Lindsay Detwiler's Blog, page 45

Exercise?!? Ugh!

Many of my high school students hate reading. They complain about every book, whine, try to put off reading, and just lack the stamina to get through a book. It frustrates me to no end, yet I can understand their struggles.

While their disdain is for reading, mine is for working out. When I’m exercising, I feel like a high school student trying to get out of reading Great Expectations. I make excuses, I complain, I get angry, I throw a fit. I want to quit before I even start. In fact, when I’m working out, I tell myself what I tell the kids; you have to just muster through, keep going, and know that it’s just something you have to do.

But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

I’ve always been non-athletic (this is a definite understatement). In third grade, my mom had the brilliant idea to sign me up for a soccer league so I could make new friends. It was a minor success; I scored two goals during my three year soccer career.

One of these goals was for the opposing team. One was sheer luck.

In gym class, I was the student always getting injured. I got hit with frisbees and volleyballs. During an obstacle course, I was selected to be the human wheelbarrow. I had no upper arm strength and ended up wiping out. . . I banged my chin off the floor as our entire gym class watched. I had a black and blue chin for weeks. My only B ever was in gym class in 8th grade (My dad bought me Tai-Bo tapes for Christmas that year to “help” me improve. He still laughs about it).

As an adult, I know plenty of women who adore working out, love going to the gym. I try to see where they are coming from . . . but I’m pretty sure I just end up looking at them like they are nuts. The gym bug never bit me, and I don’t think it ever will. In our world that is obsessed with appearances, sometimes there is a sense of shame that comes with an anti-gym rat’s lifestyle choices. I’ve felt embarrassed to admit I hate exercising, felt like I wasn’t responsible. Now, though, I’m come to accept it as a part of who I am. No one can master every facet of life, no one can own every good habit.

There is one exercise program that I stick to, and that is Jazzercise. It doesn’t feel like exercising; it is an awesome dance aerobics class that has great songs and fun moves. I spend so much time focusing on the dance moves due to my lack of coordination that I forget that I’m working out. Even this class, however, only gets me off my butt two days a week.

Luckily for me, I have a pretty fast metabolism and I am somewhat hyperactive at home. I never sit still, always milling around the house. Nonetheless, I’m not going to be on the cover of Shape magazine anytime soon. Six pack abs were once a dream of mine . . . until I realized how many crunches I would have to do. I will never be accused of being a gym rat, a health nut, or anything of the sort. While I would like to find some motivation to get healthier, to be fitter, I just don’t know if it will happen for me.

I think, though, I’ve realized one thing–each of us has our own “gym” hatred within us. Maybe yours isn’t literally the gym, like me. Maybe your “gym” is reading, cooking, or public speaking. Maybe it’s socializing or doing chores. Maybe it’s all of the above. I think the answer to life isn’t to perfect everything, to make ourselves love every self-bettering ideal. However, I think that we have to do our best to be open minded, to overcome our hates, and to find a happy medium. So off I go to my second Jazzercise class of the week. I’m not smiling, and I would rather stay on this couch with a book in my hand . . .but off I go.

Lindsay Detwiler, Voice of Innocence

Voice of Innocence

Lindsay Detwiler, Voice of Innocence

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Oprah Winfrey: More Than Just Free Cars

Free cars, favorite things, extravagant giveaways: these are the things we think of when we think of Oprah Winfrey. I remember watching the Oprah Show with my mom after school many days. We laughed, we cried, and we dreamed about going on the Oprah’s Favorite Things Show.

It wasn’t until 2007 when I realized, though, that for as much bad press as Oprah gets, she is truly an amazing woman. In 2007, seeing the immense need for education for girls in Africa, Oprah opened Oprah Winfrey’s Leadership Academy for Girls. She interviewed girls in the poorest areas, girls living such difficult lives that we can’t even comprehend. The girls selected were able to attend the academy from 7th grade through 12th grade. They received room and board for free. Even more, Oprah told them that if they were successful at the school, she would pay for them to go to any college they wanted.

