Allison Bruning's Blog, page 50

CWA: The Secrets of #MarilynMonroe

The quiet cruise ship slowly sails to it's next location on the vast ocean. You sit next to your desk in the secret room the boy has shown you a few nights ago examining his journal. You've been down here for hours trying to connect the missing pieces of your mysterious puzzle. You had searched the maps, the journal and the odd pieces of writings you had found in the old desk but nothing made sense to you. It was almost as if you weren't the only one trying to connect the ship to strange to odd circumstances, controversies and cover-ups. You pushed the journal aside and examine several pieces of writing. It seemed to you that cruise ship was much older than you had originally thought. Tasha was just the newest captain in a long line of captains. Just how old was this ship anyways? There had been several keen observers, like yourself, who had questioned the ship. Some had solved mysteries and wrote them down while finding new unanswerable questions.
A slight chill in the air passed through the cabin. You knew what that feeling was. It had been there whenever the boy appeared to you. He was a nice ghost, often times offering you advice to help you answer some lingering question you couldn't solve on your own. "Hello," you call out. The temperature dropped even more. You grab you coat and and place it on. "Hello," you call out again then turned to around to see if your young friend is there. Nothing. You rise from your chair. "This isn't funny. If you want to help me then..." A familiar woman laughs. Suddenly,  Marilyn Monroe flashes before you as if she is stuck between the living and the dead. Your heart nearly jumps out of your chest. She disappears just as a book flies off the bookshelf and lands with a thump on your desk. You turn around to see it open by itself to a journal entry. Curious, you sit back down and begin to read.
[image error] Filmplakat "The true story" by brandbook.de
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/brandboo...While many believe that Marilyn Monroe was murdered on that fateful night in August 1962, the real question still remains. What was the actual reason for her demise? Marilyn was a well-loved personality who ran in all the right (or wrong) circles. What could she possibly know that was such a threat to someone that only her death would bring them security? Was it Hollywood and the finishing of the film she'd been fired from and then rehired on? Maybe it was her involvement in Las Vegas with the Rat Pack and mobsters or possibly her association with the Kennedys, especially Patricia and John F. that would lead to the ultimate sacrifice. In 1962, sinister forces were at work plotting to kill America's sex goddess to keep her from divulging deadly information. While mobster Sam Giancana played nice with Frank Sinatra, leader of the Rat Pack and America's favorite crooner. Frank was being equally nice to Peter Lawford, JFK's brother-in-law, in order to enter the political circles that Marilyn already had access too. As this circle was being completed one vital bit of information was passed on that would end the life of Marilyn Monroe or did it? In this 1960's conspiracy story, Marilyn Monroe is saved by Peter Lawford. Bobby Kennedy replaces the real Marilyn with a body double allowing the whole world to think she is dead. Badly beaten and bruised, Marilyn struggles to come to grips with her near death experience and the realization that everything she worked for is gone forever. The actress and sex goddess is dead.
Whoever had written the entry had your full attention. You flip the page to find an entry by Marilyn Monroe. It had obviously been entered after she had died but how? How can a ghost write a journal entry?
[image error] Marilyn Monroe by Shavar Ross
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/shavar/4...
My life was such a mess.  I had gotten in way over my head and I knew it.  Hell everyone knew it.   On the outside it was much the same life as I’d lived for the past eight or ten years.  My smiling face was plastered on the covers of magazines and hung on walls in many a barracks as the pin up girl they loved most.  Yes, on the outside it looked like I had it made but on the inside, on the inside it was a totally different thing.
My ‘killer’ suggested to the world that I had overdosed on Nembutal.  Truth is I know how to take my drugs.  I’ve been slowly weaning myself off of them for weeks now.  I’ve even fired Dr. Greenson, my psychoanalyst.  My romances are widely followed and in the public eye.  But this romance was different enough that it was dangerous, this romance turned out to be deadly (but not for me) even though it was hushed up.
Why the cover up?  Why the intrigue and mystery?  What have I done to get myself killed?  The answer is really simple.  I know too much.
Despite my public image, I have a 168 IQ level.  Many people say that is about the same IQ that Albert Einstein has but I know him and he’s smarter, by a long shot, than I’ll ever be.  My sex goddess, dumb blonde image has to end in order for me to help figure out the real problem in this story. 
Who wanted me dead?  The short answer is everyone.  It’s not as if the major politicians worldwide watched what they were saying in my presence.  I have entrée into every society including the mafia, Castro’s communist world, Hollywood and of course the politicians here in the United States.  I know all of the dirty secrets each and every one of them have.  It was only a matter of time before someone realized that I knew the secret.
Here’s the secret someone wants to assassinate our president, John F. Kennedy and I know why.  I even know who’s behind it but I need proof.   Come along with me on my journey to uncover the truth.  I can’t tell you any more or you may be in danger.
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http://www.amazon.com/What-She-Knew-K-Hughes/dp/0578096854/ref=la_B007PGO8CI_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356608771&sr=1-1

