Jamie Beck's Blog, page 7

Democracy Requires Respect

I doubt I’m alone in feeling a great deal of trepidation as we look forward to tomorrow’s election. At fifty, I can’t recall another instance in my lifetime where I’ve seen such contention and divisiveness between candidates and their supporters.

Facebook is no longer a fun space because people bully and belittle each other. No surprise, I suppose, because the candidates trash the other’s supporters, too. Media consultants speak over each other and trade put-downs. In truth, no one has really shown anyone with a different opinion any respect. In that way, everyone has been “deplorable.”

The funny thing is that, the great majority of us are probably in the same boat: neither candidate represents our agenda or interests. Maybe you’re a moderate Republican (like me), who believes in small government, lower taxes, but also supports gay rights, is pro-choice, and wants tighter gun control. Or maybe you’re a moderate Democrat, who thinks taxes should go up for some, but spending should be cut, too. I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter, because we are each entitled to our opinions (and hopefully those opinions are based on something more than mere media soundbites).

What we aren’t entitled to is being so hateful toward each other. First of all, it’s just rude. Why does anyone think its okay to demean another person’s opinion or vote? Does a person who disparages another person actually feel better about himself? Picking on someone else as being “stupid” for his or her differing opinion does not persuade anyone that your opinion is correct, does it? It just makes you a bully. Don’t be a bully. Don’t make people feel stupid just because they like something about a candidate that you don’t like or understand.

Secondly, this belittling is dangerous and bad for the country. We are 300 million people and growing. There will never be a time when we are 100% unified on any topic, but we still have to live with and work together. We have to try to find the middle ground so progress can happen. To find middle ground, we have to be able to actually listen to and understand that other side’s grievances. The failure of the parties to work together this past decade has led us to this terrible place (in my opinion). I hope this election is a wake-up call to BOTH sides of the aisle. We need leadership to step toward each other or this democracy will collapse.

Our forefathers gave us power but, by and large, the vast majority (myself included) doesn’t exercise it enough. The bottom line is that, if we the people are unhappy with our choices, it is because most of us have failed to stay informed and involved all along. It is not fair to spew hate and anger if we’ve never read a paper, called a representative, or otherwise participated in the process on a more regular basis.

My biggest wish for tomorrow is that—no matter who wins, or how disappointed we may be—we take a deep breath, we get more involved in politics by staying informed, writing to our representatives, and taking advantage of the right to be proactive in the process, and we refrain from making ugly statements about the winner and his or her supporters.

In other words, it starts with your vote, but it doesn’t end there.

XO-Jamie

Save

Halloween: A Snapshot of Budding Character

They say you can tell a lot about a person from the way they handle themselves on the golf course. Does she cheat? Does she throw a fit when things aren’t going well? Does she understand the etiquette? However she plays that game is likely how she handles herself in life, at work, and so on. I think there is some truth to this particular saying, and I’m going to take it a step further.

60514268 – halloween: kids excited to trick or treat

You can tell a lot about a kid from watching her on Halloween. First, what costume did she pick? Is that little girl in a princess dress, or a football uniform? Next, does she look you in the eye, smile, and yell “trick or treat,” or does she keep her chin tucked and look back at her adoring mom or dad? Is she alone, with one friend or sibling, or running with a pack of kids? Does she ask “how many” she’s allowed, or just grab as much as her little hands can heft out of the bowl? Does she say “thank you?” or does she thrust her hands in there during someone else’s turn and grab a bunch before running away without ever once acknowledging you or the candy?

Last night I saw a little bit of all of these things. I admit, I get discouraged when I see discourteous children. I wonder how a kid gets to that point, too? Didn’t her parents teach her good manners? I know there’s a whole “anti-sharing” culture out there (schools that cater to that, too, by allowing kids to “save” toys from others even when they aren’t playing with it), so maybe that’s to blame.

