WELCOME CRUSADER GROUPS 3 and 7B.... JOIN ME AT NICKI ELSTON'S BLOG!

HELLO CRUSADER's and friends. GREETINGS from sunny Florida!

IT seems that Rach in her infinite wisdom has split the Y/A fantasy group into sub groups A and B. This should help manage us manage to visit our groups easier. I certainly will try to visit my sub group and the others as well if I can. I have been traveling for the past few days and haven't been able to visit, but now that I am settled I hope to visit everyone.

TODAY I am very excited to say that I am the featured author at  NOT SO DEEP THOUGHTS. Nicki Elston's blog is such a cool place to visit especially if you need that 80's fix! She is also the author of THREE DAVES published by Omnific Publishing or in e-book for kindle.

So please hop over and find out few things you might not know about me. I would love to see you there. I will be dropping in at Nicki's blog from time to time throughout the day.

Have a great Monday everyone.

I'M HERE.... ORLANDO 88 DEGREES AND BRIGHT SUN!

Hi, all.
A super quick note to let you know I arrived in Orlando safely. Right now I'm on the 21st floor overlooking the lagoon at Universal.... so cool.

The sun is blinding. YAY sun! I'll be posting from Wizarding World of Harry Potter  as soon as tomorrow, but most likely on Tuesday.

I wish you were all here with me.

UPDATE...

Super short post today. I just wanted to let all of you know, that after five hours of "gray" traveling through Indiana, I found the sun in central Kentucky: 50 degrees, peaks of blue, and wispy white clouds.

Somewhere in the Tennessee mountains, the sun set in gold, crimson, and indigo..... Awesome is all I can say.

By 8:30 downtown Atlanta's brightest buildings greeted me along with a balmy 65 degree breeze. SO all in all a long but wonderful drive. Only the ever-present left-lane-creepers drove me to swear.

                                                            Downtown Atlanta at night.


Tomorrow by late afternoon, I should arrive at my first destination Orlando....

HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE, and thanks for your friendship and concern.

Michael

FLORIDA BOUND! GOODBYE SNOW AND ICE-HELLO SUNSHINE AND PALM TREES!

Man am I virtually hung over from the wonderful party we had here yesterday. There's plenty left over, so please feel free to help yourselves.

I'll be driving once more to Florida. Almost 1300 miles. Hopefully by tomorrow night I will arrive south of Atlanta. The weather looks fine once I leave snowy Chicago.

Orlando is my first stop in Florida. I must have a few days to say "Hi" to Harry Potter and the gang at Wizarding World. Let me know if you want more pics. I don't think it's changed much since I went in November. I do have many new friends since then, so I would be more than happy to write a post there and download some new pics for any HP lovers out there. Then I am off to Cocoa Beach for the remainder of my day.

Last year I wrote a fictional short story based on my drive. I'd like to share it with you. Have a great weekend everyone.

Through Shades of Gray

Ominous gray skies give birth to another new day. Always haunting, never pleasant.

Leaving the cold, dank winter behind, I start my car and begin to drive down the skeletal tree-lined street. Turning left at the edge of the park, I motor toward the highway, ready for my escape. The sunlight so present in the south has abandoned the north for what seems like years. Gray skies persist, day after day, and month after month. It has taken its toll on me. 

I have only one thought as I continue the long drive from Chicago to Florida: the sun. How much I took it for granted when I moved to Chicago four years ago from the very place I’m so desperate to return. Then, I couldn’t wait to move back north. I had missed the four seasons. Little did I know how much the north had changed. No longer did the bright summer days last forever. Overcast skies dominated, covering the little light that broke through the mass of clouds. When the green summer leaves turned brown, I ached for the crisp, sunny days I remembered from long ago.

This year continued to disappoint me just like the others had. The winds turned icy as the trees in the park withered. I looked forward to the first snow. The white powder clinging to the branches and edging the windowsills of buildings, frosting the city with an iridescent glimmer. 

Snow began to fall by late November. The magic was over before it began. The sun hadn’t shone for weeks. One day melted into another. What day is it? I kept asking myself. Is it Christmas yet? Not yet, but soon.