Who are K.R. Hughes and T.L. Burns?
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K. R. Hughes [image error] Hughes is an English major from Texas. She enjoys writing with her co-author T.L. Burns. They are currently working on the sequel to "What She Knew". The fast paced novel that finishes telling the story.Hughes enjoys working with budding writers and tutoring English.Find other works by this author in the Historical Romance section, pen name is Kymber Lee, "Treasured Love" is a fun romp written in Regency England in 1811. Lee (Hughes) wrote this novel for her grandmother who is a huge supporter of her work.
T.L Burns
[image error] As my co-author puts it "I am the foremost researcher and historical guru for our novel "What She Knew." Our novel was just released March of 2012. She and I are busily working on the sequel, "What She Knew Too, The saga continues." You can learn more about them at our website www.whatsheknew.com.
I am originally from California (desert region, with mountains), spent nearly 20 years in the panhandle of Texas (again, desert region only without the mountains) and now reside in Atlanta, GA. Trees and flowers everywhere!! Even the weeds are green and lush! I feel like I'm living in a postcard!! And, no wind! The desert regions are sooooo windy.
I've been married for 32 years! Woo Hoo! And, to the same man!! That's an accomplishment, and not because of our present times. If you knew my hubby, then you'd know why. LOL! No, all joking aside, he's a great guy and my biggest supporter! He always believes in my writing, even if I doubt at times.
We have two grown sons; both of them are perfect in every way, except for the parts that take after their dad, lol!! One serves our country in the Army, is married to a beautiful woman and has three beautiful children. Our other son is about to graduate from College with his first degree in Modern Languages and then continue on for his Engineering degree. Needless to say, we are so very proud of the wonderful young men our sons have turned out to be. We also have one pupple (puppy/people) living at home with us, Binford. Now, he really is perfect in every way!

Merry Christmas!

[image error] Merry Christmas Sign by Digital Magic Photography
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalm...

[image error] a merry christmas? yes we can! by debaird
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/debaird/...

In honor of my Irish/Scottish ancestors.



In honor of my German ancestors

CWA: Crazy Name Town and Free Books

[image error] Giordano's Pizza by Chris Metcalf
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/laffy4k/...
Hello, and welcome to Crazy Name Town. I’m glad you all could make it today. I trust you have had a jolly good cruise so far. My name is Detective Smarts and my colleague here, with the reddish hair, is Officer Dewdrop. We will be showing you around. Please follow me. If you’re thirsty from your trip, you can pop into the shop here for a Soppy Soda. Later, we will get a grab to eat at Burnt Offerings Restaurant on Dodgy Stomach Street.
Why, thank you, sir. I’m glad you like my suit. My favourite colour is brown, you know, and so I have about fifteen suits exactly like this one. Yes, exactly the same. If you find the perfect thing, why change it? Now, come along. This is one of our main streets. Why aren’t we driving? Ah, well, I had a small accident in which a lamp post banged into me.
‘Beep! Beep!’
Oops, excuse me. I’ll just take this call. Huddle around everyone. We don’t want you all blocking the street. Ah, hello Deborah Stinkbottom. How are things at the police station today? Everything fine, I hope. Oh, really? Are you sure? Right, I see. Okay, thank you, bye.Everyone, we need to take a quick detour. There have been reports of a strange man in fancy dress costume shouting things at people in Cheesy Terrace. Do you mind coming along? I guess you’ll get to see some real police work. As the detective in this town, I feel like I should check it out. Come along now! It’s not far. Ah, here is our cinema, Filmtastic Frenzy. I love their Perky Popcorn. It’s the best. I came to see a film here last week with my, erm, friend, Barbara Fruity.
“I came too.”
Yes, Dewdrop came here too, with his date, Alice Pickle.
“You were on a date too...”
Well, erm, anyway we watched this very good film called The Revenge of the Maniac Cucumber. What was it about? Well, you see, a killer cucumber was rampaging through the City of Limp Lettuce, causing havoc wherever it rolled. All of the cute strawberries were being held to ransom because they were the nicest of fruits. The evil cucumber wanted to know what their secret was, and why they were so juicy when he was rough. He was also a bit on the hairy side, but hoped the other fruits hadn’t noticed. Lately, he’d been wondering if to get waxed, but his pain threshold wasn’t too high.Ah, we need to cross the road here, and we just walk down there. Diddily-do! Ah, I know those guys in that car. Stop! Eeek! Hello there, Bob and Joe. Sorry to make you slam on the breaks. No harm done? Everyone, here are Bob Banana and Joe Mango, two of Crazy Name Town’s finest officers. Where are you two going? Cheesy Terrace? Ah, I’m just on my way there now. I can handle that. I’ve had another report come in. Could you take care of it? Thanks. A woman has reported a naked burglar.
“Naked, sir, in this weather? Wouldn’t he have a chilly willy?”
Well, I don’t know about that, Bob. The woman lives at number 11, Frank-and-stupid Street. It’s just off Big Foot Junction. Oddly, she couldn’t give a description and said the man was kind of shadowy looking. I know. Not much to go on, but if you could pay the woman a visit, that would be great. I’m showing these lovely people around today, but then Deborah rang about Cheesy Terrace. Thank you. Bye boys.
Right, everyone, please follow me. This is Cheesy Terrace. I’ll just sort this small problem and then we can check out Crazy Name Town properly. Officer Dewdrop, I forgot to hand out maps to everyone. Can you do that, please? Thank you.
 “Pizza!”
My, what’s he doing? Is that man drunk?
“Is he in fancy dress, sir?”
I don’t know, Dewdrop. Everyone, please stop for a moment. I think this man has had a little bit too much to drink and thinks it’s Halloween – hence his outfit. I don’t want to put anyone in danger here, so don’t move. You’re on holiday, after all.
“Ahhhhhh!”
Stop, lady! What’s the problem?
“Doctor Boring has been attacked at the surgery, and I saw that man over there walking away!” Alright, calm down. Dewdrop, could you take a statement from the lady, please. Now everyone, I’m a detective and a good one at that, if I say so myself. Everyone wait here. I’m going to go and talk to the man, and find out what’s going on. I’ll be back in a second. Excuse me? Sir! Sir! Can you stop? I’d like to have a word with you.
“Pizza!”
I don’t have any. Please stop walking. Put your arms down. Stop staggering. I’m sure you can walk better than that. How much have you had to drink?
“Pizza!”
You know it’s not Halloween, don’t you? Why on earth are you dressed in such a crazy get-up? Although I have to admit that it looks pretty realistic. Mushrooms, cheese, pepperoni, olives, peppers – you’ve thought of everything. You really do look like a walking pizza. Even down to the big, red tomato fake nose!
“Pizza!”
Yes, yes, I’m saying that I like your outfit, but I have to ask you a few questions. Erm, stand still, you’ve got some mushrooms falling off. Wow, you even smell like the real thing. Look, stand still. I’m going to hold on to your arm now to steady you. Don’t panic. Eeeeewwww, you’re sticky and greasy. Yikes, that’s tomato paste on my hand and something cheesy. Oh, my... my, oh, my... you’re real!
“Pizza!”
Everyone run! Run back to the police station! Dewdrop, that’s not a man in costume – it’s a real, living, walking pizza dude! We need help! Run! We need back-up!
“How about a pizza cutter!”
Miss, that’s not going to help! Run!
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Day of the Living PizzaDetective Smarts of Crazy Name Town has a problem. Doctor Boring and his receptionist have been bumped off, and the only clues at the scene are some olives, tomatoes, mushrooms and sprinkles of oregano. With the town folk dropping like flies and strange figures stumbling down the streets, Officer Dewdrop has an idea.Written especially for Gage Bailey and contained in the Gage Project book to raise money for children's charities. All profits go to charity. 