I remember watching the special on this school. Oprah shared clips of the interview process, and it was heartbreaking to see the struggle. AIDS, starvation, poverty: these girls who were only twelve had seen so much. I saw girls burst into tears because more than anything, they just wanted the chance to get an education. Once accepted, I saw the girls cheering and crying over something I take for granted every day: an indoor bathroom. Watching the girls get so excited about the chance to learn, about the opportunity that education would provide for them, I was taken back. How much do I take for granted every single day? Compared with some of these girls, I was pretty much handed life on a silver platter. School was never a question for me. College was always an option. How difficult it would be if this weren’t the case.

I know that OWLAG got some bad press right after opening for molestation charges from one of the staff members, which is a true shame for so many reasons. I think that this tainted Oprah’s school’s image; everyone forgot about what an amazing thing she is doing with this school, focusing only on the bad. Oprah continues to give girls opportunities that many would not have otherwise. Although mistakes were certainly made and Oprah isn’t perfect, I still think it is an amazing thing that she did.

I think that in this country, we take a lot for granted, especially education. We forget what a privilege it is to live in a country where education is guaranteed. We forget that we truly do live in the land of opportunity.

I would love to visit OWLAG someday, spend a few weeks in the classroom. I would love to see the excitement for learning, the desire to grab every opportunity that seems so prevalent in the eyes of these girls. I doubt I’ll ever have the chance. However, I’ve never forgotten this story because it reminds me every single day I stand in front of my students just how important education is. We don’t always recognize it, but education is truly the key to opportunity, to choice, to success.

Lindsay Detwiler, Voice of Innocence

How I Write

The following video gives you some insight into my writing process. Hopefully you’ll find some tips that can help you, too :)

Yes, My Dog Has a Better Social Life Than Me

A few years ago, I can remember reading an article about how many millennials treat their pets like their children, especially if they don’t have any. All I have to say about that is–yes, that is us.

Henry is our furry child. We obsess over him, taking his picture basically every day, spoiling him rotten with hundreds of toys, and planning activities for him like he is a kid. We won’t go somewhere if we feel that he will be home alone too long. We center our lives around Henry, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

For this post, I am focusing on some dog friendly places, services, and toys in case you, too, are struggling from dog obsession. Feel free to add some ideas below!

1. Bark in the Park at the Altoona Curve

This year, August 1st and August 2nd at the Altoona Curve are pet friendly nights. You can take your four-legged friend to the game as long as you sit in the UPMC bleacher seats (which are only $6, I might add). I went in the past and they had all sorts of activities for dog lovers. You’ll meet other people obsessed with their dog, and your dog will have the best time ever. Guaranteed.

2. Shadyrock School for Dogs

This obedience training school is run by Linda Burley, who is like Altoona’s own Dog Whisperer. We have been taking Henry there since he was six months old (yes, he has gone through like 10 classes now). She is amazing with the dogs. We have seen her work her magic with dogs who seemed hopeless, aggressive, or just stubborn. Henry loves going to the classes. They are $75 for seven sessions . . . the payoff is definitely worth it. We always get compliments on how well he behaves.

Henry after graduating from his first class with Linda

3. Poochey Chef

I’ve mentioned this in the past, but they are a great dog-friendly business. You can take your dog there for homemade treats which are completely safe and made locally by the owner. This business is in the plaza behind the Meadows/Sheetz. Your dog will love it!

4. Jolly Ball

Henry got one of these from Petco and is obsessed. We got him the egg shaped ball, which was $19.99. He literally plays with it every single day. Some dogs don’t like it, so you may want to buy a small one to test out.

5. Blair County Dog Park

If you live in the Hollidaysburg/Altoona area, this is a great place to join. Located in Martinsburg, the dog park is an off-leash place for your dog to play. It is 2 acres, fenced in, and secure. Henry adores going there to run and play all summer and through the fall. It is only $55 to join for the year. We definitely get our money’s worth out of our membership. It’s also a great place to meet fellow dog lovers. In the fall, they also sponsor a dog swim at the Martinsburg pool. Before it closes for the winter, they let the dogs have a day at the pool. We didn’t make it last year, but we are going to go this year.

