Monday, August 29, 2016

When Do You Stop Being a Parent? ~ #MondayBlogs


When? For most of us the automatic response is NEVER!

But as our offspring grow from toddlers to teens and finally branch out on their own as adults, our roles do change drastically. So often it seems as if our children challenge everything from the moment they can say their first words so we should be used to it when they become rebellious teens. By the time they are young adults you are pretty much considered the cute but doddering old person who is now ready to switch out on who changes whose diaper.

Let’s begin with WHAT is a parent (mom or dad) — parents should do their best to ensure the health and safety of the child; parents teach by example; a parent sets rules, explains them with more than just “because”, and doles out appropriate consequences if they are not followed; parents help the child learn problem solving and decision making; parents help teach responsibility, assign chores and allow their child to deal with penalties when they shirk responsibilities; parents encourage goal setting; and a parent teaches that respect is a two-way street. Most of all parents need to provide unconditional love and constant emotional support without making a big deal of it.

The end-game is to teach our young to grow to become independent adults who can make their own decisions, take care of themselves, and pursue their own visions. Ideally, even while our child’s growth makes us (feel) obsolete and useless, we should continue living our own lives without guilt, without worry, and hopefully without having to “bail” our kids out of jams. IMPOSSIBLE.

We never stop worrying and wanting to be part of our children’s lives, and we should be content to live vicariously without stealing any of their glory. Sometimes it takes some of the burden off of our shoulders when we know they have someone to go through life with, to take care of AND be taken care of. And while we are not responsible for the mistakes they may make, it is inconceivable for us to stay silent and try, TRY, to guide them… besides they don’t want to listen anyway.

We never stop loving our children or feeling a “knife” twist in our hearts when we know they are hurting. Even when our offers of advice and help get turned down FLAT, we still push at least a little even when we have to suffer their wrath. If we have faith, we pray non-stop others, burn candles and fashion amulets, and still others may resort to bribes. A parent would do anything to make sure his or her child is happy, safe and accepted.

In addition to accepting the fact that we seem to be constant embarrassments to our offspring, we need to always be there just in case they do decide they want us. We live for the moments when they do seek our opinions.

A parent’s job is NEVER done.




Saturday, August 27, 2016

Disappearing act ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 08/28/16

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior and Snippet Sunday round. Every week writers post 8-to-10 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the
WeWriWa blog

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


A long, long time ago I shared a few snippets from my Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Karma Visited (only 5) - and we didn't get a full taste of this . Since I am working on a sequel and revisiting the story for myself, I'm sharing more with you and soaking up your comments.

Do you believe in karma? Annie Furman has a gift that allows her, while she sleeps, to visit people in their time of need - but who will be there for her when she needs help? Undersheriff Dave Turner is investigating a series of home invasions and homicides. He has no idea that solving this case will lead him to the woman of his dreams.

We are still in Annie's dream in Dave's living room. They've shared alot about the threat Annie has been living with. Dave offers to help her but she is afraid that will only make things worse. (I'm probably only going to share two more times from Karma Visited)

Creative editing (condensed to fit) alert!  Here are Eight lines...  

“You said you needed to disappear, does that mean I’ll never get to see you again?” Dave fidgeted uncomfortably, “this is only the second time I’ve talked with you but something tells me I really want to get to know you better, I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the other night.”
Annie chuckled, “I think maybe you couldn’t stop thinking about me just because no one else could see me.”
“Yeah, well, there was that,” he grinned, “are you able to come here whenever you want?”
“I don’t know, it worked this time, somehow.” Annie suddenly looked scared, “I’ve got to go.”
“Wait, when will I see you again?”
She was gone.


~~~~~
For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


My life changed after I died.
It’s not like I had any special powers.
They just didn’t understand me.
They underestimated me.
I had a gift.

Buy Links