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Day of the Pesky ShadowAfter his previous oregano-sprinkled adventure, Detective Smarts is still finding it hard to look at a pizza, never mind eat one. But there is a new mindboggler to solve - who is the mysterious, dark figure causing the townsfolk's legs to go wibbly wobbly? Smarts and sidekick Dewdrop are hot on the trail.

Who Is Vickie Johnstone? [image error] Vickie Johnstone lives in London, where she works as a freelance layout sub-editor on magazines and an editor/proofreader on books. She has a thing about fluffy cats and also loves reading, writing, films, the sea, art, nature, Milky Bar and travelling. She has written 10 books.
In 2011, Vickie self-published the following books: Kaleidoscope(119 poems); Travelling Light (free poetry); Kiwi in Cat City (Kiwi Series book 1); Kiwi and the Missing Magic (book 2); and Kiwi and the Living Nightmare (book 3).
In 2012, Vickie published: Day of the Living Pizza and Day of the Pesky Shadow (two comedies for ages 10 up); Life’s Rhythms (316 haiku); 3 Heads and a Tail (romantic comedy, written for NaNoWriMo); Kiwi and the Serpent of the Isle (book 4); Kiwi in the Realm of Ra (book 5), and Kiwi’s Christmas Tail (book 6).
The Kiwi books have illustrations by Nikki McBroom and the Day of covers are by Jennifer Bastow.
Blog and links:
Blog: http://vickiejohnstone.blogspot.com
Twitter: @vickiejohnstone
Kiwi Series website: Kiwiincatcity.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorVickieJ...
http://www.facebook.com/KiwiinCatCity
Sales links:
Amazon US author page: http://www.amazon.com/Vickie-Johnstone/e/B004SZ9TGE/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1Amazon UK book page:http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&field-author=Vickie%20Johnstone&search-alias=digital-textSmashwords author page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/vixie


WANT TO WIN A COPY OF ONE OF THESE BOOKS? JUST ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION TO ENTER. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE 1ST. 
"What is the silliest name you have ever heard?"

More #Christmas Goodies!

[image error] Merry christmas by: scrappingmoka
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/36082173...

This little girl is overjoyed by the Christmas Packages from Santa.

Whatever could it be?

The Amazon boxes are smiling.

[image error] Amazon Christmas by: Michael Lehenbauer
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelehe...
Why?

Because Santa Clause just delivered all these kindle books 99cents! 

Get ready to load that kindle up with some awesome books! 


He even put mine on the list under Christian Inspiration!

[image error] Santa Claus by Marion Doss
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/ooocha/2...
Here's the list. He's checked it twice. 



