Sherrie Miranda's Blog, page 155
January 25, 2016
Monday Funnies – advice from an old friend by email…
My hubby was just saying that yesterday, that when he retires, he hopes we will get out more! Luckily, I think he meant going to a cafe or museum, not going to look for wild animals! ;-)
Thanks, Chris, for another day of laughs!
Peace, love & enjoying animals in the zoo,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda's historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too. You can find it on YouTube or in one of my posts. Same name as the book. ;-)
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog
My thanks to Phil aka The Tasmanian Devil
Doing for others
There is a saying that I’m told is from the bible, but I know it from a Bob Marley song: What goes around, comes around!
I truly believe this and at one point, I too had problems, though they were financial. People I didn’t know helped though this was before social sites. After that, I just started doing stuff for people. In New Orleans, I bought clothes for my neighbor’s children (from a 2nd hand store – that’s all I could afford back then). When the clerk found out what I was doing he gave me the stuff for half price (about a quarter for a shirt).
I used to send clothes to El Salvador & I did what I could for my ex-in-laws. They still treat me like family today because of that. And they are my biggest supporters with my novel.
Life throws many curves. We get a lot of lemons. We can make lemonade or add them to our food. Or we can throw them away because they are too sour. I CHOOSE the former!
Peace, love & lemonade,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/P11Ch5chkAc?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent
I do for others on this site because it serves to create the environment around me that I enjoy. Social media allows us to become like clouds in a void of floating thoughts. How large your cloud becomes and if your sky ever touches someone else’s is all up to you. We paint our sky each day with the words we write, the art we create, and the aroma from the food we cook with care. Those skies paint the moments of our life and that is blogging to me. That is what I see when I scroll the reader. That is why I promote other bloggers for free, at random, and for no fee. I know some bloggers charge for reblogs and good for them if you can make a buck. I just won’t do it. I give a helping hand because there was a time in my life…
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A Seat At The Table
I have lived away from my family of origin for a long time. (Then my parents moved away too!) I have a strong belief in MAKING family. That’s probably because when I lived in LA, my best friend had a lot of gay friends. They know how to make their friends their family. We love each other like family.
When I moved back to SD to marry my Filipino Hippie husband, I had no idea I would inherit about 50 people in the bargain. Being a bit of a loner, it’s sometimes a bit overwhelming, but since neither my hubby or I had children, it has been a blessing too. The children of his sister have become like our own kids & their children are like grandkids to us.
Personally, I am glad it’s just the two of us in our home (although I do miss the kitties – they passed away a few years ago). We have our freedom, but we have a family too, so it’s the best of both worlds. ;-)
Thanks, David, for sharing this. I look forward to reading your story about family! ;-)
Peace, love & family to all,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda's historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too. You can find it on YouTube or in some of my other posts. Same title as the book. ;-)
[…] the most incredible thing that has happened to me is that it is my version of a fairy tale that I’ve found in this unlikely and unexpected family a home that I’ve never had before.”
Dinner.
Family.
A Seat At The Table.
Moved.
Read and inwardly digest!
For the published authors out there, this is an important article! Thanks for sharing it, Jack, so I, in turn, could do the same. The Big Five, which used to be The Big Six, and before that The Big Seven have much to be concerned about though. We are slowly learning that we might as well self-publish & make more per copy sold. I can’t see where they help anyone sell their books, UNLESS you are already famous. They will be happy to push you then!
I do hope that the writers will start to be a bit more discerning about what they publish & at what stage. I actually met a guy who hadn’t even done a 2nd draft! He didn’t hire an editor or even have anyone read it first. When I asked if it was POD, he had no idea what I meant.
If people will just wait to publish until their book is as good as it good be, that would help those of us who already do this. There are still people who do not count self-pub as being published.
All the best to all you writers out there! We gotta stick together & let the world know we are a FORCE to be reckoned with! ;-)
Peace,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda's historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too. You can find it on YouTube under the same title as the book. Or check on some of my other posts! ;-)
Yet another pathetic attempt at scare mongering by the Big Five traditional publishing houses.
January 24, 2016
Color Me
Beautiful poetry! A beautiful photo (scroll down to see the one after the poem.) Thank you, Jason, for sharing your world with us! ;-)
Peace, love & coloring outside the lines,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda's historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too. You can find it on YouTube under the same title as the book. (I do this so we see these pics in the post instead of one from the video.)
Different colors, single rows.
Watch me melt their very souls.
