Heather Hummel Gallagher's Blog, page 5
July 10, 2012
An HDR Photo Expedition - Cottonwood Pass, Colorado
Few days go by that I don't spend time writing or editing balanced with capturing images. It's why I'm a self-titled PhotoNovelist! After several hours of editing a client's manuscript this morning (a very funny and well written manuscript, I'll add), I loaded my dogs up in the car and headed toward Cottonwood Pass near Carbondale, CO.
As mostly a landscape photographer, I've gravitated toward HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography in the past several months. It intrigues me because of the art of it. With HDR a lot of thought goes into an image capture both during the shoot and in the post-processing.
Composition is still always at the forefront of my mind. It's the first thing I look for, even before lighting. I then consider lighting, but in a different way than non-HDR photography, such as traditional or black and white. Since HDR's role (simplified) is to address shadows in an image, as I'm capturing one I consider how the shadows are going to work to my advantage (or disadvantage).
In the picture of the 1888 schoolhouse, I used a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and the clouds, all the while considering the sunlight on the fields behind the schoolhouse and how that would play into the end result.
For the fence image, I waited several minutes for the sun to come out from behind the clouds so it would highlight the fence and not wash out the sky.
I was thrilled to see the reflection of the barn on the pond in the next image. The polarizing filter would have removed the reflection, so I used it to once again enhance the sky and to allow the reflection on the water.
The three at the bottom are additional favorites from today's shoot. Each one reminds me how amazing and what a beautiful place Colorado is!
As mostly a landscape photographer, I've gravitated toward HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography in the past several months. It intrigues me because of the art of it. With HDR a lot of thought goes into an image capture both during the shoot and in the post-processing.
Composition is still always at the forefront of my mind. It's the first thing I look for, even before lighting. I then consider lighting, but in a different way than non-HDR photography, such as traditional or black and white. Since HDR's role (simplified) is to address shadows in an image, as I'm capturing one I consider how the shadows are going to work to my advantage (or disadvantage).
In the picture of the 1888 schoolhouse, I used a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and the clouds, all the while considering the sunlight on the fields behind the schoolhouse and how that would play into the end result.For the fence image, I waited several minutes for the sun to come out from behind the clouds so it would highlight the fence and not wash out the sky.
I was thrilled to see the reflection of the barn on the pond in the next image. The polarizing filter would have removed the reflection, so I used it to once again enhance the sky and to allow the reflection on the water.
The three at the bottom are additional favorites from today's shoot. Each one reminds me how amazing and what a beautiful place Colorado is!
July 5, 2012
Self Publishing Statistics Continued - Who are the Top Earners? You Might be Surprised!
The second half of the previously posted article. More numbers and facts!
Self-Publishing Statistics – Who are the Top Earners? (via ePublish a Book)
Continued from Self-Publishing Statistics: Women fare better than men at making money from self-publishing So what are the factors that make the difference between the Top Earners (the respondents who said they could live off their royalties) and the others? Two third of the Top Earners are women,…
Self-Publishing Statistics – Who are the Top Earners? (via ePublish a Book)
Continued from Self-Publishing Statistics: Women fare better than men at making money from self-publishing So what are the factors that make the difference between the Top Earners (the respondents who said they could live off their royalties) and the others? Two third of the Top Earners are women,…
Self Publishing Statistics - Women are Rocking it Better than Men
I found this article online and they allowed people to share it, so here it is. Very interesting stats if you're a numbers freak like me.
Self-Publishing Statistics: Women fare better than men at making money from self-publishing (via ePublish a Book)
The recently published Taleist survey of self-published writers gives a fascinating insight in the brave new world of self-publishing. Based on a panel of 1007 self-published respondents, the survey clearly shows that not everyone is equal when it comes to self-publishing. Of these respondents,…
Self-Publishing Statistics: Women fare better than men at making money from self-publishing (via ePublish a Book)
The recently published Taleist survey of self-published writers gives a fascinating insight in the brave new world of self-publishing. Based on a panel of 1007 self-published respondents, the survey clearly shows that not everyone is equal when it comes to self-publishing. Of these respondents,…
June 26, 2012
Freado's Summer Romance Festival - 5 eBook copies of WRITE FROM THE HEART up for Grabs!
