S.L. Danielson's Blog, page 33

June 28, 2017

Loving the Masters of Music (Classical)

Who remembers their first ever concert? Was it rock? Pop? Country?

Mine was classical, and it cemented my love for these ageless masterpieces.

From the time I was very young, my father raised my brother and I to listen to and appreciate classical music. Only one of us got the message (me) ha ha. I can recall countless hours in the car hearing Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovitch, and many others of the masters of timeless music.

My mother too, had a love of older tunes and introduced me to big band and swing music as well. My brother introduced me to rock n roll and classic rock, but that's another post. LOL

As for the concert; I was 18 years old and just out of high school. I remember I had to borrow one of my mother's nice dresses (not a dresser-upper) so I could attend the symphony with my father. It was wonderful! I wish I could remember the program that was played, but I just recall being there with my dad and soaking up the wondrous sights and sounds of Powell Hall. Anyone who's ever been can attest to it's beauty and wonder. At Christmastime, it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen.

To this day I get a funny look when I ask for classical tunes during an MRI or an impressed nod when I mention anything about Mozart or Beethoven. What thrills me most is my nephew is also versed in the classics and the three of us chat about our favorites. :)

Even my fiance is open to learning about the masters; I want to introduce 'Master of the Month" here at home, but may do so on here as well.

Who is your favorite or have you ever given classical a chance? If not, I invite you to such a splendid world of sound and delight. Who knows, you might just like it.
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Published on June 28, 2017 09:15 Tags: classical, family, music

February 20, 2017

The black and the white of it all...interracial dating

Dating someone of another race used to be (and still can be) a very touchy subject!

My personal experience is that of someone who has never dated outside my own race...religion, yes, but not race.

That said, I do know of several others who have and I know for some things go very smoothly (no family issues, etc.) But for others...dating outside your race causes friction from the very beginning and it never seems to stop.

This most comes into play when there are children involved. Which side do they most look like? Where will they fit in? If one side is not accepting of mixed race children, that amps it up even more.

The Ice Fairy series was a first for me in that it deals with a white boy and an Asian (Japanese) boy falling in love. One side is very understanding, the other is not; causing issues from the outset.

What has been your experience with inter-racial dating? Is it a bed of roses or a patch of thorns?
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Published on February 20, 2017 11:27

November 12, 2014

They're almost here...

The holidays! I cannot believe it. Where has 2014 gone? LOL

This year has been an emotional roller coaster ride for me (not only due to kitty's diabetes, which is totally regulated and under control now) but also private issues in my life that I never saw coming.

Plus now..the holidays. Thanksgiving day, then Christmas and New Years (for me and mine)...I am looking forward to them for sure.

My mother (who last year swore that was it for hosting at their house) is hosting! I'm thrilled to death!
Christmas's venue has yet to be determined; but I hope my brother and sis-in-law will do the honors again.
As for the in-laws? (the other side) nope. Stay away...they are toxic people and they have no space in my life or my companion's life.

This year I just want to enjoy the season and huddle up over a bar or pool table, chat about whatever and bond with my family. That's what the season is all about anyway; family.

Have a wonderful holiday season!
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Published on November 12, 2014 18:34

September 14, 2014

In a whirlwind!

Hello! Well, life is not boring per se; but here's an update on the important things:

Those who have followed the saga of my kitty who is diabetic: I am elated to report that he is doing wonderfully! At 10 1/2 years old he is back to his playful kitten self, just a huge kitten! (over 19 lbs). That's a far cry from the sickly 13 1/2 lbs he was just a year ago and very stricken with diabetes.
The twice-daily shots don't bug him too badly and he loves the diet (all wet food). We've had to make some changes (schedules, etc) but he is worth every single effort. He is happy and thriving.

The other saga in my world is jobs/working. This never seems to go away. LOL I was in school earlier this year, but due to life issues (those who are closest to me know exactly what I'm referring to) plus job issues at my old company led to me withdrawing from school. I tried to pursue another career line, but I have realized again it is not for me.

Therefore...besides job hunting, I may be back in school next year. All for the better though :)

Writing-wise, nothing happening except I got a gorgeous new cover for Ice Fairy! (If you haven't seen it you will just die)!!! The incomparable D. W. Skinner was the one where I found that incredible photo...(whet your appetites yet? you know his work)!!!

OK, onto something productive here. LOL Have a great weekend!

Ice Fairy
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Published on September 14, 2014 07:20 Tags: blog, books, cat, cover, ice-fairy, life

December 6, 2013

Update on my sweet baby boy...

