A.R. Pliley's Blog, page 4
July 10, 2021
Reflecting on 40 years!
Talveons it's official I'm 40 years old.
I've become very reflective the past few months as this milestone approached and I came to some conclusions. I'm over holding grudges and letting the past define me. I control what happens in my life and I'm taking life head-on. Focusing on the positive and letting go of things I don't have any control of.
I made the decision to go to Roswell, NM for my birthday because I've always wanted to go there after watching the TV show back in the 2000s. If you don't mind the effects of the time and sometimes cheesy situations, I highly recommend it.
My family mentioned a few things yesterday when it was my actual birthday about how I've achieved my dreams that I said I was going to when I was younger and that got me thinking. I honestly didn't believe I would reach 18 and seeing how much I have achieved since that time just adds to the emotion of the milestone.
I would have missed out on moving to America, marrying my husband, having my two amazing kids, and publishing my first book. And everything else in between.
Not only did I survive to a greater age, but I thrived. I refused to let circumstances hold me back and I took a leap of faith more than once. Life has really been a crazy ride so far and I can't wait to see what the next 40 years bring.
Do I have any advice? I guess I would say what I always say. Always keep fighting, you are enough and you are not alone. However, I would also add to keep being you. Accept your weirdness and embrace what makes you, you. If people can't handle your weird then they don't deserve your wins.
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ►, www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
My Official Store ► ,https://www.etsy.com/shop/AuthorARPliley
Follow my Instagram ► ,http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► ,https://twitter.com/PlileyA
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June 19, 2021
June 10, 2021
House Construction VS Self Published Author!
Let's be honest.
House updates, no matter what type they are, can be a pain in the butt.
And that is if everything goes according to plan.
Last year we had a pretty decent-sized issue at our house causing major wall and floor damage. Long story short it sucked and took a while to get fixed. During the process we decided to update the flooring and have the stairs match, otherwise, it would look weird.
Well as you can imagine everything went amazing and now it looks great.
NOPE.
In fact, we've been living in a construction zone for months and my entire house looks like we're just moving in with boxes and furniture everywhere.
Every room in the house has been taken over by the process at this point. Even my office.
This is where the weird writer side of me is coming out. I LOVE my office. It's my personal writing space that gives me a place to just focus on my current project and all the self-publishing business stuff.
Yet during this process, I've been forced to move from room to room and it actually helped. Now I love my main book series, the Heritage Saga, and working on book two, Heritage: Choice has been a huge priority for most of this year. Yet here we are away from the regular space and my inspiration has skyrocketed.
Now it did take some time to do so as the stress of the house and construction were little nuts at first, but the more I was able to work away from my office the more my mind seemed to embrace it.
I now have a few more projects in the works and I can't wait to share them with you. Hopefully soon.
So my takeaway is this. In the battle of House Construction VS Self Published Author, it's a win-win situation.
Life throws you the weirdest situations sometimes and just when you think you know what's going to happen, BAM plot twist.
I'm embracing the plot twist and making it work in my favor. You should too.
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ►, www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
My NEW Official Store ► ,https://www.etsy.com/shop/AuthorARPliley
Follow my Instagram ► ,http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► ,https://twitter.com/PlileyA
Like me on Facebook ►,https://www.facebook.com/arpliley
June 1, 2021
Marriage Tips from Someone Married 19 Years!
I will go on record and say that life is already super hard. Then you fall in love with someone, you decide to get married and you have to figure out how to still be the best you can while making a life for yourself and another person.
My hubby and I are definitely not a 'normal' couple. We didn't grow up together, didn't have the same culture or opportunities. In fact, as our daughter puts it, it's weird that we work. I was born and raised in the UK until I met my hubby at the age of 19. We dated and were married a month before I turned 21.
The fact that we celebrate 19 years today is still amazing to me. (Yes, that does mean I turn 40 next month and no, I'm not old. I'm awesome!) If I could break down a few marriage pointers here is what I would say.
Talk about everything. Be honest with each other. Have sex/sexual fun often. Put in the effort you want to get back. Do what you enjoy and support your partner in what they love to do.The best part of being married is that you get to figure out life with this person. Life is hard and having a friend with you through it makes everything so much sweeter. You will have bad times, but the trick is that you are a team. So you work together to figure it out. Don't give up on each other and life will figure itself out.
