Forbes Arnone's Blog, page 15

A-Z Challenge ~ Dogs

 

If any of you follow me on Facebook, you’d know how much I love my dogs, and, really, dogs in general. My love of dogs began when I was five years old and my dad brought home this full-grown Afghan. He was the best dog I’ve ever had. No one could come within five feet of me with bad intentions or he’d attack. Even when my mom wanted to spank me, he’d jump in front of me and protect me. She’s have to lock him out of the room first. Yes, we laugh about it now. Max really was a smart and wonderful dog and ever since, I’ve been a dog person.

 

 

This is my beautiful German Shepherd, Schatzi (sweetheart in German). We trained for three years, almost twenty to thirty hours a week for Schutzhund. It’s a combination of obedience, tracking, bite, and temperament training to test the dog’s line. If they pass all those tests, then they’re good enough to breed. This was the way the Germans determined which dogs were acceptable for breeding back in the day, now it’s a sport. It was a lot of fun and helped keep my high-energy baby nice and worked.

Both of my dogs, Rocco and Schatzi, were taught with German commands and are trained highly in obedience. I’ve trained quite a few dogs after working with them and find it so rewarding.

My Cane Corso, Rocco, is my fur-baby. He’s a huge dog, mean when he needs to be, but he is a crybaby. I’ve softened him with too much love. However, I’m not a bit sorry about it. But when he tore his ACL and needed knee surgery, it felt like my heart was being ripped out. He was in so much pain before we even knew what was wrong with him, and it got to the point where he couldn’t even walk.

So, I knew the surgery was for the best, I just worried so much for him. Then after the surgery, he really could not move. Now before surgery, he weighed 180 lbs. After surgery he dropped to 160 lbs. and there was no way I could just pick him up and take him outside to potty. It was a miserable two weeks after his operation. Worse than a colicky newborn. Loud cries all night long kept the whole house awake and even some neighbors. And nothing would soothe him. Nevertheless, we overcame the misery and he is still in recovery.

The operation caused a bit of nerve damage so his rehabilitation will take a little bit longer. We’re taking it one day at a time.

 

My babies bring me lots of happiness and contentment. They’re just as much a part of the family as my boys are and we all love them very much.

One of these days, I’d love to write a dog into one of my stories. I think they would bring happiness to a character as my dogs bring to me.

Do you have any pets? Tell me about them. :)

Filed under: Writing

A-Z Challenge ~ Culver City #atozchallenge

In my book, My Mr. Manny I wrote about Culver City, the home of Mia. Well, this was also my home from when I was sixteen until about ten years ago. Both Mia and I graduated from Culver High School and lived in Raintree, the town home/Condominium community.
Culver City was created by Harry Culver and became a municipality in 1917. It was a big movie city, more so than Hollywood at the time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t given the credit for all the movies done like Hollywood was. As a matter of fact, movies either said Hollywood or nothing, opting out on giving Culver City the credit it deserved. The movie industry is still a big part of the city as Sony Studios resides there currently.
In My Mr. Manny, I discuss the beautiful town home/condominium community Mia lives in and how it was also used as a filming lot for The Wizard of Oz. Well, in this very informative video by Huell Howser, you can learn more about the city, and the significance of the Culver Hotel.The munchkins from The Wizard of Oz stayed in that hotel during the filming of the movie.




There is a small museum with some costumes from different actors and classic movies.
If you’re into a little history, watch Huell’s video of the city.
Filed under: Writing

A-Z Challenge ~ Culver City

In my book, My Mr. Manny I wrote about Culver City, the home of Mia. Well, this was also my home from when I was sixteen until about ten years ago. Both Mia and I graduated from Culver High School and lived in Raintree, the town home/Condominium community.
Culver City was created by Harry Culver and became a municipality in 1917. It was a big movie city, more so than Hollywood at the time. Unfortunately, it wasn’t given the credit for all the movies done like Hollywood was. As a matter of fact, movies either said Hollywood or nothing, opting out on giving Culver City the credit it deserved. The movie industry is still a big part of the city as Sony Studios resides there currently.
In My Mr. Manny, I discuss the beautiful town home/condominium community Mia lives in and how it was also used as a filming lot for The Wizard of Oz. Well, in this very informative video by Huell Howser, you can learn more about the city, and the significance of the Culver Hotel.The munchkins from The Wizard of Oz stayed in that hotel during the filming of the movie.