For anyone who follows my regular blog (ladyauthorsld.blogspot.com) a few weeks ago my kitty, Jack, was diagnosed as diabetic.
It's been a whirlwind of emotions and new terminologies, tests, vet visits, etc.
Right now he's good, glucose down to 268 and he eats well. Weight is up again to where it should be (he was almost underweight for his frame).

I want to thank everyone for their well wishes, prayers, and advice on how to deal with this permanent chapter in our lives. Jack is only 9 years old, and the sweetest little cat you ever did meet. He's my dollbaby and a momma's boy.

Here's to him getting better and better!

Steph
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Published on December 06, 2013 07:38 Tags: cat, diabetes, disease, glucose, jack

November 26, 2013

Anniversary and Holidays

Hello one and all!

First, I want to say thank you to the family of authors, the fans, the readers, and the supporters of RFP that have made it what it has grown into in the last two years.

Secondly, I am doing a major happy dance and celebration for finally winning a NaNo contest! Congratulations on all of those who finished with me; that is tough to do!

Thirdly, with the holidays upon us, I want to wish everyone a safe, happy, and blessed Thanksgiving. This year it will be just my husband and I (plus out cats)...but we'll be seeing the in-laws too. (yippee..lol).

PS, a new solo work from moi will be out in January called "The Ice Fairy"!

Happy Turkey Day to all and have a great weekend!

S. L. Danielson
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Published on November 26, 2013 20:53 Tags: contest, holidays, nano, sale, thanksgiving, winner

October 19, 2013

Fresh Starts

Hello! It's been too long since I've checked in; time for a new entry to share all my news.

First, I finally passed my graduate courses! Unfortunately; now the bills have started to come in...grrr.

Secondly, I have begun to write again, and this time, solo! Yes, my first only-me book in over two years has been penned and is in the editing process for release very soon! It is called Ice Fairy.

Thirdly, real life sure throws some curve balls at you; my day job sure has... but hopefully things will improve there very soon.

Fourth, Romance First Publishing has two new releases this month! The first, Black Feather was just out the 18th, the 2nd is Better After Death, due out the 25th. Both of these are by my very talented EIC, Tucker McCallahan, and the first book she teamed up with Amber Marie.

Otherwise; life has quieted down with school done, work is a pain, remodeling on house is always a constant; but at least I'm back to my sport pursuits as well and the writing. (NaNo anyone)?

Take care,

Steph
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Published on October 19, 2013 20:25

February 28, 2013

New Year, new site!

Hello, all! The end of last year and the entry into this one passed quickly, yet slowly, if that makes sense. After a death in the family; time warps into whatever your mood is I think...

But, life marches on, work marches on, and besides starting new, more challenging duties at my day job, I've also stepped things up for my own company, Romance First.

After much work and help tickets, there's a real website up at last!!! I invite you to check it out:

www.rfppublishing.com

There will be more added later; as time allows after working and schooling, and life...which luckily, is getting back to our version of 'normal'...husband not so much; but it makes me cherish my own parents that much more.

Cheers!

Steph
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Published on February 28, 2013 04:45 Tags: new-website, rfp, romance-first

December 16, 2012

It's Christmas time!

To one and all I want to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings to all..

This has been a wild year for me and mine as I began a new company, got hired at my day job (which has me working lots of OT lately)... and releasing lots of great stories both as collaborations and signed authors of RFP.

This has also been a year of loss for my family, as we said farewell (rather suddenly) to my father-in-law.

But without a doubt, 2012 will be a much-remembered year of change and happenings in my life, some good, some not so good...but they are all meant to shape my life in ways that make it what it is today.

I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season, in the aftermath of the tragedies that have destroyed so much. We need to pull together as a people and with love and guidance... put the pieces back together and make 2013 a banner year.

Happy Holiday!

Steph Danielson
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Published on December 16, 2012 16:33

November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Ah yes, the famed "Turkey Day" a/k/a the day before Black Friday, or a day off work (unless you're in retail, sadly)... or just a day to kick back in a recliner after consuming a week's worth of calories and watch football.

I will admit, this year Thanksgiving doesn't mean as much to me and my family as it did; given that we've just had a death in the family (father-in-law)... no one is in that holiday mood per se; and I don't blame them.

Still; it is an opportunity to take stock of what we should be grateful for; life. We are here and alive and mostly healthy (cough, cough):) But we are grateful for having known him and shared in his life, up until the very end. We will never forget everything he did for us.

I am extremely blessed to still have both of my parents, and that they are healthy and thankful that I can be with them this day.

I wish everyone a blessed Thanksgiving and pray that everyone takes a step back from the sales ads and takes stock for what truly matters in life.

Steph
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Published on November 22, 2012 08:51