Debra Anastasia's Blog, page 12
September 28, 2015
Anxiety --an update.
I've mentioned before that my girl has anxiety. It started around the time we had a huge upheaval in our everyday following Hurricane Irene. A large tree hit our house while we were in it, and although we were all safe, the house demolition and subsequent rebuild took a toll on her. She had her first panic attack soon after.
Before the house was demolished, she left this note on the doorway.
The insurance guy had marked up our walls with a Sharpie, so she asked if she could do so as well on our final tour of the house. I handed her the markers from the pen drawer that I was able to get to. This is what she did on the wall. Soon after the house was demolished.
I wish I had known what to look for with a panic attack, so maybe I could have figured out what it was sooner. If your child is uncharacteristically misbehaving my advice is to look at their eyes and see if their pupils look different. How's their breathing? Do they look scared to death? It might be a panic attack.
I learned, eventually, to spot it. We sought outside help, of course. The counselor we saw gave us tips on how to teach her to calm herself. Breathing, counting and relaxing her muscles were some of the ways we handled attacks. They took a while, usually 40 minutes to settle. Then we'd talk it through.
I should mention that I'm not an expert by any means. But when it involves my kid, I try my best to learn as much as I can. Beautiful souls opened their hearts to me and shared their own experience with anxiety. (You know who you are, and I love you) From 2011 until about six months ago, this was how we battled the attacks.
Then there was a shift. I asked her to embrace the things that caused her panic and face them. That sounds simple, but to avoid comforting her, for me, was really hard. But I realized that cuddling her through her anxiety was feeding it. So we started hugs and snuggles after the panic attack had passed.
I'll use an example, she was afraid of vomiting, and the fear would come on almost every night. I would tell her it wasn't going to happen and hug her until we got through the attack.
The day I realized that I was helping the anxiety by enforcing that vomiting was scary, but she wouldn't have to face it that night was literally like getting hit with mental lightening.
I stopped hugging the anxiety, telling her she didn't need me to get through it. She could do it by herself. And that I hoped she would throw up, so she could see that although it was unpleasant it would make her belly feel better so it didn't deserve fear. Her sweet face and big green eyes were so shocked. But after her panic attack occurred, we discussed it, with me letting her know that I don't want her to get sick, but I do want her to see that the fear was too big for the reaction.
We liken it to getting chased by a dinosaur, running for your life kind of fear when she is at a level ten panic attack.
Handling her attacks like this became my new handbook. I encouraged her to use her tools (breathing, counting, etc.) but I wouldn't enforce the fear. Maybe I'm just a dumb ass, that it took me long to see the sense in this approach. Maybe she was ready for this stage or a combination of them both.
But she started making progress. Overcoming huge battles. I set some hard lines that I wouldn't compromise for her fear. At first it felt wrong because I always want to protect her, but I realized if I dropped dead, and she had been relying on me to get through her attacks, where would she be? How would she cope?
In the last two weeks, she had two panic attacks. Each one she dealt with on her own and within maybe a minute.
She didn't need me. She could have done it without me, if she had to. Anxiety seemed insurmountable at times. It would be ten steps forward and then 100 steps backward. That's a daunting pace. It's a discouraging pace. But the leap forward that she's had these recent months is fantastic.
I also learned I have a ton to learn. And that anxiety likes to seep in cracks and corrode bravery, so I know this might very well be something she is always coping with. I guess it always will be and I wish it wasn't that way for her. But for her to get a handle on it, to be confident that the attack will happen but that she is stronger than the things she fears, I hope that has a lasting effect on her.
There's parts of her personality that anxiety has strengthened, her empathy, which was already strong is tremendous. She can sympathize with anyone, understanding fear completely. But the bravery she is honing. Watch out world. This girl is going to be a black belt at facing down terrifying things.
This is long and rambling, but I wanted to put it out there that we've had a break through. I thank you all for your endless kind thoughts and wish you a day full of soul strengthening bravery.
My brave, curly whirly girl. So proud of you.
Before the house was demolished, she left this note on the doorway.
The insurance guy had marked up our walls with a Sharpie, so she asked if she could do so as well on our final tour of the house. I handed her the markers from the pen drawer that I was able to get to. This is what she did on the wall. Soon after the house was demolished.I wish I had known what to look for with a panic attack, so maybe I could have figured out what it was sooner. If your child is uncharacteristically misbehaving my advice is to look at their eyes and see if their pupils look different. How's their breathing? Do they look scared to death? It might be a panic attack.
I learned, eventually, to spot it. We sought outside help, of course. The counselor we saw gave us tips on how to teach her to calm herself. Breathing, counting and relaxing her muscles were some of the ways we handled attacks. They took a while, usually 40 minutes to settle. Then we'd talk it through.
