E.C. Stilson's Blog, page 95
May 6, 2012
Dangers of Story Plotting in Restaurants
Adrienne deWolfe has agreed to guest post here today! I'm so excited. Enjoy.
Brainstorming:
Dangers of Story Plotting in Restaurants
By Adrienne deWolfe
So
there we sat, two innocent but extremely vocal writers, brainstorming
the story plot of my Paranormal Romance in a restaurant. We’ll call
this eatery “Benny’s.”
On
this particular day, Patty had graciously agreed to reschedule her
afternoon's itinerary of laundry-folding and sock-matching to act as my
brainstorming buddy.
When I get stuck and can’t make sense of the convoluted story plot for my Paranormal Romance (Wolfspell,
Autumn 2012), I bribe Patty with lunch. Patty is a Romance novelist who
aspires to be published in Fantasy fiction and is well read in every
genre. For this reason, Patty has served as a guest speaker in the
story plotting lessons that I teach in my online course, How to Write a Romance Novel that Sells.
As
a published novelist (and brainstorming professional), Patty
understands how the rusty wheels turn in the minds of New York editors.
This is an important trait in a story plot consultant. But Patty’s
most important credential is her sense of humor. To put it mildly,
Patty is a hoot!
Picture the scene as my story plotting accomplice and I prepared for our brainstorming mission:
Patty
and I drove to the restaurant in separate cars. We arrived incognito
(no pens, no notebooks). We were seated at a central table, in the
busiest section of the eatery. We decided to pig out on hot fudge
brownie sundaes to improve our facility for story plotting.
It
was approximately 1:00 p.m. on a weekday, during the latter half of
Lunch Rush. Fellow diners were crammed into booths and tables that were
roughly 12 inches from my elbow. Servers were squeezing by with
humongous trays loaded with BLT's, chicken salad, and the daily soup
special.
During
the following story plotting incident, I’d like to note (in my defense)
that I was guzzling my third cola. The sugar-loaded, caffeinated kind.
My conversation with Patty went something like this:
A: I need to get rid of (G).
P: Who’s this guy again?
A: You know. The one who slept with (L).
P: Oh yeah. Now I remember.
A: I hate him! I need him to die!
P: As long as there's plenty of motivation . . .
A: Oh, there's motivation, all right. I'm sick of him.
P: You thinking about bullets?
A: Naw. Something slow and torturous.
P: How ‘bout putting a box of scorpions under the sheets?
A: Eew!
P: Suffocation by pillow?
A: Risky. He'd be a flailer.
P: Worried about phlegm on the Egyptian cotton?
A: Get serious!
P: Uh . . . right. How 'bout death cap?
A: I don't have time to research fatal mushrooms. 'Sides. Poison's much too tidy.
P: No guts, no gory, right?
A: (Laughs)
P: Well, if you want to kill him in a grisly way, make it big and splashy. Like a grenade down his pants.
A:
That’s it! Exploding body parts. No traceable corpse . . . I like
the way you think! He’ll go out with a bang! Thanks, Patty! An
explosion would be a great way to kill him. I can’t wait to get home!
At
this precise moment, the restaurant hushed. At least forty pairs of
eyes drilled into me. Mouths were gaping. Forks were hovering.
Chocolate syrup was dripping from the dirty dishes that our server was
balancing above my shoulder.
Patty
never missed a beat. As cool as the proverbial cuke, Patty looked up
at our distraught server and drawled, “Check please. My friend has a
busy day ahead.”
Now
you can appreciate why I call Patty when I need to brainstorm the story
plot of my Paranormal Romance novel. Patty's the perfect partner for
making a scene – and writing one.
About Adrienne deWolfe
Originally
published by Bantam and Avon Books, Adrienne deWolfe’s 5 Romance novels
have earned 9 fiction-writing awards, including the Best Historical
Romance of the Year. Currently, she is in the middle of a virtual book tour for her new ebook, How to Write Wildly Popular Romances, which has been released in conjunction with her online writing course, How to Write a Romance Novel That Sells (which starts May 21.) Adrienne invites you to enter her raffles for great prizes (including autographed collector's items) by visiting her website, WritingNovelsThatSell.com. Follow Adrienne on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
Brainstorming:
Dangers of Story Plotting in Restaurants
By Adrienne deWolfe
So
there we sat, two innocent but extremely vocal writers, brainstorming
the story plot of my Paranormal Romance in a restaurant. We’ll call
this eatery “Benny’s.”
On
this particular day, Patty had graciously agreed to reschedule her
afternoon's itinerary of laundry-folding and sock-matching to act as my
brainstorming buddy.
When I get stuck and can’t make sense of the convoluted story plot for my Paranormal Romance (Wolfspell,
Autumn 2012), I bribe Patty with lunch. Patty is a Romance novelist who
aspires to be published in Fantasy fiction and is well read in every
genre. For this reason, Patty has served as a guest speaker in the
story plotting lessons that I teach in my online course, How to Write a Romance Novel that Sells.
As
a published novelist (and brainstorming professional), Patty
understands how the rusty wheels turn in the minds of New York editors.
This is an important trait in a story plot consultant. But Patty’s
most important credential is her sense of humor. To put it mildly,
Patty is a hoot!
Picture the scene as my story plotting accomplice and I prepared for our brainstorming mission:
Patty
and I drove to the restaurant in separate cars. We arrived incognito
(no pens, no notebooks). We were seated at a central table, in the
busiest section of the eatery. We decided to pig out on hot fudge
brownie sundaes to improve our facility for story plotting.
It
was approximately 1:00 p.m. on a weekday, during the latter half of
Lunch Rush. Fellow diners were crammed into booths and tables that were
roughly 12 inches from my elbow. Servers were squeezing by with
humongous trays loaded with BLT's, chicken salad, and the daily soup
special.
During
the following story plotting incident, I’d like to note (in my defense)
that I was guzzling my third cola. The sugar-loaded, caffeinated kind.
My conversation with Patty went something like this:
A: I need to get rid of (G).
P: Who’s this guy again?
A: You know. The one who slept with (L).
P: Oh yeah. Now I remember.
A: I hate him! I need him to die!
P: As long as there's plenty of motivation . . .
A: Oh, there's motivation, all right. I'm sick of him.
P: You thinking about bullets?
A: Naw. Something slow and torturous.
P: How ‘bout putting a box of scorpions under the sheets?
A: Eew!
P: Suffocation by pillow?
A: Risky. He'd be a flailer.
P: Worried about phlegm on the Egyptian cotton?
A: Get serious!
P: Uh . . . right. How 'bout death cap?
A: I don't have time to research fatal mushrooms. 'Sides. Poison's much too tidy.
P: No guts, no gory, right?
A: (Laughs)
P: Well, if you want to kill him in a grisly way, make it big and splashy. Like a grenade down his pants.
A:
That’s it! Exploding body parts. No traceable corpse . . . I like
the way you think! He’ll go out with a bang! Thanks, Patty! An
explosion would be a great way to kill him. I can’t wait to get home!
At
this precise moment, the restaurant hushed. At least forty pairs of
eyes drilled into me. Mouths were gaping. Forks were hovering.
Chocolate syrup was dripping from the dirty dishes that our server was
balancing above my shoulder.
Patty
never missed a beat. As cool as the proverbial cuke, Patty looked up
at our distraught server and drawled, “Check please. My friend has a
busy day ahead.”
Now
you can appreciate why I call Patty when I need to brainstorm the story
plot of my Paranormal Romance novel. Patty's the perfect partner for
making a scene – and writing one.
About Adrienne deWolfe
Originally
published by Bantam and Avon Books, Adrienne deWolfe’s 5 Romance novels
have earned 9 fiction-writing awards, including the Best Historical
Romance of the Year. Currently, she is in the middle of a virtual book tour for her new ebook, How to Write Wildly Popular Romances, which has been released in conjunction with her online writing course, How to Write a Romance Novel That Sells (which starts May 21.) Adrienne invites you to enter her raffles for great prizes (including autographed collector's items) by visiting her website, WritingNovelsThatSell.com. Follow Adrienne on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
<a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js"&am... need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.
May 5, 2012
Wayman Publishing Signs a New Author: Pat Hatt
Pat Hatt has joined the Wayman Publishing team! I am so thrilled. He has some amazing books already out. Plus, I love his blog.
Pat
Hatt can be found in the East Coast of Canada. He hates writing these
things but doesn't mind talking in the third person. He dabbles in a
little of this and a little of that, not afraid to attempt something
new.
He is owned by two cats, one of whom has his own blog, It's Rhyme Time. Yeah a rhyming cat, who knew? He would be considered a both person when it comes to cats and dogs.
He is also quite the movie and TV buff. As you can probably tell does not take
himself seriously and has more stuff in his head than is needed. As
you can tell he is quite childish too which is why he will have many
children's books come due.
Blog: It's Rhyme Time
Twitter: Rhymetime24
Boo and the Backyard Zoo--Coming Soon from author Pat Hatt and Wayman Publishing!
Check out this amazing artwork.
Now, take it away, Pat.
So
Pat got offered to guest post here. But that is not going to come due I
fear. For Pat is too boring and would have you all snoring. He wanted
to talk about taxes which would probably make you want to murder him
with pitchforks and axes. So the cat will save the human once more and
take over the guest post at Elisa’s shore.
But
what does the cat have to say? Same thing he does every day. A whole
lot of this and a whole lot of that pretending it is not nonsense galore
like at my mat. Nonsense Galore hmmmm that would make for quite the
encore. Let’s pick those two words and see if I can crap out a few
turds. Oh that was a bad visual there. I will keep that talk down since I
am at another’s lair. So on with the show as I pick two words and give
them a go.
Nonsense Galore
In a rinky dink store.
Near Blippity shore.
Items were stacked from end to end,
Whether it was an old or new trend.
