My grandma-- or if you would have asked me when I was 5-- My favorite Grandma, passed away on May 20. This also happens to be my birthday.
Sunday she was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and sepsis, and given a few days to live. Though this has happened many, many times before, I somehow knew that this would be the last time, the last "death drill" as my aunt called it.
Sometimes we used to tease that Grandma would pretend to be dying so everyone would visit her. I honestly don't doubt that it could have happened once or twice. Heart surgeries, emergency "we don't know what we are going to find but we don't know what else to do" surgeries, putting in pace makers, shutting off pace makers. Urinary tract infections that mimic the angel of death pulling you into the great beyond. She survived multiple heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure, having her colon removed, gangrene, diabetes, countless surgeries, the passing of her husband, and so much more.
Even before she got sick she was a fighter and survived so much. She lost her little sister, her parents, and eventually old age began to take the rest of her siblings along too. She survived being a poor Italian girl in the south during the great depression. She survived riding warp speed on a scooter, flipping over and flying several feet through the air. She survived being told by my grandpa that he had absolutely no interest in her and that he was most assuredly going to marry a different girl from their church. She survived waiting until he came to his senses.
When you live 87 years you survive a lot of things, some seem less impressive than others, but being young and surviving what I have survived thus far, I think I am more impressed by these little things. Little things that didn't turn her bitter or make her prone to giving up, little things that molded her into the awesome woman I knew.
Looking through the photos, there were so so many absolutely silly ones. Several of my grandma in various ridiculous costumes made me realize how much I am like her. Growing up doesn't mean losing your sense of humor, and seeming a little crazy just to entertain the people you love is 100% worth it.
I hope I never lose my appreciation for growing another year older, because life is precious. And I hope, like my grandma, I never lose my sense of fun. I will miss her so much, but my "real" grandma had been chipping away the last several years from dementia. I am so happy to think that she is whole, with her family, safe and healthy now. She is probably putting on some ridiculous show upstairs for my grandpa and all their siblings.
Rest in the sweetest peace, I will miss you.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Sunday, September 28, 2014
The Ad by @ElleQuinnCage
It's here! The book that will melt your panties off and leave you in a heap. If you aren't into girly romance novels, you should probably stop reading right now, the contents of this posting are 18+ in nature. ;)
Here is my review of Elle Quinn Cage's debut novel, potential spoilers ahead! (I won't give away anything tooooooo major. promise, but just in case I'll put the links up here.)
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NZ6MALS
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NZ6MALS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
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Whenever I read a book in order to beta or give a review, I always always read it twice. Once for enjoyment and once to take notes. Both times I completed it in a matter of hours because it is just too good to put down.
Here is the book blurb: Parker Stratton is a below-average Joe when it comes to talking to women.
He sees an unusual personal ad from a woman who trains men to become better daters, and replies out of idle curiosity.
Little does he know he will decide to go through with the plan, and he learns far more than he realized he would.
As Jess tries to remain passive and emotionally distant, he becomes more obsessed with who she is and why she lives the life she does.
When they accidentally stumble upon each other in "real life" being impersonal is no longer an option.
He comes to learn that she is not all she seems to be, there is far more to her story than he ever expected.
Some of the elements I enjoyed the most were as follows:
I LOVED the male point-of-view the story is told in. You don't see this a lot with romance and when you do it is rarely believable. Parker tells his story and he tells it like a guy would tell it. The character he plays fits the voice of the story.
No one is a virgin. Let's get real here, this happens all the time in romance novels, however it is very, very rare in the real world. I like that this book takes place in the real world.
SURPRISES GALORE. dude. seriously. I tend to think I can predict everything and I did NOT see some of this stuff coming. Like, at all.
Taboo issues. Cage touches on some pretty taboo points without making it scream activism or anything like that, once again, the book takes place in the real world. I love when I can see messages in romance novels especially.
The characters in this book are believable. They are flawed but also have amazing points. They make mistakes. The chemistry between Parker and Tessa is beyond beautiful. The way the plot unfolds is genius, she keeps you hooked to the very end. This book has everything from romance to drama to sadness to crime and even a guy in a tinfoil hat! I highly recommend this for any romance novel lovers! And it is a STEAL at only .99 USD.
Check it out and if you love it as much as I do, share it with your friends and help out a budding author! :)
Here is my review of Elle Quinn Cage's debut novel, potential spoilers ahead! (I won't give away anything tooooooo major. promise, but just in case I'll put the links up here.)
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NZ6MALS
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NZ6MALS?*Version*=1&*entries*=0
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*
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Whenever I read a book in order to beta or give a review, I always always read it twice. Once for enjoyment and once to take notes. Both times I completed it in a matter of hours because it is just too good to put down.
Here is the book blurb: Parker Stratton is a below-average Joe when it comes to talking to women.
He sees an unusual personal ad from a woman who trains men to become better daters, and replies out of idle curiosity.
Little does he know he will decide to go through with the plan, and he learns far more than he realized he would.
As Jess tries to remain passive and emotionally distant, he becomes more obsessed with who she is and why she lives the life she does.
When they accidentally stumble upon each other in "real life" being impersonal is no longer an option.
He comes to learn that she is not all she seems to be, there is far more to her story than he ever expected.
Some of the elements I enjoyed the most were as follows:
I LOVED the male point-of-view the story is told in. You don't see this a lot with romance and when you do it is rarely believable. Parker tells his story and he tells it like a guy would tell it. The character he plays fits the voice of the story.
No one is a virgin. Let's get real here, this happens all the time in romance novels, however it is very, very rare in the real world. I like that this book takes place in the real world.
SURPRISES GALORE. dude. seriously. I tend to think I can predict everything and I did NOT see some of this stuff coming. Like, at all.
Taboo issues. Cage touches on some pretty taboo points without making it scream activism or anything like that, once again, the book takes place in the real world. I love when I can see messages in romance novels especially.