Who doesn't love a great summer romance? Freado is sponsoring a Summer Romance Festival and to heat things up further, up for grabs are 5 eBook copies of WRITE FROM THE HEART from the Journals from the Heart series.
Play some games, win cool prizes in the heat of summer!
Click here to sign up!
"Journals are a woman's best friend...
When Samantha Sounder quits her office manager job the day after yet another boyfriend breaks up with her, the emotional havoc of these two events launches the beginning of her new life.
Samantha dives into therapy with Ragnar Axel, a traditional therapist who explores her failed relationships and sends her on a wild goose chase through her old journals to rediscover herself.
Despite the unsettling reactions of her best friend, Amanda, and Ragnar, Samantha decides to walk away from the corporate world and follow her dream as a novelist. She sets out to craft her first novel, Winter's Truth. Hesitantly, she accepts the unexpected guidance from Craig, an unlikely man she meets at the coffee shop.
Along her journey, Samantha picks up a new journal and titles it her ""Positive Journal,"" declaring to only write positive thoughts in it. Samantha's life transforms from one of despair and loss to hope and faith as she navigates through new territory and explores the possibility of finding love over lattes."
Recent Reviews:
5 Star Review: "I couldn't go to bed until I finished it. I absolutely loved the book and style of writing. I instantly felt a connection to the main character Samantha in the story and had to find out how the story ended."
5 Star Review: "I loved the first of Heather's "Journals from the heart series" and am quite happy to say that I love this book just as much as the first one. The characters are so likeable and they have enough quirks that make them stand out and make you root for them."
June 23, 2012
Hanging Out at Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs, CO
Since leaving California for the Colorado Rocky Mountains, both my camera and I are much happier. Much of what contributes to that happiness is the endless beauty of the Rockies. Not that California doesn't have its nice places, it certainly does. Perhaps it's the Rocky Mountain altitude of over 7,000 feet that gives a special connectedness to a higher source. Either way, there's a peacefulness that comes from being in the Rockies that you just can't get at sea level.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine took me on a hike that I hadn't done yet - Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. She told me it was an easy hike - it is moderate with rocks acting as steps much of the way.
A river flows alongside the trail the entire ascent. Since both my friend and I are avid photographers, it took us a little longer to do the hike than it probably would most people. With flowing rivers, canyon walls, and wildlife running about, the photo-ops were abundant, and we took advantage of every single one!
The reward of climbing up through the canyon is when it breaks out into the breathtaking view of Hanging Lake. One can't help but pause and take in the unexpected waterfalls and the pristine lake reflecting the sky, canyons and trees above.
Who would think that at the top of a canyon sits this magical place? I never would have. Thankfully, my friend knew of it and shared this wondrous place with me. Loving living in the Rockies!
This set of Hanging Lake images, and many other photos, can be viewed on my Flickr photostream by clicking here.
A few weeks ago, a friend of mine took me on a hike that I hadn't done yet - Hanging Lake in Glenwood Springs. She told me it was an easy hike - it is moderate with rocks acting as steps much of the way.
A river flows alongside the trail the entire ascent. Since both my friend and I are avid photographers, it took us a little longer to do the hike than it probably would most people. With flowing rivers, canyon walls, and wildlife running about, the photo-ops were abundant, and we took advantage of every single one!
The reward of climbing up through the canyon is when it breaks out into the breathtaking view of Hanging Lake. One can't help but pause and take in the unexpected waterfalls and the pristine lake reflecting the sky, canyons and trees above. 
Who would think that at the top of a canyon sits this magical place? I never would have. Thankfully, my friend knew of it and shared this wondrous place with me. Loving living in the Rockies!
