recall ever hearing previously. I actually saw the pill shoot into my eye and float around to it's resting position.
While I sat there recovering and the doctor cleaning up my eye of the iodine and placing antibiotics into my eye to help prevent infection. I asked the right question this time and came away with news which actually gave me the best news I have heard in two years.
I have learned, even though my sight is not back to normal, my eye is actually healing. Several of the spots in my eye which were damaged have actually healed. I guess my previous thoughts of only having three areas of damage which were leaking was incorrect. There were many, not sure of the actual number, however, the knowledge the eye is actually healing like it is supposed to, sets my fears at ease as of now.

So, in hindsight, I realize I have been asking the wrong questions. Now, the right question has finally made its way to the front. This is why I say, if you aren't getting the answers you seek, think about the questions you are asking. Also, think about the answers you are truly seeking.

Get the answers you are looking for, but thinking about the questions needed to get those correct answers.

Eye injection -- number I've lost count

I will make this post tonight because I will be unable to do it tomorrow. I get yet another steroid injection in my eye tomorrow afternoon. The hope is it will bring the swelling down. I know it will bring the swelling down for a little while, however, I know from past experience it won't last for more than 2 months.
Within 30 days from tomorrow, I will go back in for a laser procedure again in the hopes of getting closer to the swelled areas. According to the doctor, his hope is to get as close to the affected areas as possible to potentially trigger the eye to begin to heal like it should naturally.
I continue to hope for the best but have accepted and come to terms with the fact it may not actually work and the vision will remain as is and potentially get worse over time. It is funny in a sickening way to cause damage to fix previous, damage.
I suppose in thinking about it, it is what is done when you renovate a building or landscape a yard. The saying "It gets worse before it gets better." I believe in many things and ways it is true, but in my situation, I think the only way it is going to get better, is by me accepting and making the best of my situation. Being thankful for what I do have and am capable of regardless of small setbacks.
So I say this, always be happy with what you have or have had in your past. Always make a positive out of a negative. Strive for your dreams and never let anyone hold you back. Stand strong in yourself and help those around you be strong with you.

Mother's Day

Today, I sit remembering all the years my children were with me for the day set aside to celebrate being a mom. As tomorrow approaches, I am forced to face this day alone for the first time. My babies aren't babies anymore.
I am very proud of my kids, they have grown into amazing adults. I am by no means going to say it was easy and that we never had hard times. Nor am I going to say I didn't make many mistakes, but through it all, we all made it through.
I give a praised shout out to all the moms I know and all those I don't. Being a mom is the highest honor any of us will every have. No matter what our children do, their success as an adult is because we did our job in teaching them what they needed to succeed.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!!!

To Fail or Not To Fail

I have thought about the word "Fail". Have you ever thought about what the "Fail" means to you?

Failure is something everyone fears at some point or another in their lives. I know I have, I have even accused myself of failing on many occasions. I have fallen down that rabbit hole many times and pulling myself out of it each time.

To Fail = giving up

Not To Fail = Never Quit

Once I found the secret on how not to fail, I don't see any of the negative as a failure, it is a learning process. Not everything is going to come out roses, but everything needs fertilizer to grow and succeed.

As long as you never quit, you will never fail. You may fall, which is the fertilizer, but getting back up is the growth, the success. Small steps, small goals will always gain you great rewards. Never quit, you will never fail. Grow my flowers, grow.