Things were getting grim,
As it was stuffed to the brim.
So the staff had a sale,
Bringing about this tale.
Frolo Frog,
Bought himself a bog.
It was a replica of course,
Unlike that rocking horse.
Which Preta Pig,
Snapped up along with a wig.
Cost a cool loonie,
That is not moony.
It’s simply a dollar,
For a non-Canadian caller.
Trilip Tramp
Got himself a stamp.
With a name like that,
He must be a rat.
While six toed crocodile,
Updated his shoe style.
I hope it wasn’t a friend,
He chose to wear in the end.
The rinky dink store,
Finally closed its door.
The staff found it bare,
Which was truly rare.
As nonsense galore
Had always cluttered the store.
They danced a mile,
Glad to have nothing to file.
One stepped on a stone,
Causing the rinky dink store to groan.
It came alive,
At ten after five.
On that faithful night,
Yapping to everyone in sight.
Saying its tummy was bare.
And were they not aware,
That it needs to be full,
To keep back Frumpy Bull?
Seems the rinky dink store,
Did so much more.
As it housed the bull of lore,
That years ago plagued Blippity shore.
Before they could answer back,
They heard Frumpy Bull sound the attack.
He burst through the wall,
Continuing his call.
He bounced them around like ball,
Not noticing Pete Too Tall.
He did look like a statue though,
So unless you are a peeping crow,
He might blend in,
With the walls of tin.
Pete Too Tall went through town,
Telling everyone what was going down.
His stride was so large,
In seconds he made it to Blippity barge,
The end of the shore,
Truly isn’t much there to explore.
Out they all came,
Feeling to blame,
For this whole mess,
Making their trinkets worthless.
Frumpy Bull bounced the staff,
Continuing to laugh.
Until he was whacked with a bog.
Then some fire log.
Before too long,
He was singing a new song.
Stuck in nonsense galore,
As it once more filled the store.
Frumpy Bull cried out,
Giving one final shout.
The same old “I’ll get you” encore.
When he was bounced through the store.
Once more in the wall,
No longer able to give a call.
For he was bricked up once more,
Thanks to the rinky dink store.
For now that it was full,
Of things from bogs to wool.
To a flower shower.
It once more had the power.
To keep Frumpy Bull in check,
Preventing another ship wreck.
And any other harm he’d cause.
The crowd finally gave applause.
Finding the trinkets were nonsense after all,
Never needed at their hall.
And they had helped protect their shore,
By filling the rinky dink store with nonsense galore.
There
we go. How was that for a nonsense flow? Took a whole twenty minute to
do and now the cat must use the loo. What that too much info for you? At
least I didn’t use poo. Oh crap! We’ll blame that on that Pat chap and
just say this guest post has come to pass before certain things start
coming out my little rhyming umm, you know the word it’s something
crass.
Experience spring, have a fling.
Pat
Hatt can be found in the East Coast of Canada. He hates writing these
things but doesn't mind talking in the third person. He dabbles in a
little of this and a little of that, not afraid to attempt something
new.
He is owned by two cats, one of whom has his own blog, It's Rhyme Time. Yeah a rhyming cat, who knew? He would be considered a both person when it comes to cats and dogs.
He is also quite the movie and TV buff. As you can probably tell does not take
himself seriously and has more stuff in his head than is needed. As
you can tell he is quite childish too which is why he will have many
children's books come due.
Blog: It's Rhyme Time
Twitter: Rhymetime24
Boo and the Backyard Zoo--Coming Soon from author Pat Hatt and Wayman Publishing!
Check out this amazing artwork.
Now, take it away, Pat.
So
Pat got offered to guest post here. But that is not going to come due I
fear. For Pat is too boring and would have you all snoring. He wanted
to talk about taxes which would probably make you want to murder him
with pitchforks and axes. So the cat will save the human once more and
take over the guest post at Elisa’s shore.
But
what does the cat have to say? Same thing he does every day. A whole
lot of this and a whole lot of that pretending it is not nonsense galore
like at my mat. Nonsense Galore hmmmm that would make for quite the
encore. Let’s pick those two words and see if I can crap out a few
turds. Oh that was a bad visual there. I will keep that talk down since I
am at another’s lair. So on with the show as I pick two words and give
them a go.
Nonsense Galore
In a rinky dink store.
Near Blippity shore.
Items were stacked from end to end,
Whether it was an old or new trend.
Things were getting grim,
As it was stuffed to the brim.
So the staff had a sale,
Bringing about this tale.
Frolo Frog,
Bought himself a bog.
It was a replica of course,
Unlike that rocking horse.
Which Preta Pig,
Snapped up along with a wig.
Cost a cool loonie,
That is not moony.
It’s simply a dollar,
For a non-Canadian caller.
Trilip Tramp
Got himself a stamp.
With a name like that,
He must be a rat.
While six toed crocodile,
Updated his shoe style.
I hope it wasn’t a friend,
He chose to wear in the end.
The rinky dink store,
Finally closed its door.
The staff found it bare,
Which was truly rare.
As nonsense galore
Had always cluttered the store.
They danced a mile,
Glad to have nothing to file.
One stepped on a stone,
Causing the rinky dink store to groan.
It came alive,
At ten after five.
On that faithful night,
Yapping to everyone in sight.
Saying its tummy was bare.
And were they not aware,
That it needs to be full,
To keep back Frumpy Bull?
Seems the rinky dink store,
Did so much more.
As it housed the bull of lore,
That years ago plagued Blippity shore.
Before they could answer back,
They heard Frumpy Bull sound the attack.
He burst through the wall,
Continuing his call.
He bounced them around like ball,
Not noticing Pete Too Tall.
He did look like a statue though,
So unless you are a peeping crow,
He might blend in,
With the walls of tin.
Pete Too Tall went through town,
Telling everyone what was going down.
His stride was so large,
In seconds he made it to Blippity barge,
The end of the shore,
Truly isn’t much there to explore.
Out they all came,
Feeling to blame,
For this whole mess,
Making their trinkets worthless.
Frumpy Bull bounced the staff,
Continuing to laugh.
Until he was whacked with a bog.
Then some fire log.
Before too long,
He was singing a new song.
Stuck in nonsense galore,
As it once more filled the store.
Frumpy Bull cried out,
Giving one final shout.
The same old “I’ll get you” encore.
When he was bounced through the store.
Once more in the wall,
No longer able to give a call.
For he was bricked up once more,
Thanks to the rinky dink store.
For now that it was full,
Of things from bogs to wool.
To a flower shower.
It once more had the power.
To keep Frumpy Bull in check,
Preventing another ship wreck.
And any other harm he’d cause.
The crowd finally gave applause.
Finding the trinkets were nonsense after all,
Never needed at their hall.
And they had helped protect their shore,
By filling the rinky dink store with nonsense galore.
There
we go. How was that for a nonsense flow? Took a whole twenty minute to
do and now the cat must use the loo. What that too much info for you? At
least I didn’t use poo. Oh crap! We’ll blame that on that Pat chap and
just say this guest post has come to pass before certain things start
coming out my little rhyming umm, you know the word it’s something
crass.
Experience spring, have a fling.
May 4, 2012
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! Fishducky Friday
Well, I have another signing in SLC today. I'm super excited. You can find info about that
HERE
.
Now, Fishducky, take it away.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!
Finally—a
subject I can really sink my teeth into! With lots of pictures--I love
putting in pictures!! (The first paragraph is sort of on the subject.)
Years
ago, when we were in Paris we passed a dress shop that had a 3’ cloth
strawberry pillow as a window decoration. Our friends who lived there
were very fond of strawberries & we knew they’d love this pillow,
which we wanted to give them as a gift. The shopkeeper said it was a
window decoration & not for sale. We told her we knew that, but we
were willing to pay her very well for it. She repeated that it was not
for sale. Bud asked her what if Pompidou (France’s president at the
time) wanted it—wouldn’t she sell it to him? He intended to continue
telling her Pompidou wasn’t coming so she should sell it to us, instead.
He never got that far. At the first mention of Pompidou, she
exploded! We left the shop in fear for our lives. We should obviously
choose our political references with more care.
Did you know the singular of spaghetti is spaghetto? No particular reason for this picture—I just like it!
On
our first trip to Boston, a friend told us we HAD to have the clams at
Legal Sea Foods. I’d never had clams before & I had some
trepidation, but I thought I’d try them. I’d eaten about half my order
when I was full. They were SO good--& I couldn’t bring the rest to
our hotel—that I took about a half hour for a cigarette break & then
I finished them. YUMMY!!
My husband & I were out driving & he asked me out to dinner.
He said we could go anywhere I wanted. Being a smartass, I said, “The
Sands!” He asked me if I was serious & I told him I was. We went
to the airport & caught the next flight to Vegas. He’s lucky he
wasn’t Hagar!!
We were at the Lahaina Broiler (in Hawaii) & I was looking at a
menu while we were waiting to be seated. They offered turtle soup,
which I had never had. I wondered aloud how it would be. A gentleman
sitting right next to where we were standing said, “It’s delicious—I
always have it when I’m here. Would you like to try mine? I haven’t
touched it yet.” I did--& he was right! When we got to a table, I
ordered my own bowl. It was every bit as good as his.
Some quick stories about our daughter, who wishes to be be
NAMELESS: When Nameless was a little girl, one of her favorite foods
was, as she pronounced it, hickey noo noo hoop. Following is a
translation:
A
few years later, she was helping me clear the dinner table. She had
watched me sweep the crumbs off the table with one hand & catch them
in my other hand, which was beneath the edge of the table. She did it
exactly the same as her mommy, with one teeny tiny exception. She
didn’t use her other hand. I just talked to her about it. She says she
did it on purpose—the thought of brushing crumbs into her hand grossed
her out. Oh, well, the carpet needed vacuuming, anyway.