A “me first” attitude is a huge turn-off to me, in kids and adults. It seems parents who are against sharing seem to think that, when another kid asks for a turn, then if their kid is expected to share, it is teaching that other kid that they get what they want whenever they want it. That seems to be a really twisted form of logic in my opinion. If anything, teaching your kids they never need to share (even if it is community property, like in a classroom or playground), is teaching YOUR kids that their needs always come first. ICK!!

Sharing is good for everyone. It teaches us to be part of a community. To realize that, if we’re lucky enough to have “more,” we can use that power to help others who have less. Giving is kind, and most people actually feel GOOD when they make someone else happy. Learning that the world doesn’t revolve around you and your needs is also a good thing (which I think sharing promotes rather than destroys). And people who share are much more likely to make friends easily and socialize better than kids who clutch everything for themselves.

What’s your take on all of this?

XO-Jamie

 

12 Months of Beauty Products Review: Fall Edition

Katherine’s back with her ongoing series reviewing People Magazine’s “Best of” Beauty products as described back in January. Take it away, Katherine:

After a very busy start to the school year, I’m back with my reviews for September and wondering what I should blog about in 2017? So let’s get started.

September left me not wanting to walk away from summer, which was reflected in my two beauty picks.

Best Body Wash winner: Nivea Coconut Body Wash

Summer or winter, I love to pamper myself with shower creams that leave my skin soft and smelling great. Nivea is one of my favorite brands for these products because I like its price point, fragrance, and lather.

The consistency is medium to light and honestly, I found this one to be a little less creamy than other Nivea shower creams. It does have a nice summer smell (light coconut fragrance, not overpowering). The formula contains Jojoba oil, which leaves your skin smooth and well moisturized. I also loved the lather. It did not leave my skin dry after the shower, which was another plus–especially going into winter months.

Overall, I would buy this one again.

Now for the Olay Regenerist Luminous Brightening Foam

Let’s be honest, this is a mouthful to say and I didn’t love the packaging. It did not last very long, either (and I only used this product in the mornings while in the shower).

It was creamy and had gently exfoliating micro beads that I did like. This product promised to brighten my dull and uneven skin. It also said it would give my skin a smooth, conditioned, and even texture.

So did it deliver?

Well, I loved the smell–fresh and citrusy. The gentle exfoliator did not overpower my skin, and my skin was slightly brighter. But the even texture? Not so much.

Overall, Olay is widely available with a line of products to address any skin need, but this product did not WOW me. I look in the mirror and say to myself, “Time for a peel.”

Coming up for November- time to prep for winter! I’ll start with the Best Exfoliator winner, Biore Charcoal Pore Minimizer ($8.99). As most of you know, charcoal is the new “it” ingredient and I have yet to try it.

Along with the exfoliator, I am going to use the Best Eye Cream, Best Cleanser, L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Eye Renewal ($24.99). This little overachiever battles dark circles, fine lines, puffiness and bags–who doesn’t need help in that area?!

Look for my review at the end of November.

 

Now, start thinking about 2017. More beauty, or maybe some recipes, or a combination of both?

Please tell me, what would you like to read about in 2017?

XO-Katherine

Save

Who Else Loves a Sad Song?

My brother and I were laughing about this recently, because he and I share an unusual affinity for all things melancholy. We love sad stories, sad movies, and sad love songs. To us, there is a cathartic quality to each of them. It’s oddly freeing to allow that heaviness in and then let the tears out.

Perhaps we like it because that emotional exchange takes place at a safe distance, far from the reality of our own life struggles? I don’t know, but I’m curious, are we alone, or do you like these things, too?

Here’s a list of some of my brokenhearted love songs:

Spotify Playlist

What’s one of your favorites, or are you only looking for the upbeat love songs and stories?

xo-Jamie

Audiobooks…Yay or Nay?

My mother drives up to visit my family roughly every six weeks. It’s an 8-hour trip, but she passes the time by listening to audiobooks. She swears that she becomes so engrossed by her story, the trip passes quickly. Granted, she’s listening to mystery/thrillers (loves those spy stories), so I can imagine that the pacing and plots would pull her along.

