Sherry Morris's Blog, page 17

Feeling the Burn--in my Hips

Penguin image from WikepediaYesterday I began training for my first 5K. I ran the equivilant 3.11 miles on a treadmill at the gym. It took a full 60 minutes. I'd never run that long before. Sure I've been on the treadmill longer than an hour, many times. But I'd never actually run that long. I did walk some, the first two minutes and whenever I took my pulse and a drink of water. But I ran 95% of the time. And my heartrate was in the 90% of my maximum a lot of the time.

I expected to have my Plantars Fascitis flare up this morning. I did have some arch pain this morning, but not as much as when I'm on vacation and walking walking walking.

My surprise ache began last night in my hip flexors. It was so bad this morning, I was waddling like a cute little penguin, my favorite animal. Yes, I was in pain.

Training Day 2: I participated in Linda's hour long Body Flow class. It is a fusion of Tai Chi, Pilates and Yoga. One beautiful Tai Chi track, one Pilates abdominal track and the rest was Yoga. She choreographed to modern music including James Bond's Skyfall. This was the first Body Flow class taught by Linda I took. It was fabulous. She did a wonderful job, and I liked her spin on Warrior I and II. I usually dislike those poses. I look forward to attending her other classes.

Yes, my hips still ache and burn, after the class and it was quite painful working my hip flexors during the class. But I'm no longer waddling. Which is a good thing. I don't know yet if my body will be healed enough to run another 5K tomorrow. Might need a day of rest. I'll decided in the morning.

Training for my First 5K

2014 Cindarella's Royal Family 5K
I'm training for my first 5K. I've never been a runner, never liked gym class. I was born pidgeon toed and wore orthopedic shoes and a mechanical apparatus at night as a child. I always had to look down when I ran or skipped, so as not to trip over the cracks in the sidewalk. So I was not a natural born athlete and was never encouraged to pursue sports.
Anyhow, I've tried in the past to do the 'couch to 5K' training and have tried several tables in running magazines. They bore me and I lose interest. So, I'm freelancing. Running will be fun or I won't follow through. 
I have developed plantar fascitis in the past couple years (self-diagnosed). The arch in my right foot seizes up overnight and it takes me about an hour the morning after heavy walking or running for my foot to lay flat so I can walk normally again. So I will listen to the expert runners' advice and listen to my feet. I won't run every day. 
I'll use this blog as my ta da! brag and try to post every day that I train.
Day 1:Ran a 5K on the treadmill at the gym. Finished 3.11 miles in 60 minutes. My heart rate was in the 90th percentile a lot of the time. Hoping as I get fitter my pulse won't soar so high. I had no pain or dizziness, so I continued. My blood pressure is normal and my resting pulse is low. I'm an EMT, btw.

2013 Holiday Weight Gain

I'm amazed I only gained one pound this holiday season! Normally I pack on around five. Yes, I baked. Yes I ate cookies, pie, cupcakes, chips, dip and all sorts of snacks as well as good hearty comfort food. The last day I was able to go to the gym was December 16th, the day I had to say goodbye to my personal trainer, O'Neal. I'd had five sessions with him. He always gave me a good workout, concentrated on my balance and core plus working all the major muscles. I saw two of his other clients and they were extremely fit women. Why did I discontinue our sessions? His dollar a minute fee could not fit into our family budget long term.
Frustrated, I really wanted to keep exercising on my own and in group classes, but real life kept rearing it's competitive head. I had lots of doctor's appointments; drove my daughter to campus to take her final exams; accompanied her to purchase her first vehicle; accompanied the family on our traditional Manhattan Christmas shopping trip; Christmas shopped with my charming husband, went to the movies with him and shopped with my daughter. 
I'm really surprised I didn't gain ten or twenty pounds as I've also had to deal with grief and depression after the shocking death of my beloved big sister, Beth, two days before Thanksgiving. She is a USAF veteran, and will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors. Our parents are doing the big sleep there too. Unfortunately, we are at war and there is a backlog. They haven't scheduled her service yet. Her beloved husband, young son and I desperately need closure.
Yesterday, I finally got back to the gym after a 16 day absence. I went to Maura's Gentle Yoga class. Except she was out of town so Missie filled in. Maura's class is very tender and restorative. I was looking forward to it. Missie's Gentle Yoga gives you more of a workout. But it's all good and I really enjoy her classes too. She took us through stretching, sun salutations, warrior I and warrior II, tree, shoulder work with straps, sunflower, moonflower, thread the needle, rolling bridges and the best part--final relaxation.
Did you gain weight this holiday season? Did you continue your fitness routine?

Absence From Blogging

I haven't blogged due to the devastating news the best big sister in the universe, mine, died from lung cancer. Beth was a nonsmoker, a USAF veteran and leaves behind a young son and husband. My heart is shattered. I'm tired of sending angels to heaven. I want them here.