I recall how I couldn’t wait for the holidays to be over. For most, it’s a joyous time. It had been for me too, once, but lately Christmas seemed too much of a hassle. Honestly, I don’t know how I lived through this past year. New Year’s Eve culminated the end of yet another uneventful year.

Traffic halts as several Mack trucks enter from the on ramp. I change lanes, avoiding the caravan. Despite the congestion, I’m glad to leave the gloominess of winter.

This excerpt is from my short story that was a finalist in OPEN CITY magazine.

A NEW JOURNEY ... HELP ME CELEBRATE IT!

  To all of who dared enter the ABNA zone ... this is for the courage to try.

We are ALL winners.

Now let the party begin!

Help yourself to a glass ....

Red or champagne                                     

Look more guests are arriving.

Have a Drink and mingle ...

Nibbles anyone?

Dig in...

Pizza, fries, burgers ...

Buffet anyone

Have a sweet

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY .... YOU ALL ARE WONDERFUL!!!

Look for "Earthly Angels" post tomorrow.

ABNA RESULTS ARE IN.... HURRY LOOK FOR YOUR NAME!

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT.....  THE BLINDED GARDENER IS IN! YAY! PARTY TOMORROW!

ABNA POSTS TODAY!!!!! FIRST CRUSADER CHALLENGE ENTRY ... WELCOME NEW FRIENDS.

 Well, friends,

Today is the day we find out if we made it through the pitch round of ABNA. I would sincerely like to wish all my blogger friends good luck. I'd like to throw a CELEBRATORY BASH for the writer's who have made it to the next round. E-mail me and let me know or leave a comment if it posts early.

Today is also the day I finally finished my entry for the first Crusader Challenge. By know everyone should know the rules, so I will spare you having to read them again. If you're not familiar with it hop over to the main Crusader's site at Rach writes. Click on emblem left.

I decided to try my hand at poetry. I hadn't written a poem since grade school. I hope I've improved. lol

Without further ado:

                             How could one reveal so much to the world?

                             With so many fulguline facts to unfurl.

                             An interesting quirk, oh what can it be?

                             I sleep in a large bed on the edge with just me.

                             An annoying habit my friends do endure,

                             to bloviate occasionally is one I am sure.

                             Kindness of heart is my most admirable trait,

                             for those who know me, it must be my fate.

                             A decade has passed, but I still look the same,

                             most people guess younger yet I still play the game.

                             A black, long-eared rabbit named Jasper I favor,

                             for he is my novel’s and the Willows’ grand savior.

                             One more fun fact has to do with a blade,

                             No, you must wait, until my next serenade.

                             I may have revealed something that is untrue, 

                             Can you guess the right one? I guarantee but a few.

I hope you enjoyed my entry. Tomorrow I will reveal the untruth.

I would also like to welcome my new friends:

Her highness, Alberta, Geof, Liz, Sandra, Deborah, Tangynt, Lady Jai, Yves, Ibdiamond, Kari, AKoss, and Bess.

HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY!

Y/A PACING ... THE RESULTS ... WELCOME NEW FRIENDS. CALLING ALL ABNA ENTRANTS

WOW,

Yesterday's topic really brought out some fantastic advise. I want to thank all who posted comments on this topic.

The general consensus is that pacing should be smooth and fast, BUT, the scene should be rich in details. So as I always say BALANCE is the key in everything we write. Works for me..... Now keeping that balance in our writing is another story. This is what we all need to strive for with every short story, novella, and novel.

This has been quite a busy week. The first crusader challenge, my entry for Madeleine's Flowing fonts contest (look above for my entry), and more awards..... Phew!

I'd like to thank Sheri at Writer's Alley for the Beautiful Blogger award. Try and stop by the "alley," you won't be disappointed.

I would also like to that my new friend and fellow crusader Alison Pearce Stevens for the the Stylish Blogger award. Try and stop by to visit Alison on you daily blog hop.

As I am sure many of you are aware, tomorrow the results of the pitch round in the ABNA contest will be posted. Last year they kept us waiting until five o'clock EST. So let's hope the results are posted in the morning.... don't hold your breath!