This set of Hanging Lake images, and many other photos, can be viewed on my Flickr photostream by clicking here.
June 17, 2012
How Did It Happen? Over 27,000 Copies of the Journals from the Heart Series Downloaded in 3 Days!
27,000 Kindle copies of WHISPERS FROM THE HEART and WRITE FROM THE HEART were downloaded in just three days this weekend! Starting on Friday, I set the books up for a 3 day free-download weekend, and it paid off! Here's how I did it:
The Results: WRITE FROM THE HEART climbed the charts to the Top 20 Free list on Kindle and stayed there all weekend.WHISPERS FROM THE HEART climbed to Top 35 on the Free list and stayed there all weekend as well.
The Plan of Action: Tuesday before the 3 day free-download weekend began, I contacted many of the websites and blogs that promote free Kindle books and let them know about mine. Most of those sites have an automated form that you use, so it goes pretty quickly. Only in a few cases did I have to send an e-mail. I also posted links to the books on many of the Kindle, eBook related pages on Facebook letting people know that the books were going to be free. Wednesday and Thursday I used HootSuite and uploaded in bulk 50 Tweets that were spread out throughout the day on both Friday and Saturday (you'll see what I did for Sunday in a minute) that let my Followers know about the 3 day free-download weekend. The Tweets varied in nature - some included reviews, some just got the free weekend notice out. Saturday once I could see the fabulous results of my labor, I went back on HootSuite and uploaded another 50 Tweets to run on Sunday that emphasized the books' rankings and how many had been downloaded. Throughout the weekend, I jumped on Twitter and thanked all who Re-Tweeted my Tweets and threw in a few updated Tweets.Thursday Night: I sent out an e-blast announcement to my entire e-list letting them know the books would be free all weekend (the post below this is that e-blast). Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I was fortunate to have some great Facebook Friends "share" the links to my books with all their friends. I updated my Facebook status with the rankings and number of books downloaded.
Additional Actions:
One thing I did awhile ago was set up a TinyURL for both of my books that I could easily remember so that when it comes to Facebook posting, Tweeting and other times, I don't have to keep going to Amazon to get the URL. For WHISPERS, the TinyURL is http://tinyurl.com/WhispersHeart and WRITE's is http://tinyurl.com/WriteHeart The day before the books went free, I did an impromptu pop quiz on my Facebook page that gave away autographed copies of the paperback versions of my books. I did fun questions like: What was my favorite ice cream? Or What degree did I originally aim for in college? The winners loved winning the autographed copies and when the quizzes were over, I announced that everyone wins because they would be available for Free on Kindle all weekend!
Going Forward:I went back on HootSuite today and uploaded Tweets to run tomorrow and the next day thanking everyone for downloading the books. They highlight the number of downloads and current book reviews.
Final Notes:I first began using KDP Select in November when it launched and had success with some free weekends back then. I did a few other Free weekends, but this one, with my methodical planning and approached, has paid off the biggest with over 25,000 downloads in 3 days.
My final action is being GRATEFUL to all who downloaded them! ♥
How Did It Happen? Over 25,000 Copies of the Journals from the Heart Series Downlaoaded in 3 Days!
25,000 Kindle copies of WHISPERS FROM THE HEART and WRITE FROM THE HEART were downloaded in just three days this weekend! Starting on Friday, I set the books up for a 3 day free-download weekend, and it paid off! Here's how I did it:
The Results: WRITE FROM THE HEART climbed the charts to the Top 20 Free list on Kindle and stayed there all weekend.WHISPERS FROM THE HEART climbed to Top 35 on the Free list and stayed there all weekend as well.