Urban FantasyBruce Blake - On Unfaithful Wings (An Icarus Fell Novel #1) - US link: http://amzn.to/XnhRkNUK link: http://amzn.to/Qkf0BPBruce Blake - All Who Wander Are Lost (An Icarus Fell Novel #2) - US link: http://amzn.to/SxWtWE UK link: http://amzn.to/11Tx9OH
Dark Fantasy/Sci-FiSteven Montano - Blood Skies (Book 1) - US link: http://amzn.to/YKjqez UK link: http://amzn.to/VCrmfW
Epic FantasyAutumn M. Birt - Born of Water - US link http://amzn.to/VsyVzF UK Link: http://amzn.to/VopRvW Smashwords: http://bit.ly/Xz9ZNkBruce Blake - Blood of the King (Khirro's Journey Book 1) - US link: http://amzn.to/Rp5CPJ UK link: http://amzn.to/VPxg9T Scott Bury - The Bones of the Earth - US link: http://amzn.to/YRAHlO UK link: http://amzn.to/RjK2Qj
Paranormal FantasyGary Henry - American Goddesses - Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/168834
Short Stories - Literary FictionBeverly Akerman - The Meaning of Children - US link: http://amzn.to/SOs6KD UK link: http://amzn.to/MysteryU3mR99
Short Stories - Mystery/Adventure/FantasyGary Henry - What Happened to Jory and Other Dark Departures - Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/107606
Children'sCinta Garcia de la Rosa - The Funny Adventures of Little Nani- US link: http://amzn.to/US3Itz UK link: http://amzn.to/STqyQW
Middle GradeVickie Johnstone - Kiwi in Cat City - magical cat series (6 books) - US link: http://amzn.to/QNcIzLUK Link: http://amzn.to/127JJsY
Young Adult ContemporaryRenee Pace - Off Leash - US link: http://amzn.com/B005S34JO2UK link: http://amzn.to/125BYEM
Young Adult – Action AdventureK.D.Emerson – Digitus 233 – US link: http://amzn.to/Tg6CXm UK link: http://amzn.to/VemETB
MysteryAdam Gaffen - Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Viscount's Butler - US link: http://amzn.to/UvVPrh UK link: http://amzn.to/12fTbujAdam Gaffen - Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Date - US link: http://amzn.to/TNTtXi UK link: http://amzn.to/SYHOCR
Cozy MysteryBrad Fleming - Inky Black - The Case of the Missing Moggy- US link: http://amzn.to/TKJpgT UK Link: http://amzn.to/SC2xwlBrad Fleming - An Inky Black Story - A Hard Day at the Office - US link: http://amzn.to/WMXR6oUK Link: http://amzn.to/UhTdel
Science FictionAdam Gaffen - A Deadly Quest (The Cassidy Chronicles) - US link: http://amzn.to/RjLHp4 UK link: http://amzn.to/UvW1qBAdam Gaffen - Run Like Hell (The Cassidy Chronicles) - US link: http://amzn.to/RjLQJ8 UK link: http://amzn.to/VIPgX4Adam Gaffen - Refuge - US link: http://amzn.to/SQ4A17UK link: http://amzn.to/Vxqd3cAdam Gaffen - The Longest Night - US link: http://amzn.to/QREStiUK link: http://amzn.to/WVT3LTAdam Gaffen - Who Watches the Watchers? - US link :http://amzn.to/TNUjDB UK link: http://amzn.to/VxqN12
RomanceBlaithin O'Reilly Murphy - The Meaning of Purple Tulips - US link: http://amzn.to/S4H6XN UK link: http://amzn.to/UzGu99
Regency RomanceKymber Lee - Lord Tristan's True Love - U.S link: http://amzn.to/VM9Zpg UK Link: http://amzn.to/TIrA2N
Romantic ComedyVickie Johnstone - 3 Heads & a Tail - US link: http://amzn.to/Vop0LX UK link: http://amzn.to/SSQYAL
Erotic Dark FantasyM. Peters - Undisclosed Desire - US link: http://amzn.to/SOMThc UK link: http://amzn.to/X6TtPF
Erotic ParanormalRenee Field - A Siren's Wish - US link: http://amzn.com/B006PU6CD8 UK link: http://amzn.to/YX4WrC
ThrillerJoe McCoubrey - Death by Licence - US link: http://amzn.to/TG2gqP UK link: http://amzn.to/UhRyp6Brad Fleming - Role of Dishonour - US link: http://amzn.to/123Yey3 UK link: http://amzn.to/UhSfyX
Christian InspirationDeEtte Beckstead - The Christmas Visitors - US Link: http://amzn.to/VABvK5 UK Link: http://amzn.to/YTsKeOAllison Bruning - Reflections: Poems and Essays - US Link: http://amzn.to/YHca2S UK Link: http://amzn.to/TNyaBZ
PoetryVickie Johnstone - Life's Rhythms - 316 Haiku - US link: http://amzn.to/TLSw0F UK link: http://amzn.to/RHurtL
Non-Fiction: Adventure TravelAutumn M. Birt & Adam P. Paul - Danger Peligros - US Link: http://amzn.to/Xz9R0d UK Link: http://amzn.to/TZkK5i Smashwords: http://bit.ly/SSSLpn
Non-Fiction: MemoirAlycia Neighbours - Deciding to Dance - US link: http://amzn.to/12fRk8Y UK link: http://amzn.to/TLkEi9Alycia Neighbours - Wake Up In the Mourning - US link: http://amzn.to/Z2l1uW UK link: http://amzn.to/SQ2xdB
Non-Fiction: Self HelpJamesina Greene - Help! I Don't Like Myself - US link :http://amzn.to/1218mIw UK link: http://amzn.to/1218rw7

A #Christmas Gift! Mary's Song.

Merry Christmas!
I have have a wonderful gift for all my readers. Below you will find a copy of my poem "Mary's Song" I wrote this song thinking about what it would have been like for Mary to watch her son's life. She was an remarkable woman. I hope her journey moves you as it did for me. Merry Christmas.

[image error] Mary and Baby Jesus by Scott Schram
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/schram/2...

Mary’s SongI was blessed by a scandalPregnant, before marriageMy beloved baby boy, Born in a manger,You blessed my life with controversy.
Flesh of my fleshSon of GodYou came into a simple lifeBorn to a carpenter and his wife.
I watched as you grewIn Egypt and GalileeMore children came yet it always remained,You were my favorite sonMy first-born son!
The day your father diedYou were a manI smiled and I criedNo longer my boyBut the man of our household.
I never knewBut I guess I should haveHow great a man You would become
On that day When you went awayI wonderedWill he be okay out on his own?
What magnificent deedsI heard you didYou cured the sickAnd healed so manyYou preached hope, love, and peaceMy baby born A mother could not be more proud to call you her son
And to me it ended that dayThe day they took you awayI anguished as you were beaten, bruised And taken to the cross.
He’s innocent!My baby boy is innocent!I cried insideWhat injusticeI did not understandHow could a mother do soWhen her baby boy is willing to be nailed to the cross?

I cried.I anguished.I saw you die!My manger babyGod’s own sonGone!
But glory beI saw the tombThree days laterYour body was gone!
You came to meAnd the othersSpeaking words of hopeMy manger babyNow my savior and kingGlory be!
Mary's Song is just one of many poems that is available in my book Reflections. Reflections is 99cents until the end of December. 

