Diogenes Ruiz's Blog, page 11

New Easter Novel – Starts to Move

EB called me today and said he wasn’t feeling that great. Nothing serious, but he decided to spend the day sitting quietly at home in contemplative prayer. All that excitement yesterday at the Maserati dealership must have tired him out. I’ll check in on him later.

After I spoke to EB, my good friend Toni came by with her copy of “A Rabbit’s Tale An Easter Story”.  It was great to see her. She bought the first paperback copy and that was pretty special. Thank you, Toni!

Here is the link to Amazon. Check out some of the reviews and pick up a copy! Help me keep EB on organic carrots, otherwise he gets cranky.

http://www.amazon.com/Rabbits-Tale-Easter-Story-ebook/dp/B00BEIQYPC

Easter Bunny Receives Liebster Award. “Carrots for Everyone”

As a Liebster Award recipient, we’d like to thank Good Golly Miss Molly for the nomination. EB and I went right down to the Maserati dealer and picked out the hottest car in the showroom. Thanks to the Liebster Award for their generous support. We rolled out of the dealership in EB’s new Maserati and he had “Bad to the Bone” cranked up. I must have heard it fifty times as we cruised all around Raleigh.

EB sends his congratulations to all of the other nominees, even if they did not all receive a new Maserati.

The Liebster Award is meant to promote great blogs with less than 200 followers. The goal is to generated exposure and allow more people to discover these great blogs. Here’s how Liebster Award works…Nominees are asked to:

- post eleven facts about themselves

- answer the eleven questions they’ve been asked

- nominate eleven other websketches and ask them eleven questions of their own.

- display the Liebster award.

- there are no actual prizes awarded just recognition by fellow bloggers

Eleven Facts about Easter Bunny (EB)

1. EB has a plan for Middle East peace. He would gather all the leaders and sit them around a table with a stack of mouth watering, hot, freshly baked, Krispy Creme doughnuts in the center. The doughnut police would not allow anyone to have one until the peace treaty was signed.

2. EB enjoys jazz, and blues. Two of his favorite obscure artist are Diogenes Ruiz and William D. Burton.

3. EB was shot out of a cannon by mistake one day while visiting the circus. No one was hurt, but the bearded lady was put on a two week leave of absence for negligent cannon lighting.

4. EB is a Downton Abbey fan. He has watched every episode. His favorite character is Bates and he hopes that his leg will be cured so he can enjoy a good hop.

5. EB hopes that “A Rabbit’s Tale An Easter Story” will make it onto the New York Times bestseller’s list, so he can go on Oprah and talk about it. He wants everybody who reads this to buy a copy at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEIQYPC

6. EB loves sci-fi movies, and thinks that they should have written a role for him as Anne Frances’ bunny in the 1950′s movie, Forbidden Planet. She didn’t have a bunny in the movie, but should have.

7. EB really does think that ordinary people can do extraordinary things. He is a big Nelson Mandela fan.

8. EB attended the Justice Theater Project’s presentation of Julius Ceasar last night..

9. EB has family in every state of the country. Some of them are jealous of his Easter Bunny celebrity status, but most are happy for him. His cousin Flapper Jack is one of his favorite family members because he shares his love of peeps and sci fi and rollercoasters.

10. EB wants to be the first rabbit to go in to space as a passenger and not as an experiment.

11. EB knows where Big Foot lives, but has sworn not to tell. He also thinks that Big Foot is crazy for wanting a Donald Trump hairdo.

Answers to Eleven questions from Good Golly Miss Molly:

1. The best day of EB’s life so far was the day he was ceremoniously sworn in as the Easter Bunny and was thus granted some magic powers pertaining to spreading Easter cheer, much the same way Santa can travel to millions of different households in one night.

2.  If EB could be somebody else for a day, he would want to be President Obama. As president EB would make carrots a universaly free food. He would also try to talk some sense into Congress and reward them with free peeps for a week and a special Easter basket.  Each Easter basket would contain a copy of “A Rabbit’s Tale An Easter Story”.

3.  His three favorite foods are pizza, carrots and sweet plantains.

4.  EB is not grown up. Neither am I. Our markers will be when our ashes are blowing in the wind.

5.  EB’s favorite special object is a Tao cross , like the one St. Francis had. It was blessed by the Pope.

6.  If EB could make up his own astrology sign, it would be a doughnut, two cocentric circles.  People born under this sign would have sweet and kind dispositions, and they would be agents of positive change in the world.

7.  EB was home schooled so he asked me to list my favorite teacher, which was Mr. Garvey, our English teacher. He liked everyone, was always cheerful.  In an all male high school, which was cruel and unusual punishment, there were a few good teachers. Mr. Garvey was the best.