The Plan of Action: Tuesday before the 3 day free-download weekend began, I contacted many of the websites and blogs that promote free Kindle books and let them know about mine. Most of those sites have an automated form that you use, so it goes pretty quickly. Only in a few cases did I have to send an e-mail. I also posted links to the books on many of the Kindle, eBook related pages on Facebook letting people know that the books were going to be free. Wednesday and Thursday I used HootSuite and uploaded in bulk 50 Tweets that were spread out throughout the day on both Friday and Saturday (you'll see what I did for Sunday in a minute) that let my Followers know about the 3 day free-download weekend. The Tweets varied in nature - some included reviews, some just got the free weekend notice out. Saturday once I could see the fabulous results of my labor, I went back on HootSuite and uploaded another 50 Tweets to run on Sunday that emphasized the books' rankings and how many had been downloaded. Throughout the weekend, I jumped on Twitter and thanked all who Re-Tweeted my Tweets and threw in a few updated Tweets.Thursday Night: I sent out an e-blast announcement to my entire e-list letting them know the books would be free all weekend (the post below this is that e-blast). Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I was fortunate to have some great Facebook Friends "share" the links to my books with all their friends. I updated my Facebook status with the rankings and number of books downloaded.
Additional Actions:
One thing I did awhile ago was set up a TinyURL for both of my books that I could easily remember so that when it comes to Facebook posting, Tweeting and other times, I don't have to keep going to Amazon to get the URL. For WHISPERS, the TinyURL is http://tinyurl.com/WhispersHeart and WRITE's is http://tinyurl.com/WriteHeart The day before the books went free, I did an impromptu pop quiz on my Facebook page that gave away autographed copies of the paperback versions of my books. I did fun questions like: What was my favorite ice cream? Or What degree did I originally aim for in college? The winners loved winning the autographed copies and when the quizzes were over, I announced that everyone wins because they would be available for Free on Kindle all weekend!
Going Forward:I went back on HootSuite today and uploaded Tweets to run tomorrow and the next day thanking everyone for downloading the books. They highlight the number of downloads and current book reviews.
Final Notes:I first began using KDP Select in November when it launched and had success with some free weekends back then. I did a few other Free weekends, but this one, with my methodical planning and approached, has paid off the biggest with over 25,000 downloads in 3 days.
My final action is being GRATEFUL to all who downloaded them! ♥
June 15, 2012
Journals from the Heart Series is FREE on Kindle June 15th - 17th
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Heather Hummel is a "photonovelist" who blends her love for photography with her award-winning career as an author.
Her published works include:
Fiction:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction
Life in the Iris of the Beholder (2012)
Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),
Essays:
Messages of Hope and Healing ( Sunpiper Media, 2006)
Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007) with David Baldacci and Rita Mae Brown
Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention
Heather has ghostwritten for politicians, corporations, and public figures. Her books have appeared in newspapers such as: Publishers Weekly, USA Today and the Washington Post; and in magazines that include: Health, Body & Soul, First, and Spry Living, a combined circulation of nearly 15 million. A graduate with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, Heather holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with concentrations in English and Secondary Education. She is currently earning a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Sciences.
Celebrating Summer with Beach Reads!
The Journals from the Heart Series is available for free on Kindle this weekend!
New York Book Festival Award Winner WHISPERS FROM THE HEART
- Climbing the charts, it's currently ranked #4 in Self Esteem and #46 in Literary Fiction!
"'Go read this book' doesn't do it the justice it deserves. Heather Hummel has written such a heartfelt and touching book. Madison Ragnar is such an intriguing character. One of those that makes you want to hug her and tell her it is going to be okay."
- Michelle Bell, Just Jump Book Reviews
"Author Heather Hummel is a true talent with words! Whispers from the Heart is a lovely journey of fate, faith, and transformation. Madison, is an inspiring and truly relatable character that any woman can learn from. It's a wonderful read for a rainy day or relaxing on the beach!"
- Cari Kamm, Author Fake Perfect Me
"I recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a beautifully-written chick lit novel that will keep you turning pages eagerly."
- Lost In Literature Book Reviews
"I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, fast, and heart-warming."