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You can find it at http://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Poems-Essays-ebook/dp/B00AC1DB7G 

LID: How To Build Your Family Tree

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December 23
National Roots Day
I love this holiday! It's a genealogist's dream holiday. Roots day. Genealogy is the study of family history through lineage. I was introduced to genealogy when I was around nine years old. I have been conducting research into my family tree ever since. Above is part of my pedigree. On my mother's side I can trace our family to the 17th century. My father's side is harder to trace because my grandparents were from Germany. Some of my family members have tried to trace that line but have come up empty handed. There are many genealogy resources on the web which has opened many door for genealogists to conduct research in areas where they may not be able to visit. Sites such as Ancestry allow descendants from the same lineage to work together in order to find information that they are needing for their own tree. If you look at my banner, you will see two pictures of my ancestors that I found on ancestry.com. The one on the right is my German grandmother, Johanne Weers Bruning and the one of the left is of my Appalachian Irish great - great grandparents, Lina and Dallas McCardle. 
How to Build Your Family Tree
A family tree is a form that genealogists use to track their lineage. To start with grab this lineage chart from ancestry http://c.ancestry.com/pdf/trees/charts/anchart.pdf. YOU WILL NEED TO WRITE IN PENCIL AND MAKE SEVERAL COPIES OF THIS CHART. 
Let's get started. Below you see part of your chart. We will always start this chart on the left hand side. Place YOUR name on the first line. Now fill in the rest of the information in your box. Below your box add your spouse's name. If you want to do your spouse's tree you will need another chart. 
Great! Now add your parents.  You're father goes on the top and your mother goes on the bottom. Always use the maiden name for females not their married names. For example. My parents would be Roland Irving Bruning on top and Betty Jane Carr on bottom. 
If you don't know any of the information don't worry about it. We will research it later. 
You will also need to create a family group sheet. I have found using these are great when a family has multiple children. Grab this here: http://c.ancestry.com/pdf/trees/charts/famgrec.pdf Each family including your own should have a family group sheet. Don't worry about creating one for siblings of your direct ancestor. We are only interested in your direct lines. 
[image error] Next Step:
We need to add your grandparent's information to the chart.  [image error]
Do the same thing you did for your parents on the brackets behind them for their parents. Don't worry if you are missing information. Just write what you know.  Behind your grandparents you see more brackets but the information below them is missing. That is because you will only place your great-grandparent's names on the lines. Each great grandparent will have their own chart. 
You are doing great! 
Now let's talk about the Cont. on Chart lines. Each chart that you create is numbered. This is the first chart of your linage. On the upper right hand corner of your chart you will see: [image error] Write the number 1. This tells you that this chart is your starting point.  You will need to keep your charts in order. I have placed all my charts in a 3 ring binder with copies of the evidence to support my claims. We'll talk about evidence later on. 
On the upper left hand side you see:
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Place a number 1 on the top and bottom lines. This means that you are the first person on this chart. Now go back through your chart and number each person from top to bottom. 1- you, 2- father, 3- mother. 4- paternal grandfather, 5-paternal grandmother...etc.
Now that you have done that look through your information and see what you are missing. 
Research
Are you ready for the fun part? I am! 
Grab this document: http://c.ancestry.com/pdf/trees/charts/correc.pdf
To find your missing information you will want to interview your parents and grandparents. Don't just ask them for the missing information but also for any stories they can recall. You will want to record this interview if they allow it. I have found some of my best information comes from the stories my grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc have told me. Be sure to record your findings on the document I have given you. Once you have the information you seek return to your tree and place it in the bracket it belongs in. See how far back you can get while interviewing your relatives. They may even give you documents and portraits for your tree. You will want to accept those. I have found my father's birth certificate by talking to my brother.
Here are some other places you will want to look:Family reunions I discovered at a few family reunions that there was a Hill and Messenger Genealogy book already complied. If you are at a family reunion and you find out that there is already a family genealogy book ask for a copy of it. Most of the time whoever is the keeper of the family history will allow you to have one. Also be sure to talk to your relatives. You never know what bits and pieces of information you will find.
Local Libraries. Most local libraries have a genealogy room you can use. It will have books of local history, microfilm of older newspapers (which are great for stories about your family, obits, birth announcements and wedding announcements), and online resources. My family has been described as the Who's Who of Marion County, Ohio so it was easier for me to research for my family in the Marion County Library Genealogy Room. I have found many stories about my family in the Marion Star as well.

AncestryAncestry is a wonderful resource that I have used in the past because it links your tree with other people who are searching the same ancestor. You have to be careful though that the tree you are trying to link up with has proper documentation to support the claim. Don't just accept everything you see. Verify it.

CourthouseYou will need to obtain the following documents for your ancestors at the courthouse that is associated with where your ancestor lived. Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Divorce (if they did), and Death Certificate. If you cannot go to the place where these are located you can call the courthouse and ask for the documentation. You will need the name of the person and the date of the event. It will cost you a small fee for them to mail it to you or for you to pick it up. I have done this plenty of times.