Matt
was our least picky--& sloppiest--eater. He would eat anything
except lima beans. It’s a good thing our dog, who (for some reason)
always sat next to him at meals, loved them!
Our kids are about 2 years apart, with Blake being the youngest. When he was about 2 we hired a Japanese woman as an au pair. (Thank you, Bud, for making enough money to spoil me!) Her first
night, she cleared the dinner dishes & brought in small cereal bowls
filled with water & a couple of slices of lemon—finger bowls.
This was FAR from our usual lifestyle. Blake took one look at the
finger bowls & became very upset. I asked him what the matter was
& he cried loudly, “I DON’T WANT SOUP!!”
Ours
was the house where all of our kid’s friends hung out & felt
comfortable. I once found “Cocoa Puffs” written on my grocery list,
which was on the refrigerator. This was one friend’s favorite cereal.
That was fine, but what surprised me is that it was written in the
friend’s handwriting!
The
manager of our local supermarket saw us coming in about half an hour
before closing time. He had a date that night & knew it always took
some time to shop for our family of 5—plus Cub Scouts &
friends--& he didn’t want to be late, so he offered to help. He
took my list & tore it in half. Off he went & did his half of
our shopping. We met at the checkstand, paid & everyone got out on
time.
When
people first come to the US, English—a difficult language-- is new to
them. They must be a little confused when their wait person (how’s that
for being politically correct?) asks them if they want soup or salad.
It’s my native language, & when someone speaks quickly it sounds
like “super salad” to me.
The not fat, but definitely too fluffy----fishducky
Now, Fishducky, take it away.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!
Finally—a
subject I can really sink my teeth into! With lots of pictures--I love
putting in pictures!! (The first paragraph is sort of on the subject.)
Years
ago, when we were in Paris we passed a dress shop that had a 3’ cloth
strawberry pillow as a window decoration. Our friends who lived there
were very fond of strawberries & we knew they’d love this pillow,
which we wanted to give them as a gift. The shopkeeper said it was a
window decoration & not for sale. We told her we knew that, but we
were willing to pay her very well for it. She repeated that it was not
for sale. Bud asked her what if Pompidou (France’s president at the
time) wanted it—wouldn’t she sell it to him? He intended to continue
telling her Pompidou wasn’t coming so she should sell it to us, instead.
He never got that far. At the first mention of Pompidou, she
exploded! We left the shop in fear for our lives. We should obviously
choose our political references with more care.
Did you know the singular of spaghetti is spaghetto? No particular reason for this picture—I just like it!
On
our first trip to Boston, a friend told us we HAD to have the clams at
Legal Sea Foods. I’d never had clams before & I had some
trepidation, but I thought I’d try them. I’d eaten about half my order
when I was full. They were SO good--& I couldn’t bring the rest to
our hotel—that I took about a half hour for a cigarette break & then
I finished them. YUMMY!!
My husband & I were out driving & he asked me out to dinner.
He said we could go anywhere I wanted. Being a smartass, I said, “The
Sands!” He asked me if I was serious & I told him I was. We went
to the airport & caught the next flight to Vegas. He’s lucky he
wasn’t Hagar!!
We were at the Lahaina Broiler (in Hawaii) & I was looking at a
menu while we were waiting to be seated. They offered turtle soup,
which I had never had. I wondered aloud how it would be. A gentleman
sitting right next to where we were standing said, “It’s delicious—I
always have it when I’m here. Would you like to try mine? I haven’t
touched it yet.” I did--& he was right! When we got to a table, I
ordered my own bowl. It was every bit as good as his.
Some quick stories about our daughter, who wishes to be be
NAMELESS: When Nameless was a little girl, one of her favorite foods
was, as she pronounced it, hickey noo noo hoop. Following is a
translation:
A
few years later, she was helping me clear the dinner table. She had
watched me sweep the crumbs off the table with one hand & catch them
in my other hand, which was beneath the edge of the table. She did it
exactly the same as her mommy, with one teeny tiny exception. She
didn’t use her other hand. I just talked to her about it. She says she
did it on purpose—the thought of brushing crumbs into her hand grossed
her out. Oh, well, the carpet needed vacuuming, anyway.
Matt
was our least picky--& sloppiest--eater. He would eat anything
except lima beans. It’s a good thing our dog, who (for some reason)
always sat next to him at meals, loved them!
Our kids are about 2 years apart, with Blake being the youngest. When he was about 2 we hired a Japanese woman as an au pair. (Thank you, Bud, for making enough money to spoil me!) Her first
night, she cleared the dinner dishes & brought in small cereal bowls
filled with water & a couple of slices of lemon—finger bowls.
This was FAR from our usual lifestyle. Blake took one look at the
finger bowls & became very upset. I asked him what the matter was
& he cried loudly, “I DON’T WANT SOUP!!”
Ours
was the house where all of our kid’s friends hung out & felt
comfortable. I once found “Cocoa Puffs” written on my grocery list,
which was on the refrigerator. This was one friend’s favorite cereal.
That was fine, but what surprised me is that it was written in the
friend’s handwriting!
The
manager of our local supermarket saw us coming in about half an hour
before closing time. He had a date that night & knew it always took
some time to shop for our family of 5—plus Cub Scouts &
friends--& he didn’t want to be late, so he offered to help. He
took my list & tore it in half. Off he went & did his half of
our shopping. We met at the checkstand, paid & everyone got out on
time.
When
people first come to the US, English—a difficult language-- is new to
them. They must be a little confused when their wait person (how’s that
for being politically correct?) asks them if they want soup or salad.
It’s my native language, & when someone speaks quickly it sounds
like “super salad” to me.
The not fat, but definitely too fluffy----fishducky
May 3, 2012
Who would you marry out of the Avengers characters?
At the last signing, someone asked Cade what we do right before a gig. "Aren't you nervous? What do you two talk about beforehand?"
Cade stayed quiet for a minute because he's generally a quiet guy. "I guess we talk about anything except the gig."
I had to laugh at his response because it's so true. We've played together for over a decade--our first CD was made in 2001--anyway, not talking about the gig . . . yeah, that's how we do things.
Our pre-gig conversation on Saturday had been extra hilarious though. I'd asked Cade a loaded question as we drove to THE REaD CAT BOOKSTORE. "If all of the Avengers were girls instead of guys, which one would you want to marry?"
"What?" He gaped, not even knowing he would fall right into my trap!
"Well, just think about their personalities." I smiled and batted my lashes. "You have Iron Man--a genius in a suit. He's hilarious and fun." I took a breath. "Then there's Captain America, an overall nice guy. He's all about justice and valor. . . . Hulk, a scientist who can turn into a monster. Nothing like adding a little excitement to a marriage. Or Thor, the Alien--god with a hammer. Just imagine them as chicks."
He tapped the wheel and for a moment I thought he wouldn't answer. "Do you know who's playing Hulk in Avengers?"
The art of distraction. So he wanted to play it hard!
"The guy from '13 Going on 30.' Mark Ruffalo. I love that actor. He's such a great choice for Hulk," I said. "He has this presence about him that just makes him seem like a genuinely nice person." I paused. "Cade, you just got me monologuing! Didn't you?"
He smirked and we got to the signing.
"You didn't answer me," I whispered after playing one song.
"Answer what?"
"As if you don't know! If all of the Avengers were girls instead of guys, which one would you want to marry?"
"Let's see. Well, Hulk would be terrible as a girl. That's like facing mood swings every day."
"Oh really. Do you know someone who has mood swings?"
He started picking his guitar and looked away. "Not necessarily."
"Fine," he said after a group of people came and we had a blast talking with them. "Who would you marry?"
"Not Thor or Hulk."
"Why not Thor?" Cade asked. "Isn't he the one girls are swooning over?"
"He's a god . . . alien . . . thing. He's not even human!" I blurted. "What if a human marries him? Can you imagine giving birth to one of his kids?! It would be a twelve pounder for sure! Instant death for the mother."
"And that's why he wouldn't be your choice?"
"Absolutely! That really is a death-wish. I'd pick between Iron Man and Captain America."
"Really?" Cade asked.
"Yeah. Wouldn't you rather be with a human who's either bent on justice or extremely smart and hilarious?"
"No," he said. "I'd rather be with a girl from Thor's planet--if I had to pick."
"Oh my gosh! YOU . . . are an alien lover!"
"Am not."
"Are too. You just confessed!" Another group of people came in and we started talking about the books and our music instead of The Avengers.
I said goodbye to Melynda--who was amazing at our signing.
Isn't she AWESOME!
That was pretty neat signing together.
Anyway, as Cade and I drove to the next gig, I stared at him. He must have known what I thought because he said, "The girl version of Thor is Samus. That's who I'd pick . . . if you didn't exist."
I scoffed. Oh he's good! "But what about a girl like Captain America?"
"Naw." He shook his head. "Too straight-laced."
"Or a chick like Iron Man?"
"Are you kidding, that would be horrible. I'd hate being married to a narcissist. Why, who would you pick?"
I didn't answer him until after the last gig.
"Iron Man," I finally said.
"And not Thor?"
"I already told you. That would suck dying just to give birth . . . to AN ALIEN . . . god-thing!!!"
"But Iron Man? Really?"
"Yeah," I smiled, "because he's hilarious AND spontaneous. Oh and it's cool that he can fly."
So, in response to that sweet person who asked Cade what we talk about before each gig, there's the long answer to your question.
We have another gig in Salt Lake City tomorrow. I wonder what we'll talk about then?
Click HERE for details about my next signing.
In closing, who would you marry from The Avengers? I can't wait to read your answers.
Cade stayed quiet for a minute because he's generally a quiet guy. "I guess we talk about anything except the gig."
I had to laugh at his response because it's so true. We've played together for over a decade--our first CD was made in 2001--anyway, not talking about the gig . . . yeah, that's how we do things.