Melting souls. Come unfold.
Adding to my truth be told.
Painted world, come paint me now.
Paint me one colorful smile.
Colored expression, I’ll color you too.
Anchored by the sky so blue.
Come release me, release me now.
Fill my world with painted clouds.
-OM
Party on
Since my husband is a musician whose favorite music to play is Rock ‘n’ Roll, and I love to “Rock on!,” this is a perfect post to share. Starting in June, if anyone needs an amazing Rock ‘n’ Roll piano player, my hubby will be available! ;-)
Peace, love & Rock 'n' Roll,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda's historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too. You can find it on YouTube under the same title as the book. Or you can find a link on many of my posts. (This is because that pic often comes up instead of the one I want people to see.)
Adventures and Musings of an Arch Druidess
Grateful Heart
Well, it’s 10:50 here on the West Coast. I try not to get on the net too early as I find myself staying here for hours, forgetting to eat, take my supps or shower. So, this is probably about the earliest I can get this msg. to you.
We need to stand in gratitude all day long anyway. As Jule’ says “What you appreciate, appreciates!”
Happy Sunday to you all! ;-)
Peace, love & gratitude,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda's historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too. You can find it on YouTube under the same title as my book. Or look for it in other posts!
Remember that a grateful heart is a joyful heart. Be grateful!
January 23, 2016
Misguided Boycott Further Elevates The Oscars’ Status
I have to agree with the people saying why aren’t they outraged about Detroit, Flint, MI, the black children killed by police, not to mention what’s happening in Africa?! Somalia?! The Congo?!
My husband and I believe Will Smith deserves an Oscar for his lead role in “Concussion.” He did an amazing job and had me crying several times. BUT there may be other reasons for that snub! Don’t want to piss off the NFL? Don’t want to admit that some jobs can break you? After all, Hollywood has had it’s own share of deaths happen. River Phoenix comes to mind. And look how long our “Superman” was in that chair.
I suppose Jada is upset that her husband got ignored, but I can tell you, most of the football fans my husband knows have no plans to see the movie. People just don’t want to know that our country’s multi-billion dollar pastime is not only killing people, but making them crazy before they leave us.
If Jada Pinkett-Smith can tell us some other amazing movies starring blacks (the word the old folks still use) that came out this year, please let us know.
In the meantime, start giving a sh#% about the regular black folks out there that are being killed. Whether slowly or quickly, that’s what’s a damn shame!
Peace, love & justice for all,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/P11Ch5chkAc?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent
Never question the relevance of truth,
but always question the truth of relevance.
– Craig Bruce
⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕
Under Steven Spielberg’s brilliant direction, and with powerful performances from Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and most everyone else, Purple would capture a jaw-dropping 11 Nominations, giving Black Hollywood and cinema enthusiasts, a reason to finally celebrate. But that early victory, turned into a trap.
Oprah Winfrey’s loss, knocked everyone off balance, as her win for Best Supporting Actress, had been touted as a foregone conclusion. A run of six more losses, before Whoopi went down. In retrospect, the Academy seemed more sadistic than racist, reveling in the humiliation of putting Spielberg in his place. By the time Out of Africa (ironic, we know) was named Best Picture: the audience was numb. But history would deliver the cruelest blow; The Color Purple – one of the Best Films of All Times – became the Academy’s biggest joke:
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Jinxi Boo: What Does Your Body Language Say About You? How To Read Signs and Recognize Gestures
For us writers, this is an amazing tool! For those of us trying to understand people, this should help too. Thanks, Jinxi Boo! ;-)
(I assume they are ok with this being here since they had all kinds of sharing links.)
Jinxi Boo: What Does Your Body Language Say About You? How To Read Signs and Recognize Gestures
As we all know, communication is essential in society. Advancements in technology have transformed the way that we correspond with others in the modern world. Because of the constant buzz in our technological world, it’s easy to forget how important communicating face-to-face is. When conversing old-school style, it’s not only speech we verbalize that matters, but what our nonverbal gestures articulate as well.
Body language is truly a language of its own. We all have quirks and habits that are uniquely our own. What does your body language say about you? And what can you learn about others by becoming aware of what some of the signs mean?
I thought it would be fun to list some of the well-known signs that body language experts study and recognize. It is said that when talking to a person the information that we receive can be broken down as:
10% from what the person actually says
40% from the tone and speed of voice
50% is from their body language.
