D.G. Kaye's Blog, page 142

Thoughts on Opinion – #Friendships and #Politics

 

In this time of the world with US politics, it’s become apparent to me on certain social media sites, Facebook in particular, that some people are becoming angry with others for voicing their political opinions. Many I’ve seen have even ‘unfriended’ others. Is this what the new norm is becoming, politics coming between friends? Because if it is, it isn’t right.

Yes there are plenty of the population upset, petrified and in disagreement with the state of the US election, but we are all entitled to our opinions without being judged whether our friendships are still worthy with one another. Is this cause to become undivided at a time when the world is begging for unification? No! This is a time where people need to work out their differences and start spreading some love and compassion around, and learn acceptance, not be bashing others for their opinions.

I had managed to keep my political opinions to myself this past year for these exact reasons, fears that those who disagreed with me might get angry and wish to sever ties. But when the outcome of the election was announced, I was shocked and appalled as were many, and felt compelled to voice my opinion, my opinion, which doesn’t make it the gospel. There are many elements to the whys and how we vote. Even if the person we’ve voted for seems unfit or unjust to hold such a position of authority, that shouldn’t give us the right to start bashing people for their difference of opinion. But it’s happening a lot.

People are seen arguing why they are right, and consequently, ‘unfriending’ those who aren’t in their camp. Angry words are flying in the cyber world against those whose views aren’t aligned with other’s. This is wrong! This has all the makings of where hatred breeds and we don’t need to add fuel to this type of disease.

At this time in the world, we have to garner compassion for the decisions we’re faced to live with and try to make something positive from the negative feelings and rhetoric we’re surrounded with to avoid festering into bigger issues. If a friend disagrees with our opinion, it’s okay for them to voice why they’re on their different side of thought.

I’ve read hundreds posts in the last 2 nights and seen how people are reacting to feedback. Some are diplomatic, and others trying to hammer their point to others, hoping to sway them over to their point of view, leaving angry comments to those who won’t agree with their opinion.

When I decided I needed to voice my own opinion, I posted with my reasoning of why I was upset over the vote, and consequently, I had only one long-time American friend disagreeing with my post, defending his vote for Trump to me. We didn’t fight and argue. Yes, we bantered a bit in a civil manner, trying to substantiate our point of views to one another, but we left it at that, his opinion, my opinion, we voiced them, and end of conversation, not friendship.

Here’s a copy of exactly how that conversation went down in response to my post. (name deleted for privacy)

 

He said: “And now your going to have a bunch moving to canada….. sorry cubby” (my nickname)

Me: ” No doubt, and nothing new. Immigrants are treated very well in this country.”

Missed Opportunities – Guest Post… Tina Frisco

 

Today’s post is a reblog of a beautiful post I caught on The Story Reading Ape’s  (Chris Graham) blog, by Tina Frisco. Tina is reminding us not to waste a moment of opportunity to let someone know what we are feeling. Read her words below:

 

 

 

How many times have you heard yourself say: “I wish I’d said . . .”?  Sometimes we’re simply a little slow on the draw. But sometimes we hesitate, afraid to speak what we’re thinking and feeling. Maybe we’re afraid of not being liked. Maybe we’re uncomfortable with effusive reactions. Maybe we’re afraid of confrontation. Whatever the reason, it’s usually based in fear. And that’s really too bad, because we’ve missed an opportunity to grow.

How many times have you heard yourself say: “I wish I’d told her . . .”?  If we’re reticent to pay someone a compliment — perhaps afraid they may question our motives — then we’ve robbed them and ourselves of a joyful moment. If we’re reluctant to offer someone criticism — perhaps unsure whether we’re capable of handling their reaction — then we’ve robbed them and ourselves of an opportunity to change.

And the world is in desperate need of heart-speak.

How many times have you heard yourself say: “I wish I’d done . . .”? Maybe it was something as lofty as starting your own business or as unimposing as dropping a dollar in the cup of a homeless person. But wherever it fell on the spectrum, it was a missed opportunity to act — perhaps even for the greater good. . . Continue Reading 

 

Note *** Tomorrow I’ll be on Annette Aben’s Blogtalk radio show- Tell Me A Story. We’ll be live at 130pm EST, but the podcast will also be available to listen to at your leisure by going to  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/themagichappens/2016/11/11/d-g-kaye-on-tell-me-a-story 

 

 

Source: Missed Opportunities – Guest Post… | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

D.G. Kaye’s Awesome #New Book | Leisure Lane

Thank you Marianne Coyne of Leisure Lane, for posting this lovely post and linking it to my book, P.S. I Forgive You.