I’ll admit, I’ve never listened to an entire audiobook. I think I might enjoy a non-fiction one because it would be like listening to a lecture (which I enjoy). But fiction? I don’t think so. I’ve tried listening to my own books, but can’t get beyond the second or third page because the narrator does not use the pace, tone, or emphasis that I had imagined when writing the story. It’s strange, actually, to hear the way someone else is interpreting my words and meaning with their own tone and twist. I can’t imagine how a screenwriter or playwright handles seeing their work come alive in sight and sound!

When it comes to reading, I prefer attaching the voices and inflections that I think match with the characters. I wouldn’t want to hear them through someone else’s lens (especially if it is a woman pretending to be a man, or visa versa). Maybe I’m just old-school, but it seems I’m destined to continue using my eyes instead of my ears when it comes to “reading.”

That said, it seems audiobooks are growing in popularity. So I’m curious, what’s your take? Do you like them, or not?

XO–Jamie

Pre-Launch Fun with Canva

I’m really getting excited for the November 1st release of the final St. James novel, WORTH THE RISK. To try to get others to match my enthusiasm, I started a “Tuesday teaser” campaign on my Facebook and Instagram pages using graphics made on Canva (a site I affectionately refer to as “graphic art design for dummies”).

Here’s what I’ve posted these past six weeks:

What do you think? It’s a different experience to read them one after another (as opposed to waiting for one each week). Hopefully these quotes and graphics depict a bit about the tone and setting of the story. If you’re looking for a fall “trip” to Vermont, this book is for you (as it’s cover aptly reveals). Jackson is a lovable, if presently damaged, hero, and I hope fans will love him as much as I do.

By the way, my publisher is giving away 100 digital copies in a Goodreads giveaway this month, so if you’re interested, click on that link!

Otherwise, have a great day and happy reading!

XO-Jamie

 

Save

Fired Up for Fall

Game of Thrones fans may get excited when they hear “Winter is coming,” but I’m bouncing on my toes because autumn is coming! There’s so much to look forward to, how could I not?

46425130 – autumn landscape

Sweater Weather: I’ll admit, I’ve been craving a drop in temperature and the pop of golds and reds in the sea of green outside my window. Neither has quite happened yet, but it’s coming. I can feel it.

Structure: I also love the return to structure that fall imposes. School is back in session, so each day is parsed into segments of compromised of school start and end times, sports practices, lessons, and tutors. Structure makes it easier to be productive (at least, it does for me), so I’m optimistic about what I’ll accomplish this last quarter of 2016.

My Birthday: It seems like my family and friends have been celebrating this for weeks now, but this weekend I turn 50. Yep, a half-century and counting, people. Someone told me that’s roughly 18,200 days on the planet. That’s a lot of days. I’ve made the most of my time on the planet so far, but there’s still much to do, so I don’t want to waste the next 18,000 days (if I’m lucky).

New Release: Although excited to share my upcoming release, Worth the Risk, it’s also a little bittersweet. I’ve loved the St. James family since I conceived of David, and it’s not easy to close the door on them. I hope, however, that series’ fans will enjoy the way everything is wrapped up for Jackson and his siblings.

Holidays: Two of my favorites, Halloween and Thanksgiving, are on the horizon. I used to love coming up with imaginative costumes when I was younger, but now I just love the fistfuls of chocolate at my fingertips! As for Thanksgiving, it’s one of two times per year that I get to see my entire extended family, so that’s always something to look forward to.

Food: I’ve eaten enough spinach and kale these past three months, so I’m eager to sink my teeth into some fall favorites: hearty soups, roast chicken and gravy, and pumpkin pie. Add a warm fire and some new television shows, and I’m one happy camper.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

XO-Jamie

Save

12 Months of Beauty Products–August Edition

Everyone welcome Katherine back with her ongoing year of testing the so-called “Beauty Product Top Picks.”