Our pre-gig conversation on Saturday had been extra hilarious though. I'd asked Cade a loaded question as we drove to THE REaD CAT BOOKSTORE. "If all of the Avengers were girls instead of guys, which one would you want to marry?"
"What?" He gaped, not even knowing he would fall right into my trap!
"Well, just think about their personalities." I smiled and batted my lashes. "You have Iron Man--a genius in a suit. He's hilarious and fun." I took a breath. "Then there's Captain America, an overall nice guy. He's all about justice and valor. . . . Hulk, a scientist who can turn into a monster. Nothing like adding a little excitement to a marriage. Or Thor, the Alien--god with a hammer. Just imagine them as chicks."
He tapped the wheel and for a moment I thought he wouldn't answer. "Do you know who's playing Hulk in Avengers?"
The art of distraction. So he wanted to play it hard!
"The guy from '13 Going on 30.' Mark Ruffalo. I love that actor. He's such a great choice for Hulk," I said. "He has this presence about him that just makes him seem like a genuinely nice person." I paused. "Cade, you just got me monologuing! Didn't you?"
He smirked and we got to the signing.
"You didn't answer me," I whispered after playing one song.
"Answer what?"
"As if you don't know! If all of the Avengers were girls instead of guys, which one would you want to marry?"
"Let's see. Well, Hulk would be terrible as a girl. That's like facing mood swings every day."
"Oh really. Do you know someone who has mood swings?"
He started picking his guitar and looked away. "Not necessarily."
"Fine," he said after a group of people came and we had a blast talking with them. "Who would you marry?"
"Not Thor or Hulk."
"Why not Thor?" Cade asked. "Isn't he the one girls are swooning over?"
"He's a god . . . alien . . . thing. He's not even human!" I blurted. "What if a human marries him? Can you imagine giving birth to one of his kids?! It would be a twelve pounder for sure! Instant death for the mother."
"And that's why he wouldn't be your choice?"
"Absolutely! That really is a death-wish. I'd pick between Iron Man and Captain America."
"Really?" Cade asked.
"Yeah. Wouldn't you rather be with a human who's either bent on justice or extremely smart and hilarious?"
"No," he said. "I'd rather be with a girl from Thor's planet--if I had to pick."
"Oh my gosh! YOU . . . are an alien lover!"
"Am not."
"Are too. You just confessed!" Another group of people came in and we started talking about the books and our music instead of The Avengers.
I said goodbye to Melynda--who was amazing at our signing.
Isn't she AWESOME!
That was pretty neat signing together.
Anyway, as Cade and I drove to the next gig, I stared at him. He must have known what I thought because he said, "The girl version of Thor is Samus. That's who I'd pick . . . if you didn't exist."
I scoffed. Oh he's good! "But what about a girl like Captain America?"
"Naw." He shook his head. "Too straight-laced."
"Or a chick like Iron Man?"
"Are you kidding, that would be horrible. I'd hate being married to a narcissist. Why, who would you pick?"
I didn't answer him until after the last gig.
"Iron Man," I finally said.
"And not Thor?"
"I already told you. That would suck dying just to give birth . . . to AN ALIEN . . . god-thing!!!"
"But Iron Man? Really?"
"Yeah," I smiled, "because he's hilarious AND spontaneous. Oh and it's cool that he can fly."
So, in response to that sweet person who asked Cade what we talk about before each gig, there's the long answer to your question.
We have another gig in Salt Lake City tomorrow. I wonder what we'll talk about then?
Click HERE for details about my next signing.
In closing, who would you marry from The Avengers? I can't wait to read your answers.
May 2, 2012
Doctor Jones Goes Fishing
I'd like to thank Debra Kristi for featuring me on her blog today. You can find that post HERE.
Now . . . onto today's post.
Once upon a time there was a princess named Doctor Jones. She seriously loved fish. If her mother didn't watch her ALL the time, that child would sneak away to the fish tank and go fishing!
Well, one day the darling mother--who I know personally--begged to take a five minute power nap. Was this too much to ask? Was it crazy to ask favors of two children who have everything? Doctor Jones slept in her bed! The Zombie (her brother) watched a movie. Yet, when the sweet, kind, generous, TIRED mother fell asleep, fate had something terrible in mind.
Fine . . . you guessed it. This story is about me and it's about to get worse!
The Zombie Elf clutched my arm. "She done it! Our baby hurt the fish!"
"What?!" I scrambled upstairs, still waking up. I glanced back at the clock and groaned. I'd been asleep for six minutes--one minute too many!
It wasn't until I went into the Scribe's room that I screamed like Lucifer came for a visit. Doctor Jones had knocked over one of the fish tanks. I'd been so tired I hadn't heard it.
"Oh my gosh!!!" I wailed.
Doctor Jones waved in reply--simply waved. "Mama, fish! Mama, Fish!" She giggled. Her clothes stuck together--they dripped, sopping wet. The floor was completely saturated and so were the socks in the bottom drawer of a dresser and on the carpet.
"The Scribe will kill me!" The point is, the Scribe has two fish in two different tanks. One is a beta fish. His name is Chewy and the Scribe loves him so much she's drawn pictures of them walking together.
In her dreams they have tea. He teaches her all sorts of crazy Mr. Limpet things! You get the point, she LOVES that fish, and now I couldn't even find his body.
"Get another beta," my mom said after I called her.
I picked up another gross pair of socks, unfolded them and put them in the dirty clothes basket on the ground next to me. "She'll know. All the Scribe does at night is stare at that fish! Plus, she's half genius, half beta expert."
"Well you can't tell her. Can you?"
"No." I was about to cry, when I picked up another yucky sock. I grabbed both ends and with total anger, pulled it taut. I had no idea a fish lived in that sock--no clue beta can live for HOURS as long as their bodies are kept moist. When I pulled the sock, a fish--WHICH HAD BEEN WRAPPED UP LIKE A BABY--flew toward my face! "What in the Hell. I'm gonna die. It's on the ground. It's flopping on the ground," I yelled toward the phone which had fell from my hand.
"Get it," my mom said calmly as I picked up the phone. Then that fish-lover laughed. "You wrote a book about humans living deep in the ocean. Don't tell me you're scared of fish."
"I'm fine when THEY'RE IN WATER! It's going to flip on me right now though." I felt like the biggest idiot. Here I am--the girl who tried out for "Fear Factor." I can touch bugs and reptiles. Hell, I'd ride a toothless crocodile if I had a chance. BUT . . . get me near a tiny fish out of water and it's all over.
Chewy finally flipped onto a piece of paper and I put him in the tank that wasn't ruined--the one with the Scribe's black fish.
Chewy shook himself, started swimming and then instantly decided to eat the other fish's fins! That murderer just got a second chance at life and it was already back to its evil ways.
As I finished cleaning the yucky carpet, Doctor Jones came in and smiled. She pointed to the socks and the beta. "Rock a baby. Rock a baby. Oh, my baby fish!" She motioned toward Chewy. "Good, baby. Good!"
So, she'd wrapped it up in a sock and tried rocking it TO DEATH! Little had she known, that moist sock had saved his life.
Note to self, don't EVER nap again. Taking naps is much more exhausting, than getting no sleep at all.
Signing off,
Elisa
Now . . . onto today's post.
Once upon a time there was a princess named Doctor Jones. She seriously loved fish. If her mother didn't watch her ALL the time, that child would sneak away to the fish tank and go fishing!
Well, one day the darling mother--who I know personally--begged to take a five minute power nap. Was this too much to ask? Was it crazy to ask favors of two children who have everything? Doctor Jones slept in her bed! The Zombie (her brother) watched a movie. Yet, when the sweet, kind, generous, TIRED mother fell asleep, fate had something terrible in mind.
Fine . . . you guessed it. This story is about me and it's about to get worse!
The Zombie Elf clutched my arm. "She done it! Our baby hurt the fish!"
"What?!" I scrambled upstairs, still waking up. I glanced back at the clock and groaned. I'd been asleep for six minutes--one minute too many!
It wasn't until I went into the Scribe's room that I screamed like Lucifer came for a visit. Doctor Jones had knocked over one of the fish tanks. I'd been so tired I hadn't heard it.
"Oh my gosh!!!" I wailed.
Doctor Jones waved in reply--simply waved. "Mama, fish! Mama, Fish!" She giggled. Her clothes stuck together--they dripped, sopping wet. The floor was completely saturated and so were the socks in the bottom drawer of a dresser and on the carpet.
"The Scribe will kill me!" The point is, the Scribe has two fish in two different tanks. One is a beta fish. His name is Chewy and the Scribe loves him so much she's drawn pictures of them walking together.
In her dreams they have tea. He teaches her all sorts of crazy Mr. Limpet things! You get the point, she LOVES that fish, and now I couldn't even find his body.
"Get another beta," my mom said after I called her.
I picked up another gross pair of socks, unfolded them and put them in the dirty clothes basket on the ground next to me. "She'll know. All the Scribe does at night is stare at that fish! Plus, she's half genius, half beta expert."
"Well you can't tell her. Can you?"
"No." I was about to cry, when I picked up another yucky sock. I grabbed both ends and with total anger, pulled it taut. I had no idea a fish lived in that sock--no clue beta can live for HOURS as long as their bodies are kept moist. When I pulled the sock, a fish--WHICH HAD BEEN WRAPPED UP LIKE A BABY--flew toward my face! "What in the Hell. I'm gonna die. It's on the ground. It's flopping on the ground," I yelled toward the phone which had fell from my hand.
"Get it," my mom said calmly as I picked up the phone. Then that fish-lover laughed. "You wrote a book about humans living deep in the ocean. Don't tell me you're scared of fish."
"I'm fine when THEY'RE IN WATER! It's going to flip on me right now though." I felt like the biggest idiot. Here I am--the girl who tried out for "Fear Factor." I can touch bugs and reptiles. Hell, I'd ride a toothless crocodile if I had a chance. BUT . . . get me near a tiny fish out of water and it's all over.