The characters in this book are believable. They are flawed but also have amazing points. They make mistakes. The chemistry between Parker and Tessa is beyond beautiful. The way the plot unfolds is genius, she keeps you hooked to the very end. This book has everything from romance to drama to sadness to crime and even a guy in a tinfoil hat! I highly recommend this for any romance novel lovers! And it is a STEAL at only .99 USD.
Check it out and if you love it as much as I do, share it with your friends and help out a budding author! :)
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
On Suicide.
“Have you ever been in pain & nothing helps? You just hurt so much you literally cant think of anything else & you just think how you’d do anything to make it stop? Yeah, it’s kind of like that.”
"No one would be talking about Robin Williams if he wasn't famous, regular people kill themselves every day and no one hears about it."
This is one of many insensitive things I have seen said on social media today, one of the milder ones, mind you.
You are right, and yet oh so wrong on so many levels. You, social media user who is "sick of hearing" about someone who touched lives here on earth, then left it.
You are right, if Robin Williams was an average Joe, you probably wouldn't have heard about his death, but that is wrong. We should care more, we should hear about the deaths of the many souls lost to suicide every day and we should care, we should cry out, we should be better, live better, and create change because of it.
Because you are right, regular people kill themselves every single day. Sick people, sad people, lonely people. People who have family and friends and people who love them. Depression and suicide is no respecter of persons, it effects the young and old, the rich and poor.
"Robin Williams didn't die of a disease, he died from his choice." I actually saw this on a blog, which shall remain nameless because I really don't want to benefit him with extra "clicks."
Once again, on so many levels, this is so terribly wrong.
Is suicide a choice, yes, technically it is. Is depression a choice? No, it is not.
Someone who commits suicide does so because they cannot see any other choice. It feels like the only choice. They cannot see the good, the bright, the future. Someone who commits suicide is not themselves, they are not thinking clearly, and are not thinking of all the things we all seem to think of when we speculate why a person shouldn't have committed suicide.
Depression is a deep, frightening pit that is difficult to understand if you haven't crawled around in it yourself. You can have people next to you and feel all alone. You feel invisible, or sometimes worse, you feel like a detriment or burden to those around you. It is very easy, in a state of depression to feel like the world would be better off without you. Scary easy.
It's hard to ask for help, and even when you do, it's not always helpful. Some people don't know what to do, or don't believe you, or are critical of you for it, or don't care. People say rude and critical things, or are just completely insensitive and oblivious to how much pain you are in.
Depression is a daily battle, just like any illness. You can have good days and bad days, you can even go into remission and relapse. Depression is not imagined, but entails physical and chemical changes in the body and brain. Science still cannot control it, there is no cure, only treatments, and just like any disease, they are hit or miss from person to person.
Where some people may only require one medication, another may need six. Where one person may get lucky on their first try, some may have to try multiple dosing levels and various drugs to find something that works for them. This is a long, arduous, frustrating process. The side effects can be worse than the symptoms you were having, and many even had "suicidal thoughts or actions" as a side effect. So something people turn to in order to try and curb their depression may be the thing that pushes them over the edge.
I have seen far too many ignorant things posted in the last 24 hours and I am just hoping to shed some light on a situation that is sad and difficult to understand, but shouldn't be ignored or brushed off as an act of selfishness or cowardice.
Selfish people commit suicide every day. Selfless people commit suicide every day. Cowardly people commit suicide every day and brave people commit suicide every day. Depression is no respecter of persons, and their normal "traits" and "personalities" have nothing to do with their "decision" to stop living.
Until you have felt absolutely hopeless, until you have been so in the dark you don't remember what the sun feels like, until you have looked up from the deep slippery pit and seen the distance you had to climb while everything against you tried to make you sink, then don't judge. The pain of depression is like walking through tar, deep and thick, it feels pointless to fight the inevitable sinking. And unfortunately, many do sink.
You don't have to sink, you are not alone, it will get better, it will pass. It's hard to see from the bottom of that pit, but there are people you cannot see right beside you. Reach out to them. Fight. Climb.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, PLEASE seek help. You don't have to do this alone. Call a friend, a family member, go to the hospital, call the suicide hotline, email me (I'm serious) just don't give up.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Here is a great music video that brings awareness to suicide, and further illustrates that there is no limit on who depression affects.
http://youtu.be/pUqyoCFqBpA
"No one would be talking about Robin Williams if he wasn't famous, regular people kill themselves every day and no one hears about it."
This is one of many insensitive things I have seen said on social media today, one of the milder ones, mind you.
You are right, and yet oh so wrong on so many levels. You, social media user who is "sick of hearing" about someone who touched lives here on earth, then left it.
You are right, if Robin Williams was an average Joe, you probably wouldn't have heard about his death, but that is wrong. We should care more, we should hear about the deaths of the many souls lost to suicide every day and we should care, we should cry out, we should be better, live better, and create change because of it.
Because you are right, regular people kill themselves every single day. Sick people, sad people, lonely people. People who have family and friends and people who love them. Depression and suicide is no respecter of persons, it effects the young and old, the rich and poor.
"Robin Williams didn't die of a disease, he died from his choice." I actually saw this on a blog, which shall remain nameless because I really don't want to benefit him with extra "clicks."
Once again, on so many levels, this is so terribly wrong.
Is suicide a choice, yes, technically it is. Is depression a choice? No, it is not.
Someone who commits suicide does so because they cannot see any other choice. It feels like the only choice. They cannot see the good, the bright, the future. Someone who commits suicide is not themselves, they are not thinking clearly, and are not thinking of all the things we all seem to think of when we speculate why a person shouldn't have committed suicide.
Depression is a deep, frightening pit that is difficult to understand if you haven't crawled around in it yourself. You can have people next to you and feel all alone. You feel invisible, or sometimes worse, you feel like a detriment or burden to those around you. It is very easy, in a state of depression to feel like the world would be better off without you. Scary easy.
It's hard to ask for help, and even when you do, it's not always helpful. Some people don't know what to do, or don't believe you, or are critical of you for it, or don't care. People say rude and critical things, or are just completely insensitive and oblivious to how much pain you are in.