I should mention that I'm not an expert by any means. But when it involves my kid, I try my best to learn as much as I can. Beautiful souls opened their hearts to me and shared their own experience with anxiety. (You know who you are, and I love you) From 2011 until about six months ago, this was how we battled the attacks.
Then there was a shift. I asked her to embrace the things that caused her panic and face them. That sounds simple, but to avoid comforting her, for me, was really hard. But I realized that cuddling her through her anxiety was feeding it. So we started hugs and snuggles after the panic attack had passed.
I'll use an example, she was afraid of vomiting, and the fear would come on almost every night. I would tell her it wasn't going to happen and hug her until we got through the attack.
The day I realized that I was helping the anxiety by enforcing that vomiting was scary, but she wouldn't have to face it that night was literally like getting hit with mental lightening.
I stopped hugging the anxiety, telling her she didn't need me to get through it. She could do it by herself. And that I hoped she would throw up, so she could see that although it was unpleasant it would make her belly feel better so it didn't deserve fear. Her sweet face and big green eyes were so shocked. But after her panic attack occurred, we discussed it, with me letting her know that I don't want her to get sick, but I do want her to see that the fear was too big for the reaction.
We liken it to getting chased by a dinosaur, running for your life kind of fear when she is at a level ten panic attack.
Handling her attacks like this became my new handbook. I encouraged her to use her tools (breathing, counting, etc.) but I wouldn't enforce the fear. Maybe I'm just a dumb ass, that it took me long to see the sense in this approach. Maybe she was ready for this stage or a combination of them both.
But she started making progress. Overcoming huge battles. I set some hard lines that I wouldn't compromise for her fear. At first it felt wrong because I always want to protect her, but I realized if I dropped dead, and she had been relying on me to get through her attacks, where would she be? How would she cope?
In the last two weeks, she had two panic attacks. Each one she dealt with on her own and within maybe a minute.
She didn't need me. She could have done it without me, if she had to. Anxiety seemed insurmountable at times. It would be ten steps forward and then 100 steps backward. That's a daunting pace. It's a discouraging pace. But the leap forward that she's had these recent months is fantastic.
I also learned I have a ton to learn. And that anxiety likes to seep in cracks and corrode bravery, so I know this might very well be something she is always coping with. I guess it always will be and I wish it wasn't that way for her. But for her to get a handle on it, to be confident that the attack will happen but that she is stronger than the things she fears, I hope that has a lasting effect on her.
There's parts of her personality that anxiety has strengthened, her empathy, which was already strong is tremendous. She can sympathize with anyone, understanding fear completely. But the bravery she is honing. Watch out world. This girl is going to be a black belt at facing down terrifying things.
This is long and rambling, but I wanted to put it out there that we've had a break through. I thank you all for your endless kind thoughts and wish you a day full of soul strengthening bravery.
My brave, curly whirly girl. So proud of you.
September 27, 2015
Sign ups for Poughkeepsie Begins ARCs
BLOGGERS!!! HERE is the sign up form for Poughkeepsie Begins: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lmhb0NILknj6NjXjEdpHmXcAYzGat5w3Cpww1p2kPUE/viewform
September 20, 2015
Fire in the Hole Farts
Fire in the Hole SURPRISE New release: (book 2) http://amzn.to/1WbExAo
Fire Down Below Book 1: http://amzn.to/1iZbsty
Both are only 99 ¢ for a short time!
September 19, 2015
WHAT? FIRE IN THE HOLE IS LIVE??!! YUP!!
Welcome to my secret! Fire in the Hole was supposed to release this winter, but I snuck it out early on you!!
Crazy!!
LOOK AT MY SURPRISE!!!!
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
So here's the details, Both Gynazule Series books are now LIVE for your kindle! I'm participating in Kindle Unlimited with both books as well, so they are free for KU users.
BUT!! If you aren't a member of KU, the eBooks are on sale for a tiny amount of time for .99¢ a piece!
We all know I have not a lick of sense.
Here's the summary for both books:
Fire Down Below (Gynazule #1) ON SALE .99¢
Dove Glitch is embarrassed about everything above her knees and below her belly button. When she has to fill a delicate, embarrassing prescription the last thing she needs is a sexy-as-hell (and brand spanking new) pharmacist behind the counter.
Johnson Fitzwell’s first day of his dream career also happens to coincide with the exact moment Dove needs her feminine meds filled. His glorious voice is way too loud–as in, he should be counting down the hits with Ryan Seacrest kind of loud. Thanks to Johnson’s handsome face and gorgeous jaw line, Dove dives headlong into her waking nightmare and asks for a vagina-scented cream.