Hard to believe that summer is almost over. While I am sad to see it end, I do look forward to the school year routines. I’m also a sucker for fall clothes, cooler weather, and heavier food. Bring on the sweaters and stews!

If you remember from my prior post, I was looking forward to trying out the Best Lip Balm, ChapStick Total Hydration, and the Best Face Wipes, Simple Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes.

Here are my thoughts on both:

ChapStick Total Hydration.  If you’re looking for total lip care with no color, look no further.

The ChapStick Total Hydration is a collection of three flavors (I picked Soothing Oasis) and has one of my favorite ingredients, Shea Butter! To mix things up a little, I shipped this little goodie off to my daughter who was spending a month in Texas at summer camp.

As in 100+ degrees, sunny all day, and no air-conditioning summer camp.

Being outside all day long made her desperate for a good lip balm. I’m pleased to report that, shortly after delivery, a nice little note arrived from my daughter telling me how much she loved the ChapStick. She said it was highly moisturizing and, better yet, long lasting. She reported that it worked great under a lip gloss or lipstick and that her lips felt great all day. ChapStick is a tried-and-true brand and was easy to cart around while doing all of her camp activities. Yay! This will be a staple for the upcoming winter months.

Simple Skincare Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes

Let me first remind you that I was traveling all summer to various lacrosse fields, where I sat for hours in the heat. By the end of each day, my makeup had pretty much melted into my face. I couldn’t wait to get back to the hotel and wipe off my face with these wipes. Not only are they the perfect size to handle my face and neck, but also they are the softest cloths that I have ever used when compared with other drugstore facial towelettes. Second, I loved that they removed all—yes all—of my makeup with very little effort. They even removed all of the sunscreen. My face felt very clean. Bonus: they are fragrance-free, so there is no eye irritation like I have experienced with other towelettes. I will definitely continue to keep these cloths in my travel kit!

Coming up in September.

I’m going to hang on to summer a little longer and give the “Best Body Wash” winner, Nivea Coconut Moisturizing Body Wash, a test. Along with the body wash, I am going to use the “Best Cleanser,” Olay Regenerist Luminous Brightening Foaming Cleanser.

Look for my review at the end of September!

Here comes Fall, ya’ll!

XO-Katherine

Read A Romance Month!!

I’m so excited to be part of this year’s Read A Romance Month! Each August for the past few years, literary reviewer Bobbi Dumas organizes 93 authors to contribute posts about romance novels, as well as offer recommendations and giveaways.

Please go check out my post as well as those of the many other authors, some of whom are probably your favorites. You could end up with several free books. And in each case, you’ll get a little peek inside the minds and hearts of every author involved.

Have fun and good luck!

XO-Jamie

On the Road…Home

It shocks me to realize that it’s already August. My summer has whizzed past, mostly because I’ve spent fewer days at home than I have on the road.

34577862 – pittsburgh, pennsylvania, usa downtown skyline.

I’m currently typing from Pittsburgh, where I’m visiting family before I leave here to drive to Hilton Head Island for an annual extended-family vacation.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my research trip to Portland, Oregon, and had a fabulous, productive work trip to California for the Romance Writers of America convention, I love coming home to Pittsburgh to reconnect with my family and old friends.

No one would call Pittsburgh and exotic or even beautiful location. When I look out the window, I don’t see a glittering ocean or majestic mountain range. But it doesn’t matter. The familiar sights and smells take me back in time and make me smile. I no longer remember all the street names, but I do remember how to get everywhere. And there isn’t anywhere else in the world where I’ve ever tasted a better hoagie! (If you don’t know what a hoagie is, come to Pittsburgh, and if you make it here, go to Danny’s in South Park for the gold standard Italian hoagie).

Some things have changed (the skyline, the stadiums), but some things remain the same (my mom’s house). I suppose that is how everyone feels about home, and no matter where I ever live, Pittsburgh will always be “home.”

Where’s your home?

XO-Jamie