Depression is a daily battle, just like any illness. You can have good days and bad days, you can even go into remission and relapse. Depression is not imagined, but entails physical and chemical changes in the body and brain. Science still cannot control it, there is no cure, only treatments, and just like any disease, they are hit or miss from person to person.
Where some people may only require one medication, another may need six. Where one person may get lucky on their first try, some may have to try multiple dosing levels and various drugs to find something that works for them. This is a long, arduous, frustrating process. The side effects can be worse than the symptoms you were having, and many even had "suicidal thoughts or actions" as a side effect. So something people turn to in order to try and curb their depression may be the thing that pushes them over the edge.
I have seen far too many ignorant things posted in the last 24 hours and I am just hoping to shed some light on a situation that is sad and difficult to understand, but shouldn't be ignored or brushed off as an act of selfishness or cowardice.
Selfish people commit suicide every day. Selfless people commit suicide every day. Cowardly people commit suicide every day and brave people commit suicide every day. Depression is no respecter of persons, and their normal "traits" and "personalities" have nothing to do with their "decision" to stop living.
Until you have felt absolutely hopeless, until you have been so in the dark you don't remember what the sun feels like, until you have looked up from the deep slippery pit and seen the distance you had to climb while everything against you tried to make you sink, then don't judge. The pain of depression is like walking through tar, deep and thick, it feels pointless to fight the inevitable sinking. And unfortunately, many do sink.
You don't have to sink, you are not alone, it will get better, it will pass. It's hard to see from the bottom of that pit, but there are people you cannot see right beside you. Reach out to them. Fight. Climb.
If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, PLEASE seek help. You don't have to do this alone. Call a friend, a family member, go to the hospital, call the suicide hotline, email me (I'm serious) just don't give up.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Here is a great music video that brings awareness to suicide, and further illustrates that there is no limit on who depression affects.
http://youtu.be/pUqyoCFqBpA
Rest in Peace, Robin. You will be missed.
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Free book Saturdays!!
Hello!!
Reed sold exceptionally well over the weekend so I have decided to do 2 more back to back Saturdays to get Reed free! This Saturday and next, Reed will be available for a free download across the globe on the Kindle Marketplace.
I would like to thank all of you people for its amazing success so far. It has only been out for three months and has sold far more than I ever expected! This is thanks to all the many people who have pimped me out on social media, read, and left me amazing reviews. I love you all and I sure hope you keep doing what you're doing. I owe you for making my dreams come true.
Here are your links!
US: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi
UK: http://goo.gl/7RclA0
Please share/tweet/facebook/pimp this out as much as possible because I would love to give as many away as possible!
Thanks again!
Reed sold exceptionally well over the weekend so I have decided to do 2 more back to back Saturdays to get Reed free! This Saturday and next, Reed will be available for a free download across the globe on the Kindle Marketplace.
I would like to thank all of you people for its amazing success so far. It has only been out for three months and has sold far more than I ever expected! This is thanks to all the many people who have pimped me out on social media, read, and left me amazing reviews. I love you all and I sure hope you keep doing what you're doing. I owe you for making my dreams come true.
Here are your links!
US: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi
UK: http://goo.gl/7RclA0
Please share/tweet/facebook/pimp this out as much as possible because I would love to give as many away as possible!
Thanks again!
Friday, July 18, 2014
Free Ebook!
Reed has been updated with a fresh new cover and will be free this weekend (July 19th & 20th). Please be sure to download it and share the information with all of your friends/social networks. Thank you!
Links:
U.S. http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi
U.K. http://goo.gl/7RclA0
Links:
U.S. http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi
U.K. http://goo.gl/7RclA0
Monday, July 14, 2014
The Challenge Update
Hello!
I told you all a while back about my 30 in 30 every month challenge, in which I challenged myself to write 30k words a month for 12 months straight. I am happy to update that I am still on track and finished the first draft of another novel this month! I am hoping to finish one more but of course inspiration has struck and that means I am also starting another. I hope I can at least try to finish one a month if I am also going to be starting one a month (or sometimes two).
What am I working on?
A fantasy
A Sci-Fi
A couple of very different romances, though all fairly mild (Think more Nick Sparks and less E.L. James)
Some are stand-alones
Some have sequels
I've also dabbled in the idea of a sort-of sequel to Reed (purchase the first here: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi) in which you would see the main characters about 3 years later and what is going on in their lives, and would change to a Sam-focused POV. Not everyone would be in it, and I would write it so they could be read together or separately. I would love to have some feedback on this idea, I will probably write it regardless, but I don't want to go through the work of publishing if no one wants to read it, you know?
Keep encouraging me (I need it!) and thank you to all the people who are always giving me support and helping me be brave enough to talk about this huge part of me which has remained a hidden one for too long.
I told you all a while back about my 30 in 30 every month challenge, in which I challenged myself to write 30k words a month for 12 months straight. I am happy to update that I am still on track and finished the first draft of another novel this month! I am hoping to finish one more but of course inspiration has struck and that means I am also starting another. I hope I can at least try to finish one a month if I am also going to be starting one a month (or sometimes two).
What am I working on?
A fantasy
A Sci-Fi
A couple of very different romances, though all fairly mild (Think more Nick Sparks and less E.L. James)
Some are stand-alones
Some have sequels
I've also dabbled in the idea of a sort-of sequel to Reed (purchase the first here: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi) in which you would see the main characters about 3 years later and what is going on in their lives, and would change to a Sam-focused POV. Not everyone would be in it, and I would write it so they could be read together or separately. I would love to have some feedback on this idea, I will probably write it regardless, but I don't want to go through the work of publishing if no one wants to read it, you know?
Keep encouraging me (I need it!) and thank you to all the people who are always giving me support and helping me be brave enough to talk about this huge part of me which has remained a hidden one for too long.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Be careful what you wish for: Some thoughts on adoption
First off I want to say that I come from an adoptive household, I grew up in the culture of adoption, many of my closest friends are adopted, and my husband & I hope we will one day be able to add to our family through adoption. I understand the pain an adoptive family goes through when a child they fall in love with will not be theirs after all. I have been there. I understand that desire to be able to do something when your hands are tied. I really do.