Chewy finally flipped onto a piece of paper and I put him in the tank that wasn't ruined--the one with the Scribe's black fish.
Chewy shook himself, started swimming and then instantly decided to eat the other fish's fins! That murderer just got a second chance at life and it was already back to its evil ways.
As I finished cleaning the yucky carpet, Doctor Jones came in and smiled. She pointed to the socks and the beta. "Rock a baby. Rock a baby. Oh, my baby fish!" She motioned toward Chewy. "Good, baby. Good!"
So, she'd wrapped it up in a sock and tried rocking it TO DEATH! Little had she known, that moist sock had saved his life.
Note to self, don't EVER nap again. Taking naps is much more exhausting, than getting no sleep at all.
Signing off,
Elisa
May 1, 2012
A Zombie and a Bully
My three-year-old Zombie Elf hurtled down the tallest slide at the park. Some kids are just made to be daring.
A terrible moment awaited him though. A bully--the size of Milwaukee--glared at my son. The Zombie stepped forward, timidly, but that bully didn't care. He pushed my son to the ground, then he grinned like an ogre.
The Zombie, that gem of a child, got back up and went to the top of the slide again. Ogre-boy waited at the bottom. I wondered what my son was thinking. Why in the world would he want to face the bully again?
The Zombie slid, going faster and faster until he landed on his feet at the bottom of the slide. A smile split the ogre's face like he'd met easy prey TWICE in one day. He neared my boy and pushed him down yet again. That's when the Zombie stood, moving closer and closer to the bully's face.
I worried. Would he punch the kid? Would he hit him so hard he'd turn into ogre soup?
Time slowed for everyone--EXCEPT THE BULLY'S MOTHER who seemed too busy painting her nails blood-red!
The two boys still faced each other. Then, with a sound so fierce it would've scared the Kraken, the Zombie growled at the bully.
The kid stepped back, actually terrified. He didn't bother my boy again. He did try to pick on Doctor Jones (my two-year-old girl), but the Zombie Elf was there in a flash and ogre-boy left her alone.
I was so proud of my zombie. I talked to him later. "You didn't push him back. I'm so proud of you," I said.
"I didn't want to hurt him," he replied, and I smiled the rest of the way home. That was a great way to handle the situation; I'll never forget my boy's spunk.
A terrible moment awaited him though. A bully--the size of Milwaukee--glared at my son. The Zombie stepped forward, timidly, but that bully didn't care. He pushed my son to the ground, then he grinned like an ogre.
The Zombie, that gem of a child, got back up and went to the top of the slide again. Ogre-boy waited at the bottom. I wondered what my son was thinking. Why in the world would he want to face the bully again?
The Zombie slid, going faster and faster until he landed on his feet at the bottom of the slide. A smile split the ogre's face like he'd met easy prey TWICE in one day. He neared my boy and pushed him down yet again. That's when the Zombie stood, moving closer and closer to the bully's face.
I worried. Would he punch the kid? Would he hit him so hard he'd turn into ogre soup?
Time slowed for everyone--EXCEPT THE BULLY'S MOTHER who seemed too busy painting her nails blood-red!
The two boys still faced each other. Then, with a sound so fierce it would've scared the Kraken, the Zombie growled at the bully.
The kid stepped back, actually terrified. He didn't bother my boy again. He did try to pick on Doctor Jones (my two-year-old girl), but the Zombie Elf was there in a flash and ogre-boy left her alone.
I was so proud of my zombie. I talked to him later. "You didn't push him back. I'm so proud of you," I said.
"I didn't want to hurt him," he replied, and I smiled the rest of the way home. That was a great way to handle the situation; I'll never forget my boy's spunk.
April 30, 2012
The Scribe's Mama and a Baseball
This is a continuation from last week's The Scribe and a Scheme.
"I'm not like anyone in this family," she said.
I smiled, remembering something I did in fifth grade. "Oh yes you are. I was always hatching crazy schemes."
"You were?"
"Yep. Do you want to hear a story about how I tricked the boys into letting me play baseball with them?"
She wiped her tears and nodded.
"All right, well one day . . ."
I never thought the story was anything special--not until the Scribe heard it.
I was a dorky twig, far better at playing sports than playing dolls. I knew I'd be a star on the boys' team if they just let me play, but those jerks were too good for me--a girl.
"We don't let girls play with us. Girls are bad luck."
That just proved it; they were idiots. The only time girls are unlucky is when you make them mad!
I started practicing baseball then, every day after school, until the sun went down. I got pretty good. My mom, dad and brother all taught me how to hit and pitch. I went through training--no kidding. If those boys would just say 'yes,' they wouldn't know what hit 'em.
But the idiots kept saying 'NO!'
My dream almost ended. I could have stayed friendless and sad. Or I could've stooped to ultimate evilness and played dolls with Wendy Smith and her posse of girlie girls! That wasn't for me though. Too bad I hate giving up easily AND dressing dolls.
I watched the boys' whole setup one day after they said 'no' . . . again. The leader (Jeff) always brought the ball and the bat. He'd put it out in the hall during class, then at recess, all the boys would go and play.
Stealing that ball was easier than taking candy from a baby-brat. I still remember it. I raised my hand and told the teacher I needed to use the bathroom. That was a lie--a terribly sweet lie. I ran into the hall, looked back and forth, then stole Jeff's ball, not even thinkin' it was sinful to steal from an idiot. The prize fit great with my stuff in the hallway and no one even saw me! I wanted to give thanks to God, for helping me steal, so I went and used the bathroom since that's what I'd told the teacher. Maybe I didn't really have to go, but I sure tried anyway. It wouldn't be good to lie AND steal on the same damn day.
Well, when the recess bell rang, those boys scrambled and hooted. Everyone got out to the field. For once I stayed back, just watching. Jeff came out last. He explained something to the boys who looked awfully mad. They were just about to leave the field when I walked closer.
"Who would-a thunk he'd leave the ball home?" a kid whined.
I threw the ball up and down. Not to brag, but I caught the sucker every time. "Funny thing," I said to the boys. "I brought a ball today. What are the odds?" I tried spitting but I'd never done it before and the stuff turned to spittle. I wiped it away fast and cursed all those old movies for making spitting look easy.
"Give us the ball!" a boy screamed--good thing I didn't marry that dictator!
"Sure," I pulled it away, "on one condition."
"Name it," Jeff said. He walked closer.
"That you let me play."
All the idiots groaned, apparently idiots are great at whining and groaning. "But that's bad luck to play with a girl."
"Is it better to not play at all?" I asked and they FINALLY let me play.
I'd like to say I got a home run, even though I didn't. But I will say that I proved myself and they seemed really impressed. Jeff walked with me after last recess and smiled. "You know, this ball looks an awful lot like the one I bring."
I had to think fast. I looked up at him. My face couldn't charm him--too bad for the 'ugly phase.' But at least I could win him over with my wit. "You're pretty good at ball." I paused. "Well, so am I. Does it really surprise you that we both have such good taste?"
He laughed and hit me on the back. "You're all right, Stilson. You're all right." It was the first time someone called me by my last name and the first time a fellow classmate hit me on the back--it WAS epic.
The next day when Jeff's ball showed up by his stuff in the hall, he didn't even seem surprised. I went and stood by the field, a bit sad that I'd never get to play again. Maybe I should have just reconciled to playing dolls with Wendy Smith . . . forever.
I sat down on the grass and prepared to watch the boys forming their teams. It was time for the captains to pick their star players. John 'the cherry picker' went first--don't even ask how he got his nickname, let's just say no one wanted to shake HIS hand. When it was Jeff's turn, he smiled right at me and pointed. "Stilson, for first pick because that girl really knows how to hit a ball. And because she didn't give up."
I stood by him and beamed. "Isn't it funny how my ball just showed up today?" he whispered.
"Yeah," I nodded. "What are the odds?"
"So, that's how I started playing baseball with the boys," I told the Scribe.
"It sounds like something I would do! Mama," she said seriously, "you're all right."
"You too." I smiled, then patted her on the back and thought I just might start calling her by our last name. She's always doing crazy things like scaring children and holding fundraisers FOR HERSELF, but she's one hilarious child. She makes life fun. I'm thankful for her and her siblings every day.
"I'm not like anyone in this family," she said.
I smiled, remembering something I did in fifth grade. "Oh yes you are. I was always hatching crazy schemes."
"You were?"
"Yep. Do you want to hear a story about how I tricked the boys into letting me play baseball with them?"
She wiped her tears and nodded.
"All right, well one day . . ."
I never thought the story was anything special--not until the Scribe heard it.
I was a dorky twig, far better at playing sports than playing dolls. I knew I'd be a star on the boys' team if they just let me play, but those jerks were too good for me--a girl.
"We don't let girls play with us. Girls are bad luck."
That just proved it; they were idiots. The only time girls are unlucky is when you make them mad!
I started practicing baseball then, every day after school, until the sun went down. I got pretty good. My mom, dad and brother all taught me how to hit and pitch. I went through training--no kidding. If those boys would just say 'yes,' they wouldn't know what hit 'em.
But the idiots kept saying 'NO!'
My dream almost ended. I could have stayed friendless and sad. Or I could've stooped to ultimate evilness and played dolls with Wendy Smith and her posse of girlie girls! That wasn't for me though. Too bad I hate giving up easily AND dressing dolls.
I watched the boys' whole setup one day after they said 'no' . . . again. The leader (Jeff) always brought the ball and the bat. He'd put it out in the hall during class, then at recess, all the boys would go and play.