Henry’s first time at the dog park

6. TJ Maxx

I literally buy Henry a toy here every single week because they have such good deals. They get in expensive tough toys and other great brands for really low prices.

You thought I was kidding when I said hundreds, didn’t you?

7. Dog Days in Greenwood

We went to high school with the owner. This place is unbelievable! Jen cares about dogs so much; you can tell just by talking to her for five minutes. She has a daycare where your dog can go to socialize and play while you are at work. We used Dog Days for the boarding service when we went to the beach. Henry had a huge room to himself while he stayed there. We could take his bed and toys for him, and he even had a futon to sleep on. Jen even sent us pictures of him while we were away, and he got to play with other dogs. I will never take him to another place to board him. Last year, we took him to a traditional kennel, and I cried like an idiot when we left him there. I didn’t enjoy a second of my vacation. This year, I didn’t shed a single tear when we left him because I knew he would have a great time . . . and he truly did. Check out Dog Days on Facebook for more information.

Don’t forget that Henry is a character in Voice of Innocence! He is also a character in my next book, which I am working on as we speak :)

Lindsay Detwiler, Author of Voice of Innocence

Shoes Your Feet Will LOVE

Admittedly, I have spent hundreds of dollars on shoes that sit in my closet. I’m always looking for top-notch shoes that are adorable and I can stand to wear all day. As a teacher, I walk a lot of steps in a day, so I have to have shoes that won’t make my feet bleed. I’ve bought super expensive shoes, super high-quality shoes, super comfortable shoes that are hideous. In five years, I’ve finally found a few brands that are perfect for those of you on your feet for many hours a day. The best news? They aren’t the most expensive shoes in my closet.

Anything Sam & Libby by Target

These are seriously like heaven on your feet! Even the wedge sandals are amazing. They don’t feel like anything great when you pick them up, but they are truly my favorite shoes. They are pricier than anything else at target . . .a pair of flats is usually priced around $35. However, I got all of my Sam & Libby shoes from the clearance rack. I haven’t paid more than $10 per pair so far! So scout out your clearance aisle at Target, and if you see these, buy every single pair.

Bass Wedges

I saw these shoes when I was on vacation last year and almost passed them up, thinking they looked a little bit “old lady.” However, they are pretty cute on and they are the most comfortable sandals I own. These were about $30 on sale.

Ignore my feet…I’m definitely not a shoe model :)

Ross

Check out Ross for amazing deals on shoes. They get a lot of odd brands I haven’t heard of, but they are usually so cheap that you can afford to give them a try. These gold sandals were only $13!

I Love Comfort

These shoes (which are very worn, as you can see) are my favorite black shoes, and they were only $8 at Sears. I Love Comfort does have a lot of “elderly” looking shoes, but sometimes you can find something cute.

So as you can see, these are all summery shoes. That’s because my winter shoe wardrobe is in the attic, so I’ll do an update post on comfortable winter shoes when (ugh! I hate to say this) the snow starts blowing.

Have any great pairs of shoes you want to share? Let us know what shoes we should be rocking!

Lindsay Detwiler, Voice of Innocence

Video Review of Voice of Innocence by Maggersann

Hey! I’m beyond excited that Maggersann on Youtube created a video review of Voice of Innocence! Check out her video below. Be sure to like and subscribe to her channel for more book reviews!

Thanks!

Win a Diamond Candle and an Autographed Copy of Voice of Innocence!

“I peered down at my left hand. The tiny diamonds caught a ray of sunlight and glimmered back at me.” ~Emma Ranstein, Voice of Innocence

Every girl deserves some bling! I am giving away a Diamond Candle (carrot cupcake scent . . .yum!) and an autographed copy of Voice of Innocence. It’s easy to enter. Just go to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/voiceofinnocencebylindsaydetwiler and check out the post at the top of my wall. All you have to do is comment on the post and share. It’s easy! If I get 100 comments/shares by August 15th, I’ll pick a random winner. You can find out more about Diamond Candles at http://www.diamondcandles.com. Also, you can get more details in the video below!

https://www.youtube.com/edit?video_id=-LyjWgLWLww&video_referrer=watch

You could win this prize package! Yay! Tell all of your friends!