HEAD
Lowering one’s head can signal a lack of confidence. If someone lowers their head when complimented, they may be shy or timid
Touching or tugging at one’s ear can indicate indecisiveness
Sincere smiles encompass the whole face (noticeable in the eyes)
A false smile usually only engages the lips
Tilting one’s head can symbolize interest in something or someone
Overly tilted heads can be a sign of sympathy
Closing of eyes or pinching at the bridge of one’s nose is often done when making a negative evaluation
When a listener nods, this is usually a positive message and relays that they are interested and paying attention
However, excessive nodding can imply that the listener has lost interest but doesn’t want to be rude
Touching/rubbing one’s nose may indicate doubtfulness or rejection of an idea
Sticking out one’s chin toward another may show defiance
Resting a hand on one’s cheek is often done if they are thinking or pondering; and stroking the chin can mean the person is trying to make a decision
UPPER BODY
Pushing back one’s shoulders can demonstrate power and courage
Open arms means one is comfortable with being approached and willing to talk/communicate
Folded arms show that there is a sort of barricade between them and other people (or their surroundings) and indicate dissatisfaction
Resting one’s arms behind their neck shows that they are open to what is being discussed and interested in listening more
Pointing one’s finger can be construed as aggression or assertiveness
Touching the front of the neck can show that someone is interested and concerned about what another is saying
Hand movements that are upward & outward signify positive and open messages
Palms that are faced outwards towards another indicate one’s wish to stop and not approach
If one’s fingers are interlaced or if the finger tips are pressed together, it usually shows that a person is thinking and evaluating
If offering ideas to other people, many times the sides of one’s palms are close together, with fingers extended
LOWER BODY
Putting your hands on your hips can show eagerness and readiness (also, at times, aggression)
Hips pushed forward, while leaning back can show that one feels powerful (also can be a suggestive gesture)
A wide stance – where one’s feet are positioned far apart – signifies more power and dominance
When one sits with legs open and part, they might feel secure in their surroundings
Crossed legs can mean several things: relaxed/comfortable, or defensive – depending on how tense the leg muscles are
When you cross your legs towards another person, you are showing more interest in them than when they are crossed away in the other direction
A confident and powerful position is the “Figure of Four Cross” when one’s ankle is atop the other leg’s knee and the top leg is pointed sideways
Bouncing your foot if your legs are crossed can show that you are bored or losing patience
EYES
The lowering of the eyes can convey fear, guilt or submission
Lowered eyebrows and squinted eyes illustrate an attempt at understanding what is being said or going on
A lack of confidence or apprehensiveness can be displayed when you don’t look another person in the eyes
One tends to blink more often if nervous or trying to evaluate someone else
If you look directly into another person’s eyes you are displaying self-assurance
Wide eyes show more of an interest in a subject or person
If you are irritated with a comment made by another during a conversation, a common movement is to take a quick glance sideways
Staring at someone can be an aggressive gesture or suggest that the one staring feels dominant
Recalling a memory is usually done by looking up and to the right
Looking directly upwards can indicate that one is thinking
Eye contact is normally broken if someone feels insulted by another
Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too:
January 22, 2016
Forgotten
My guess, Sarah, is that you have discovered that you are much happier with this “new you.” I say that because there was a time in my life when someone told me they wanted me to be the person I was when they met me. Well, for one, HE was the one who kept changing me. Like an idiot, I tried to be everything he asked, or more like, demanded, me to be. Secondly, we can not go back in time and become an older self. We grow, we change, we keep learning. There is no “unlearning” what has been learned (with the exception of a traumatic brain injury which I obviously wasn’t about to allow happen). So, I left him and continued to grow and learn and become a better person. He would be crazily wanting me back if he knew me now. BUT I’m waaay past him and there’s no going back. AND THIS MAKES ME VERY HAPPY! ;-)
Peace, love & moving forward always,
Sherrie
Sherrie Miranda's historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too. You can find a link here or on YouTube.
Long ago, you knew me. I was a different person. Happy. Blissfully in love with you.
But now, all of that is forgotten. I don’t know who I am anymore.
I don’t remember what it was like to be happy.
Content.
Safe.
I was hit with reality and lost everything else.
I’m nothing more than a memory.
I’m different.
I’m lost.
And I’m forgotten.
A skeleton of my former self. A jumble of missing pieces that can’t be glued back together again.
This is me now.
I’m a memory.
I am forgotten.
And this skeleton is all that remains of me.
© Sarah Doughty