I would love to know who of my wonderful blog friends have entered. I WANT to know so that I can celebrate or commiserate with you. I know of just a few who have. So PLEASE leave a comment today an let me know.

I plan to announce those of us who move onto the next round in Friday's post. I am also hoping/praying that we all get in so that I can through ONE HELL OF A PARTY ON FRIDAY!

Keep sending out those positive vibes to each other!

Crusaders .... don't forget Friday is the deadline to post the first challenge. I'm off the write mine....

HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE!

HOW FAST IS TOO FAST IN Y/A?

Last night I received an incredible critique of THE BLINDED GARDENER excerpt I have posted above from Donna Hole. If you are not familiar with Donna please hop over to her blog. She is an amazing writer and a wonderful blogger friend.

In my excerpt critique, Donna pointed out the pace. She found I rushed through a bit too fast, not allowing for certain details that should have been there to add to the richness of the scene. This got me thinking. I was always told that in m/g and y/a, pacing needed to by fast and exciting to keep a kids attention. And after eighteen months of cutting out too many details from my first novel, I had to agree.

So I promised myself in my next novel I would economize my words, keep details to a minimum, and would keep the plot moving at all costs. But is this right? I have always believed in balance when writing. Should there be rich details in writing for the fast-paced m/g and y/a market? Or, is keeping the story moving more important?

I would love to know what all of you think.

Now, Donna did say she isn't too familiar with y/a writing. I'm sure she would love to know you views on this herself.

I believe this is a very important issue. I appreciate details, but I'm not a teenager, so my likes are probably far different.

Many of you have children and teenagers and are more in tune. Unfortunately I am not at the pulse of teenagers' lives. I read, listen, and watch movies about teens all the time, so that is where I get my information. But some of you have a living, breathing, wealth of information right at your fingertips, and I always say "Go right to the source."

I'd appreciate any comments you might have on this subject and don't forget to drop by and say "Hi" to Donna.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

MORE FRIENDS ..... WELCOME ... ABNA RESULTS COMING>>>> NEEDED.... EARTHLY ANGELS STORIES.

Well we are now on the final leg of the first round of ABNA. We are all waiting patiently until this Thursday to find out if we made it through the pitch round.

SO I ask all of you to send out good vibes to all of us who have entered this year. EVERY good thought and prayer helps!

This past Friday was another success with my new "Earthly Angels" segment. I would like to thank all of you for showing so much enthusiasm for this feature to my blog. And PLEASE if you'd like to share a story with me I would be thrilled to post it. I can only keep this feature going if I hear stories from you.

This is the reason why it's so popular. I can find stories at random, but I want personal stories from my friends. How their lives were touched by some selfless and caring person.

Now for a continued welcome to my new friends.....

Louise, Allison, Jolene, Jordan, Barb, Catherine, Adriana, Sharde, Zan Marie, Poetic Justice, Brian, J.R. Madeline, Christina, and Tina.


The first Crusader challenge is well on it's way! There are some wonderful entries that I hope many of you will get to see. SO hope over to Rach's blog and enjoy reading them. I should have mine up by around Wednesday. I am so busy right now diligently editing.

CRUSADER'S MESSAGE.... WELCOME NEW FRIENDS...

HELLO CRUSADERS.

I have now officially introduced myself to ALL of you. This was no easy task since we have 216 of us including me.

My older friends know me, so I want to greet them, too. I didn't need to introduce myself to them... lol.

I am honored to be in two groups, number THREE and number SEVEN... 26 friends that I will be close with over the next few months. I do know some of you, but I can't wait to learn more about the others.

I would also like to welcome my new friends.

Linz, Scheherezade, Cheryl, Raising Marshmallows, Trisha, Have Mercy, L. Diane, Deniz, Happily Cheezy, J.L., Becka, M.J., Sully, Francesca, Stasia, Chantele, Cinders, Eileen, Joanne, and Sierra.

Thank you all for stopping by and joining my group of friends....

