Davee Jones's Blog, page 17

Making a Difference - Eradicate MS

I try to host a health related post each week in The Locker. I like to share my experiences in the hopes of helping someone else. I've decided to make a little turn and have a guest host for the next few weeks.
My friend Brian is a beast. He cycles more miles in a year than I probably drive in my car. He has a passion for health, and shares an equal passion to eradicate MS. Please be kind to Brian and give him a warm welcome.
Hugs-
 
 
My name is Brian Jones. I am an avid cyclist riding to rid the world of Multiple Sclerosis.
“MS isn’t an easy disease to diagnose. In the first place, there is no single test for multiple sclerosis. Second, the diagnosis cannot be made until the doctor finds evidence of two episodes of disease activity in the central nervous system that have occurred at different points in time — which means that confirming the diagnosis is sometimes a waiting game. And third, most MS symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, which means that the doctor needs to rule out all other possible explanations. Very often, when a central nervous system problem, such as MS is suspected, many tests will need to be done before the diagnosis is confirmed.” - National MS Society website
While MS isn’t easy to diagnose now, there is promising research being conducted by Dr. Nancy Monson of UT Southwestern in Dallas, TX. Dr. Monson is investigating the impact of B cells on MS and the mouse model of MS (Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis). Her research has shown that the pattern of antibody genes expressed by B cells from the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients can be used to identify patients that will develop MS in the future with 90% accuracy. Dr. Monson is using the information from her research to help diagnose patients, and guide developments in therapy.
Dr. Monson receives funding from the National MS Society, funding which are raised through events like BikeMS. Please support me in my 10th BikeMS by visiting my page at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Brian2015 to make a donation. Thank you.
 

Tuesday Tales and a Groovy New Year!

Happy December Tuesday Tales... Today, I return to my current WIP, a Game of Inches,
for my Fantasy Leagues series. This week our group writes to the word prompt, new year. opens so many possibilities, doesn't it? Let's peek in on when Lola and Marty first met. Happy New Year everyone!!
“C’mon, you’re gonna miss the ball drop.”  I threw a handful of popcorn in Lola’s direction. “I will reiterate, back around Halloween when you asked if I wanted to watch the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, I believed you invited me to New York.”“If I was gonna take you to New York for the New Year, we’d at least be sharing a bed.” I raised my eyebrows a few times. “Aw, chex mix, Marty. Why’d you have to go and drag sex into our friendship?” Lola pulled a few fluffy popped kernels out of her curls. She settled in next to me on the couch. “Do you think Dick Clark is immortal?”I studied the wrinkled image of the famous host with a crooked smile. On my sixty inch screen, the man looked every bit his age, whatever century he was in. “He could be a vampire.”“Stop with the vampire scene, I can’t ever imagine any of that will be as famous as Harry Potter.”“You might have a point there, kiddo. But, don’t be surprised if the supernatural trend is here to stay for a while.”“Why can’t folks just fall in love without all the magic mumbo jumbo? Why does life have to be more anything? Am I not just as interesting as, let’s say, Buffy?”“Now you’re messing with a legend. Buffy the Vampire Slayer was every boy’s dream show. Sarah Michelle Gellar, beautiful enchantress.”“This conversation is going nowhere. We are talking about fictional people like they’re real. What do you want from life, Marty? Do you want to travel? Would you like to have a family?”Lola stepped on sensitive ground when she started talking about me having kids. “I’ve been patient, just not sure what I want yet.” I can’t let her know how much I like her, we haven’t been talking that long. “I’m playing life by ear. What about you? Are you making any resolutions?”Lola frowned, her eyes glazed over staring at the television. The little clock in the corner counted down the last five minutes of the calendar. “Sincerely, it's going to take more than a new year to fix my life.”

Now head over to our main page for more responses to our "new year" prompt...;)Tuesday Tales

Making a Difference - Eradicate MS

My name is Brian Jones. I am an avid cyclist riding to rid the world of Multiple Sclerosis.
Short and sweet this week. During this season of love and celebration, please give the gift of HOPEfor those living with MS. Join the fight to find a cure by supporting me in my 10thBikeMS. Please visit my page at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Brian2015 to make a donation.
May you all have a joyous and very Merry Christmas.
 

Depression Fecking Sucks, Not Just Hurts

Making a Difference - Eradicate MS

I try to host a health related post each week in The Locker. I like to share my experiences in the hopes of helping someone else. I've decided to make a little turn and have a guest host for the next few weeks.
My friend Brian is a beast. He cycles more miles in a year than I probably drive in my car. He has a passion for health, and shares an equal passion to eradicate MS. Please be kind to Brian and give him a warm welcome.
Hugs-
  My name is Brian Jones. 
I am an avid cyclist riding to rid the world of Multiple Sclerosis.
 