I also understand the pain and heartache of a birth family wrestling with the decision on whether or not to give up their child, to try and make the call on where they will have their best chance and be brave enough to make the decision.
I understand the ugliness of situations in which mommies or daddies (or both) don't get to make the decision, but the decision is made for them and their babies are taken away.
Through friends and family and in my personal life I have been touched by situations like this, and I take none of them lightly. Not a single one. I am totally about to call one of you out, though, and it is you whom I share the closest relation to: the waiting adoptive parent.
You want a child, I get it. You want to be a forever family, that's awesome. It really is. I am sure you love that child, seen or unseen. I am sure you assume (like every parent does) that you know what is best for this child.
I have noticed a huge trend in the adoption community, among waiting parents & foster parents, that are hoping, encouraging hope for, praying, etc. that their child's biological parents won't show up. I'm talking about situations where perhaps the child was removed from a home or not allowed to go home in the first place for one reason or another. These parents are usually given extensive opportunities to get their "act" together before their child becomes "adoptable." The goal is to ideally reunite families, and is actually the basis and goal behind foster care (go figure!)
I regularly (regrettably so) see posts such as "Fingers crossed birth dad won't show to visitation" or "Pray mom doesn't come to court hearing today." You get the picture. And I get it, I do, the dad is awful, the mom is strung out, blah blah blah. Here are 2 simple facts to consider, before you act like this is such an obvious thing to hope for.
1. No matter how great this adoption will be for you, not being wanted will never, ever feel like a good thing to your child.
2. No matter what, they are still part of your child's story.
There, I said it. I am sorry. You could be the best parent ever, but when your adopted child grows up, you will still only be one piece of their story. They will have to come to terms with the fact that they were not wanted. They will have to learn to accept the fact that God gave them to someone, and they returned them. They will have to process the hurt that is associated with being given away. Do you really want them to also have to deal with all this and know it is what you hoped for, what you prayed for? Do you really want, when your child is in their deepest point of processing, to feel like you wished this on them?
Not only that but what if one day your child reconnects with their biological parent. How do you know they won't get their act together eventually and want a relationship? You don't, and selfishly sabotaging your child's biological parent through your actions, words, prayers, etc. is wrong.
Adoption is hard for everyone involved, everyone. Acting as though this, these decisions, are not going to effect your child in the future is not only ignorant, it's selfish. You don't know people, their potential, their future, their struggles, or where they came from. You can assume, you can read reports, but no one really knows the full truth but them.
Your job is to be there for your child, to think of them first and yourself last. Your job is to hope they get their best possible chance at life, and not assume it's you. Your job is to be there every step of the way, however many steps you are given.
Every decision you make today will effect your child tomorrow (this goes for any parent). Make smart decisions, choose your words wisely, and be careful what you wish for. Realize your silent wish today could be your child's nightmare tomorrow.
I hope I was able to make your wheels turn and help you think about how you are approaching. your child's unique "story." We're all stories in the end.
I also understand the pain and heartache of a birth family wrestling with the decision on whether or not to give up their child, to try and make the call on where they will have their best chance and be brave enough to make the decision.
I understand the ugliness of situations in which mommies or daddies (or both) don't get to make the decision, but the decision is made for them and their babies are taken away.
Through friends and family and in my personal life I have been touched by situations like this, and I take none of them lightly. Not a single one. I am totally about to call one of you out, though, and it is you whom I share the closest relation to: the waiting adoptive parent.
You want a child, I get it. You want to be a forever family, that's awesome. It really is. I am sure you love that child, seen or unseen. I am sure you assume (like every parent does) that you know what is best for this child.
I have noticed a huge trend in the adoption community, among waiting parents & foster parents, that are hoping, encouraging hope for, praying, etc. that their child's biological parents won't show up. I'm talking about situations where perhaps the child was removed from a home or not allowed to go home in the first place for one reason or another. These parents are usually given extensive opportunities to get their "act" together before their child becomes "adoptable." The goal is to ideally reunite families, and is actually the basis and goal behind foster care (go figure!)
I regularly (regrettably so) see posts such as "Fingers crossed birth dad won't show to visitation" or "Pray mom doesn't come to court hearing today." You get the picture. And I get it, I do, the dad is awful, the mom is strung out, blah blah blah. Here are 2 simple facts to consider, before you act like this is such an obvious thing to hope for.
1. No matter how great this adoption will be for you, not being wanted will never, ever feel like a good thing to your child.
2. No matter what, they are still part of your child's story.
There, I said it. I am sorry. You could be the best parent ever, but when your adopted child grows up, you will still only be one piece of their story. They will have to come to terms with the fact that they were not wanted. They will have to learn to accept the fact that God gave them to someone, and they returned them. They will have to process the hurt that is associated with being given away. Do you really want them to also have to deal with all this and know it is what you hoped for, what you prayed for? Do you really want, when your child is in their deepest point of processing, to feel like you wished this on them?
Not only that but what if one day your child reconnects with their biological parent. How do you know they won't get their act together eventually and want a relationship? You don't, and selfishly sabotaging your child's biological parent through your actions, words, prayers, etc. is wrong.
Adoption is hard for everyone involved, everyone. Acting as though this, these decisions, are not going to effect your child in the future is not only ignorant, it's selfish. You don't know people, their potential, their future, their struggles, or where they came from. You can assume, you can read reports, but no one really knows the full truth but them.
Your job is to be there for your child, to think of them first and yourself last. Your job is to hope they get their best possible chance at life, and not assume it's you. Your job is to be there every step of the way, however many steps you are given.
Every decision you make today will effect your child tomorrow (this goes for any parent). Make smart decisions, choose your words wisely, and be careful what you wish for. Realize your silent wish today could be your child's nightmare tomorrow.
I hope I was able to make your wheels turn and help you think about how you are approaching. your child's unique "story." We're all stories in the end.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Certain things should not be made into Pillow Pets...