There is a small museum with some costumes from different actors and classic movies.
If you’re into a little history, watch Huell’s video of the city.
Filed under: Writing

A-Z Challenge ~ Boys #atozchallenge

I think it takes a special woman to live in a house with all boys. I live with my two sons and husband and, although, I should be the odd one out, it has never worked out that way.
As a kid, I wasn’t exactly a tomboy, my dad describes me more of a tough girl, but I liked to hang out with the boys. I wanted to do whatever they did, because I knew I could. I thought, if they could bench press 130 lbs., so could I. Whatever they could do, I could do better. Really. So, I’ve had lots of practice on how to act around and deal with boys. It has, most likely, prepared me for the overdose of testosterone I’ve been dealing with the past 20-something years.
I think I’m quite lucky, I have a wonderful husband and two wonderful boys. All my time with them has been great. One of our most favorite things to do together is travel.
So in keeping with the “B” theme for today, here we are in front of Buckingham Palace a few years ago.

 

 

And here we are in front of Big Ben.

Now my eldest is in bootcamp for the U.S. Navy and my youngest is finishing up eighth grade. Time goes by way too fast. I love my boys.
Here’s a recent picture of my boys.

Filed under: Writing

A-Z Challenge ~ Boys

I think it takes a special woman to live in a house with all boys. I live with my two sons and husband and, although, I should be the odd one out, it has never worked out that way.
As a kid, I wasn’t exactly a tomboy, my dad describes me more of a tough girl, but I liked to hang out with the boys. I wanted to do whatever they did, because I knew I could. I thought, if they could bench press 130 lbs., so could I. Whatever they could do, I could do better. Really. So, I’ve had lots of practice on how to act around and deal with boys. It has, most likely, prepared me for the overdose of testosterone I’ve been dealing with the past 20-something years.
I think I’m quite lucky, I have a wonderful husband and two wonderful boys. All my time with them has been great. One of our most favorite things to do together is travel.
So in keeping with the “B” theme for today, here we are in front of Buckingham Palace a few years ago.

 

 

And here we are in front of Big Ben.

Now my eldest is in bootcamp for the U.S. Navy and my youngest is finishing up eighth grade. Time goes by way too fast. I love my boys.
Here’s a recent picture of my boys.

Filed under: Writing

A-Z Challenge ~ April #atozchallenge

Happy April Fool’s Day!

 

This may be April Fool’s Day but this is no joke. April is not only the month I was born, but it is the month I have committed to blogging everyday in alphabetical order. Hence, the A to Z challenge. :)

What will I be blogging about? Well, all sorts of things, but mostly things about me and my family. I’m choosing topics that I can work into something I’ve either done, somewhere I’ve traveled to, or a place I’ve lived. There may be some random topics to fill in the days, but other topics may be about my family, kids, and dogs.
This should be a lot of fun. While I have a blast blogging everyday, you all will learn tons about me.

Click on either of the pictures in this post and it will take you to the main A to Z Challenge website. There you’ll find all of the other bloggers that are participating. Some have themes and really interesting stuff to talk about. So go have fun and check out all the blogs. :)

Hope to see you back here all month but before I go, I’d like to introduce you to a character from my novella.

Anela Alborn is the heroine in my book, In My Mother’s Footsteps.

 

 

Filed under: Writing

A-Z Challenge ~ April

Happy April Fool’s Day!

 

This may be April Fool’s Day but this is no joke. April is not only the month I was born, but it is the month I have committed to blogging everyday in alphabetical order. Hence, the A to Z challenge. :)

What will I be blogging about? Well, all sorts of things, but mostly things about me and my family. I’m choosing topics that I can work into something I’ve either done, somewhere I’ve traveled to, or a place I’ve lived. There may be some random topics to fill in the days, but other topics may be about my family, kids, and dogs.
This should be a lot of fun. While I have a blast blogging everyday, you all will learn tons about me.

Click on either of the pictures in this post and it will take you to the main A to Z Challenge website. There you’ll find all of the other bloggers that are participating. Some have themes and really interesting stuff to talk about. So go have fun and check out all the blogs. :)

Hope to see you back here all month but before I go, I’d like to introduce you to a character from my novella.