As I celebrate Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the many things I am thankful.  A loving wife, a roof over my head, food on the table, a good job, and many wonderful friends and family.  It’s funny how the one thing I tended to forget to be thankful, is the one thing I took for granted…good health.  In my association with the National MS Society, I have met many wonderful people who live with his disease.  While many may be quick say they would rather not have MS, they are still thankful for the disease, as it has shown them how precious, not only their health is, but life in general.  Further, they are genuinely thankful for each, and every, person who bikes, walks or runs through a mud-laden course in order to find a cure for MS.  Through these endeavors, strangers become friends as we all unite to end MS forever.
 Finally, I am thankful for everyone who has made a donation that benefits the National MS Society.  Without your generosity, the great strides that have already been made, and the ones yet to come, would not have been possible.
 Please visit my page at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Brian2015 to make a donation.  Thank you.
 

Trading Downloads for Food Donations...Yes, I Am!

Ahoy and very Merry Christmas!

Tis the season of giving, and I'm ready to do my part. I'm offering my newest release, Split the Uprights, free on Smashwords and Barnes/Noble until 12/25. For every download over 100, I'll donate one pound of food to the local food bank.

We are doing great so far!
Book Summariesfull and sample downloads 143!

So, 43 pounds of food as of now! But, I want to give more!!

Please spread the word, I'd love to give from what I've received from you. You get the gift of a free read! Someone gets a meal...makes me feel good.

Smashwords Download Link

Barnes and Noble Download Link

Split the Uprights Blurb--What happens when you mix men and women in a fantasy football league? Lots of sexy competition and instant rivalries. Owner of Fantasy Leagues, Lola Fontaine, maintains two identities, one as loving matchmaker and the other as ball busting Dominatrix. In the LockHim Room, her muscle toned guys never know what to expect.
With reclusive statistician, Eugene Carlton, they believe they have the perfect formula for romance. All their success takes a place on the Wall of Flame. But, do they really know anything about true love connections?
She takes awkward Danika Parker under her wing and teaches her everything she doesn't know about love. However, in the process, they establish risky boundaries, pushing the envelope normally established for just friends. Danika takes an interest in fellow participant, Finn Maxwell, the man still searching for a plan.
Unfortunately for Lola, time is running out on secrets from her past. Living on borrowed time will catch up with her in a way she least expected. She will hurt the ones she loves, no matter how she tries. But, will they ever forgive? Will Lola get more than she counted on?
Learn about grilled lemonade, love jam, fantasy football, and safe words all wrapped into the fun of Split the Uprights.Quote From Book:“I realize you live in a world of certain parameters, so to speak. It’s like always eating cake without frosting. One day you try frosting and cake eating arrives to a whole new level of fabulous. Maybe you should add some icing, Eugene.” – Lola Fontainethank you so much for your consideration- Merry Christmas! DaveeThank you Summer's Book Blog!  See Full Review Here Split the Uprights Review1st 4/5 Star review blurb--"Right from the beginning there was a lot going on at once. However, the story did eventually pull me in and I did end up falling in love with the characters, especially Lola and Marty. I even cried at one point.

“I won’t say it doesn’t hurt, but, I will tell you it’s ok.”

By the end of the book I found myself wanting to read more, something I did not expect when beginning the book. I am interested to see how everyone’s story evolves during the next book in the series. And, there was one line that I will take with me…

“Let me say that again, if you remain an option, you will never become a priority.”

Tuesday Tales - I'm a Survivor

 
Happy December Tuesday Tales... Today, I return to my current WIP, a Game of Inches,
for my Fantasy Leagues series. This week our group writes to the following word prompt, dance. Will Sharlyn survive?
“When I made this decision, I didn’t have to think. I moved into action mode and wanted to get it done. Now, I wonder, will I ever dance at my sister’s wedding? Will I even be invited?” “Marty, you’re an incredible man, with a huge heart. I’m only sorry I didn’t see it sooner. I suppose I did, I just pretended it was all a lie.” I was so torn, I still loved Lola, but, I couldn’t forget what she did. Every time I see Sharlyn, I see Lola. The beautiful younger version, full of the goodness and kindness Lola never had. I knew it from the beginning, but, I’d hope she would change. People don’t change. “Lola, if I’m lucky enough to be a part of Sharlyn’s life, I don’t know how to do it and avoid you. It kills me so much inside, wanting you so much, loving you so much. I don’ t know how to let go, I long for you down to my soul. You could be the death of me.” Why the hell did I want to say these things? Something about the possibility of death makes people say the words locked within their heart. Lola was locked within my heart, and I was merely a prisoner in hers. “We have to think Sharlyn will pull through this. She has to. I won’t accept anything less.” A knock on the door interrupted anymore drivel I would spout to Lola. It didn’t do any good. “So, Marty, how are you today?” The doctor eyed Lola. I don’t believe a person alive could ignore her. “I’m okay, still sore, but, I’m not complaining.” “You still have a fever, we will have to keep you until we make sure the infection is gone.” “I understand, doc, it is what it is.” I had to ask, I could only hope he’d  tell me. “How is Sharlyn?” The doctor sighed, flipping through a clipboard. “She’s fighting, that girl is a fighter for sure. I can’t say much more.” Dear Lord, Sharlyn may have more of Lola’s best than I ever realized. A fighter. Just like her momma. Now head over to our main page for more responses to our "dance" prompt...;)Tuesday Tales