Pillow Pets-- a great idea in theory until someone made it weird. Now you can get a pillow pet of just about anything. Here are some examples of things that should NOT have been made into pillow pets...
Category one: Non-Four-Legged Creatures...
This isn't awful...it's not good either.
.jpg)
Eagles have wings...and talons...not 4 legs...
Who thought this was a good idea?
Category 2: Things that are things or things that you don't know what they are:
A baseball. But with legs. And a Mustache.
Michelin man or ghost? Who's to say?
I can't even venture a guess...
Category 3: People; real or fictional. No. Just no.
Any of these poorly depicted athletes:
.jpg)
Stewie, No.
Shrek is not a person, but you can't say this is okay...
I might have expected this from these guys:
BUT SANTA!?!?!?!
And Dora, get off your knees and go to school!
Then there is Mickey Mouse, who is a little bit of all of these:
Just say no, Mickey...
Hope you got a laugh, if you did please pass it on! :) I got all the images from the internet and don't own any of them, I don't work for or against pillow pets or any conglomerates there of...blah blah blah... Here is a pillow pet I strongly approve of:
Heck yes!
Category one: Non-Four-Legged Creatures...
This isn't awful...it's not good either.
Eagles have wings...and talons...not 4 legs...
Who thought this was a good idea?
Category 2: Things that are things or things that you don't know what they are:
A baseball. But with legs. And a Mustache.
Michelin man or ghost? Who's to say?
I can't even venture a guess...
Category 3: People; real or fictional. No. Just no.
Any of these poorly depicted athletes:
Stewie, No.
Shrek is not a person, but you can't say this is okay...
I might have expected this from these guys:
BUT SANTA!?!?!?!
And Dora, get off your knees and go to school!
Then there is Mickey Mouse, who is a little bit of all of these:
Just say no, Mickey...
Hope you got a laugh, if you did please pass it on! :) I got all the images from the internet and don't own any of them, I don't work for or against pillow pets or any conglomerates there of...blah blah blah... Here is a pillow pet I strongly approve of:
Heck yes!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Book blogging.
Hello all!
I would like to start doing 2-3 book reviews per month. I will be doing them on a simple 1-5 star basis and my reviews will be spoiler-free. I will also do some author interviews for willing participants with 4-5 star ratings. If you would like me to review your book (or know someone who would) please contact me via G+ (see widget above) or on Twitter (@AlleySaltz).
Genres I like (though am not limited to) are:
Romance
drama
fantasy
chick lit
sci fi
self help
historical fiction
various nonfiction.
I DO NOT read Horror, that's the only one that is all out. I will consider any other book/genre but this one. Please send me a brief description along with the length of your book and if it is a series and I will contact you to let you know if I am in.
Thanks & please pass it on! :)
I would like to start doing 2-3 book reviews per month. I will be doing them on a simple 1-5 star basis and my reviews will be spoiler-free. I will also do some author interviews for willing participants with 4-5 star ratings. If you would like me to review your book (or know someone who would) please contact me via G+ (see widget above) or on Twitter (@AlleySaltz).
Genres I like (though am not limited to) are:
Romance
drama
fantasy
chick lit
sci fi
self help
historical fiction
various nonfiction.
I DO NOT read Horror, that's the only one that is all out. I will consider any other book/genre but this one. Please send me a brief description along with the length of your book and if it is a series and I will contact you to let you know if I am in.
Thanks & please pass it on! :)
Monday, June 23, 2014
3 fundamental truths we should all believe in.
When you are a child you are told several things as if they are undeniable truths. As we grow older, we lose faith in these truths and many people even begin to consider them to be lies.
For some reason, I missed the memo to stop believing them, and live by 3 main fundamental beliefs.
1. You can do anything you put your mind to.
I actually believe this. The power of will is far stronger than any of us truly know, and I have proved to myself over and over again (and have seen others prove) that this is true. If you are willing to fight for something, work hard for something, and make it happen for yourself, it will happen.
I have 2 bucket lists; a realistic bucket list, which I really and truly would like to accomplish before my time on this earth is up, and an unrealistic bucket list, full of things I would love to do but aren't necessarily terribly feasible.
Some examples from my bucket list: Learn to surf, write a best seller, get more tattoos...
Some examples from my unrealistic bucket list: Star in a movie, attend the Oscars, have a lip-sync battle with Jimmy Fallon.
2. The only opinion that matters is yours.
Now keep in mind, not about EVERYTHING, just opinions about YOU.
If I hate myself, who I am or who I have become and everyone else loves me, it really doesn't matter because I will still be miserable. Likewise, if I am happy with who I am but others dislike me, that doesn't really matter either, as long as I am being true to myself (and myself is not a jerk).
3. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means you're standing alone.
Neville Longbottom is one of my favorite characters in Harry Potter because despite his gumpy and awkward ways, he always had a true sense of who he was. He stood up for what he believed in from book one, even if people disliked him for it. Ten points to Gryffindor.
We no longer live in a society where people are encouraged to stand up for what they believe in, especially if the majority disagrees. I honestly admire people who are willing to do this, even when I don't agree with their opinion, I know how much courage it takes to stand up for yourself on big or small scales.
I have had (unfortunately) several experiences in adulthood where I see people who are strongly morally against something, defend it because someone they love was doing it. I am not that kind of person. If I love you and I think you are making a mistake, I am going to tell you, because I would rather you feel hurt by my words than get hurt by your own actions and have regrets.
Don't get me wrong, I am not the type of person who goes up to random strangers and tells them how to live their lives, but if I KNOW you, and I see you running toward a metaphorical cliff, you can count on it that I'm going to tell you. You can take it or leave it, but I feel like it's my responsibility to say SOMETHING.
So that's it, those are my fundamental beliefs, my rules of life as it were, and I think if we could reawaken ourselves to believe in them, we would be a far more beautiful and productive society.
For some reason, I missed the memo to stop believing them, and live by 3 main fundamental beliefs.