~~~~~

Monday, August 22, 2016

The 2016 Olympics Are Over ~ #MondayBlogs



It’s been an exciting two weeks with some definite notable and very impressive records. More than 204 countries and over 11,000 athletes PLUS their coaches and entourage spent time in Rio engaged in friendly competition and sportsmanship. While there were a few not-so-nice incidents (some political and some just poor behavior) it was proof that so many different nationalities, religions, political beliefs, and languages could actually co-exist in a basically small common area sharing a mutual interest.
Wouldn’t it be incredible if the whole world could exist like this 52-weeks a year?
We witnessed some remarkable firsts and wonderful achievements. Personally I was totally enthralled with the women’s gymnastics thinking how there are times I can’t seem to run across my living room without tripping over one of my cats. The swimmers seemed to literally torpedo through the water and divers leapt from three stories high to show their grace, discipline and strength. Sprints, hurdles, and relay races rivaled the speed of super-hero legends.
There were approximately 87 countries that went home with medals, many in multiples, each one of them representing the best efforts of some terrific athletes, each one of them earning a well-deserved pride.
Among some of the very significant milestones during this world-watched event include New Jersey native Ibtihaj Muhammad who was the first American Muslim woman to wear her hijab (head covering) while competing in the Olympics — a significant sight considering the negatives and suspicions caused by a minority of extremists; Ibtihaj, who won a bronze medal for her fencing skills, wanted to challenge misconceptions and break through cultural norms as a Muslim woman and a proud American.
Another incredible record was set by USA’s Michael Phelps who began swimming at the Olympics in the year 2000 and winning his first Olympic medal in 2004. Already a highly decorated Olympic athlete, Michael earned even more medals in Rio (five gold and one silver) to a total of 27 Olympic medals and more World Championships. He says that this Olympics was his retirement plunge.
Other feats that will long be talked about from the 2016 Olympics include: USA’s Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin finished gold, silver and bronze in the women’s 100-meter hurdles, it’s the first time all three positions were held in this event by the same country; USA Track and Field Abbey D'Agostino stopped during her race to help a fallen runner, Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand, and together they finished the race in the true spirit of compassion; Jamaica’s sprinter Usain Bolt repeated, for the third consecutive time, winning the 100, 200 and 4x100 relays; and American Simone Biles, just 19 years old, won five medals and is the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor gold medalist.

It would be impossible to list all of the impressive performances and the incredible accomplishments earned by so many talented and truly focused athletes in just this one blog. A quick shout out and thanks to Rio for hosting this monumental event, the next summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan in 2020.




N
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Saturday, August 20, 2016

I died on the operating table ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 08/21/16

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior and Snippet Sunday round. Every week writers post 8-to-10 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the
WeWriWa blog

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


A long, long time ago I shared a few snippets from my Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Karma Visited (only 5) - and we didn't get a full taste of this . Since I am working on a sequel and revisiting the story for myself, I'm sharing more with you and soaking up your comments.

Do you believe in karma? Annie Furman has a gift that allows her, while she sleeps, to visit people in their time of need - but who will be there for her when she needs help? Undersheriff Dave Turner is investigating a series of home invasions and homicides. He has no idea that solving this case will lead him to the woman of his dreams.

We are still in Annie's dream in Dave's living room. He's offered to help her leave her husband but she tells him she needs to disappear completely and doesn't want anyone else involved. Again she repeats Scott's threat to lock her away...

Creative editing (condensed to fit) alert!  Here are Ten lines... 

“You can’t just say someone’s crazy and put somebody away.”
“I have a history,” Annie looked away regretting what she had just blurted out.
Dave slowly changed his seat to sit next to her aura, or whatever it was he was seeing, “what do you mean you have a history?”
“I was in the car with my parents when we were hit by a truck, mommy and daddy were killed right away, I was hurt really bad but I was still alive, for a while at least.”
“What did you mean by a while?”
“I died on the operating table, the doctors brought me back and I was in a coma for a month or so. I started having nightmares of disasters, fires, car accidents, earthquakes; the doctors couldn’t explain it and they told my aunt to take me to a psychiatrist but nobody was able to cure me.”
“These are the dreams you still have?”
“I didn’t understand that they were real, then when I realized that I was seeing disasters as they happened, no one wanted to listen to me, I started lying about the dreams.”
“They thought it was just your imagination,” he still sounded kind.


~~~~~
For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


My life changed after I died.
It’s not like I had any special powers.
They just didn’t understand me.
They underestimated me.
I had a gift.

Buy Links



~~~~~

Monday, August 15, 2016

I Waited Long Enough to Be An Adult! ~ #MondayBlogs


There are obviously people who believe they can dictate what appropriate ages are for women to stop doing certain things! Popular talk show “The Talk” hosts discussed one such list the other day commenting that, according to the author, women should not be on FaceBook, take selfies, wear skinny jeans, etc., by specific ages. One published list by U.K.’s Daily Mail columnist William Hanson includes texting, having long hair, wearing leggings, using hair products, being in a bikini, visiting a nightclub and staying out past midnight.