Stealing that ball was easier than taking candy from a baby-brat. I still remember it. I raised my hand and told the teacher I needed to use the bathroom. That was a lie--a terribly sweet lie. I ran into the hall, looked back and forth, then stole Jeff's ball, not even thinkin' it was sinful to steal from an idiot. The prize fit great with my stuff in the hallway and no one even saw me! I wanted to give thanks to God, for helping me steal, so I went and used the bathroom since that's what I'd told the teacher. Maybe I didn't really have to go, but I sure tried anyway. It wouldn't be good to lie AND steal on the same damn day.
Well, when the recess bell rang, those boys scrambled and hooted. Everyone got out to the field. For once I stayed back, just watching. Jeff came out last. He explained something to the boys who looked awfully mad. They were just about to leave the field when I walked closer.
"Who would-a thunk he'd leave the ball home?" a kid whined.
I threw the ball up and down. Not to brag, but I caught the sucker every time. "Funny thing," I said to the boys. "I brought a ball today. What are the odds?" I tried spitting but I'd never done it before and the stuff turned to spittle. I wiped it away fast and cursed all those old movies for making spitting look easy.
"Give us the ball!" a boy screamed--good thing I didn't marry that dictator!
"Sure," I pulled it away, "on one condition."
"Name it," Jeff said. He walked closer.
"That you let me play."
All the idiots groaned, apparently idiots are great at whining and groaning. "But that's bad luck to play with a girl."
"Is it better to not play at all?" I asked and they FINALLY let me play.
I'd like to say I got a home run, even though I didn't. But I will say that I proved myself and they seemed really impressed. Jeff walked with me after last recess and smiled. "You know, this ball looks an awful lot like the one I bring."
I had to think fast. I looked up at him. My face couldn't charm him--too bad for the 'ugly phase.' But at least I could win him over with my wit. "You're pretty good at ball." I paused. "Well, so am I. Does it really surprise you that we both have such good taste?"
He laughed and hit me on the back. "You're all right, Stilson. You're all right." It was the first time someone called me by my last name and the first time a fellow classmate hit me on the back--it WAS epic.
The next day when Jeff's ball showed up by his stuff in the hall, he didn't even seem surprised. I went and stood by the field, a bit sad that I'd never get to play again. Maybe I should have just reconciled to playing dolls with Wendy Smith . . . forever.
I sat down on the grass and prepared to watch the boys forming their teams. It was time for the captains to pick their star players. John 'the cherry picker' went first--don't even ask how he got his nickname, let's just say no one wanted to shake HIS hand. When it was Jeff's turn, he smiled right at me and pointed. "Stilson, for first pick because that girl really knows how to hit a ball. And because she didn't give up."
I stood by him and beamed. "Isn't it funny how my ball just showed up today?" he whispered.
"Yeah," I nodded. "What are the odds?"
"So, that's how I started playing baseball with the boys," I told the Scribe.
"It sounds like something I would do! Mama," she said seriously, "you're all right."
"You too." I smiled, then patted her on the back and thought I just might start calling her by our last name. She's always doing crazy things like scaring children and holding fundraisers FOR HERSELF, but she's one hilarious child. She makes life fun. I'm thankful for her and her siblings every day.
April 29, 2012
What is IPCA? Introducing "Chasing The Cyclone"
I'm so very privileged to have Maria Gina here today. She's generously offered to provide more information about Peter Thomas Senese and his latest release.
Here she is.
Best-Selling Author Peter Thomas Senese’s CHASING THE CYCLONE
Protects Children From International Child Abduction As Author Helps Reunite
Kidnapped Children With Their Families As Hundreds Of Thousands Of Children Are
At Risk Of Kidnapping
A child’s life is the most fragile yet valuable commodity worth
doing everything possible to cherish and protect.
According to Chasing The Cyclone best-selling
author Peter Thomas Senese, over the past
decade, there has been a growing frightful trend that is causing great harm to
children and rampant destruction to families throughout the world. It is called
international parental child abduction (IPCA), and its venom knows no boundaries.
IPCA is the wrongful removal of a child from their country of
origin (where they live) or the illegal detention of a child in a foreign nation
in contradiction of a court's order by one of the child’s parents. IPCA is the criminal act of international
parental child abduction as stated in the federal 'International Parental Kidnapping Crimes Act'. In addition to federal law, each state has its own criminal
statutes concerning this act, which has been widely proclaimed by law
enforcement and leading child therapists as child abuse.
Despite IPCA being a serious federal and state crime, expert
predictions indicate that there could be as many as 200,000 children living in
North America illegally kidnapped by one parent from another over the next
decade. Unfortunately, the abusive
and criminal act of IPCA often has not been prosecuted because our courts and
law enforcement believed this act is a ‘family matter’. Since when is the
kidnapping of a child a ‘family matter’?
Is this a calamity?
Indeed it is, and I bet that if the next 20 parental child
abductors are prosecuted, we would see a dramatic reduction of IPCA cases.
Undeniably, a child who is parentally kidnapped is the victim of a
severe crime that is completely abusive to the child. One that places the
child’s life in physical harm’s way.
Fortunately, there are strong, dedicated child advocates who are
committed to protecting our children.
One of the leaders at the forefront of the battle against IPCA is
best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese, the Founding
Director of the I CARE Foundation, a not-for-profit
organization he created to help raise the public’s awareness of IPCA. Mr.
Senese’s compassionate reach helped create and implement a host of new laws
established to protect against IPCA, while also creating a tremendous cache of
tools available for parents in a call-to-arms to protect their children who may
be targeted for abduction.
In fact, Mr. Senese’s critically acclaimed novel Chasing The Cyclone that was
inspired by the best-selling author’s own horrific ordeal of IPCA under the
international rules of the Hague Convention has been called by top book critics
as a gripping, must-read, can’t-put-down story that every loving parent should
read, as Chasing The Cyclone illustrates the severity of IPCA while also
offering various useful resources that may help parents understand the warning
signs of a potential abduction, and what they can do to protect their
children. Along the way, Mr. Senese has used the proceeds to create a few major
miracles.
Peter
Thomas Senese provided insight on how severe of a
problem we have on our hands, when he said, “For any parent the notion of losing
a child is unthinkable, and this includes cases of IPCA because as various
government agencies have stated, IPCA is a cruel and abusive crime against a
child. Stolen children are not safe. They often live the life of a fugitive,
while the abductor attempts to brainwash them into sanctioning their abduction.
This is done in the form of severe acts of parental alienation, where the
child’s previous identity is strip mined.
“Sadly,
there exists a growing pandemic known as international parental child abduction,
and it is destroying the lives of tens of thousands of families each year. In
fact, recent studies estimate that as many as 125,000 American children, 20,000
Canadian children, and a total of 200,000 defenseless children living in North
America will be internationally, criminally abducted by one parent from another
in contradiction to court orders over the next decade.
Alarmingly,
only 10% of children abducted or illegally detained abroad will ever come home.
“At
the core of the increase of IPCA cases is the growth of cross-cultural marriages
between two individuals who were born in separate countries but who now reside
together in one of the couple’s native countries, where they eventually have a
child or children. Like all relationships, a high percentage of these marriages
or partnerships will fail. And when they do, more often than not, the parent who
is not a native of the country that the marriage was established in will want to
return back to their home country, and take the child or children with them. Of
course, the other parent will object to this, so in order to return to their
native home, elaborate and careful schemes are created that catch the targeted
parent off guard. The end result: a child is abducted abroad. And as previously
stated, only 10% of these children will ever come home.
If you think this cannot happen to you, you may be
mistaken.
Recently, the U.S. Census issued a report that 10% of all
marriages in the United States are cross-cultural marriages, and further, that
18% of non-marriage relationships are cross cultural marriages. Clearly, our global society is becoming
more connected, and this is a wonderful occurrence that should be celebrated. In
our ability to celebrate this, we should also make sure that our children’s
safety is secured.
So what can you do if you are a parent who might have some concern
about international parental child abduction?
In order to assist other parents, Peter Thomas Senese has provided
a List Of Warning Signs that I urge
you to consider reading. If the abduction of your child is imminent, please view
the list of Immediate Actions provided on the
Chasing The Cyclone Official Websites' Imminent Action
section.
The issues of IPCA are complex and often lead to a child of
abduction’s recovery efforts to fail. Obviously, preventing abduction from
happening in the first place is key.
Peter Thomas Senese’s Chasing The Cyclone has been called by top
book critics as a phenomenal legal thriller that is hard to put down, but does
something else: it provides readers with a great education on the issues of IPCA
and how to possibly prevent against it.
Here are what a few reviewers are saying:
The
highly influential New York Journal of Books
said of Chasing The Cyclone, "Chasing The Cyclone is a well-written thriller . .
. Senese shares myriad emotions by writing in the first-person as he weaves
through the action in this suspense-filled story . . . This novel might also be
considered a treatise on international child abduction. Cyclone, while full of
actual strategies and resources to assist parents in international abductions,
is above all else a love story about a father and son ... From Los Angeles, to
Canada, to New Zealand, and eventually, Macau, a special administrative region
of China, Cyclone is rife with international intrigue and suspense. The
protagonist, Paul Francesco, orchestrates a master plan that he hopes will
reunite him with the love of his life - his son. Along the way he finds himself
swamped in red tape and drenched in frustration. Filled with a plethora of
powerful characters and puzzling predicaments and dead ends, the story moves
quickly . . . Cyclone will leave you informed and satisfied . . . you will be
reluctant to put down."
The renown Guilty Pleasures Book Review ,
known as one of the nation's top book critic book review sites by women for
women said, "If I had to use one word to describe Chasing the Cyclone by Peter
Thomas Senese it would be phenomenal. As in remarkable. Extraordinary. I have
read many books over the years, for enjoyment, for education, because I had to,
because I wanted to. I cannot think of any other book that comes close to making
me feel as I did when I read this book. I believe these feelings will stick with
me forever. This story, inspired by horrific events, is about the love between a
father and a son. And that love is beautiful . . . Mr. Senese's is evidenced by
a large number of sworn testimonials by many thankful parents who Mr. Senese has
directly helped in either reuniting with their own child or preventing their
child from being internationally abducted. Establishing the I CARE Foundation
and being closely involved in the rescue attempts of abducted children is but
one of the many impactful acts of Mr. Senese. Clearly, 'involved' for Mr. Senese
means financially, emotionally, legally, and investigative support. His
selflessness is inspiring. He is hope."