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ►, www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
My Official Store ► ,https://www.etsy.com/shop/AuthorARPliley
Follow my Instagram ► ,http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► ,https://twitter.com/PlileyA
Like me on Facebook ►,https://www.facebook.com/arpliley
May 26, 2021
Onward & Upward!
Talveons, honestly it's been a long few months.
A previous blog post about Wix may have you wondering and you will notice my store on this website has gone. Well, long story short I had to move my store to Etsy.
While I still am not 100% okay with Wix, I will continue to use their services for the time being and will let you know if anything else changes. My website will still be used for updates, events, and this blog, of course), but the store will be there instead.
Check it out:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AuthorARPliley
Again I am focusing on the positive side and not letting this get me down and moving forward. Amazing things are in the works and I can't wait to let you know all about them.
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ►, www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
My Official Store ► ,https://www.etsy.com/shop/AuthorARPliley
Follow my Instagram ► ,http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► ,https://twitter.com/PlileyA
Like me on Facebook ►,https://www.facebook.com/arpliley
April 30, 2021
Godzilla vs Kong (2021) Movie Review!
I really liked reviewing the last movie so I thought why not do it again for another great new movie.
Godzilla vs Kong (2021)NO SPOILERS!
If you saw the trailer for this epic movie, well just by reading the title, you can tell it was going to be a good time. Honestly, this movie was one I was most definitely seeing in the theater and after the crazy 2020, I wasn't sure if it would be possible. Thankfully we could.
Right after the movie, all I could think of was, well I called it and yes it was still EPIC.
Those who are familiar with both creatures, Godzilla and Kong, will know that they are both huge powerhouses. Honestly just watching the trailer I predicted a few things and all three of them came true.
Without going into it I will still say that though the story was predictable in places it didn't take away from the amazing ride of the movie.
Yes, the giant monster fight scenes were freaking amazing. Beautiful cinematic shots, flawless CGI, and real emotion in creatures that would usually be hard to see.
Yes, everyone in the theater held their breath a few times. Again no spoilers, but a few times you hope what you think is about to happen doesn't.
No, the humans did not seem out of place in the story. In fact, the humans helped in some aspects. Though there were a few head slap moments when they did something incredibly dumb in order to move the story along.
Now all the actors did an amazing job with what they were given and the storyline was actually awesome. The only letdown for me was knowing pretty much how the movie would end within the first 20 minutes. In all seriousness, though the ending was still incredibly epic, it was just a roll-eye moment knowing it was already pretty much laid out early on.
So comes the big questions:
Would I watch it again?
Would I own it?
The definitive answer to both is a huge YES!
Aside from the predictability, the massive scope, cinematography, storyline, actors, and creatures, more than make up for it. And just watching two titans go at it is worth the price of the theater or in your own home.
Must Watch from me 9/10!
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ► www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
Follow my Instagram ► http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► https://twitter.com/PlileyA
Like me on Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/arpliley
Image from IMDb.com
April 25, 2021
Mortal Kombat (2021) Movie Review!
*No Spoilers*
Hey Talveons,
I don't usually use my blog for movie reviews but seriously I just had to say something about this.
For the record, I'm a huge Mortal Kombat fan. Fan of the original game and the cheesy, yet awesome movies. Well, the first one as even I can acknowledge the second one is just awful. With that being said there are some random characters that I don't know the names of, so forgive me if I miss someone obvious from the movie.
Right away I will say that this movie was far exceeded my expectations.
The cinematography and storyline of the entire movie are just a flawless victory. (Yes, I went there). Each character they picked stayed true to the original game and I did notice some game moves had been incorporated into some of the most epic fight scenes in recent cinema.
Without giving anything away in regards to the plot it doesn't follow the original movie storyline, which actually works for this movie. I'm a huge fan of the way they approached this one. Also, the R rating was definitely a welcome addition considering the level of violence and gore portrayed in the game. Thanks to this rating you are guaranteed to see some amazing fighting as well as lots of bloodshed. Fans of the game will appreciate the fight scenes so much more for this R rating.
For the negative side of things, I can honestly only think of one thing that was predictable in regards to one of the characters. People who have played the game and watched the previous movies will either not care or be a little irritated about the obvious outcome for that one person.
This movie gave me high hopes that video game adaptations that are amazing can and should be done more often in the future. It truly does take a director who knows the material and shows their love for it in the movie they produce.