 

“You know, mothers are suppose to be loving, nurturing, and full of compassion – especially to their own children.  I had a wonderful relationship with my mother.  She was warm, generous, lovingly approachable, and to this day I can imagine her sweet humming throughout the house as she folded clothes or prepared a meal.  In fact, most recently, I find myself doing the same, and it always reminds me of her.  She had her flaws, as we all do, and some of them were not attractive.  But for the most part – the part that has left a remarkable impression upon my childhood and adulthood – she was, for me, the best.

 

Unfortunately, not everyone has had an experience like mine.  On occasion, I have heard people say that their mother was far from loving, but rather cold and distant, and some, even abusive.  My heart has always hurt for anyone who has had such an experience, and I couldn’t imagine the pain that such a relationship could bring.

D.G. Kaye is an amazing woman, who has journeyed within her soul and found the courage to write about her experience with her emotionally abusive mother.  She most vulnerably opens her heart to take you through her journey of abuse, guilt, and the power she ultimately finds in forgiveness.” Continue Reading . . .

 

Source: D.G. Kaye’s Awesome New Book | Leisure Lane 

Remembering, Gratitude, Unite – Remembrance Day

 

At a time when the world seems divided with so many fears of uncertainty, it’s a time to remind that we all still have a choice to unite, not only to make America great again, but help to make the world great again. Strength is in numbers, not held solely in the hands of an elected official. It’s the numbers that put these officials in power. The damage is done, as has been in all wars. It’s now up to all of us to work hard at being kind and compassionate to our fellow man.

 

Today I went out on my balcony for a breath of fresh air, and something which stares me blatantly in the face every time I do so, became so much more polarizing. An apartment in a building across from mine flies the Canadian flag proudly every day. I watched as it danced in the wind in all its glory and served as a reminder that no matter how much I’m unhappy about the state of our economics in my province, and particularly my city, that I am grateful for the many other things we have in this country.

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, a day to reflect and remember all those Vets who fought for many of our countries for freedom. November 11th – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month is when we take a pause for a single moment of silence to pay our respect and remembrance for those who fought and died in battle for us, to end hostility.

 

Despite the loss of life, the world didn’t seem to learn after that war, as the second World War emerged only two decades later. In the decades that followed, more wars around the world ensued and still, there’s a nagging question mark lurking in the minds of many, wondering if it’s only a matter of time until the third World War might actually happen.

War never solved anything, and still will never. Enough already! We all need to look into our…
Click To Tweet

War never solved anything, and still will never. Enough already! We all need to look into our hearts and bring back love, human compassion and brotherhood, think about our actions and the ripple effect they create. It’s up to each and every one of us to unite and stop spilling hatred because there are truly some dangerous minds that are so easily swayed by propaganda, the stepping stone of where injustice begins.

 

I do love the USA and all my American friends. And anybody who knows me well, knows how much I adore Arizona, but given the climate of the world right now, I’m reminded that I’m proud to be Canadian, with all its warts and I’d never dream of giving up my citizenship. And so, tomorrow I’ll wear my crimson poppy proudly, to remind of all who’ve fallen on the battlefields, and for where the poppies bloomed amidst one of the worst battlegrounds, Flanders Field, and the bloodshed, serving to remind that we should never want to repeat a history of hatred.

 

Thank you Marian Beaman for adding this link to the original poem written by John McCrea in 1915 while on the battlefield – Flanders Field https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6BlOkpdkg8&w=560&h=315%5D 

 

 

Smorgasbord Christmas Promotions – Bloggers around the Christmas Tree | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

 

 Attention Writer, Authors, Bloggers, Artists: Sally Cronin from Smorgasbord Invitation is once again opening her heart and her blog for all kinds of Christmas Promotions. Read her promotional post below, then continue reading on her page to discover a lovely selection of possibilities for you to submit to Sally’s blog to be a part of it!