- Samantha Robey, Chick Lit Plus Book Reviews
Read more reviews on Amazon After reading Heather's first novel in the Journals from the Heart series, Whispers from the Heart, I jumped at the chance to read her second. And I'm happy I did.
Write from the Heart is a beautiful story about a writer, Samantha, who finds herself down in the dumps after a hard breakup. Samantha learns, with the help of her therapist and through the use of journals, how helping guide yourself to happiness is the only way to truly obtain it. I love this theory and push it often, so this story really touched me.
WRITE FROM THE HEART is currently ranked #3 in Self Esteem!
"After reading Heather's first novel in the Journals from the Heart series, Whispers from the Heart, I jumped at the chance to read her second. And I'm happy I did. Write from the Heart is a beautiful story about a writer, Samantha, who finds herself down in the dumps after a hard breakup. Samantha learns, with the help of her therapist and through the use of journals, how helping guide yourself to happiness is the only way to truly obtain it. I love this theory and push it often, so this story really touched me." - Lost in Literature Book Reviews
"I have said it before... Author Heather Hummel is a true talent with words! WRITE FROM THE HEART is a wonderful story on the power of positive thinking and a reminder how we have the power to control our own destiny." - Cari Kamm, Author, Fake Perfect Me
Read more reviews on Amazon
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Friend on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Forward to a Friend
Heather Hummel is a "photonovelist" who blends her love for photography with her award-winning career as an author.Her published works include:
Fiction:
Journals from the Heart Series:
Whispers from the Heart (2011)
Write from the Heart (2011)
Nonfiction
Life in the Iris of the Beholder (2012)
Signs from the Universe (2011)
Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw-Hill, 2008),
Essays:
Messages of Hope and Healing ( Sunpiper Media, 2006)
Blue Ridge Anthology (Cedar Creek, 2007) with David Baldacci and Rita Mae Brown
Awards:
2009 Mature Media Awards, Merit Award
2009 New York Book Festival, Honorable Mention
Heather has ghostwritten for politicians, corporations, and public figures. Her books have appeared in newspapers such as: Publishers Weekly, USA Today and the Washington Post; and in magazines that include: Health, Body & Soul, First, and Spry Living, a combined circulation of nearly 15 million. A graduate with High Distinction from the University of Virginia, Heather holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with concentrations in English and Secondary Education. She is currently earning a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Sciences.
Celebrating Summer with Beach Reads!
The Journals from the Heart Series is available for free on Kindle this weekend!
New York Book Festival Award Winner WHISPERS FROM THE HEART
- Climbing the charts, it's currently ranked #4 in Self Esteem and #46 in Literary Fiction!"'Go read this book' doesn't do it the justice it deserves. Heather Hummel has written such a heartfelt and touching book. Madison Ragnar is such an intriguing character. One of those that makes you want to hug her and tell her it is going to be okay."
- Michelle Bell, Just Jump Book Reviews
"Author Heather Hummel is a true talent with words! Whispers from the Heart is a lovely journey of fate, faith, and transformation. Madison, is an inspiring and truly relatable character that any woman can learn from. It's a wonderful read for a rainy day or relaxing on the beach!"
- Cari Kamm, Author Fake Perfect Me
"I recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a beautifully-written chick lit novel that will keep you turning pages eagerly."
- Lost In Literature Book Reviews
"I really enjoyed this book. It was fun, fast, and heart-warming."
- Samantha Robey, Chick Lit Plus Book Reviews
Read more reviews on Amazon After reading Heather's first novel in the Journals from the Heart series, Whispers from the Heart, I jumped at the chance to read her second. And I'm happy I did.
Write from the Heart is a beautiful story about a writer, Samantha, who finds herself down in the dumps after a hard breakup. Samantha learns, with the help of her therapist and through the use of journals, how helping guide yourself to happiness is the only way to truly obtain it. I love this theory and push it often, so this story really touched me.
WRITE FROM THE HEART is currently ranked #3 in Self Esteem!