While I admit there are some women who should never wear a bikini (I readily admit to being one of those), how is there an “age” where it is or is not permitted? Oh, excuse me, Mr. Hanson states that doing some of these activities past specific ages “becomes embarrassing”. Personally my feeling — who the heck is Mr. Hanson to tell me what I can or cannot do at my age? I think he’s a bit stuffy and dictatorial.

Yes, we should all use common sense, look at ourselves in a mirror (honestly) and perhaps ask a trusted friend how we look but if a woman has a nicely toned bod, why shouldn’t she wear skinny jeans if she feels comfortable in them? As for using FaceBook, the most common age demographic is 25 to 34 (about 29%) for both male and female, but there are more than six-hundred-thousand LIKES on the Woman After 50 FaceBook page.

Posting a selfie now and then provides an opportunity for some to make a statement about themselves, kind of this is who I am. Posting a selfie showing us doing something we are proud of like a sport, a charitable event, with friends, or showing kindness to our pets, can help give us an ego boost similar to patting our own backs. Is there an age where we are no longer entitled or in need of boosting our self-value. And texting, so long as it is not done incessantly and certainly not while driving, is a quick and harmless form of communication in a very busy world.

Surprisingly not all of these “Do not do, do not wear, do not have fun” articles are written by men or I would have automatically assumed there was some of that controlling misogamy going on, although maybe there is… you know the kind of people who rate women as a 2, 6, or 10. And there are even a FEW articles limiting what a man of a certain age should not be allowed to do, however the ones I read deal more with behavior than with appearance (hmmm, a bit of double standard?).

I figure at my age I really am not as worried about what others think of me; I worry what I think of me. In my 60s my priorities are my family, my pets, my home, my career, myself and most importantly enjoying every day that I wake up breathing. On FaceBook, yes I am guilty of participating in social media, there are several humorous memes saying things like Act how you want and blame it on a senior moment. Amusing but still a valid piece of advice.

I did find a few NICE lists telling us what women shouldn’t do after specific ages, one such article is The 3 Things Middle-Aged Women Need To Stop Doing When Speaking In Public and includes the following advice: 1. Stop apologizing for your lack of technological skills or social media skills; 2. Stop apologizing for the way you look; and 3. Stop comparing your place in your path to someone else’s place on their path. Another positive article 24 Things Women Over 30 Should Wear offers one repeated and welcome piece of advice in response to that question: Whatever the f#*% they want.


In my opinion I’ve been doing that ADULT thing for a while now, I am entitled to LIVE even if it might be embarrassing to the critical Mr. Hanson.

...

Saturday, August 13, 2016

Threats aren't always physical ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / #8sunday / 08/14/16

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior and Snippet Sunday round. Every week writers post 8-to-10 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the
WeWriWa blog

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


A long, long time ago I shared a few snippets from my Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Karma Visited (only 5) - and we didn't get a full taste of this . Since I am working on a sequel and revisiting the story for myself, I'm sharing more with you and soaking up your comments.

Do you believe in karma? Annie Furman has a gift that allows her, while she sleeps, to visit people in their time of need - but who will be there for her when she needs help? Undersheriff Dave Turner is investigating a series of home invasions and homicides. He has no idea that solving this case will lead him to the woman of his dreams.

Both incredulous, Annie visits Dave in a dream and they talk about the "craziness" of this strange reality. She knows his name from the news broadcast; when he asks her name she won't say more than "Annie".

Creative editing (made to fit) alert!  Here are Ten lines... 