 

Smorgasbord Christmas Promotions – Bloggers around the Christmas Tree

 

 

“We already have a promotion for books and for short stories and the third promotion is Bloggers Around the Christmas Tree. There are so many talented writers here on WordPress alone that it would take all year to list them. However, at this time of year as Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, there are some wonderful festive posts about family, parties, recipes and gifts.

This is an opportunity to bring new readers to your blog and to showcase your talent.

I will be including posts that I find as I am browsing my reader and reading posts at my regular hangouts, but I would love you to send me your links to posts about any aspect of this huge celebration around the world. Of course not everyone celebrates Christmas as a religious event but as an opportunity to get together with family and friends. It is this feeling of fun and laughter with people we love that I would like to celebrate.

Posts can include gift ideas so if you are a photographer, artist, designer then please send me a link to your buying sites.

If you are planning on posting anything to do with your own celebrations then please send me the link and I will feature an excerpt along with your photo and the link for people to head over to read the rest of the post. Also your main social media sites

  sally.cronin@moyhill.com

This will take the place of Mention in Dispatches on Saturday mornings from Saturday December 3rd.

The trees that I have chosen for this promotion are from Annette Rochelle Aben and..”

Continue Reading. . .  

 

 

Source: Smorgasbord Christmas Promotions – Bloggers around the Christmas Tree | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life

I’m Taking #Reader’s Opinions about #Blogging

 

Okay guys and gals, I seriously am in need of some suggestions on how to manage blog reading in a more efficient manner. It seems as though as the days go by, my inbox is is filling up faster than I can keep up with. I know I’ve asked a few of you, from time to time, how you manage to keep up with blog reading, yet I’m still looking for an effective method to keep up with reading blogs and still having some semblance of a life.

 

I know many of you use the WordPress reader instead of having notifications come into your inboxes, but I’m wondering if I can trust WordPress these days, to show all the blogs I follow in the reader? And if I were to miss a day, will it only show me blogs from the current day?

 

Because I enjoy reading so many blogs, I seem to have caused myself an influx of notifications. I’d have to say that I follow at least 75 blogs! Some bloggers post several times a day, so I do have to pick and choose which of those are my favourite topics of interest, as I couldn’t possibly read 20 to 30 blogs a week from just one person.

 

When I open my email each night, there are typically 50 to 80 notifications of blog posts daily I receive. Those are just the ones I chose to receive daily. On Mondays and Tuesdays, I can’t even tell you how many roll in from those notifications I ticked off to receive weekly! So naturally, I’m at a point where I have to restructure my reading process. And that’s why I thought I’d ask you for suggestions how you schedule your own blog reading notifications and time.

 

Currently, my system is in an overwhelming state of affairs to say the least. If I don’t change things, I’m sure to lose the plot! I have an idea why things have gotten out of control. There were various times, which we’ve all encountered, when I wasn’t receiving notifications from WordPress for blogs I chose to follow. So I had gone ahead and subscribed to many blogs to receive their posts. Consequently, I now receive duplicate notifications from both WordPress notifications and from subscribed email notices. I need not tell you the math on how many emails I receive because of that. It’s madness!

 

SOLUTION? 

 

Here’s what I’m thinking of doing to start the process of simplifying the mayhem. I’d appreciate your feedback on my idea and any other tips you can offer.

 

Please know that with this plan, I’m not abandoning any of the blogs I already love to read, merely trying to restructure.


I’d like to start using the Reader. By doing so, I can shut off the notifications request by email in ‘manage’ blogs in the Reader.


I may start out by keeping subscribed to blogs in the meantime and see how that flows. I especially don’t want to unsubscribe to those bloggers who are self-hosted. I know there are blogs I follow and some that follow me who aren’t offered to ‘follow’ from the WordPress little box that offers to do so on the bottom corner of a blog, so I’ll keep those subscriptions going.


I plan to test the waters and see if this plan works. And if any of you notice I’ve unsubscribed, do know that I’m not abandoning your blogs, it just means I chose to read them in the Reader. 

 

I just need to clean up my shabby system I’ve created because I’m overwhelmed.