How could she not fall for him? Dove's only active goal now is to get Johnson to kiss her right on the lips. Either set. However, his horrible girlfriend is one of many obstacles preventing her from making that fantasy a reality. When Dove defends Johnson in the most unhygienic, unconventionally gross way in the middle of a crowded restaurant, their tender, slightly tantric relationship is off to a galloping, farting start.
Each print copy of this book will be dipped in holy water by my mom, and glared at by my father as he purses his lips. Neither will help. So, drop your pants and turn to the left and cough. I hope you're not allergic to latex, because it’s time to fill your prescription. Anally.
Fire in the Hole (Gynazule #2)by Debra Anastasia released 9/20/15 on SALE .99¢
Here’s what you, the brave reader, need to know. Fire Down Below has a sequel. I know; everyone’s super surprised that Amazon allowed me to keep the poop-your-pants book up all this time.
In Fire in the Hole, Dove’s sausage-loving neighbor has realized he’s wildly in love with her lurchingly awkward butt. Johnson is the pharmacist of her dreams until he tells her over Twitter—goddamnit—that he has plans with an ex-girlfriend.
Duke scrapes Dove off her apartment floor and takes her to his cousin’s wedding. As Pissboy and Cross-eyed Knockers tie the knot, Duke could just kick himself in the balls when he sees Johnson and Beth at the same venue driving Dove insane with jealousy.
Will Dove give up everything, even her self-esteem, to get Johnson’s johnson between her legs? Or will the scent of spiced meat inspire Dove to rip off Duke’s sausage-and-egg underwear forever?
Yup. I can publish this. No law against it… yet.
ON SALE for .99¢ for a super limited time. You deserve to laugh so hard you cry!
FREE FOR Kindle Unlimited USERS!!
LOOK AT MY SURPRISE!!!!
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Remember those hilarious anti-blurbs from all the indie rock star author, bloggers and readers? THEY'RE BACK!!
I'll be posting them all day long, but if you want to see them in one go, have a look:
Here are two more video ads for your enjoyment!
The cover (by Shannon Lumetta) for you:
The entire cover too:
Please enjoy my rafflecopter giveaway!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please see the pictures below for SOME of the things you can win!
Crazy!!
LOOK AT MY SURPRISE!!!!
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
So here's the details, Both Gynazule Series books are now LIVE for your kindle! I'm participating in Kindle Unlimited with both books as well, so they are free for KU users.
BUT!! If you aren't a member of KU, the eBooks are on sale for a tiny amount of time for .99¢ a piece!
We all know I have not a lick of sense.
Here's the summary for both books:
Fire Down Below (Gynazule #1) ON SALE .99¢
Dove Glitch is embarrassed about everything above her knees and below her belly button. When she has to fill a delicate, embarrassing prescription the last thing she needs is a sexy-as-hell (and brand spanking new) pharmacist behind the counter.
Johnson Fitzwell’s first day of his dream career also happens to coincide with the exact moment Dove needs her feminine meds filled. His glorious voice is way too loud–as in, he should be counting down the hits with Ryan Seacrest kind of loud. Thanks to Johnson’s handsome face and gorgeous jaw line, Dove dives headlong into her waking nightmare and asks for a vagina-scented cream.
How could she not fall for him? Dove's only active goal now is to get Johnson to kiss her right on the lips. Either set. However, his horrible girlfriend is one of many obstacles preventing her from making that fantasy a reality. When Dove defends Johnson in the most unhygienic, unconventionally gross way in the middle of a crowded restaurant, their tender, slightly tantric relationship is off to a galloping, farting start.
Each print copy of this book will be dipped in holy water by my mom, and glared at by my father as he purses his lips. Neither will help. So, drop your pants and turn to the left and cough. I hope you're not allergic to latex, because it’s time to fill your prescription. Anally.
Fire in the Hole (Gynazule #2)by Debra Anastasia released 9/20/15 on SALE .99¢
Here’s what you, the brave reader, need to know. Fire Down Below has a sequel. I know; everyone’s super surprised that Amazon allowed me to keep the poop-your-pants book up all this time.
In Fire in the Hole, Dove’s sausage-loving neighbor has realized he’s wildly in love with her lurchingly awkward butt. Johnson is the pharmacist of her dreams until he tells her over Twitter—goddamnit—that he has plans with an ex-girlfriend.
Duke scrapes Dove off her apartment floor and takes her to his cousin’s wedding. As Pissboy and Cross-eyed Knockers tie the knot, Duke could just kick himself in the balls when he sees Johnson and Beth at the same venue driving Dove insane with jealousy.
Will Dove give up everything, even her self-esteem, to get Johnson’s johnson between her legs? Or will the scent of spiced meat inspire Dove to rip off Duke’s sausage-and-egg underwear forever?