Military records will not be found at the courthouse. I would suggest finding those on ancestry.  You can request any military personnel's records through http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/standard-form-180.html
If your ancestors were immigrants you can search the Ellis Island records for free at http://www.ellisisland.org
Here is another resource http://www.argenweb.net/crawford/favorite.htmGenealogy SocietiesThese are wonderful to use. Every county should have a local genealogical society you can join. They will help you to locate documents that you are missing. If they don't have the document then they can point you in the right direction. I have used the one in Marion County, Ohio for much of my research.
CemeteriesCemeteries are a great resource. I suggest once you have located your ancestor's grave that you bring supplies with you so that you can do a gravestone etching.  Gravestone etchings are considered records. Read this to learn more. http://www.genevahistoricalsociety.com/PDFs/Cemetery%20Stories/Rubbing%20Instructions.PDF

You can also take photos of the gravestone. If you can't get to the location yourself you can ask someone on FindAGrave to take a picture for you. You can also search FindAGrave to locate your ancestor's grave. Here is their link. http://www.findagrave.com
Before you head out to the cemetery be sure to grab these forms. http://www.argenweb.net/crawford/images/CemeteryRecords-pg1.pdf 
and
http://www.argenweb.net/crawford/images/CemeteryRecords-pg2.pdf
When you get to the cemetery you will want to document where your ancestor's grave is located. You can record more than one ancestor on this form. Be sure to also map where the headstones are located so that it will be easier to find if you or someone else returns. 
Ancestry SocietiesThere are many different types of Genealogical groups you can join. I am a member National Society of the Daughters of American Revolution. My ancestor Private Reuben Messenger fought in the American Revolutionary War. http://www.dar.org The male counterpart is the National Society of the Sons of American Revolution. https://www.sar.org

You learn more about the other societies at http://www.ancestry.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Societies
These groups are not only filled with people who share a common heritage with you but are also about keeping history alive and serving others. 
The Next Chart

Now that you have all the information you need on the first chart it's time to pick a great- grandparent and start a new chart. You will place that grandparent on the first line of the new chart.  On the new chart find this at the top and put a number 2. Every time you start a new chart you will put the next number in that space. 
[image error]

Remember this?
[image error] Find that on the top of your new chart. Now go back to your first chart. Find the number associated with your ancestor on the first chart and place that number on the top line. Below the line place a number 1. This tells you where to find your ancestor on the preceding chart. You will continue to do this for each new chart. Make certain you match the ancestor to the correct chart and number. 
That's it. You just continue the process with each new chart. ENJOY! 

LID: The World's Shortest Day

[image error] Solstice sunset by fdcomite @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/fdecomit...
December 22, 2012
Winter Solstice
The winter solstice occurs once every year when the sun appears at its lowest altitude with  a southerly declination of -23.5 degrees. Another way to state the occurrence is when the North Pole is tilted 23.5 degrees away from the sun. The effect of this yearly event causes the earth to experience the shortest day and longest night of the year. The winter solstices usually occurs between December 20th to December 23rd.  Anyone living north of the North Pole are unable to see daylight during the Winter Solstice. 

[image error] Earth-Lighting-Winter Solstice by Blueshade
@http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fil...
Even though the Winter Solstice is the darkest day of the year it doesn't mean it is the coldest day. According to National Geographic, "Because the oceans are slow to heat and cool, in December the seas still retain some warmth from summer, delaying the coldest of winter days for another month and a half." The day after the Winter Solstice the days begin to lengthen until the Summer Solstice, which is the the brightest day of the year. 

Celebrations
The Winter Solstice has been observed since the Neolithic times. Prehistoric monuments such as Ireland's New Grange and England's Stonehenge were set up capture the Winter Solstice light. The Winter Solstice has been observed by many cultures throughout the world. You can learn more by visiting these links:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/1221-winter-solstice-first-day-winter-facts/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice
http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/december-solstice-customs.html

CWA: Hot Times in Old #Paris

You walk through the large crowd gathered at the Notre-Dame de Paris looking at the magnificent architecture. You have always been a fan of old architecture. You could stand here all day just gazing upon the great cathedryl's beauty but you had a job to do. You take a few photos then place your camera back in your satchel. You don't want to forget this trip. Who knows if you'll ever be back in modern Paris again. Maybe someday the ship will go back in time and you'll see the construction of Notre Dame. What you wouldn't give to talk to someone who had worked on the building. 
You turn around hearing Dalton call the group together. As you walk towards your leader you notice couples of all ages cuddling, smiling and showing other forms of affection towards each other. Every one of them enjoying the City of Love. 
[image error] Notre-Dame de Paris by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalbera/...
Hi, my name is Lanise Avery, it's my pleasure to welcome you to Paris.  I hear you got here on a magic cruise ship.  Wow.  Isn't this a beautiful city?  Is this your first time here?  I started coming to Paris when I was a teenager fresh out of high school, see I'm a fashion model.  I'm sorry, I don't mean to talk about myself, tell me where you're from. 
Oh, that's a nice place too, I've been there.  I've been lots of places, one of the perks of being a model is that you get to visit many places.  How long have I been here?  Let's see, it's been about two years now.  Yes I'm married but...I'm sorry, I don't mean to get emotional, you see my husband and I are separated at the moment.  It's a long story, I don't want to....well, yes I do still love him but it's kind of complicated and I don't think I should be talking about this with you.  After all, we just met and I'm supposed to be showing you around the beautiful city of Paris, not talking about me.
There's lots of things for you to do and see here.  Where shall we start...how about the Eiffel Tower, or the Louvre Museum, and you must go to see the Moulin Rouge Show...and then there's the Palace of Versailles, the Seine Cruise on the River, and.....what? 
No my husband's in Atlanta, Georgia.  Now what was I saying....you're not gonna stop asking me questions until I tell you the whole story are you?  OK.  Well.  I'm sorry, I feel like such a cry baby.  I met my husband, Tyrese Langston, five years ago at a haute couture modeling gig in L.A.  He's a Record Producer.  He was so charming and good looking that I could barely concentrate.  I messed up several times while doing my cat walk down the runway.  Humph...it seems like only yesterday.  A few months later we were married.  Everything was wonderful.
Fast forward three years and it all came crashing down in a single evening.  What happened...  everything and nothing.  I have a friend named Alvin...Ayoboni  I should say.  He was Alvin when we were kids all through grade school and high school, but he'd changed his name to Ayoboni  the next time I saw him.  We became friends in grade school when three girls tried to beat me up,  but Alvin came to my rescue and made them leave me alone.  Alvin was nothing more than a skinny little nerd, but he became my hero that day and we were inseparable after that.  That is, until he went off to college and I went off to model.
One day out of the blue, Ayoboni calls and asks me to help him launch his career as a fashion designer.  I was floored, last thing I heard, he was an engineering major, all of a sudden now he was a clothes designer.  Anyway,  he felt that since we were good friends, and of course being a famous name in the fashion industry, that I could really make a difference getting his name out there.I was really flattered and him being my best friend since grade school, naturally I accepted.  To my surprise, he had named an entire line after me.  He called it Avery Woman.  It was an honor and it made me feel special to have my own clothing line.  He had a contract drawn up that we would share the profits 50/50 and everything.
Anyhow, to make a long story short...it took two whole weeks for me to be fitted, measured, designed, rehearsed, the whole nine.   Naturally Ayoboni and I spent most of our time together for those two weeks, and it was as if we'd never been apart.  It was just like old times, we laughed and joked and it felt good to have my best friend back.  We had the most fabulous clothing launch L.A. had ever seen.  Everybody who was anybody was there.  It was a truly wonderful night and a huge success.  Then just as suddenly the storm came.  My husband Ty flew into L.A. to surprise me. He came back stage and found Ayoboni and I embracing each other, in celebration of how great everything had turned out.  But he accused us of having an affair and he called me a whore and he threw the roses he had brought me to the floor and rushed out. 
Did I go after him...no, no I didn't.  Though technically I hadn't done anything wrong, I guess my eyes and my heart couldn't lie and my husband read me like a book.  See...I fell in love with Ayoboni Balentine, I guess I loved him all along.  So I left that night and came here to Paris.  It's been two years since I've seen either Ty or Ayoboni.  But now..... 
What would you have done?
[image error]
http://www.amazon.com/Cloudy-With-Chance-Patricia-Balentine/dp/1449088848/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351573272&sr=8-1&keywords=patricia+balentine
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cloudy-with-a-chance-of-rain-patricia-balentine/1100215987?ean=9781449088842
http://patriciabalentine.wix.com/patricia-balentine-#!home/mainPage