"After reading Heather's first novel in the Journals from the Heart series, Whispers from the Heart, I jumped at the chance to read her second. And I'm happy I did. Write from the Heart is a beautiful story about a writer, Samantha, who finds herself down in the dumps after a hard breakup. Samantha learns, with the help of her therapist and through the use of journals, how helping guide yourself to happiness is the only way to truly obtain it. I love this theory and push it often, so this story really touched me." - Lost in Literature Book Reviews
"I have said it before... Author Heather Hummel is a true talent with words! WRITE FROM THE HEART is a wonderful story on the power of positive thinking and a reminder how we have the power to control our own destiny." - Cari Kamm, Author, Fake Perfect Me
Read more reviews on Amazon
June 10, 2012
Fan Favorite Image: Thunderstorm in the Rockies
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©Heather Hummel www.PulseImages.netAfter photographing this Rocky Mountain thunderstorm, I found the most appropriate American Indian Proverb - "It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand."
This image has become a fan-favorite, and I've received many request from people who want to purchase a print of it.
My photography is copyright protected, however, prints can be purchased by clicking here or by clicking on the image.
I appreciate all the feedback I receive for my images and the support from those who purchase them.This image and others can be viewed on my photography website at www.PulseImages.net.
Cheers!
This image has become a fan-favorite, and I've received many request from people who want to purchase a print of it.
My photography is copyright protected, however, prints can be purchased by clicking here or by clicking on the image.
I appreciate all the feedback I receive for my images and the support from those who purchase them.This image and others can be viewed on my photography website at www.PulseImages.net.
Cheers!
May 30, 2012
When Should You Yield To The “Stop Signs”?
Guest Post by Gilda Evans:
You know, those little warning signs that rear their heads in the early stages of a relationship. Sometimes we pay attention but, more often than not, we choose to ignore them for one reason or another. We’re lonely and in need of the companionship, we’ve spent far too may nights alone in bed, we’re so physically attracted to the other person we’re willing to overlook a lot (at least for a while), and so on. But, eventually, the little gremlins accumulate and turn into monsters we can’t ignore and the relationship falters. That’s not to say that relationships don’t take work – of course they do. They require nurturing and tender, loving care just like any living, growing thing. If you pay attention to your instincts, you can usually sense when there is a true potential for a promising romance to ensue. Sometimes though, we’re dealing with a relationship that was dead on arrival, and we need to learn to blow taps over it before things begin to fester and get smelly! Oh, if only we’d acted on our gut feelings when things were less complicated and it was easier to back out of the relationship calmly and quickly. Often it’s more likely you will recognize those early warning signs when someone else mentions them. So here are a few pet peeves of my own that I’ve experienced over the years…and it’s amazing how common some of them can be. After you’ve read mine, I’d love to know a few of yours too!
- He’s way too controlling about things – where you go on a date, where you sit in the restaurant, what route you take to drive somewhere. And he seems to know things like when you go online and where you go during the day, to the point of almost being a stalker.
- What’s yours is his. You order a drink in the restaurant and he wants to taste it – suddenly half your drink is gone. When the waiter asks if you want another, you say yes and suggest he get one too. But he’d rather share yours again…and when it gets to the table he takes the first gulp.
- He doesn’t do holidays. Excuse me? This one especially gets to me when he has kids but Christmas or Chanukah aren’t on his to-do list. And birthdays? Forget about it.
- Every gift he buys you – if you’re lucky enough to get one – is practical. Lingerie? Jewelry? A nice dinner out? How about just a romantic dinner at home with a nice bottle of wine, a massage and a sexy dvd? Nope. Hey, nothing says “I love you” like a sharp set of steak knives!
Ok…your turn!
GILDA EVANS is an experienced dater, wife, mother and bon vivant extraordinaire who started her first business while in college at the age of 20, which she sold at a profit when she was 24. Winning her first poetry contest at the tender age of 9 and her first essay contest at 10, writing and speaking have always been natural forms of expression for her.