Huge shoutout to the entire cast as they all did a fantastic job. Though I was hoping for a sneaky cameo from any of the original movie actors. And for those that care, there are no after-credit scenes.
My overall score for this movie is an 8/10. Strongly Recommend.
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ► www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
Follow my Instagram ► http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► https://twitter.com/PlileyA
Like me on Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/arpliley
April 11, 2021
How Are You Since...
Recently I was asked this question and realized I haven't updated my blog since we were robbed a few weeks back.
Honestly great. It was definitely an eye-opener for me about the security of the house, yet since getting the updates that were needed and still planning for more I feel so much better.
Situations like this are tough and people deal with them in different ways. As adults, my hubby and I took it in our stride, filled out the police report, and updated the security of the house. Our youngest, seeing our attitude just helped with the installation of the new locks and moved on, after locking his bedroom door while we waited for the new locks to arrive the next day.
Our teenager however felt it on a deeper level. Her backpack was one of the things taken, which included her Student IDs and her wallet. As luck would have it she is working her first job and earning money so she has her own checking and savings account.
My hubby and I are not necessarily used to bad things happening, but honestly worse things have happened to us. So for us, it was a case of learning from it and moving on. For our daughter, unfortunately, this was her first experience of things being serious.
Her things had been taken and there was nothing she could do about it. Things went out of her control and she needed her best friend for reassurance. Luckily her best friend is part of our circle during this crazy Covid time, so we were able to arrange a little sleep-over during spring break. And though it took her a little longer to adjust, she is helping with the planning of the house security.
My family constantly laughs at my overprotective nature, yet this situation has changed that a little. My daughter now realizes how easily something could have gone wrong and although I'm still overprotective she understands it comes from a place of love.
I wish so much that this situation didn't occur and for the kids having to experience it. Yet I'm glad they were able to see how quickly we adjusted as a family, make corrections to the house, were there for each other, and face the problem with an attitude of positivity.
Hopefully, we can all learn from this and when they have their own places, they will take the extra precautions needed to keep themselves safer.
Overall we are doing great now and back to our regular schedules. As a very famous singer once said, "Nothings going to bring me down."
Always Keep Fighting
You Are Enough
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ► www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
Follow my Instagram ► http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► https://twitter.com/PlileyA
Like me on Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/arpliley
April 3, 2021
I Survived A Crime!
Talveons,
What a weird experience.
Last Saturday/Sunday morning, while we were sleeping, someone broke into our house and stole a few things. Now things can be replaced and luckily no one was hurt. In fact, we didn't know what happened until the next morning.
Thankfully no one was hurt and a few things were taken, but honestly, things can be replaced. I did have trouble sleeping the past week but overtime it is improving and I updated the security around our home.
This has given me new inspiration for a crime novel, but since I already have 5 books in the process I put it aside for now.
For April this year, it is Camp Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month), so I'm using the time to concentrate on finishing up the editing for Heritage: Choice. I want to make sure that my self-imposed deadline is reached so hopefully we can get this done.
On a sad front, I had to turn down the author event this September, however, this does mean that I can focus on doing events closer to home. Which I am so excited to look into.
On the happy side, everyone knows what a huge Harry Potter fan I am so when I say I'm finally going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in May, know how much my brain is exploding with excitement. I seriously can't wait.
It sounds super cheesy but dreams really do come true. Keep going Talveons. I believe in you.
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
SUPPORT THE AUTHOR ► www.patreon.com/heritagesaga
Follow my Instagram ► http://instagram.com/alisonpliley
Follow me on Twitter ► https://twitter.com/PlileyA
Like me on Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/arpliley
March 21, 2021
No Words. Yet Still, I Hope!
Talveons,
Honestly, I'm lost for words, and those who know me, understand how crazy that is.
I'm furious at this website builder, Wix, and in all seriousness, if I didn't have tons of business cards already printed I would be changing immediately. I don't need to go into details, except to say I thought they would be better. Needless to say, the lesson has been learned.
Starting a business definitely has a huge learning curve and honestly, I'm happy for all the experiences both good and bad as they have helped me figure out what works and what doesn't.
As always I'm trying to focus on the positive side of things, as you can tell, and I mean this gives me more motivation to hand out more business cards. A certain virus caused business cards to be something that no one wanted pretty much the entire time I've had them, but as things turn around this year hopefully so can business cards once again.
I'm looking to the future and I'm more than hopeful.
Always Keep Fighting.
You Are Enough.
A R Pliley