Who is Patricia Balentine?

[image error] Author of the sexy romance novel, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF RAIN, Patricia Balentine is new to the writing industry and elated to be a part of it.  Patricia was born in a small town in Alabama; at nine her family moved to Illinois where she lived until she was an adult. She is a wife and the mother of three. Currently she resides in Wisconsin but she is considering giving up the cold and snow for a warmer climate possibly in the near future.
Patricia started writing poetry when she was around nine or ten years old never believing that one ​day she would become an actual published author.  It happened by accident, when her husband discovered a book in their computer that she had written for her own personal entertai​nment.​  He strongly encouraged her to finish it and that encouragement is where her writing career began; giving you Cloudy With a Chance of Rain.
Patricia is a firm believer that dreams can come true, this is why she has her sights set on becoming not only a bestselling author, but also a screenplay writer as well. She would love to see her book made into a movie (she already has the actors in mind and the soundtrack).  Her belief in God is another thing that gives her faith that all things are possible. She has had a great start with this book, receiving 4 and 5 star* reviews from fans on Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Facebook. Pretty good for a debut novel!
Patricia hopes to have another book available for your reading pleasure soon.  She currently has several in the works, so look for more from Patricia Balentine in the very near future.  Right now she hopes that you will read and enjoy Cloudy With a Chance of Rain and become a friend and a fan of her work.

LID: End of Days or End of Age?

[image error] Mayan Calendar by theilr
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/theilr/2...


December 21, 2012
The End of the World?




It's been talked about for years. On November 13, 2009, Director and Screenwriter Roland Emmerich released his version of what was suppose to happen today in his movie 2012. It was a fantastic movie that was nominated for many awards. 



As 2012 drew closer many people began to take notice of the Mayan Prophecy. According to the Long Count Mayan Calender the world was suppose to end on December 21, 2012. There were many speculations as to how the world was suppose to end. Debates came and went. At the beginning of the New Year it began to occur to a lot of people that this might truly be the end of days. The year went fast and then all of sudden the date was quickly approaching. Some people didn't buy Christmas presents or decided to party on December 20th just in case it was the last party they would ever have. Well if you are reading this the fateful destruction of the world didn't happen. But something did happen. 
The Age of Aquarius

"The world was never going to end, this was an invention of the mass media," said Yolotzin, who leads the Aztec ritual dance group Cuautli-balam. "It is going to be a good era. ... We are going to be better." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/21/end-of-the-world-2012_n_2344389.html?ir=World
"Both the Hopis and Mayans recognize that we are approaching the end of a World Age... In both cases, however, the Hopi and Mayan elders do not prophesy that everything will come to an end. Rather, this is a time of transition from one World Age into another. The message they give concerns our making a choice of how we enter the future ahead. Our moving through with either resistance or acceptance will determine whether the transition will happen with cataclysmic changes or gradual peace and tranquility. The same theme can be found reflected in the prophecies of many other Native American visionaries from Black Elk to Sun Bear." — Joseph Robert Jochmans
The Maya Long Count Calender was only one of several calendars that were used by the Mayans. In fact the Aztec had adopted their calendar as their own. You can learn more about the Mayan Long Count Calendar at this link http://mayan-calendar.com/ancient_longcount.html
Mayan prophecies have been studied for years and this isn't the first time the world has heard of a doomsday prophecy. Just take a look at this long list of failed doomsday prophecies. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dates_predicted_for_apocalyptic_events
If there have been more than one failed doomsday prophecies then why were so many people paying attention to the Mayan Calendar? Because the Mayan Calender was accurate in predicting many things. 
The accurate time of the rise and fall of the sun and moon. Their calculations were within 33 seconds of the actual event.The 8.9 earthquake in JapanA Plate shift in the western part of the world (California)They knew sunspots were tornadoes on the sunThey predicted the 911 attacks ""Great steel birds will fall from the sky and end the great city to the north."They predicted their own demise and the demise of the Aztec civilizationThey predicted a new age not the end of the worldWant to read more accurate predictions the Mayans made? Check this link out: http://www.krschannel.com/Mayan.html A New Age? 