8.   The last musical performance EB attended was at the Big Easy in Cary, North Carolina. Diogenes Ruiz was playing with William D. Burton and Jake Stone. It was great!

9.   “The Shy Stegasaurus of Crooked Creek” was EB’s favorite book, because he was shy like the stegasuarus.

10.  EB gave up thinking that Easter was all about him. This happened recently, as he learned that Easter is really about Jesus and EB’s role is to help us celebrate it.

11.   EB’s favorite mode of travel is ELF, which stands for  Electric Light and Fun. It’s a fully covered bicycle with a motor and a solar panel on the roof, so you never need gas. It is made in Durham, North Carolina.

My Eleven Nominees for the Liebster Award

praylikeagourmet.com

http://thegospeljourney.wordpress.com

http://www.tosinsbibleblog.com

http://whitebirdart.wordpress.com

http://innercitybarista.wordpress.com/

http://thehandsomehare.wordpress.com/

http://thecalmsun.wordpress.com/

http://eriklindeen.com/

http://prayerpunk.com/

http://365cupsofkindness.com/

Questions for My Eleven Liebster Award Nominees

1. What animal best represents your personality and why?

2. If you were a superhero what super power would like to have and why?

3. Who most influenced you to become the person you are today?

4. What is your favorite dessert?

5. If you could travel to anywhere on the planet where would you go and why?

6. What is the best book you ever read? What made it special?

7. What is your favorite movie? Why?

8. Do you think there really is such a thing as a Chimpmanzee?

9. What would you say to yourself if you could go back in time ten years, and could only say three words or less?

10. If you could create a national holiday, what would it be called and what date would you choose.

11. When was the last time you gave thanks, and what were you thankful for?

Easter Bunny’s Snowy Day

EB came in this morning all excited after he stepped outside and discovered that we had snow. It was still coming down. Soon after, our friends Dixie and Doodles came over to play. They are two of our favorite canine friends. We were all out for a while, in the back yard. EB, Dixie and I came in after we started to get a little too cold. Doodles decided to stay outside to play in the snow.  We spent most of the morning looking on line to see how many people were getting our book “A Rabbit’s Tale and Easter Story”. So far five have been sold. EB looked at me and said, ”Hey, you gotta start somewhere. Besides, it’s too good a story. Once a few people read it, word will spread. Maybe our blogging buddies can help spread the word.”

Then we started to talk about the upcoming Easter holiday. EB likes to plan early. We had hot chocolate along with a few peeps. Dixie played with her favorite bone.  After lunch we watched some cartoons. Several hours later, we went back outside. Dixie (left) ran over to talk to Doodles. But, Doodles (right) just gave her the cold shoulder.

We all came inside and are waiting for Doodles to warm up a bit.

Easter Bunny Preview

Here’s a little video that EB and I put together. We hope you enjoy it.

Easter Bunny Celebrates Valentines Day

EB celebrated Valentines Day with a some special treats including strawberrys dipped in chocolate, banana pudding and a butter cream cup cake. He also received lots of hugs from friends. EB loves hugs as his friend Abi pointed out a few days ago.

Here’s a Valentine’s Day poem that EB wrote for all his blogging friends.

Carrots are orange

They are such a treat

Having good friends like you

Just can’t be beat.

Happy Valentines Day!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEIQYPC

Big Ash Big Lent

me: How was your day EB did you go to church and get your ashes?

EB: What are you blind, man? Don’t you see me wearing this humongous cross on my forehead? I think the priest got carried away, you know the big tall one with the big hands. He just smeared it on.

me: Wow, that is a rather large cross on your forehead.

EB: Yeah, I guess he saw me coming, nice white rabbit, a perfect canvas for his ash fingerpainting.

me: It’s not fingerpainting EB. Do you know what it means?

EB: Yeah, it means that I will wearing this thing for a month, its so big. I hope it comes off without the doctor having to amputate.

me: Your exaggerating, you wont need your head amputated.

EB: I never exaggerate. The priest that this to me, I think he’s the one prone to exaggerating.

me: EB, the ashes are a reminder that we come from ash and when we die we will return to ash. It’s a reminder of our mortality.

EB: Yeah, but it’s also a reminder that I look ridiculous.

me: You’re just upset because you got the biggest set of ashes in the entire church.

EB: I’m looking forward to my bunny bath this evening.

me: So, Did you give anything up for Lent?

EB: Yeah, I’m giving up having ashes smeared on my forehead.

me: No, I’m serious, are you doing anything special for Lent?

EB: I’ll probably just try to be a better bunny.

me: How?

EB: Not let things upset me so easily and maybe spend less time watching Judge Judy.

me: You can also do something like helping others that are less fortunate. It’s not just about giving something up.