I was a very happy person before this, and will be again, just give me a little time.

Onward and upward,

Sherry

Unpublished Indie Author

I have unpublished all of my Indie romances and mysteries. Paperbacks already in the chain will be available for awhile.

Thousand Dollar Pharaoh is available through Eternal Press.

My books never took off and it's time to move on.

Pricing Indie eBooks

It's taken two years of testing every price point imaginable. Thrice. I have finally discovered the exact price readers are willing to pay for eBooks from unknown authors: Zero. Yep, I'm selling hundreds every day! And as a bonus, they are leaving me horrible gut wrenching, book burning one star reviews. The good reviews I have were left by people who paid for the books. I can think of three things that must be happening: Either the readers start the book thinking it must be crap or it would be $12.99 so they read with an eye to find things to snark about. Or people who read free books just like to trash them for fun and games. Or all of the books I've written (which were all initially contracted by small presses and professionally edited, marketed, reviewed, sold and award winning) have expired and are now moldy, stinky and flush worthy.

Whatever the reason, my indie books are free this month. So if you'd like to try a new author, please do. Or if you'd like to have some fun trashing a book. I'm hiking up my pretty new bullet-proof big girl panties, so hit me with your best shot. Tell your friends.
All Romance eBooks
iBooks
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords
If you'd prefer some hack erotic romance, try FREE Pamela Downs short stories! They were very popular in 2005, but tastes have changed.All Romance eBooks
iBooks
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords
Sony

Quote for Writers

I was just commiserating with an author pal over mean book reviews. I came up with a quote I am proud to share:

"Snarky book reviews no longer bother me. Victoria's Secret sells the cutest bullet-proof big girl panties."

I'll tweet it once a day for a month. Hopefully I'll turn the other cheek and remember to slip into my pink lacey bullet-proof big girl panties when I'm the recipient of the next one star wonder.

Complete Indie Book Sale and Giveaway

As soon as retailers update my catalog, all of my independently published books will be free or 99 cents (everything but Thousand Dollar Pharaoh, which is published by Eternal Press). This giveaway or 99 cents sale at those venues not allowing free books, will run until December 1st.

THE GOOD GIRLS OF WASHINGTON SERIES
Five stand-alone books with connected characters

Persuasive LipsBy Sherry Silver 
In World War II Washington, Miss Della Davis toils on the night shift in the President's typing pool. She likes the quiet as she goes about transcribing sensitive documents into an embarrassingly erotic government code. She also likes a certain Secret Service Agent Jones, who frequents her lonely office with a debonair smile and a sack of hamburgers. But Della wants more. She yearns for intrigue and danger. To be a woman for her country. Agent Jones has one thing on his mind--to make Della forget about her career and yearn only for him. He sets up an elaborate sting. Will she take the bait or are women the smarter sex?
Sample Chapter
U.S. eBook: iTunes  ARe  Diesel  Kindle  Nook  Smashwords   SonyU.K. eBook:  Nook  Kindle  iTunesCanadian eBook:  Sony  Kindle  iTunes  

Hundred Dollar BillBy Sherry Silver
 The year is 1945. Roosevelt is President. World War II is coming to a head. Thieves, spies and other wise guys are working everywhere…including in branches of the U.S. government. Chloe Lambert is a sweet little thing whom mothers love to love and sailors love to pinch. She's also a sharp-tongued Secret Service agent—a Secret Service agent who has been framed for murder by a band of counterfeiters. Mike Taurus, also an agent, is tough as nails, cool as ice and devilishly handsome. He also has a past with Chloe. As the two of them make a mad dash from Washington, D.C. to Miami Beach, they'll stop at nothing to solve this monumental caper. It's a made-for-the-movies adventure that Alfred Hitchcock could only wish he'd dreamed up himself!First Line:Sometime before midnight, freezing rain pelted out a maddening symphony on the window.
Sample Chapter

U.S. eBook: Apple  ARe  Diesel  Kindle   Nook  Sony  Smashwords U.S. Paperback: Amazon  Barnes and Noble
U.K. eBook:  Nook  Kindle  Apple
Canadian eBook:  Sony  Kindle Apple 

    
The Immaculate DeceptionBy Sherry Silver  After her SUV meets the business end of a deer, Oh-Donna is pulled into an exciting dreamland far away from her peon job and selfish siblings--where mystery, murder and romance take over. Her debonair angel takes her time traveling through the sordid pasts of her Secret Service Agent mother and her genius medical researcher father--who was obsessed with Marilyn Monroe. Oh-Donna discovers she is the first baby born from an ovarian transplant. She must sleuth out the dark secrets of her D.N.A. and close an unsolved murder.
Sample Chapter U.S. eBook: iTunes  ARe  Diesel  Kindle  Nook  Smashwords  SonyU.K. eBook:  Nook  Kindle  iTunes
Canadian eBook:  Sony  Kindle  iTunes 
The Master ManipulatorBy Sherry Silver  After her father's death, socialite Tammy Payne returns to her suburban Washington, DC apartment to find she's been evicted. Realizing her black sheep sister Donna had control over the finances and must have cut her off, Tammy storms Donna's Virginia townhouse. Something is not right. The dog is emaciated. Donna is sprawled out in a coma.