For my new friends, every Friday I post an "Earthly Angels" segment. So if any of you know of a kind, selfless person that has done something special, I want to know about it. Either leave in the comments section or email me directly.

Have a great weekend everyone!

EARTHLY ANGELS .... A NEW WEEKLY POST-

Welcome to my weekly post. Earthly Angels. Each week I will feature stories from all of you: my blogging buddies. So please feel free to leave a story of an Earthly Angel that you know in the comments or email me directly. I would love to hear about it.

In this weeks segment, I'll be featuring some very special husbands. Men who earned the title of an Earthly Angel.

The first is from a wonderful and sweet lady who has helped me on several occasions.

Wendy Tyler Ryan

"My husband was an earthly angel a few Chritmases ago. He didn't tell me until much later, but he choose a very crowded WalMart parking lot and put tiny Teddy bears under the wipers of the worst looking cars in the parking lot. Inside those tiny little bear's pockets, he put money!"



Francine Howarth


"My hubby is 6'2" in stockinged feet, and kind of hunky despite his profession Neuro Science & Psychology. He happened on an elderly man receiving abuse and suffering intimidation from a teen on a mountain bike. This was in Putney, London, a CCTV camera located nearby. The old guy looked really scared and hubby stepped in to warn the kid off. The kid got lippy and suggested hubby would do best to f*ck off or he'd call for backup. Hubby laughed, the kid got stroppy and said something to the effect hubby was all mouth and that he'd be meat when his mates got there. The old man took the hint and made safe his escape, while hubby let the kid rant-off cell phone in hand saying if hubby didn't f*ck off he'd be in big sh*t. Hubby by now had had enough and suggested that if the kid and mates cared to meet him in the alley out of sight of the CCTV they could sort their differences and see who was the braver. The kid sudden upped, spun his bike round and pedalled off shouting abuse over his shoulder." 


Walk2write


"As for the Earthly Angel, the first person who always comes to mind is my husband. Not for any of the usual sappy reasons, though. Here's the latest example: Night before last, a couple of loudmouth drunks were duking it out in the parking lot outside our apartment building. After about 20 minutes of cursing at each other, they left, honking the horn all the way. Fifteen minutes later they returned, screaming at each other again. I had heard enough, put my coat and slippers on, and headed for the door to put a stop to the nonsense and potential catastrophe. Hubby didn't even try to stop me. He just quietly followed. I didn't try to intervene but slipped behind the vehicle and memorized the license plate number, then relayed it to Hubby who called the police. He has a presence of mind seldom seen in this world."


Next week I already have one incredible Earthly Angel's couple. I would love to hear about two more. So if you know of an amazing couple please let me know. Of course, I am always interested to hear any Earthly Angels story. I'd like to have different features each week. I'd also like to hear about any special children that you may know. I hope you enjoyed this week's post. 

INSANE TWO DAYS ... 2 AWARDS ANDS 17 NEW FRIENDS.... WOW!

                  






I am overwhelmed. Talk about blog love. In two days, two incredible bloggers awarded me with two different awards.

First, a new follower and fellow Crusader E.C. from E. C.'s Ramblings awarded me the Stylish Blogger Award. Do stop over an visit E. C. you will be glad you did.

Second. The vivacious Elizabeth Mueller has awarded me the Sunshine Award. Let me tell you we can all use a little more sunshine this winter. Elizabeth is an award winning author, so make sure you stop by an visit her blog.

Thank you, ladies. I am truly touched by your kindness.

Now for my second bit of news. This is a new record for me 17 new friends joined my blogging family. As it is customary at my blog, I enjoy welcoming each new friend personally. I am happy to say my new friends are ...

Raquel, E. C., Susanna, Paul J., Witless Exposition, Elle, Elizabeth, YaYa, Katie, Tanya, Shelly B., Shari, Saribelle, Diana, Kristal, Laurie, and Alexis.

I hope to visit all of you within the next day or two to join your network of friends as well.

Don't forget to check out the blogfest entries below it's a great way to get to know you new friends!  Nicole did an excellent job of hosting this event!

NICOLE'S BENARD PIVOT'S BLOGFEST .... WELCOME NEW CRUSADERS!