Her first business was followed by two years of teaching lighting design at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. The long and winding road then led Gilda to begin her stint as a television writer/producer/director, working for such venues as CBS, HBO, Showtime and Warner Brothers. It was during this time that she also met and married her children’s father. Twelve plus years and three Emmy and Ace award nominations later, Gilda left the TV industry to devote herself to her family.
Unfortunately, the happily ever after was not to be back then, and after a fourteen year marriage she found herself going through a divorce. It was at that point she decided to reinvent herself and her career. Her myriad of experiences comes to the forefront in GIRL TALK…a book series twenty years in the making whose time has finally come! As Gilda likes to say, “I have a PhD in relationships from the school of life!” She is also working on a YA novel series, THE ALTERNATES.
Please visit Gilda’s website at www.gildaevans.com
You know, those little warning signs that rear their heads in the early stages of a relationship. Sometimes we pay attention but, more often than not, we choose to ignore them for one reason or another. We’re lonely and in need of the companionship, we’ve spent far too may nights alone in bed, we’re so physically attracted to the other person we’re willing to overlook a lot (at least for a while), and so on. But, eventually, the little gremlins accumulate and turn into monsters we can’t ignore and the relationship falters. That’s not to say that relationships don’t take work – of course they do. They require nurturing and tender, loving care just like any living, growing thing. If you pay attention to your instincts, you can usually sense when there is a true potential for a promising romance to ensue. Sometimes though, we’re dealing with a relationship that was dead on arrival, and we need to learn to blow taps over it before things begin to fester and get smelly! Oh, if only we’d acted on our gut feelings when things were less complicated and it was easier to back out of the relationship calmly and quickly. Often it’s more likely you will recognize those early warning signs when someone else mentions them. So here are a few pet peeves of my own that I’ve experienced over the years…and it’s amazing how common some of them can be. After you’ve read mine, I’d love to know a few of yours too!
- He’s way too controlling about things – where you go on a date, where you sit in the restaurant, what route you take to drive somewhere. And he seems to know things like when you go online and where you go during the day, to the point of almost being a stalker.
- What’s yours is his. You order a drink in the restaurant and he wants to taste it – suddenly half your drink is gone. When the waiter asks if you want another, you say yes and suggest he get one too. But he’d rather share yours again…and when it gets to the table he takes the first gulp.
- He doesn’t do holidays. Excuse me? This one especially gets to me when he has kids but Christmas or Chanukah aren’t on his to-do list. And birthdays? Forget about it.
- Every gift he buys you – if you’re lucky enough to get one – is practical. Lingerie? Jewelry? A nice dinner out? How about just a romantic dinner at home with a nice bottle of wine, a massage and a sexy dvd? Nope. Hey, nothing says “I love you” like a sharp set of steak knives!
Ok…your turn!
GILDA EVANS is an experienced dater, wife, mother and bon vivant extraordinaire who started her first business while in college at the age of 20, which she sold at a profit when she was 24. Winning her first poetry contest at the tender age of 9 and her first essay contest at 10, writing and speaking have always been natural forms of expression for her.
Her first business was followed by two years of teaching lighting design at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. The long and winding road then led Gilda to begin her stint as a television writer/producer/director, working for such venues as CBS, HBO, Showtime and Warner Brothers. It was during this time that she also met and married her children’s father. Twelve plus years and three Emmy and Ace award nominations later, Gilda left the TV industry to devote herself to her family.
Unfortunately, the happily ever after was not to be back then, and after a fourteen year marriage she found herself going through a divorce. It was at that point she decided to reinvent herself and her career. Her myriad of experiences comes to the forefront in GIRL TALK…a book series twenty years in the making whose time has finally come! As Gilda likes to say, “I have a PhD in relationships from the school of life!” She is also working on a YA novel series, THE ALTERNATES.
Please visit Gilda’s website at www.gildaevans.com