What Tammy doesn't realize is that Donna is in a special dreamland far from her miserable life, peon job and selfish siblings. A debonair dream weaver is romancing Donna through her family's sordid pasts, where mystery, romance and karma collide.

Their pompous brother, Judge Perry Payne, knows a family secret. He is playing both sisters against themselves in a dirty diabolical scheme which will net him billions--if it works out in the end.Sample Chapter
 U.S. eBook: iTunes  ARe  Diesel  Kindle  Nook  Smashwords  U.K. eBook:  Nook  Kindle  iTunes
Canadian eBook: Sony Kindle  iTunes

Fully Involved FireBy Sherry SilverHave a tall drink of water handy to put out the fire when you read Fully Involved Fire, a poignant story of the after effects of September 11th. Johnny Newman is one of New York City’s finest; the Fire Department's most eligible bachelor. He’s been in love with his best friend’s widow for years. Johnny feels he has given her enough time to get over Brandon, but will his playboy reputation ruin his chances? Susan Cervini is caught up in trying to locate a missing cousin through a website for an aging pop star. When Susan begins to have irrational feelings for her best friend, Johnny, she is afraid she will ruin their friendship, but she can’t seem to stop feeling an overpowering need for his touch. Can they have a torrid affair and go back to being friends, or will the feelings they have for each other change Susan’s mind about love and marriage again? Johnny Newman is a real American hero; strong in his beliefs, dedicated to helping others, and loyal to the woman he loves above all others. He is sexy but unaware of his appeal, chivalrous without being conscious of it, and a wonderful friend; the way he unselfishly dedicates himself to Susan’s needs. She is a very caring woman who is afraid of losing again. Her restoration of faith was a long and hard journey but was well worth the wait. Her love for Johnny is a beautiful thing to behold, culminating in a climactic coming together.  Sample Chapter US eBook: Apple  ARe  Diesel Kindle Nook  Smashwords  Sony
AU eBook:  AppleCA eBook: Sony Kindle  Apple
DE eBook:  Kindle Apple
   UK eBook:  Nook  Kindle   Apple 

Fashion Review: Joan Rivers Classic Long Sleeve Houndstooth Blazer

Joan Rivers Classic Long Sleeve Houndstooth Blazer I am 5' 144 lbs 34DDD. I bought the size 8 and it fits like it was tailored just for me! The suede patches are in the right place at my elbows. It buttons easily, no pulling across the chest or straining. Long sleeves. Refreshingly short length. So many of QVCs clothes cover me up to mid thigh. I have a nice behind and don't want to hide it. Such a soft and warm blazer. Don't hesitate to buy this if you are petite. So Town and Country!

Old Dog With Special Needs

When my daughter was in 3rd grade, she systematically checked out all books about dogs from her school library. She studied them carefully and finally decided she wanted either a Golden Retriever or a Labrador Retriever. Didn't matter which, so long as it was blonde like her.

And so it came to pass that for Christmas 2001, Maurice, a yellow Lab came into our home. For the first two years of his life, he was a wild crocodile. Funny, the day my husband's patience ended and he was ready to take Maurice to give to his friend with a farm, the dog magically behaved.

Moe has brought so much joy and entertainment into our family. I'm totally in love with him. For the last year, he's been having trouble going upstairs. His veterinarian believes it is a nerve problem, commonly called Horse Tail Syndrome which causes Moe's hind legs to be numb. He drags his left rear leg and walks on his knuckle which is excruciating to watch, but apparently Moe doesn't feel a thing.

We've tried every supplement the vet suggested, but no improvement. We used to let him out through the kitchen onto the deck but he can no longer navigate that long stairway down to the yard and back up again.

Next we had him go down the carpeted basement stairs and out onto the patio. Quickly he could no longer walk back up the stairs and just stood at the bottom barking.

We tried letting him out through the laundry room into the garage, since there are only three wooden steps but he refuses to walk back up them. Even when we laid down carpet runners.

Our final egress point is the front door, which opens to a concrete stoop and five steps. It's quite a chore getting him back up these steps, it usually takes a lot of talk to convince him to try, he has to walk into the yard to get a bit of a running start and most tries he aborts. His poor hind feet were getting so scraped up on the concrete that he broke all the nails off at the quick and his paws were a bloody mess.

I bought him leather booties at Petsmart. No more bloody paws, but they don't stay on very well. We are searching for booties with better fasteners.

I promise Moe every day that I will always take care of his needs, no matter what. I love him. We are so blessed to have him in our family.