 

Now, I’m not going to start this cleanup until I start receiving some helpful tips from you readers. Please share in the comments, what method of following blogs works best for you. Thanks!

 

#BookReview – Gardener of My Soul – Marianne Coyne

My Sunday book review is on Marianne Coyne’s book, The Gardener of My Soul.  Marianne’s intent is to create joy and awareness through her writing. Visit all of her books on her Amazon Author Page here.

 

Blurb:

This book contains the intimate collection of the prayers, dialogues, and revelations of a soul survivor, which were written during the wooing of the beloved by its Divine Lover. Its intent is two-fold: to help the reader understand the beautiful, yet sometimes daunting process of the mystical union; and to realize that when the wooing has ended the soul should not fret, for the marriage has begun – a time of trust and new heights of ones spirit. The Gardener of My Soul is for those who have experienced the yearning of spirit, for those going through the process of mystical awakening to Love, and for the soul who is curious about its belonging – it is for all lovers.

 

 

Get this book HERE on Amazon

 

My Review – 5 Stars – In Pursuit of the Spirit of Faith

By D.G. Kaye on July 31, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

 

A beautifully written book about source and spirituality. The author is speaking to the power of source and love, reaffirming her strengths and beliefs, reminding us of all the goodness we have within us in faith and love.
Coyne uses many metaphoric speeches with the book, conveying a sense of spiritual renewal.
This book is timeless referring to all senses of the human spirit. A book to enlighten us all, particularly in the current state of the world.

Featured Book and Reviews – #Adoption Month – Gloria Oren

Did you know November is National Adoption Month? Today I’m introducing Gloria Oren‘s book, Bonded at Birth, in honor of National Adoption Month.

 

About the Author:

 

Gloria Oren, born in Brooklyn, New York, tells an extraordinary story in a compelling and engrossing way. At the heart of the story are people whose paths crossed creating a beautiful tapestry. Gloria hopes to inspire others considering a search to take the plunge and see what they discover. She has three grown children and lives in Redmond, Washington with her husband and their firstborn.

 

From the Author:

 

“The book is about loss, survival, determination, and persistence. It covers one state, three countries, and two continents. It covers sixteen years of searching and a little over four decades since my first adoption. It wasn’t until seven years post-reunion that my second adoption occurred when my birth mother adopted me to close the circle.”

About the Book:

 

An Adoptee’s Search for Her Roots is a story of loss, survival, determination, and persistence. It covers one state, three countries, and two continents. It covers sixteen years of searching and a little over four decades since her first adoption. After growing up under the umbrella of secrecy, Gloria sets out to find her birth mother with all she knew about her: she was a Jewish teenager. Despite being told by anyone and everyone that it would be an impossible feat, her determination and motivation increased. Learning her birth father’s name upon reunion with her birth mother and a short time later that he passed away eight years before led to her getting involved in genealogy and through this research medium she discovered that her first cousin seven times removed was Col. William Prescott of the Battle of Bunker Hill fame and more. Seven years later her story is brought full circle.

Bonded at Birth will interest adult adoptees who wish to search but hesitate, adoptive parents confronted by their adopted child’s wish to search,, and by birth parents who fear searching not wanting to intrude on their biological offspring’s life. It will attract memoir readers who enjoy a unique story. And couples contemplating adoption will learn the damage secrecy can lead to, and with hope, this book will ensure that they will be the ones to talk to their adopted children about their adoptions.

 

 

Available on Amazon Here

Blurb:
Bonded at Birth: an Adoptee’s Search for Her Roots is an adoption memoir about growing up as an adoptee under the umbrella of secrecy, being determined and motivated by multiple lifetime events to search for her heritage against all odds of success. Can Gloria do it?