He smiled, “does Annie have a last name?”
“I do, but I don’t want to tell you”
His smile deflated, “why not?”
“I could get in a lot of trouble with my… it’s just better, I don’t want to get someone angry.”
“I noticed your ring the other night,” Dave lowered his voice, “are you scared of him?”
“He’s not hurting me,” she lied.
“Then why are you scared of him?”
“Threats aren’t always physical.”
Dave narrowed his eyes, “so what is this… this threat?”
She rested her head against the back of the couch, “he says he’s going to put me away in a mental hospital, he thinks I’m crazy because of my dreams.”


~~~~~
For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


My life changed after I died.
It’s not like I had any special powers.
They just didn’t understand me.
They underestimated me.
I had a gift.

Buy Links



~~~~~

¡En Español! Hipema by Chelle Cordero Now in Kindle, Nook, Kobo, and Apple iBooks (ALL Spanish Editions)

¡en español!
Hyphema CVR Spanish F

Hipema

Por Chelle Cordero

Hipema: Sangrado en el ojo causado por un trauma…

Matt Garratti, paramédico de Nueva York, se muda con su esposa e hijo a Carolina del Norte para tener el trabajo de sus sueños como paramédico de vuelo. Sudah, su esposa pakistaní, recibe miradas frías y comentarios insensibles de sus nuevos vecinos… Matt se pregunta si está siguiendo su sueño o llevando a su familia a una pesadilla de la que tal vez nunca puedan despertar.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Oy, Politics ~ #MondayBlogs


Election time is coming and if you are on FaceBook that probably means you are about to change your buddy list; you’ll drop some people and others will drop you often without warning. Indeed here are those who post pleas not to discuss anything political and others who constantly post the latest email rumor that makes “the other guy” look bad.

I admit to enjoying political discussions and even engaging in some debating, I like to hear other viewpoints and I like doing the research to back up many of the issues I feel are important. While I don’t expect to change anyone’s mind ultimately I would like to hope that I encourage more discussion and thought.

While I enjoy a good thought-provoking debate, I don’t appreciate it when it becomes personal, I don’t like name calling and foul language, or having my intelligence questioned. And I do get offended when ethnic slurs and outright bigotry works its way into the post.

If you are going to be open to debating the political situation, here are a few tips: by all means THINK or as my dad always said “put brain in gear before engaging mouth”; read what the other person has to say and not just the highlights like they are planning to vote for your favorite candidate’s opponent; especially if they aren’t responding to something you’ve posted there is no way that anything they are saying is personal.

If you are scrolling through your newsfeed and see that oh so perfect post that totally casts the opposing candidate in a terrible and embarrassing light, don’t just repost without checking the veracity (I use Snopes.com a lot) even though it might be tempting. Be sure that you can back up whatever assertions you are making with verifiable sources. And refrain from generalizations about the “people who would vote for [the other guy]. Finally NEVER tell someone to shut up, give it up, or (my “favorite) go back to where you came from — everyone is entitled to an opinion whether you like it or not and they should be allowed to voice it politely.

If you want people to listen to you and think about the arguments you make, try to put it into their perspective. What is important to you may actually be in direct opposition to someone else’s political views. If you can point out the benefits that they would like such as increasing the school budget and adding after school programs (usually a liberal concern) would help lower crime rates (often a conservative concern) as the youngsters and teens would be kept too busy to hang out on the streets.

If the other person insists on nastiness, just back away even if your inclination is to swipe back. And yes there may even come a point where you don’t want or need someone’s malicious and thoughtless words on your page at any time, so unfriend that individual. On word of caution though, don’t unfriend just because you share different views and expect them to want to welcome you back after the election, they might not.

No matter what, if you have made one person really THINK, even if you haven’t swayed them, then you have accomplished something very important.


I’ll leave you with this thought, please VOTE. Yes I have a favorite candidate but I will respect the office and whoever winds up sitting in it — so long as I can believe that true majority rule made that final decision.


Saturday, August 6, 2016

Discovery ~ Weekend Writing Warriors / 08/07/16

Hi! Welcome to another Weekend Writing Warrior and Snippet Sunday round. Every week writers post 8-to-10 sentences on their blogs from a published or unpublished book. Then we "hop" around and leave comments on each other's snippets. Whether our work is already published or in progress, the helpful comments help us become stronger writers on our next WIP. We welcome EVERYONE's comments.

See more at the
WeWriWa blog

& check out the
Facebook Snippet Sunday group


A long, long time ago I shared a few snippets from my Paranormal Romantic Suspense, Karma Visited (only 5) - and we didn't get a full taste of this . Since I am working on a sequel and revisiting the story for myself, I'm sharing more with you and soaking up your comments.