The nationally syndicated
Examiner stated, "Peter Thomas Senese is a gifted storyteller who takes
readers on a heart pounding journey around the globe through the eyes of Paul
Francesco, a father whose 7-year old son is abducted by his mother. The writing
is raw and the emotions are real . . . The story is filled with twists and turns
that will leave readers scratching their heads, seething in anger, and hugging
their children a little tighter . . . I highly recommend Chasing the Cyclone as
a must-read. You will not be able to put it down. It may very well change the
way you look at life, child custody, and interactions with your child's other
parent. I cannot endorse this book strongly enough."
IPCA is a dangerous and growing pandemic that is facing millions
of families. As we celebrate our world becoming closer together and place on our
mantle the banner of global citizenship, we must act responsibly with respect to
our children’s safety. The truth
is, IPCA will continue to grow so long as there is an increase in cross-cultural
marriages, which appears to be a certainty due to the most recent U.S. Census.
Unquestionably, parents need to be aware that IPCA is a real
threat – one that is concealed from them by the other parent. Clearly, we need
laws and policy that protects our nation’s children. And raising the public’s
awareness is critical.
Peter
Thomas Senese, who successfully reunited with his child under the rules of the
Hague Convention, is making a sizeable difference on behalf of other families.
Peter Thomas
Senese is a child abduction prevention advocate and a successful
chasing parent in accordance to the rules of international parental child
abduction law established under the Hague Convention. Mr. Senese is the Founding
Director of the not-for-profit International Child Abduction Research &
Enlightenment (I CARE) Foundation. In his volunteer advocacy, Mr.
Senese has provided testimony to various government committees and courts
regarding child abduction. Under Mr. Senese's guidance, the I CARE Foundation
has built a national network of highly trained pro bono lawyers willing to
assist parents and children who are either targeted for abduction or have been
illegally abducted, and has led a secondary campaign recruiting attorneys to
join the United States Department of State's 'Hague Convention Attorney
Network'. In addition, the I CARE Foundation is behind two federal legislative
initiatives that if passed is anticipated to dramatically reduce the number of
child abductions and instances of human trafficking. The new legislative
initiatives revolve around modification in the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative, and, the implementation of Prevent Departure Program - II. In
addition, Mr. Senese advocated for the passage of the State of Florida’s ‘Child
Abduction Prevention Act’ (CAPA) that was enacted on January 1st,
2011. Mr. Senese successfully sought for the implementation and dissemination of
what was previously a widely underutilized federal child abduction prevention
program; specifically, the ‘Prevent Departure Program’ (PDP) that is now highly
utilized in order to protect targeted parents and their child from abduction in
certain case scenarios. Mr. Senese advocated for the passage of both the states
of California and New York's online impersonation bills that are now law. Peter
Thomas Senese is the creator/writer/producer of the educational documentary film
series ‘Chasing Parents: Racing Into The Storms Of International Parental
Child Abduction’, a multi-best-selling geopolitical author whose
upcoming world-wide book release that focuses on international child abduction
titled ‘Chasing The Cyclone’ has been critically acclaimed as a call-to-arms
against child abduction. Peter is the co-author of the highly informative,
extensively researched book on IPCA titled 'The World Turned Upside Down'. In addition, Peter is
the writer of an extensive number of influential articles and essays pertaining
to IPCA. He has created and oversees a comprehensive website dedicated to child
abduction prevention and good parenting (www.chasingthecyclone.com)
where numerous essays may be found, including the eye-opening report ‘Crisis In
America: International Parental Child Abduction Today’ Peter co-authored with
Ms. Carolyn Vlk. Dedicated to bringing about new child abduction prevention laws
while creating dialogs that may reform certain government programs and protocols
so that they may better serve targeted children and their parents, Peter Senese
is a strong supporter of The Hague Convention and The Department of State’s
Office Of Children’s Issues. Paramount to all things, Peter is a loving father
deeply dedicated to raising his young son. 100% of Mr. Senese's royalties
generated from the sales of any of his e-books, including ‘Chasing The Cyclone’, ‘The Den of the Assassin’, and ‘Cloning Christ’ will be donated to the I CARE
Foundation, which has used these monies to successfully reunite children
internationally kidnapped or prevented an abduction from occurring.
One
last piece of advice: never take for granted one single minute of your child’s
life. Make everything matter.
Here she is.
Best-Selling Author Peter Thomas Senese’s CHASING THE CYCLONE
Protects Children From International Child Abduction As Author Helps Reunite
Kidnapped Children With Their Families As Hundreds Of Thousands Of Children Are
At Risk Of Kidnapping
A child’s life is the most fragile yet valuable commodity worth
doing everything possible to cherish and protect.
According to Chasing The Cyclone best-selling
author Peter Thomas Senese, over the past
decade, there has been a growing frightful trend that is causing great harm to
children and rampant destruction to families throughout the world. It is called
international parental child abduction (IPCA), and its venom knows no boundaries.
IPCA is the wrongful removal of a child from their country of
origin (where they live) or the illegal detention of a child in a foreign nation
in contradiction of a court's order by one of the child’s parents. IPCA is the criminal act of international
parental child abduction as stated in the federal 'International Parental Kidnapping Crimes Act'. In addition to federal law, each state has its own criminal
statutes concerning this act, which has been widely proclaimed by law
enforcement and leading child therapists as child abuse.
Despite IPCA being a serious federal and state crime, expert
predictions indicate that there could be as many as 200,000 children living in
North America illegally kidnapped by one parent from another over the next
decade. Unfortunately, the abusive
and criminal act of IPCA often has not been prosecuted because our courts and
law enforcement believed this act is a ‘family matter’. Since when is the
kidnapping of a child a ‘family matter’?
Is this a calamity?
Indeed it is, and I bet that if the next 20 parental child
abductors are prosecuted, we would see a dramatic reduction of IPCA cases.
Undeniably, a child who is parentally kidnapped is the victim of a
severe crime that is completely abusive to the child. One that places the
child’s life in physical harm’s way.
Fortunately, there are strong, dedicated child advocates who are
committed to protecting our children.
One of the leaders at the forefront of the battle against IPCA is
best-selling author Peter Thomas Senese, the Founding
Director of the I CARE Foundation, a not-for-profit
organization he created to help raise the public’s awareness of IPCA. Mr.
Senese’s compassionate reach helped create and implement a host of new laws
established to protect against IPCA, while also creating a tremendous cache of
tools available for parents in a call-to-arms to protect their children who may
be targeted for abduction.
In fact, Mr. Senese’s critically acclaimed novel Chasing The Cyclone that was
inspired by the best-selling author’s own horrific ordeal of IPCA under the
international rules of the Hague Convention has been called by top book critics
as a gripping, must-read, can’t-put-down story that every loving parent should
read, as Chasing The Cyclone illustrates the severity of IPCA while also
offering various useful resources that may help parents understand the warning
signs of a potential abduction, and what they can do to protect their
children. Along the way, Mr. Senese has used the proceeds to create a few major
miracles.
Peter
Thomas Senese provided insight on how severe of a
problem we have on our hands, when he said, “For any parent the notion of losing
a child is unthinkable, and this includes cases of IPCA because as various
government agencies have stated, IPCA is a cruel and abusive crime against a
child. Stolen children are not safe. They often live the life of a fugitive,
while the abductor attempts to brainwash them into sanctioning their abduction.
This is done in the form of severe acts of parental alienation, where the
child’s previous identity is strip mined.
“Sadly,
there exists a growing pandemic known as international parental child abduction,
and it is destroying the lives of tens of thousands of families each year. In
fact, recent studies estimate that as many as 125,000 American children, 20,000
Canadian children, and a total of 200,000 defenseless children living in North
America will be internationally, criminally abducted by one parent from another
in contradiction to court orders over the next decade.
Alarmingly,
only 10% of children abducted or illegally detained abroad will ever come home.
“At
the core of the increase of IPCA cases is the growth of cross-cultural marriages
between two individuals who were born in separate countries but who now reside
together in one of the couple’s native countries, where they eventually have a
child or children. Like all relationships, a high percentage of these marriages
or partnerships will fail. And when they do, more often than not, the parent who
is not a native of the country that the marriage was established in will want to
return back to their home country, and take the child or children with them. Of
course, the other parent will object to this, so in order to return to their
native home, elaborate and careful schemes are created that catch the targeted
parent off guard. The end result: a child is abducted abroad. And as previously
stated, only 10% of these children will ever come home.
If you think this cannot happen to you, you may be
mistaken.
Recently, the U.S. Census issued a report that 10% of all
marriages in the United States are cross-cultural marriages, and further, that
18% of non-marriage relationships are cross cultural marriages. Clearly, our global society is becoming
more connected, and this is a wonderful occurrence that should be celebrated. In
our ability to celebrate this, we should also make sure that our children’s
safety is secured.
So what can you do if you are a parent who might have some concern
about international parental child abduction?
In order to assist other parents, Peter Thomas Senese has provided
a List Of Warning Signs that I urge
you to consider reading. If the abduction of your child is imminent, please view
the list of Immediate Actions provided on the
Chasing The Cyclone Official Websites' Imminent Action
section.
The issues of IPCA are complex and often lead to a child of
abduction’s recovery efforts to fail. Obviously, preventing abduction from
happening in the first place is key.
Peter Thomas Senese’s Chasing The Cyclone has been called by top
book critics as a phenomenal legal thriller that is hard to put down, but does
something else: it provides readers with a great education on the issues of IPCA
and how to possibly prevent against it.