Today's Nicole's from One Significant Moment at a Time Blogfest. Just answer the following questions and post them. What a great way to find out more about our blogging buddies and fellow Crusaders......

1. What is your favorite word?                      F-o-o-d!

2. What is my least favorite word?                No

3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually, or emotionally?

     a. creatively..... Nature: flowers, lakes, trees, etc

     b. spiritually..... Music mostly instrumentals, strings/flutes

     c. emotionally.....kindess, love, romance

4. What turns you off?                                     negativity/chronic complaining

5. What is our favorite curse word?                 Bitch

6. What sound or noise do you love?               Westminster clock chimes

7. What sound or noise do you hate?               Any type of hammering

8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?

      a. pianist 

      b. actor

9. What profession would you not like to do?  policeman

10. I Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

      a. Welcome home, Michael. I am happy to see you. 

Please don't forget to hop around to the other entries. Have a great Wednesday everyone!

205 FOLLOWERS! I AM HONORED .... WELCOME FRIENDS! WELCOME CRUSADERS!

Well, it seems like only last week I celebrated my 150th follower.  But amazingly by mid-day yesterday Donna Weaver became my 200th follower.

THANK YOU DONNA! You made my day. Of course, without the rest of you I never would have made it. SO THANK YOU ALL.

We have a long list of new friends today....

Susan, Pixie, Doreen, Lynette, Margo, Nas, Tessa, Jaqueline, Katrina, Megan, Donna, Clara, E,J, Alyssa,
Angela, and L.A. Phew! That's a lot o new friends.... You guys ROCK!

Many of my new followers/friends are fellow CRUSADERS. SO a special welcome to them. I hope I get to know all of you and that we learn more about each other.

How fantastic it will be to read each other's work! A special "HAT'S OFF to our leader RACHAEL HARRIE!

I don't know if many of you know this, but I only starting my blog in late October. Before that I was just testing the waters and following a few blogs.

Now I have friends throughout the world and I can't begin to tell you how honored and happy I am to be a part of the AMAZING community.

Soon I will announce some wonderful giveaway, so keep an eye out for that.

Give yourselves around of applause....

I'd also like to tell you how much fun I had with all of you on Valentine's Day! Many of you had some fun plans, but the majority decided to do something special with the family. Sharing the love with the ones they love most..... You can't argue with that.

My favorite post was from a charming blogging couple from England. Margo and Tony Benson. They had an intimate luncheon and toured the Broomhill Sculpture Gardens. How lovely is that. If you have a moment you should check out their blogs. They are a fascinating couple to get to know. And they are fellow CRUSADERS! WOOT!

ST. VALENTINE- WHO WAS HE REALLY?.... HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Most everyone in this country celebrate's Valentines's day, but they don't know anything about the person behind the holiday.


So, who was St. Valentine?


Did he really exist? What was he REALLY like?


The answer is yes. Almost all historians believe that St. Valentine did exist, but he wasn't a romantic figure like Rudolf Valentino, who I'm sure used the name as part of his own mystique.


"Valentine was a holy priest in Rome, who, with St. Marius and his family, assisted the martyrs in the persecution under Claudius II." 


On February 14th he was tortured and put to death because he wouldn't  renounce his religion.


So, how on earth did this holiday come to represent hearts, flowers, and cupids?


Well, a blog that specializes in saints suggests that ....


"some believe the Romans had a mid-February custom where boys drew the names of girls in honour of the sex and fertility goddess, Februata Juno." Others feel the custom of greetings "stems from the belief that birds begin to pair on that date."


So now you have a little bit of history behind the holiday.


Share the love everyone and have a wonderful VALENTINE'S DAY!


What have you got planned for today?  I WANT to know.....


Sources:
YAHOOO'S- THE BUZZ LOG by MIKE KRUMBOLTZ
Catholic Online: St. Valentine - Saints and Angels
Saints SQPN.com: Saint Valentine of Rome

WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS AND CRUSADERS!!!! SHARE THE LOVE WEEKEND!