My Small Town Haunts

Having a book published is enthralling and mind-blowing. I am always thankful for the fact that one of my dreams came true. However, along with this excitement comes a dose of reality—being a small author is a struggle. You have to work for every sale, review, and acknowledgement. You put in countless hours just to be recognized, to be noticed. Sometimes these hours feel wasted as you drift off into oblivion in a sea of books.

As I’ve worked on building my platform and my book, I’ve gained something valuable, though. I’ve come to appreciate every small author, blogger, artist, and Youtube channel. I’ve gained a sense of commodore with the “little dog,” with those fighting to prove they have something of value.

It’s the same for businesses. Over these past few months, I’ve found a new sense of appreciation for the small, independent businesses in our area fighting to be heard. I’ve found myself frequenting the small shops more often. You know what I’ve found? Bigger truly isn’t always better. Below are some of my favorite small businesses in my hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Feel free to share some of your favorite small businesses in your hometown in the comments below.

Allegheny Coffee

This coffee shop has high quality coffee that rivals Starbucks but in an adorable atmosphere. A fireplace, a cute coffee shop feel, and friendly staff make it worth your Saturday morning coffee run. They also carry delectable cupcakes on Fridays which are worth every calorie! This would be an amazing place to hang out with friends or catch up on studying.

The Black Dog Café

This is also in the diamond in Hollidaysburg. They serve delicious lunch specials; I recommend their potato soup and their grilled cheese. They also have delectable cakes and cookies. We have walked Henry down before and ate on their patio outside. The owner was kind enough to share a peanut butter cookie with him, so he is also a fan.

Dairy Dip

Their peanut butter sundae is the best thing I have ever had. Because it is an ice cream cart, Henry can go there, too. Enough said.

Poochey Chef

This adorable pet store is behind the Meadows in Duncansville. They specialize in homemade dog treats for your four-legged friend. They also have a great collection of dog and cat-lover gifts. The best part is that they are dog friendly. Henry has visited here twice now and loves, loves, loves their treats! I love that I don’t have to worry about them being recalled or unsafe because they are made locally. They even have dog-safe cupcakes for your dog’s birthday! How adorable. Be sure to check it out!

Lindsay Detwiler, author of Voice of Innocence

Henry after a visit to Poochey Chef. Yeah, he is happy!

The Writer Within

It’s been a tough week for me in the writing world, although, if I’m being honest, it is always somewhat of a tough week. Publishing a book is the most exhilarating feeling, and I’ve been blessed with amazing opportunities and moments. Every review, every purchase of my book leaves me in awe. I still have to keep reminding myself that people are actually reading my book! It is mind blowing, and I am so thankful for the support I have received from so many people.

In between the beautiful moments, though, are also difficult ones. There are the feelings of pouring your heart and soul into promotion and marketing only to be met with silence in your author ranking. There are sometimes condescending emails from bookstores, reviewers, and others just because you are a “new” author. I have found that most people in the industry are overwhelmingly supportive, kind, and professional. In every business, though, there are exceptions, and when you are working in a business as personal as this, it can be a huge blow to your confidence. Every day is a battle to stay positive and to keep my reasons for publishing in perspective.

There is always a silver lining. Out of all of this has come a new appreciation for writers. I think that in the fall, when I head back to school, I will have a new sense of empathy for my budding writers because I now know the struggle of putting your work out there firsthand. I also know how to better prepare my writers for criticism in the “real” world.

So I hope this doesn’t come off as whiny or unappreciative. I am beyond thrilled to be on this journey, and every journey has good and bad moments. My hope is to shed some light on the “real” side of being an author so that aspiring authors or established, small authors understand it’s not something you are going through alone. I think that if we illuminate the fact that writing and being an author is sometimes really difficult, maybe more people can find a sense of optimism within. If you are hoping to be a writer, know that there will be lulls in activity, know that every day is an emotional roller coaster.

But  also know that every difficulty is worth enduring because in the end, your ultimate dream has come true. So keep writing, keep your chin up, and never let anyone take away the writer within.

Lindsay Detwiler, Voice of Innocence

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