Smashwords Link

Making a Difference - Eradicate MS

I try to host a health related post each week in The Locker. I like to share my experiences in the hopes of helping someone else. I've decided to make a little turn and have a guest host for the next few weeks.
My friend Brian is a beast. He cycles more miles in a year than I probably drive in my car. He has a passion for health, and shares an equal passion to eradicate MS. Please be kind to Brian and give him a warm welcome.
Hugs-


 My name is Brian Jones. 







I am an avid cyclist riding to rid the world of Multiple Sclerosis.

 A sobering stat I learned while attending the National MS Leadership conference in Ft. Worth, TX.  More than 50% of MS patients will develop a progressive form of the disease, which can lead to diminished motor functions robbing the patient of the ability to walk, or even hold utensils to eat.  While there are FDA approved modifying drugs to treat relapsing forms of MS, there are still no treatments for progressive forms.  Money raised thru events, such as BikeMS, are currently funding research to treat progressive MS, which may lead to a cure.  Please join me as I ride for those who can’t.  Please visit my page at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Brian2015 to make a donation.  Thank you.

Tuesday Tales - It's a Whiteout...Maybe

Smashwords Link
Happy December Tuesday Tales... Today, I return to my current WIP, a Game of Inches,
for my Fantasy Leagues series. This week our group writes to the following beautiful picture prompt. Will Lola ever find peace? Just 300 words for this captivating image. Enjoy

“I wasn’t always a slutty alcoholic, right?”“Those things, they…they weren’t your fault. Besides, those do not make who you are, just some choices you made. Negativity or positivity isn’t intrinsic, neither defines us.”Who the hell made mother some existentialist? “Mamma, I made choices. I can’t blame an evil twin.”“You didn’t do bad things on purpose.”“Stop making excuses for me. I’m trying to work the steps. I can’t do it with blinders on. I accept responsibility.”“No!”“You don’t know how much this hurts if you don’t accept my amends, accept my sins. I need this from you.”Laverne gripped her purse tightly in her lap, as if it was a life preserver. “Can we talk?”“It’s what we’re doing.”“I failed you. I failed you in the worst way, but, I took care of it.”“I forgive you about all the puzzles, dissing my business, and meddling in my life.”“Speaking of puzzles…” Mom pulled a tray up off the floor. It looked like something she’d use for breakfast in bed. “Look what I’ve been working on for you. I know how much you love snow.”

“Wow, Mom, I can't believe this image is only a puzzle. This looks like somewhere we should move.  I want to get away, go somewhere I don’t know anyone. I’m starting to resent my life, shit, I’ve resented it since I can remember.” The hissing fissure deep inside holding me together started to quake. I wanted to blow up, disintegrate, go somewhere I’d never hurt anyone else again. My own daughter was dying, I remembered her kicking me from inside. I thought I had horrible gas. Now, the fissure sometimes spewed hot reminders through my guts. The playful kicking of my infant became twisting, cramping, reminders of the emptiness my daughter filled before I gave her away. I just gave her away like a discarded toy. I walked away from her never looking back. “Momma, make the pain go away.”


Now head over to our main page for more responses to our snowy picture prompt...;)Tuesday Tales Main

Making a Difference - New Feature in The Locker - Eradicate MS

I try to host a health related post each week in The Locker. I like to share my experiences in the hopes of helping someone else. I've decided to make a little turn and have a guest host for the next few weeks.  My friend Brian is a beast. He cycles more miles in a year than I probably drive in my car. He has a passion for health, and shares an equal passion to eradicate MS. Please be kind to Brian and give him a warm welcome.  Hugs- My name is Brian Jones. 


I am an avid cyclist riding to rid the world of Multiple Sclerosis.

 


10 years ago I began my journey with BikeMS, an event to raise money and awareness for MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system.  I ride in honor of seven amazing women who live with MS every day.  My goal is to raise $100K ten years.  To attain this goal I need to raise $20K in the 2015 event.  Please visit my page at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Brian2015 for more information, and to make a donation.  With everyone's help we can: STOP disease progression; RESTORE what's been lost; and END MS forever!!!  Thank you.