1. You can do anything you put your mind to.
I actually believe this. The power of will is far stronger than any of us truly know, and I have proved to myself over and over again (and have seen others prove) that this is true. If you are willing to fight for something, work hard for something, and make it happen for yourself, it will happen.
I have 2 bucket lists; a realistic bucket list, which I really and truly would like to accomplish before my time on this earth is up, and an unrealistic bucket list, full of things I would love to do but aren't necessarily terribly feasible.
Some examples from my bucket list: Learn to surf, write a best seller, get more tattoos...
Some examples from my unrealistic bucket list: Star in a movie, attend the Oscars, have a lip-sync battle with Jimmy Fallon.
2. The only opinion that matters is yours.
Now keep in mind, not about EVERYTHING, just opinions about YOU.
If I hate myself, who I am or who I have become and everyone else loves me, it really doesn't matter because I will still be miserable. Likewise, if I am happy with who I am but others dislike me, that doesn't really matter either, as long as I am being true to myself (and myself is not a jerk).
3. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means you're standing alone.
Neville Longbottom is one of my favorite characters in Harry Potter because despite his gumpy and awkward ways, he always had a true sense of who he was. He stood up for what he believed in from book one, even if people disliked him for it. Ten points to Gryffindor.
We no longer live in a society where people are encouraged to stand up for what they believe in, especially if the majority disagrees. I honestly admire people who are willing to do this, even when I don't agree with their opinion, I know how much courage it takes to stand up for yourself on big or small scales.
I have had (unfortunately) several experiences in adulthood where I see people who are strongly morally against something, defend it because someone they love was doing it. I am not that kind of person. If I love you and I think you are making a mistake, I am going to tell you, because I would rather you feel hurt by my words than get hurt by your own actions and have regrets.
Don't get me wrong, I am not the type of person who goes up to random strangers and tells them how to live their lives, but if I KNOW you, and I see you running toward a metaphorical cliff, you can count on it that I'm going to tell you. You can take it or leave it, but I feel like it's my responsibility to say SOMETHING.
So that's it, those are my fundamental beliefs, my rules of life as it were, and I think if we could reawaken ourselves to believe in them, we would be a far more beautiful and productive society.
Friday, June 20, 2014
June adventures; Beta reading
Just stopping by for an update on my progress.
June has been one of the most difficult months since I set my goal. For one of the first times in my life, I had serious writer's block for over a week.
I did everything I could think of to kill it, but it just wasn't happening, and I was at a transitional point in all 3 of my works-in-progress. (yes, THREE)
This was pretty much me:
I did things I don't normally have time for, like...clean...and cook healthy meals...
I finally DID get over it, thankfully, and am caught up on my word count-- for now, but I did order some "performance-enhancing drugs" AKA some ENVISION essential oil this month just to keep the juices flowing, just in case, because:
In other news, Elle Quinn Cage (Find her on Twitter @ElleQuinnCage) is writing a romance novel, and I have been privileged with the honor of beta reading/editing it for her.
She's hoping to release by September (which happens to be when I am also hoping to release Make a Wish) and I just have to hyper her a little bit here.
If you like steamy romance, this book has it. Thick plot? check. Twists & surprises? Double check.
This is not your cliche, dark broody man is fixed by the girl next door kind of story, but is a completely different take.
It has far more realistic elements than many other romance novels I've read, which I love because it helps you get lost in the story more easily.
I am probably giving away too much, but anyway, I will be giving a full review in September when it's released, but stay tuned because this baby is going to be good!!
Also, if you or someone you know is a BETA READER or a BOOK BLOGGER, feel free to contact either me or Elle if you would be interested in reading/reviewing our upcoming works. Mine is a (non-erotic) romance, Elle's is a steamy romance, and both are ready for their beta phase!
June has been one of the most difficult months since I set my goal. For one of the first times in my life, I had serious writer's block for over a week.
I did everything I could think of to kill it, but it just wasn't happening, and I was at a transitional point in all 3 of my works-in-progress. (yes, THREE)
This was pretty much me:
I finally DID get over it, thankfully, and am caught up on my word count-- for now, but I did order some "performance-enhancing drugs" AKA some ENVISION essential oil this month just to keep the juices flowing, just in case, because:
In other news, Elle Quinn Cage (Find her on Twitter @ElleQuinnCage) is writing a romance novel, and I have been privileged with the honor of beta reading/editing it for her.
She's hoping to release by September (which happens to be when I am also hoping to release Make a Wish) and I just have to hyper her a little bit here.
If you like steamy romance, this book has it. Thick plot? check. Twists & surprises? Double check.
This is not your cliche, dark broody man is fixed by the girl next door kind of story, but is a completely different take.
It has far more realistic elements than many other romance novels I've read, which I love because it helps you get lost in the story more easily.
I am probably giving away too much, but anyway, I will be giving a full review in September when it's released, but stay tuned because this baby is going to be good!!
Also, if you or someone you know is a BETA READER or a BOOK BLOGGER, feel free to contact either me or Elle if you would be interested in reading/reviewing our upcoming works. Mine is a (non-erotic) romance, Elle's is a steamy romance, and both are ready for their beta phase!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
360 in 365
With the turn of the year January 1st, I did something I had never done before; I made a New Year's resolution.
I have set goals in the past but I rarely do resolutions since most people break them by valentine's day anyway.
So my resolution was simply this: to write more.
When I was a kid and all through high school I wrote all the time, and when I went to college I planned to major in English and become a writer. Life happened, however and with that, I stopped writing. I went through a solid five year writing drought where the only things I wrote were for assignments.
I missed it though, and I decided 2014 was the year of Alley, since 14 has always been my favorite number.
I wrote in January, started Reed, and eventually finished it in early February. When I realized what I was capable of, I decided to better define my resolution to "write more."
I joined a small facebook group collaboration called 30 in 30, whose goal is to write 30k words in 30 days, three times a year. This is similar to the goal of Nanowrimo to write 50k words in the month of November. Instead of only doing it a few months out of the year, though, I decided to really push myself and try to do 30 in 30 every month of 2014.