This is going to be quite the weekend. With Valentine's day only a few days away, many of my blogging buddies will be busy. So before you get on with your activities, I'd like to welcome all my new followers.

I can't wait to know more about all of you....

The Blogger formally know as, Lois, Walk2Write, Autumn, Adina, and Janet. I'm so glad you joined my group of friends.

This is also a MAJOR CRUSADER WEEKEND. Everyone knows Rach from Rach Writes, well this is the last day to sign up. Rach can only accept new CRUSADERS until 11:59 Eastern tonight, so if your interested hop over to her blog and fill out the form now.

I plan to visit many new Crusaders this weekend, and I hope to see many of you here. 

HAVE A FANTASTIC WEEKEND EVERYONE ... and remember SHARE THE LOVE!

VALENTINES WEEKEND ... EARTHLY ANGELS .... AN NEW WEEKLY POST

As you all know I have had an amazing week reading all your fantastic comments about the wonderful people in you life. The loving and caring moms, the neighbors that help out, and the strangers that lend a hand when in a stressful situation.

I enjoyed each and every one and I have decided to post and Earthly Angels post once a week. From the overwhelming comments I received, I hope this weekly post will be something that you will all enjoy. So in order for my post to work I will need your comments.

Each Friday I would like to hear about an Earthly Angel. It could be anyone. I could be about any simple act of kindness. Leave a comment this week and I will post the stories the following Friday....

February is the love month. Let's spread the love. It is a good way for all of us to share our experiences. It helps heal a sad heart. Knowing there are friends out in blog land who really care is so important to us all.

WE are the best community. I have never seen such kind and caring people.

So, please, let me know what your thoughts are. I hope you like my idea.

IT'S also Valentine's weekend! I'd love to know what you've got planned for this "heart felt" weekend.

And remember, even if there is no special person in you life, LOVE is there from friends and family. It might not be that hot romantic weekend we all hope for on Valentine's day, but it could be special all the same....

SHARE THE LOVE ....   HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

THE BEAR WITH TWO SHADOWS by ROLAND YEOMANS.... DEBUT AUTHOR

Good afternoon all.

So sorry for the late post. If you haven't heard, our wonderfully talented blogging buddy. Roland, has finally published his first novel, The Bear with Two Shadows. Now we can finally have our very own FULL copy of his masterful work. Hop over to his blog for the full details.

He has two posts up, introducing his masterpiece. He does it far better than I ever could. You may also down load the first three chapters. Even if you don't have a kindle, you can download it to your PC or Macbook for free through Amazon.

Here is the link to Amazon if you'd like to purchase ..... HERE

Roland I wish you the very best with your debut novel.

LET'S support our sweet and helpful friend.

OVERWHELMING BLOG LOVE ... WELCOME NEW FOLLOWERS/CRUSADERS

When I first posted the Earthly Angel series, I only wanted to share a few heartwarming stories with all of you. The response bowled me over. Not only did you share with me your stories, but you also sent me wave after wave of blog love and hugs for the loss of my most precious Earthly Angel who is now among the heavenly ones.


You know I must share with you the people that touched me most. Thank you all for you kindness, sympathy, and love.


Summer said...

Michael~

My mom, well she died 8 years ago in a carwreck from drinking and driving. My mom was everything to me despite her drinking habits. And her most important lesson to give me was her death. I don't drink and drive because of her, and I instill not drinking and driving into my children because of her. She proabably saved my life with hers. Thats the silver lining of it. I respect her, I love her, and her loss was my most traumatic experience. This was a nice post. Thank you for reminding me that people appreciate what mothers do.

Patricia said...

I can feel the closeness you had with your mom. Why can't our moms be around forever? I wish mine could be. My mom is the rock in my family. Who else can I call when I'm mad at my sister, frustrated over my children, get that one recipe again, ask how to make gravy just once more? 

Ali said...

I'm so sorry Michael. I lost my own mom 23 years ago and my MIL two years ago. I miss them both terribly. Best thing about my mom: singing our lungs out to fifty's music on the 8-track in her Cordoba (with real Corinthian leather!), with the windows down and the wind whipping around us. My mom could be the silliest woman, and I loved that about her.