To understand the dawn of the New Age occurrence that happened today you have to understand Mayan beliefs. According to the Mayan beliefs, there are five Ages of Man. 
The Ages of Man are the different stages of human evolution on the planet. It has been defined by many different cultures. You can read more about the other cultures beliefs here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ages_of_Man
The Mayan Long Count Calender may have ended today but that does not mean the destruction of the world. Instead the Mayans believed mankind would enter into a new age. The Mayans believed that the  Age of the Jaguar, the fourth sun, began on 3114 BC. According to Mayan mythology this was the time when the First Mother and First Father brought the present world into being. It ended today with the end of the Mayan Long Count Calender. The end of the calender marks a new beginning for mankind. Mayan elders are excited about this event. To hear from the Maya Elders click these links http://astrology.about.com/od/2012/a/MayanElder.htm
http://www.in5d.com/mayan-elder-speaks.html
http://www.indigenous.youth-leader.org/?p=3712







By the way, today is also National Look on the Bright Side of Things Day and National Bah Humbug Day. Kind of ironic don't you think?

LID: A-Wassailing We Will Go

[image error] Carol Singing by Herry Lawford
@http://www.flickr.com/photos/herry/32...
December 20
NationalGo Caroling Day




What would Christmas be without carolers and our favorite songs? Caroling is unique to the Christmas season in that no other American holiday do songs proclaim the day approaching. Caroling is not an old American tradition. It began in the 19th century but does have some roots firmly planted older than that.   In traditional caroling, carolers gather in a group and go door to door. At each stop they sing a variety of carols, wish the occupants Merry Christmas the go to the next house. This continues until all the houses on the carolers path have been sung too. Before there was caroling there was wassailing. 
Wassailling 
Have you ever sung this song?
Here we come a-wassailing 
Among the leaves so green; 
Here we come a-wand'ring 
So fair to be seen. 
Love and joy come to you, 
And to you your wassail too; 
And God bless you and send you 
a happy New Year.



Have you ever sung that song and wondered what wassailing is?
 Wassailing is a pre-christian ceremony with roots in Anglo-Saxon heritage.  William Sandy wrote in his 1853 book entitled Christmas-tide:
"The wassail bowl, of which the skull of an enemy would thus appear to have formed their beau idéal, is said to have been introduced by them. Rowena, the fair daughter of Hengist, presenting the British king, Vortigern, with a bowl of wine, and saluting him with “Lord King Wass-heil;” to which he answered, as he was directed, “Drine heile,” and saluted her then after his fashion, being much smitten with her charms. The purpose of father and daughter was obtained; the king married the fair cup-bearer, and the Saxons obtained what they required of him.
This is said to have been the first wassail in this land; but, as it is evident that the form of salutation was previously known, the custom must have been much older among the Saxons; and, indeed, in one of the histories, a knight, who acts as a sort of interpreter between Rowena and the king, explains it to be an old custom among them.
By some accounts, however, the Britons are said themselves to have had their wassail bowl, or lamb’s wool — La Mas Ubhal, or day of apple fruit — as far back as the third century, made of ale, sugar (whatever their sugar was), toast and roasted crabbs, hissing in the bowl; to which, in later times, nutmeg was added.
The followers of Odin and Thor drank largely in honor of their pagan deities; and, when converted, still continued their potations, but in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Apostles, and Saints; and the early missionaries were obliged to submit to this substitution, being unable to abolish the practice, which afterwards degenerated into drinking healths of other people, to the great detriment of our own. Strange! that even from the earliest ages, the cup-bearer should be one of the principal officers in the royal presence, and that some of the high families take their name from a similar office."

During the Middle Ages Saxon lords would go door to door giving food and drinks to his peasants in exchange for their blessings. This is where the followins lines come from: 
Love and joy come to you,And to you your wassail too,And God bless you and send you,A happy New Year,And God send you,A happy new year
The peasants would deliver their blessings over the lord in song. 
As time passed so did the custom of wassailing.  People would make a hot bowl of wassal and go door to door spreading good cheer to their neighbors, friends and family. These sponteanous vistors were thought to bring good luck to the household for the New Year. The visitors would travel from home to home singing, causing merryment and sharing their hot wassal. Thus the caroling tradition was born. 
Although wassaling has generally been associated with Christmastime, wassaling was traditionally held on the Twelfth Night. The Twelfth Night was the last day of the Twelve Days of Christmas. 
Orchard Wassailing
Another pre-Christian wassailing tradition, known as orchard wassailing, was conducted on January 7th. This ceremony was used to war off bad spirits from the apple tree so that the apple trees could produce a good harvest in the upcoming year. You can see what an orchard wassailing entailed by watching this video. 



Orchard Wassailing is still practiced on some farms in England who try to maintain old English customs. 
What's In A Wassal? Here are some wassal recipes from England for you try this holiday season. 
http://www.history.uk.com/recipes/traditional-wassail-recipes/
http://www.culinate.com/recipes/collections/Contributors/nina_lary/traditional_english_wassail
http://beachbakeaholic.blogspot.com/2010/11/old-english-wassail.html
http://nourishedkitchen.com/traditional-wassail-recipe/