This is month six, and, in case you are wondering, blog posts don't count. If I am successful, I will write 360,000 words this year. Keep in mind, 30k is only the minimum quota for the month, and if I finish early, I keep writing. I ended off May with a whopping 56,333.
So why am I telling you all of this? Because, my friends, I need your encouragement. I know there will be moments when I lose steam or feel like giving up, and I have the sinking feeling about 3 days out of the month that I am complete and utter rubbish, wanting to scrap everything I have ever written and taking Reed off the market.
I need encouragers, you see.
The second reason is, I need Beta Readers! I am averaging a novel every 2-3 months and need people to read, proofread, and give me constructive feed back!
If you would be interested in helping in this capacity, contact me via Twitter @AlleySaltz or on G+
I know I am not the best writer, but I want to continue to grow and get better, and the more I write, the more I get sucked into the magical worlds I can create with my words.
Thank you for reading.
Alley
I have set goals in the past but I rarely do resolutions since most people break them by valentine's day anyway.
So my resolution was simply this: to write more.
When I was a kid and all through high school I wrote all the time, and when I went to college I planned to major in English and become a writer. Life happened, however and with that, I stopped writing. I went through a solid five year writing drought where the only things I wrote were for assignments.
I missed it though, and I decided 2014 was the year of Alley, since 14 has always been my favorite number.
I wrote in January, started Reed, and eventually finished it in early February. When I realized what I was capable of, I decided to better define my resolution to "write more."
I joined a small facebook group collaboration called 30 in 30, whose goal is to write 30k words in 30 days, three times a year. This is similar to the goal of Nanowrimo to write 50k words in the month of November. Instead of only doing it a few months out of the year, though, I decided to really push myself and try to do 30 in 30 every month of 2014.
This is month six, and, in case you are wondering, blog posts don't count. If I am successful, I will write 360,000 words this year. Keep in mind, 30k is only the minimum quota for the month, and if I finish early, I keep writing. I ended off May with a whopping 56,333.
So why am I telling you all of this? Because, my friends, I need your encouragement. I know there will be moments when I lose steam or feel like giving up, and I have the sinking feeling about 3 days out of the month that I am complete and utter rubbish, wanting to scrap everything I have ever written and taking Reed off the market.
I need encouragers, you see.
The second reason is, I need Beta Readers! I am averaging a novel every 2-3 months and need people to read, proofread, and give me constructive feed back!
If you would be interested in helping in this capacity, contact me via Twitter @AlleySaltz or on G+
I know I am not the best writer, but I want to continue to grow and get better, and the more I write, the more I get sucked into the magical worlds I can create with my words.
Thank you for reading.
Alley
Monday, May 19, 2014
Kindle Countdown Deal
Kindle Countdown Deals!
Hello all! My book “Reed” is on sale right now as part of the Kindle countdown deals and can be purchased for only .99 until the 24th.
Get it here: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi
Also, Tuesday (May 20th) is my birthday, and buying, sharing, and rating my book 5 stars on Amazon or good reads would all be really nice presents ;) Teehee. Ok but for real, help a sista out?
Thanks lovelies!
Friday, April 18, 2014
Reed- Review
Hello! Just popping by to post a link for one of the first Reed book reviews! Don't forget you can buy it today and read it instantly here: US: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi UK: http://goo.gl/7RclA0
Enjoy!
Reed by Allison Saltz
My book is now available on the Kindle marketplace all over the globe! Please consider buying it, sharing info about it today with others, and rating it 5 stars! Here she is:
US: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi
UK: http://goo.gl/7RclA0
US: http://goo.gl/8Ldcfi
UK: http://goo.gl/7RclA0
Friday, April 11, 2014
T minus one week
Ok Y'all it is only 1 week until the big release of my book.
I got the go-ahead from copyright, I have reviewed what the book will look like on different platforms, chosen my desired marketing approaches, am at the end of my author interviews for the other bloggers who are helping me out, the cover is done and set on, and the text has been picked through with a fine tooth comb.
I can't say I am not nervous, because I really am. In spite of that though I have this horrible feeling it is going to do really well. I know, this should be a good thing, but I cannot shake it and what if I'm wrong?
I guess now it is just a game of wait and see. In the mean time, what can you do to help?
1. From April 18th on, please use hashtag #readreed to help it trend
2. Post on facebook, tweet, text, and talk about Reed to your friends. Once the info is out there hopefully it will spread, help me get it out there! If you have a blog, blog about it and let me know, I will share it on my twitter/etc.
3. Leave a positive review. Of course you have to like it to do this, this one can also be translated as don't leave a negative review. follow the "if you can't say something nice" rule here. Its not that I am afraid of criticism, its just that bad reviews early in the game can make or break a book. If its not everyone's cup of tea (which I know it won't be) that is totally fine.
4. Buy it. Yeah, that would help. It will be starting at 2.99. That's less than most people pay for their morning coffee.
5. Pray for me. This would also be appreciated. Or send positive thoughts, or whatever it is you do.
Thank you so much for your continued love & support!! See you all again with a link April 18th!
I got the go-ahead from copyright, I have reviewed what the book will look like on different platforms, chosen my desired marketing approaches, am at the end of my author interviews for the other bloggers who are helping me out, the cover is done and set on, and the text has been picked through with a fine tooth comb.
I can't say I am not nervous, because I really am. In spite of that though I have this horrible feeling it is going to do really well. I know, this should be a good thing, but I cannot shake it and what if I'm wrong?
I guess now it is just a game of wait and see. In the mean time, what can you do to help?
1. From April 18th on, please use hashtag #readreed to help it trend
2. Post on facebook, tweet, text, and talk about Reed to your friends. Once the info is out there hopefully it will spread, help me get it out there! If you have a blog, blog about it and let me know, I will share it on my twitter/etc.
3. Leave a positive review. Of course you have to like it to do this, this one can also be translated as don't leave a negative review. follow the "if you can't say something nice" rule here. Its not that I am afraid of criticism, its just that bad reviews early in the game can make or break a book. If its not everyone's cup of tea (which I know it won't be) that is totally fine.