Anela Alborn is the heroine in my book, In My Mother’s Footsteps.

 

 

 

Filed under: Writing

2nd Annual Spring Fever Blog Tour: Official Line-up

Jennifer Garcia - itlnbrt:

Check out Tracee’s blog from April 1st to May 8th to learn more about the featured authors. I’ll be featured April 8th. :)

Originally posted on Tracee Ford, Author:

Well, it’s that time of year again. I am hosting the 2nd Annual Spring Fever Blog Tour. This year’s format is much more condensed and the authors featured basically wrote a story about themselves. Some of those stories are very detailed and others skim the surface of who these talented individuals truly are.

I have not altered or changed any of the upcoming features. All of the words were written by the featured author. I didn’t edit. I just simply decided to present who they are, to you, the reader. I wanted them to tell their story.

So, starting tomorrow night, an author will be featured between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. through the entire month of April and a few dates in May.

I also wanted to let you know that the fall blog tour I host will not be happening this year. Blog tours take…

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Filed under: Writing

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ The Certainty of Deception by Jeanne McDonald

 
Jeanne McDonald is revealing an excerpt of her upcoming release The Certainty of Deception book 2 of The Truth in Lies Saga coming June 2014.
The Certainty of Deception cover will be revealed on April 25, 2014.

“Now,” he continued as though I’d not spoken, “regarding Miss Hamilton.”
Every bit of my winner’s high was gone.  I already knew what was coming.  
“What about her?”
“Has she consented to the paternity test yet?”
“Morgan informed her that it’s safe for the baby now, but she’s not yet consented.”
“Hmm. I see.”
I bit my tongue.  It took everything inside me to maintain my control.  My father was baiting me.  This was a tactic I knew all too well.
“I assure you.  She will have the test done.  You have my word.”
“You word is worthless, Andrew.  Actions are more valuable.”  He paused.  My pulse quickened.  The man was hundreds of miles away, yet I felt as though I were sitting in front of him getting in trouble for stealing the Bentley when I was sixteen.  “Have you consider what you will do if the test confirms the child is yours.  Do you plan to do the right thing by this family and marry Miss Hamilton?”
I slapped my hand over my face.  There was no way in hell I would marry Olivia.  McKenzie was the only woman for me.  “I’m not marrying her.  I’ll draw up a custody agreement, but I refuse to be tied to Olivia by anything more than the child.”
My father huffed in aggravation.  “How is it possible that you’re my son?  This type of behavior is unacceptable.  Where is your sense of propriety, of duty?  Have you not learned anything, Andrew?  You have a responsibility as a Wise to maintain the image this family upholds.  Traditional family values.  You failed me ten years ago.  Do not fail me again.”
*This excerpt is subject to change for final publication





Begin McKenzie and Drew’s journey with The Truth in Lies.  Now available on Amazon.

Jeanne McDonald began telling stories at the ripe young age of five, when her mother considered the truth to be a lie due to her extensive embellishment to the retelling of an event.  She wrote her first short story when she was twelve years old, and at the age of sixteen she tried her hand at poetry.  She reconnected with her love for writing in 2010 thanks to the encouragement of a dear friend. 

Her passions include a “mild” Starbucks addiction, music, reading, quotes, movies, and romance.  When she’s not spending time with her family, she can be found reading, writing, chatting with her friends or diligently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology.  A proud Texan, Jeanne currently resides in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her family.

Where to find Jeanne
Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter
Goodreads   |   Amazon




Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays

Sneak Peek Sunday ~ Soldier On by Sydney Logan

Sydney Logan is revealing the book trailer for her upcoming military romance, Soldier On. 






Be sure to add Soldier On to your Goodreads Shelf!

 

Sydney Logan is an Amazon bestselling author who may or may not have an unhealthy obsession with music (seriously, she loves everything from Eminem to Johnny Cash). She also has an amazing husband and a ridiculously spoiled cat, both of whom join her in soaking up the stunning views from their East Tennessee front porch.



Find her books on Amazon, iTunes, B&N, and TWCS Publishing House.



Visit her online at www.sydneylogan.com.

Filed under: Sneak Peek Sundays