Best thing about my MIL was that she accepted me and loved me, even though I was so different from her. Actually, scratch that. The best thing about her was the amazing son she raised--and who married me. 

Karlene said...

Michael, You made me cry. I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother, but a mother's love is never lost. In my novel I touch on this theme. Touch, heck... it's woven throughout. My protagonist lost her mother when she was young. But even beyond the grave she taught her daughter the lessons of life. And as a mother, our kids teach us too. Your Mom is so proud of you, and you thought of her all day because she was with you all day. 

Donea Lee said...

This is such a wonderful message, Michael. Thank you. I lost my mom unexpectedly back in 2006 and I've missed her every single day since. She was such a champion of my dream to be a published author - one of my biggest fans! Not to mention, the anchor and the life to our little family. She made everything fun. She was the keeper of our traditions and a wonderful friend. I'm tearing up just typing this... but, I agree. A FABULOUS mom is such an important influence for a child and I can only applaud the women out there that rise to the challenge! :) 

Thank you so much ladies for sharing your stories with us. It is comforting to know that we have friends in our community who understand out personal sorrows. More bear hugs ....

*            *           *            *          *           *            *    

I would also like to welcome all my new follower and fellow CRUSADERS! 

Heather, Dempsey, Len, Corrine, Anica, Jennifer, Cathye, Ben, Kavrik, T C, and Amanda. Thank you all for joining my wonderful friends. I hope to learn more about all of you on you.

Have a great Wednesday everyone!               

EARTHLY ANGELS .... A SPECIAL EDITION- A TRIBUTE TO MOMS ..... Brenda Drake's Entry.

Happy Monday everyone. I hope you all had a safe and pleasant weekend. I want to thank my wonderful followers who have shown me so much love and support with my Earthly Angels posts.

I am dedicating this Earthly Angels segment to all the mothers.

Several years ago my mom past away on February 6th. She was in my thoughts all day yesterday. She was there for me always, and now her spirit lingers on through me.

I realized a mother's job is beyond important, not only to look after her family, but to nurture and instill values in her children in order for them to grow up to be kind an caring adults.

Now guys don't get up in arms. A dad's influence is equally important. Your silent strength is the support for the moms. Without you, their job would be that much harder. Single moms should be admired most of all.

Reading through the comments over the past few days I've learned so much about all of you. So many of my blogging friends are mothers and several are teachers as well.

How special are you?

Not only do you take care of your own children, but you take care of and teach other people's children. So much devotion, effort, and time. How do you do it?

Take a bow ladies. You are super woman. You should be loved and more importantly appreciated. This is for all of you. You earn your wings everyday..... Thank You,  Earthly Angels!

The next time you feel overwhelmed I hope you remember this post.

I send you all a Michael bear hug.... You can use a hug. Now go hug your children.

I want to hear about your mom. Tell me how awesome she is ....

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Today is also Brenda Drake's first line contest. Post the first line of your novel and enter to win an agent critique. So easy .... so much fun. Here is my entry.

Name: Michael Di Gesu
Title: The Blinded Gardener
Genre: Y/A Contemporary

Meeting Danny changed my life forever. 


New version... represents the tone of the book and makes the character more masculine... I hope.


Meeting Danny altered the only life I knew: a living punching bag.

EARTHLY ANGELS ... A SPECIAL THANKS! ...... RACH'S CRUSADERS!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments and stories over the past few days. I does my heart good to see all the love shared among all of us bloggers. We have learned that in this cold, bleak worlds, there are people who shine beacons of light and come to our rescue.

In their honor I would like all of you to take a note from these earthly angels' books and do something for a person in need. It could be anything as simple as a bringing up your neighbor's garbage can from the street to save that person from slipping on the ice. Give up your seat to a fellow passenger on the bus or train. Give anything you can to a homeless person, whether it be money, a cup of hot coffee, or a sandwich. The skies the limit. Be particularly kind to those who are elderly or handicapped.

Share the love that was once given to you.

By doing this you can become an earthly angel. It will make your day. Who doesn't want to be an angel? Right?