EB: Hmm, maybe you’re right. Do you need anything? Is there something I can help you with?

me: As a matter of fact there is.

EB: OK – spill it.

me: Well, I really could use help in spreading the word about my new book “A Rabbit’s Tale An Easter Story” so folks will find out about it and can then to to Amazon and get a copy.http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEIQYPC

EB: I’ll do my best to help spread the word, no problem. I’ll start a countdown tomorrow and remind my fans that pick up a copy.

me: Thanks EB, I’d never thought the Easter Bunny would be helping me get folks to read my book.

EB: Well, I did read it and it was pretty good.

me: I thought you hated it.

EB: No, I just hated that it wasn’t about me. But,  I’m over it. I’ll get started tomorrow with my campaign to help you. That will be what I do for Lent.

me: Thanks EB

EB: De nada.

Great Read! – Welcome to Lent 2013

“A Rabbits Tale An Easter Story” is officially released today, on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEIQYPC Pick up your copy today and read it during Lent. Let me know what you think. I would really love to hear from you.

While the book is entertaining, it dives into issues that we all face about our mortality, our faith, God’s plan, and the choices we make. The struggle between good and evil is at the center of this story, along with the true meaning and significance of Easter. (and it’s not a rabbit with candy eggs, EB will hate me for saying that).

The story takes place in present day. It is suspenseful and moves pretty quickly. I think you will enjoy it. As we begin the season of Lent today, my wish for you is that you are renewed and strengthened by your personal journey these 40 days.

Peace and all good,

Diogenes

(EB’s best pal)

Easter Bunny Celebrates Fat Tuesday

EB and I attended a Mardi Gras party today. We had lot of munchies including some delicious German chocolate, and spent time with friends.

Here is a picture of EB. He thought nobody could recognize him, but the ears kind of gave him away.

After a while EB had a little too much carrot juice and passed out.  I didn’t let him drive, although he kept insisting that he was OK.

Never let friends drive if they are impared.

A Rabbit’s Tale an Easter Story – Great Read for Lent

 

Well, he finally did it. He published that crazy book, A Rabbit’s Tale an Easter Story. It is now available for Kindle at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BEIQYPC . The paper back will be available later this month.

This is a really good book to read during Lent. It’s fun and suspensful and is appropriate for all age levels. There are some laughs. The story begins as we meet Juan Arias as a kid. He has a bit of a rough time with a classmate. Later in life, things start to unravel as Juan has a bizzare accident with some funky side effects. As he is trying to get his life together, he finds himself in the middle of a struggle between good and evil as he tries to help a friend bring an evil, cunning, ego maniac to justice. It’s quite a page turner, as Juan comes to discover what Easter is really all about.

Pick up a copy on Amazon and tell your friends, family and your church. I think it’s a really good story and lends itself well to discussion, as we go through Lent and anticipate the Easter celebration.  I was a little dissapointed that Easter candy is not the main focus of the book, but this bunny gives it an enthusiastic thumbs up!

Everyone’s a Critic, Even the Easter Bunny

Today I sat down and talked with EB about my book. He was upset a few days ago when I told him that Easter was not about him, but about Jesus. He seemed to be over that. Now he has decided to be Mr. Book Critic.

me: What’s wrong EB, didn’t like my book? Why do you think I have issues?

EB: Well for one thing, that guy Monty in the book is very scary.

me: Yeah, but he’s supposed to be scary.

EB: Why couldn’t you just write about how much Jesus loved yellow peeps and things like that.

me: The story takes place today, not in the time of Jesus. Besides, I can’t write that. There were no marshmallow peeps back then.

EB: He turned water into wine didn’t He? Maybe He turned a rock into a peep, and nobody wrote about it. The apostles seemed to want to fall asleep as the most inconvenient times. Maybe they were asleep when He did it.

me: EB, I think you’re missing the point. This book is a modern story. It’s a suspensful thriller that has at its heart the true meaning of Easter. It’s not set in the time of Jesus, it is set today.

EB” Well, I guess I don’t like this good vs. evil stuff. The suspense is too much for me. Although I must admit, there were a few funny parts.

me: So you liked those?

EB: Yeah, but if you ever make a movie out of this, I want to be consulted on any scenes that involve candy.

me: No problem. I would love your candy expertise.

EB: So, when is it out.

me: I think it will be available on Wednesday on Amazon.

EB: You mean people will have to go to South America to get a copy.

me: No, Amazon is online. They can get it online.

EB: So, was it fun to write?

me: Yeah, but something really freaky happened on the cover.

EB: Tell me tomorrow, all this suspensful thriller stuff has made me hungry – need a carrot.