Do you believe in karma? Annie Furman has a gift that allows her, while she sleeps, to visit people in their time of need - but who will be there for her when she needs help? Undersheriff Dave Turner is investigating a series of home invasions and homicides. He has no idea that solving this case will lead him to the woman of his dreams.

Annie visits Dave in another dream and they share an ALMOST NORMAL and comfortable conversation. Dave admits he is... confused by what is happening.

Creative editing alert!  Here are Nine lines... 

“Normally the only people that can see me are in trouble, maybe I’m there to comfort them so they don’t die alone.”
“That kidnapped girl didn’t die thanks to you.”
“You were already there.”
“We didn’t know where she was,” he leaned towards her, “it was you at that accident, wasn’t it?”
She looked away thinking of the children in the car.
“You made that phone call, how did you do that?”
“I woke up and called the police.”
“And then you came back to the scene,” Dave laughed, “if someone else was telling me that this was happening to him I would think he was crazy.”
She bit her lip, “there are people who think that I am crazy when I try to tell them what I’ve seen.”
“The idea freaks me out, just do me a favor and assure me that this is real, I mean as real as it can be,” he paused, “it is a hard concept to swallow.”
 ~~~~~
For more WeWriWa Snippets, go to: 


My life changed after I died.
It’s not like I had any special powers.
They just didn’t understand me.
They underestimated me.
I had a gift.

Buy Links



~~~~~

Do you belong to a Book Club?


includes author bio and photo, title information, covers,
discussion starters, and full color printable bookmarks


Monday, August 1, 2016

We’re Making History ~ #MondayBlogs


No matter who you plan to vote for in this presidential election, there is no denying the monumental achievement that we Americans have experienced. This is the first time in American history that a woman has been nominated by a MAJOR party and the first time that there is a significant possibility that a woman could be elected as our country’s leader.
It needs to be noted that two women have been major party Vice-Presidential Nominees, Geraldine Ferraro in 1984 and Sarah Palin in 2008; neither was elected to office.
There have been other women who have run (unsuccessfully) for president on Independent and Third-party lines, or have not won the final Major Party nod: Victoria Woodhull ran in 1872 and again in 1892; Belva Lockwood ran in 1884 and 1888; Laura Clay ran in 1920; comedian Grace Allen got write-in votes in 1940; Margaret Chase Smith was considered for nomination by the Republican party in 1964 but did not win the nomination; Charlene Mitchell was the first African-American woman nominated in 1968.
1972 was a busy year with Shirley Chisholm, Patsy Takemoto Mink (first Asian American woman), and Bella Abzug as potential Democratic nominees in 1972; Linda Osteen Jenness and Evelyn Reed also ran as a third-party candidates in 1972; Ellen McCormack ran in 1976 (potential Democratic nominee) and in 1980 for a third-party; Margaret Wright in 1976; Deidre Griswold and Maureen Smith in 1980; Sonia Johnson and Gavrielle Holmes in 1984; Isabelle Masters ran in 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004; and Lenora Fulani in 1988 and in the New Hampshire Democratic primary in 1992.
We’ve come a long, long way…
When I was married in 1975 I was not given a choice what last name I would be using, it was an automatic practice that a woman adopt her husband’s last name (I am very proud to be Mrs. “E”). I was pleasantly astounded when my daughter, in 2007, was filling out the paperwork for her marriage license and I noticed all of the options; women now can retain their own last names, combine with their husband’s, or take the husband’s name as I did — and the husband has similar options including taking his wife’s surname.
I also remember that I had a credit card prior to my marriage; after being married I requested a card for my new husband. The card was promptly cancelled and I called to ask why; the reason I was given was that a married woman had to have the card under her husband’s credit and permission (there were no standards against credit gender-discrimination at that time).
Other real differences that have happened in the past decades include the firing of pregnant women (as happened to a relative of mine in the early 70s), no such thing as paternity leave, and the right to refuse a female access to certain jobs. There are still more advancements to be made but it is a very different world since my own young adult years.
There are currently 26 countries with female heads-of-state and others who have had women in charge in recent years. This is the closest that the United States of America has come to having a woman leading our country. While your vote this November and the outcome should be based on merit and capability, this very significant milestone should be celebrated by all as to how far we have come.

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