4. Buy it. Yeah, that would help. It will be starting at 2.99. That's less than most people pay for their morning coffee.
5. Pray for me. This would also be appreciated. Or send positive thoughts, or whatever it is you do.
Thank you so much for your continued love & support!! See you all again with a link April 18th!
Thursday, March 13, 2014
I need bloggers!
Hello!
I am currently seeking book review bloggers to review/talk about my book which is being released next month. You will receive a free digital copy of the book and I ask you state the release date (Most of the people I have so far will be publishing their post on the release date) and a link to the book on the Kindle store.
It is a romantic/crime/drama type book so if this isn't the sort of thing you typically read, this is probably not for you.
Feel free to message/email/comment/call/text/tweet/carrier pigeon/smoke signal me if you are interested. The more followers you have the better, and the further you are from Michigan the better also!
Thanks!
I am currently seeking book review bloggers to review/talk about my book which is being released next month. You will receive a free digital copy of the book and I ask you state the release date (Most of the people I have so far will be publishing their post on the release date) and a link to the book on the Kindle store.
It is a romantic/crime/drama type book so if this isn't the sort of thing you typically read, this is probably not for you.
Feel free to message/email/comment/call/text/tweet/carrier pigeon/smoke signal me if you are interested. The more followers you have the better, and the further you are from Michigan the better also!
Thanks!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
The fear in me.
Artists are the most insecure while simultaneously being the most egotistical people in the universe. This is true of every artist I have ever met, not matter their art form.
I am all artist. I love all art, if it's artsy; I want to do it. I love crafts, I love painting, I love music and singing (in the shower, not for real humans) and I love writing.
No matter what form of art I am doing, I am always tempted to keep it to myself. I did photography for a long time before I felt "safe" showing others what I could do, and even now, I sometimes feel certain things are not good enough to show others.
Showing your art, in any form, to others is like opening up your soul to them, whether you or they realize it or not. I pour my heart and soul into anything I do, and when it is something I have created, I love it like I love the children I created.
I have been writing stories since I had the ability to write. I wrote my first "novel" at 9 years old. I haven't shared my writing (outside of blog form) with anyone since I was 14. That means it has been almost 11 years since another soul has read any of my fiction.
This scares the crap out of me.
I have had editors, marketers, writers, and readers beta read my book for feedback and it has been the most nerve racking experience of my life.
In a few short weeks my book will be released. People will buy it, they will read it, and they will have opinions. Can I handle that? My name will be on this book and people I know will see it and read it simply because I wrote it. Will they be kind?
This book is NOT everyone's cup of tea, I know this. It deals with a lot of tough subjects and has some language, something I know a lot of my family may judge me for.
I have been battling with a great deal of fear and insecurity leading up to the release, and I honestly don't think there is anything I can do to make this feeling go away, or to avoid it. If I publish more, I will likely still get this feeling.
Guess what, it doesn't matter.
This is my dream, and I am going after it. I have wanted to be a published author since I was 7, and I am about to be one. People may have opinions about what I wrote about, or how I wrote it, or anything else, and that's ok. This isn't there dream, its mine. They will not regret it if I don't write books, but I will. They will not go crazy with the stories swirling in their mind, I will.
This is my story, and I am writing it the way I feel led. God has given me this gift and it would be wrong not to use it in the way I feel led.
I thank you all for your love and support and hope you will consider purchasing it when it comes out, but if not, I will understand.
I am all artist. I love all art, if it's artsy; I want to do it. I love crafts, I love painting, I love music and singing (in the shower, not for real humans) and I love writing.
No matter what form of art I am doing, I am always tempted to keep it to myself. I did photography for a long time before I felt "safe" showing others what I could do, and even now, I sometimes feel certain things are not good enough to show others.
Showing your art, in any form, to others is like opening up your soul to them, whether you or they realize it or not. I pour my heart and soul into anything I do, and when it is something I have created, I love it like I love the children I created.
I have been writing stories since I had the ability to write. I wrote my first "novel" at 9 years old. I haven't shared my writing (outside of blog form) with anyone since I was 14. That means it has been almost 11 years since another soul has read any of my fiction.
This scares the crap out of me.
I have had editors, marketers, writers, and readers beta read my book for feedback and it has been the most nerve racking experience of my life.
In a few short weeks my book will be released. People will buy it, they will read it, and they will have opinions. Can I handle that? My name will be on this book and people I know will see it and read it simply because I wrote it. Will they be kind?
This book is NOT everyone's cup of tea, I know this. It deals with a lot of tough subjects and has some language, something I know a lot of my family may judge me for.
I have been battling with a great deal of fear and insecurity leading up to the release, and I honestly don't think there is anything I can do to make this feeling go away, or to avoid it. If I publish more, I will likely still get this feeling.
Guess what, it doesn't matter.
This is my dream, and I am going after it. I have wanted to be a published author since I was 7, and I am about to be one. People may have opinions about what I wrote about, or how I wrote it, or anything else, and that's ok. This isn't there dream, its mine. They will not regret it if I don't write books, but I will. They will not go crazy with the stories swirling in their mind, I will.
This is my story, and I am writing it the way I feel led. God has given me this gift and it would be wrong not to use it in the way I feel led.
I thank you all for your love and support and hope you will consider purchasing it when it comes out, but if not, I will understand.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Update:
Copyright process for the book has begun and once it is through we can set/announce an official release date. This will likely be sometime in March or early April since we are releasing electronically to start off and all the major editing is done. We are declaring May 20 as the official "Read Reed" day. We are asking everyone to use hashtag #ReadReed to help promote the book. It would be very appreciated!
Thanks loves <3
Thanks loves <3
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Things that happen when your kids share....
We discovered Captain America oversees the Disney Princess Monster Truck Rally's.
Robin and Ariel can be found in the castle some nights, whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears.
Sully occasionally exploits Clarice.
And Batman is a Brony.
A very curious Brony...
Thankfully he's not the only one with tendencies...
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