 

Reviews:

 

“You Will Love this Book

A compelling account of a woman’s searching for her adoptive and birth roots and its interplay with her life and world events. I highly recommend this heartfelt story, which is particularly resonant with me as it evokes some of my earliest childhood memories of growing up in Brooklyn, NY in the late 1950s. Read and enjoy!” – Poppy Ed”

 

Finding the Answers

“A wonderful account of searching, never giving up, and finally finding that answer that makes one whole. I liked this book. Inspirational and highly readable.”—Judy Winn

 

“I have no doubt that it will help others. The story is very interesting and filled with a lot of intriguing information. The struggles you went through were both profound and inspiring.”
– Amanda Siemen, editor

 

 “As a woman who was adopted when I was three days old, I felt every twist and turn in your journey. It’s your wonderful writing that brings the people on your pages alive for all readers, adopted or not. Great job!” — Carol Woien, writer

 

Find Gloria at:

 

Facebook: Gloria Oren Writing Ventures

Facebook Group (women only): 

Women Writers, Editors, Agents, and Publishers

Twitter: http://twitter.com/gloriaoren

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+GloriaOren

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2049009-gloria

Pinterest:  http://pinterest.com/gloriaoren/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/gloriaoren 

Visit Gloria’s Blog:  http://familylinksmatter.blogspot.ca 

 

                    Check out her  Amazon author page and other books                         https://www.amazon.com/Gloria-Oren

 

Goodbye Traditional #Publishing, Hello Indie – Results | Myths of the Mirror

 

Today’s post is a reblog from Diana Peach of Myths of the Mirror.  She is sharing her detailed accounting of what it was like for her to abandon traditional publishing and become an Indie author, and loving it!

Goodbye Traditional, Hello Indie – Results

 

Eight months ago, I started the process of canceling my traditional publishing contracts and re-releasing all my books as an indie author. My reasons for the switch were detailed in two posts Goodbye Traditional, Hello Indie (Part I) and (Part II).

The process went more smoothly than I could have imagined, and I wanted to share the results:

1. I left myself 8 months to convert 6 books. Two months per book would have been easier as I was reproofing as part of the process. The advice: Create a schedule and then give yourself extra time.

2. New covers had an instantaneous sales response. Covers do matter whether traditional or indie publishing.

3. My old reviews ALL carried over to the new books. All I had to do was ask Amazon to combine the old (publisher) and new (indie) editions leaving only the new editions visible. The same phone call also combined the kindle and paperback editions so that they’d show as one “tile” (the standard Amazon presentation).

4. Though I priced my ebooks significantly lower than my publisher did, I’m earning a greater per-book royalty. The healthier royalties now support further promotion, while the lower prices encourage more readers to try my books.  Continue Reading

 

Source: Goodbye Traditional, Hello Indie – Results | Myths of the Mirror

I’ve Been Interviewed by Doris Heilmann of Savvybookwriters.com

 

Last month I was invited by Doris Heilmann @111publishing, of Savvybookwriters.com. to post an article on what is involved in writing memoir. I’m not sure if any of you are familiar with Doris’ informative blog/newsletter, but she posts a wealth of information for the Indie writer community.

 

Following my recent guest post, I was delighted to be asked back by Doris to talk about the subject matter of my newest book, P.S. I Forgive You. I’ve reblogged the interview below. Please follow the link at the end to continue reading, and comments are welcomed back here, as Doris has been having cyber attack issues of late, thus not enabling comments on her blog.

 

 

Interview With Multi-Book Author D.G. Kaye

 

Today’s Author Interview introduces prolific Canadian writer D.G. Kaye.  Her memoirs are enchanting for a huge following, and we are happy to welcome her to our blog.

.

Debbie, what inspired you to start writing?

Growing up in a dysfunctional family life inspired me to journal.  Journaling gave me a place to vent my feelings, frustrations, and observations I wasn’t permitted to voice.

How would you describe your book to someone who has not yet read it?

P.S. I Forgive You was written as a sequel to Conflicted Hearts, although it’s a standalone book in its own right. Both books involve my life and torment living with a narcissistic mother. In this book, it is about my journey to understand my mother and finding a place of forgiveness for her before she died.

People sometimes behave inappropriately either because of their conditioning, illness, or lack of guidance.  I didn’t want to continue resenting my mother, so I chose to look into what things inspired her to become the person she was.  I found that by seeking to understand my mother became a stepping-stone in my path to finding forgiveness.

.

Is there a message in your book that you want your readers to grasp?

Yes. We can still find forgiveness in our hearts for someone who has wronged us, without having  to allow them back into our lives. Continue Reading . . .

 

Interview With Multi-Book Author D.G. Kaye