Yup. I can publish this. No law against it… yet.
ON SALE for .99¢ for a super limited time. You deserve to laugh so hard you cry!
FREE FOR Kindle Unlimited USERS!!
LOOK AT MY SURPRISE!!!!
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B015LMEJ94?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
Remember those hilarious anti-blurbs from all the indie rock star author, bloggers and readers? THEY'RE BACK!!
I'll be posting them all day long, but if you want to see them in one go, have a look:
Here are two more video ads for your enjoyment!
The cover (by Shannon Lumetta) for you:
The entire cover too:
Please enjoy my rafflecopter giveaway!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please see the pictures below for SOME of the things you can win!
September 12, 2015
One Last Time...
Before we count smiles, we must first shed tears. Fall in love one last time.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1LqW6Vt
itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/poughkeepsie/id920079381?mt=11
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/poughkeepsie-debra-anastasia/1107612742?ean=9781936305957&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-PwUJvmDcu1U-_-10:1
BAM: http://www.booksamillion.com/search?query=9781936305957
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=9781936305957&c=books&PAffiliateID=110l3H
KoBo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/poughkeepsie-3
August 29, 2015
Awesome
A video posted by Dr. Mike (@doctor.mike) on Mar 22, 2015 at 11:53am PDT
August 23, 2015
$5 Amazon Giftcard giveaway!! Click Facebook post to win!!
WIN a $5 Amazon gift card!! Comment below and share this post to enter!! HUGE sale from Tijan's Books, Teresa Mummert...
Posted by Debra Anastasia on Sunday, August 23, 2015
August 18, 2015
.99¢ SALE!! Mummert, Robinson, Anastasia, Tijan
★★HUGE SALE!★★
The Good Girls by Teresa Mummert - $.99
http://amzn.to/1WApmlg
Deception by K. A. Robinson - $.99
http://amzn.to/1WApb9v
Fire Down Below by Debra Anastasia - $.99
http://amzn.to/1K2Wxce
Fallen Crest High by Tijan - FREE
http://amzn.to/1IYwbWF
The Good Girls by Teresa Mummert - $.99
http://amzn.to/1WApmlg
Deception by K. A. Robinson - $.99
http://amzn.to/1WApb9v
Fire Down Below by Debra Anastasia - $.99
http://amzn.to/1K2Wxce
Fallen Crest High by Tijan - FREE
http://amzn.to/1IYwbWF
August 17, 2015
Season Vining's Perfect Betrayal 5 STARS from Debra Anastasia
To the outside world, Taylor Hudson has it all: beauty, money and social status. But Taylor’s privileged life is far lonelier than it appears.
Levi is the inside man on a job to steal fifteen million dollars from one of the town’s wealthiest families, putting him on a crash course with Taylor. Neither of them believe in love, but lust. . . that’s undeniable.
Now they’re locked in a wicked game of seduction and it’s unclear who is playing who. But neither of them expected the affair to lead to the deepest connection they’ve ever experienced. Because beneath Taylor’s perfect exterior lies a need for love that mirrors Levi’s own.
As the heist approaches, how can Levi protect Taylor from the truth?
Is he willing to give up everything to save the one girl who’s made him want to be a better man?
I love Season Vining's writing, and if you haven't indulged in it yet, this book is a perfect start. Levi and Taylor are stinking hot together and I love the added dynamic of the the twisting plot. The sex scenes are STEAMY and the action doesn't stop. LOVE the banter between the friends.
Perfect summer read!
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1JkUVMb
Levi is the inside man on a job to steal fifteen million dollars from one of the town’s wealthiest families, putting him on a crash course with Taylor. Neither of them believe in love, but lust. . . that’s undeniable.
Now they’re locked in a wicked game of seduction and it’s unclear who is playing who. But neither of them expected the affair to lead to the deepest connection they’ve ever experienced. Because beneath Taylor’s perfect exterior lies a need for love that mirrors Levi’s own.
As the heist approaches, how can Levi protect Taylor from the truth?
Is he willing to give up everything to save the one girl who’s made him want to be a better man?
I love Season Vining's writing, and if you haven't indulged in it yet, this book is a perfect start. Levi and Taylor are stinking hot together and I love the added dynamic of the the twisting plot. The sex scenes are STEAMY and the action doesn't stop. LOVE the banter between the friends.
Perfect summer read!
Find it here: http://amzn.to/1JkUVMb
August 13, 2015
Poughkeepsie Begins
Are you ready to cry your fucking head off? Writing this book destroyed me. Add it here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23597923-poughkeepsie-begins #PoughkeepsieBegins 11.22.15