Here are what a few reviewers are saying:
The
highly influential New York Journal of Books
said of Chasing The Cyclone, "Chasing The Cyclone is a well-written thriller . .
. Senese shares myriad emotions by writing in the first-person as he weaves
through the action in this suspense-filled story . . . This novel might also be
considered a treatise on international child abduction. Cyclone, while full of
actual strategies and resources to assist parents in international abductions,
is above all else a love story about a father and son ... From Los Angeles, to
Canada, to New Zealand, and eventually, Macau, a special administrative region
of China, Cyclone is rife with international intrigue and suspense. The
protagonist, Paul Francesco, orchestrates a master plan that he hopes will
reunite him with the love of his life - his son. Along the way he finds himself
swamped in red tape and drenched in frustration. Filled with a plethora of
powerful characters and puzzling predicaments and dead ends, the story moves
quickly . . . Cyclone will leave you informed and satisfied . . . you will be
reluctant to put down."
The renown Guilty Pleasures Book Review ,
known as one of the nation's top book critic book review sites by women for
women said, "If I had to use one word to describe Chasing the Cyclone by Peter
Thomas Senese it would be phenomenal. As in remarkable. Extraordinary. I have
read many books over the years, for enjoyment, for education, because I had to,
because I wanted to. I cannot think of any other book that comes close to making
me feel as I did when I read this book. I believe these feelings will stick with
me forever. This story, inspired by horrific events, is about the love between a
father and a son. And that love is beautiful . . . Mr. Senese's is evidenced by
a large number of sworn testimonials by many thankful parents who Mr. Senese has
directly helped in either reuniting with their own child or preventing their
child from being internationally abducted. Establishing the I CARE Foundation
and being closely involved in the rescue attempts of abducted children is but
one of the many impactful acts of Mr. Senese. Clearly, 'involved' for Mr. Senese
means financially, emotionally, legally, and investigative support. His
selflessness is inspiring. He is hope."
The nationally syndicated
Examiner stated, "Peter Thomas Senese is a gifted storyteller who takes
readers on a heart pounding journey around the globe through the eyes of Paul
Francesco, a father whose 7-year old son is abducted by his mother. The writing
is raw and the emotions are real . . . The story is filled with twists and turns
that will leave readers scratching their heads, seething in anger, and hugging
their children a little tighter . . . I highly recommend Chasing the Cyclone as
a must-read. You will not be able to put it down. It may very well change the
way you look at life, child custody, and interactions with your child's other
parent. I cannot endorse this book strongly enough."
IPCA is a dangerous and growing pandemic that is facing millions
of families. As we celebrate our world becoming closer together and place on our
mantle the banner of global citizenship, we must act responsibly with respect to
our children’s safety. The truth
is, IPCA will continue to grow so long as there is an increase in cross-cultural
marriages, which appears to be a certainty due to the most recent U.S. Census.
Unquestionably, parents need to be aware that IPCA is a real
threat – one that is concealed from them by the other parent. Clearly, we need
laws and policy that protects our nation’s children. And raising the public’s
awareness is critical.
Peter
Thomas Senese, who successfully reunited with his child under the rules of the
Hague Convention, is making a sizeable difference on behalf of other families.
Peter Thomas
Senese is a child abduction prevention advocate and a successful
chasing parent in accordance to the rules of international parental child
abduction law established under the Hague Convention. Mr. Senese is the Founding
Director of the not-for-profit International Child Abduction Research &
Enlightenment (I CARE) Foundation. In his volunteer advocacy, Mr.
Senese has provided testimony to various government committees and courts
regarding child abduction. Under Mr. Senese's guidance, the I CARE Foundation
has built a national network of highly trained pro bono lawyers willing to
assist parents and children who are either targeted for abduction or have been
illegally abducted, and has led a secondary campaign recruiting attorneys to
join the United States Department of State's 'Hague Convention Attorney
Network'. In addition, the I CARE Foundation is behind two federal legislative
initiatives that if passed is anticipated to dramatically reduce the number of
child abductions and instances of human trafficking. The new legislative
initiatives revolve around modification in the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative, and, the implementation of Prevent Departure Program - II. In
addition, Mr. Senese advocated for the passage of the State of Florida’s ‘Child
Abduction Prevention Act’ (CAPA) that was enacted on January 1st,
2011. Mr. Senese successfully sought for the implementation and dissemination of
what was previously a widely underutilized federal child abduction prevention
program; specifically, the ‘Prevent Departure Program’ (PDP) that is now highly
utilized in order to protect targeted parents and their child from abduction in
certain case scenarios. Mr. Senese advocated for the passage of both the states
of California and New York's online impersonation bills that are now law. Peter
Thomas Senese is the creator/writer/producer of the educational documentary film
series ‘Chasing Parents: Racing Into The Storms Of International Parental
Child Abduction’, a multi-best-selling geopolitical author whose
upcoming world-wide book release that focuses on international child abduction
titled ‘Chasing The Cyclone’ has been critically acclaimed as a call-to-arms
against child abduction. Peter is the co-author of the highly informative,
extensively researched book on IPCA titled 'The World Turned Upside Down'. In addition, Peter is
the writer of an extensive number of influential articles and essays pertaining
to IPCA. He has created and oversees a comprehensive website dedicated to child
abduction prevention and good parenting (www.chasingthecyclone.com)
where numerous essays may be found, including the eye-opening report ‘Crisis In
America: International Parental Child Abduction Today’ Peter co-authored with
Ms. Carolyn Vlk. Dedicated to bringing about new child abduction prevention laws
while creating dialogs that may reform certain government programs and protocols
so that they may better serve targeted children and their parents, Peter Senese
is a strong supporter of The Hague Convention and The Department of State’s
Office Of Children’s Issues. Paramount to all things, Peter is a loving father
deeply dedicated to raising his young son. 100% of Mr. Senese's royalties
generated from the sales of any of his e-books, including ‘Chasing The Cyclone’, ‘The Den of the Assassin’, and ‘Cloning Christ’ will be donated to the I CARE
Foundation, which has used these monies to successfully reunite children
internationally kidnapped or prevented an abduction from occurring.
One
last piece of advice: never take for granted one single minute of your child’s
life. Make everything matter.
April 27, 2012
A Stranger's Kindness
The Read Cat Bookstore in Clearfield has been an amazing source of
comfort for thousands of residents living in Utah. Although the
economic times have been tough, people always knew they could go there
for good conversation and reasonably priced books. Through this
bookstore, many children have developed a love of reading. Residents
realized they could still afford to buy quality books. The place has
the most helpful staff and wonderful selection of new and used
literature, but unfortunately they are closing their doors and moving far away.
I first met the owner, Eric, when I was struggling to get my name out there. Although he had nothing to gain, he
generously helped me and never asked for anything in return. He gave me
a signing and taught my nine-year-old daughter how to take pictures
during the event--she'll never forget his kindness.
After a while, the beginning of a successful writing career, many local
speaking engagements and 24,000 followers later, I'll be back at THE REaD CAT BOOKSTORE for its last day of business at this location.
Another author, Melynda Fleury, will be appearing with me. My husband and I are scheduled to play Celtic music--here's a sample of that: Famous 4 a Moment.
We'd love to see you there and sign some books, but most of all, I hope we'll bring in some business for the owners of The Read Cat. We're really sad to see this store go.
Do you even know how hard it is to get that first book signing--to have someone give you a chance? Well, that's what they did for me. The kindness of a stranger . . . It's something I'll never forget. Because of Eric and his generosity, I was featured in the newspaper. It was the start of some exciting things. He probably had no idea how much that act of kindness jump-started my dream of being a successful author.
The Scribe bawled when she found out that they're closing. She loves their books AND their genre signs!
Here are some pictures of me at the last signing:
Thank you, Eric!
Thousands of books will be on sale for $1--including hardcovers. As written before, there
will be live Celtic music. I urge you to come out and help show our
gratitude for this local owner who has done so much for his community.
The REaD Cat Bookstore
189 State Street
Clearfield, UT 84015
Saturday April 28th 12 - 3pm
comfort for thousands of residents living in Utah. Although the
economic times have been tough, people always knew they could go there
for good conversation and reasonably priced books. Through this
bookstore, many children have developed a love of reading. Residents
realized they could still afford to buy quality books. The place has
the most helpful staff and wonderful selection of new and used
literature, but unfortunately they are closing their doors and moving far away.
I first met the owner, Eric, when I was struggling to get my name out there. Although he had nothing to gain, he
generously helped me and never asked for anything in return. He gave me
a signing and taught my nine-year-old daughter how to take pictures
during the event--she'll never forget his kindness.
After a while, the beginning of a successful writing career, many local
speaking engagements and 24,000 followers later, I'll be back at THE REaD CAT BOOKSTORE for its last day of business at this location.
Another author, Melynda Fleury, will be appearing with me. My husband and I are scheduled to play Celtic music--here's a sample of that: Famous 4 a Moment.
We'd love to see you there and sign some books, but most of all, I hope we'll bring in some business for the owners of The Read Cat. We're really sad to see this store go.
Do you even know how hard it is to get that first book signing--to have someone give you a chance? Well, that's what they did for me. The kindness of a stranger . . . It's something I'll never forget. Because of Eric and his generosity, I was featured in the newspaper. It was the start of some exciting things. He probably had no idea how much that act of kindness jump-started my dream of being a successful author.
The Scribe bawled when she found out that they're closing. She loves their books AND their genre signs!
Here are some pictures of me at the last signing:
Thank you, Eric!
Thousands of books will be on sale for $1--including hardcovers. As written before, there
will be live Celtic music. I urge you to come out and help show our
gratitude for this local owner who has done so much for his community.
The REaD Cat Bookstore
189 State Street
Clearfield, UT 84015
Saturday April 28th 12 - 3pm