Please let me hear what lovely angelic thing you did for someone. Don't be shy, we would all like to know how special you are too!

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Now for another earthly delight I'd like to tell you about Rach's Crusaders ....  Her second Writers' Platform building Crusade!

If you want to build your writing platform, you must join in on the fun! This is Rach's second Crusade.

Here is what it's all about in Rach's words:

"Basically, the Crusade is a way to link those within the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Crusaders are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs.


I’ll list your names and blogs on my List of Crusaders page so you can keep in touch with the other Crusaders. And you’ll have a list of bloggers in the same position as you, who genuinely want to help you succeed. You can visit their blogs, follow along, leave comments galore, and share your highs and lows as you journey through the blogosphere and build your online platform. And they'll be doing the same for you."


So as you can see, it is a wonderful opportunity to join us. Hop over to Rach's blog and sign up today!


Have a wonderful weekend, friends.


In tomorrow's post I will have a special tribute to mothers everywhere.

THE SUN .... LET THERE BE LIGHT and LOVE!

We are finally seeing some much needed sun, although it is still super cold, but at least we will be in the double digits today ....

I would like to thank all my followers who commented yesterday about their earthly angels. Several thanked their spouses, others thanked their best friends, caring neighbors, and good Samaritans. But a few stood out to me and I would like to share them with you. Sharing love is what it's all about especially since it is February.

Danette said...

Most recently... My car was.is breaking down and I needed a new more reliable one to get my son from home to school so that his dad wouldn't fight me for full custody (again). My mechanic worked to find me one (for free) a great little Honda Civic but the price was more than I could afford. I'd resigned myself to moving on. The mechanic called and had another car he was willing to fix just for me, cheap enough, etc. (wow!)... anyway, a coworker pulled me aside and offered to lend me the extra money so that I could get the car! I now have a lovely red car that is 9 years newer than my old car and I love, love, love it!! 

Misha said...

I have been helped out so many times. In particular, my flatmate last year who carried my living expenses for me when I couldn't afford it (it's a looooong story).

I never asked, but she insisted. 

Elizabeth said...

Hi Michael! Thanks for the inspiring post. As a mother, I make it a point to encourage my kids to do a kind act of service at school. It is my goal to act upon generous thoughts when I receive them.

Simple things warm my soul. I've had someone send me a text telling me that she's just thinking of me and hopes I'm doing well. Things like that bring tears to my eyes.

Thank you ladies for sharing your stories. 

Let's keep spreading the love .... Let me hear about your earthly angel. Tell me your story. We would all like to know.

I would also like to welcome my new followers. Katharine, Marquita, Angela, Meika, Racquel, Shelli, Salarsen, Critique Sisters, Karen, VR, and Elizabeth. I can't wait to get to know all of you.

And finally, I would like to thank Alex J. Cavanaugh for my cute new smiley kitty. We can always use a cheerful smile. 

Have a great day bloggers and stay warm.

THE AFTERMATH ... A SUPREME ACT OF KINDNESS/LOVE

                                            


Nine hundred cars were towed off Lakeshore drive in Chicago yesterday. Could you imagine, sitting in your car for twelve hours? Then, finally giving up and trekking through the snow for miles during the worst blizzard Chicago had seen in over thirty years.

My heart goes out to those poor souls. Mother Nature can be cruel at times and I am sure you all know. I must share with all of you the plight of one of my commenters from yesterday's post. A courageous soul who weathered the storm and made it though.

Joicy013 said...

"wow that storm was something! yes there was lighting that looked like fire during the storm. the winds were bad! I was out in the road picking up my sister who was stranded at work and let me tell you something. i could see nothing. windshield ended up falling apart with the ice and wind, about 2 cars on every block left stranded. took us about 2hours to get home, which would usually take 15min. woke up this morning to have snow up to ny waist in some areas of the yard."

Could you imagine the family bond to drive in such a storm for your sister. You are a kind and caring soul and you sister is very lucky to have you.


I find acts of love/kindness to be truly amazing. With our hearts filled with love for the month of February, I'd like to ask all of you, "What act of kindness/ love has been bestowed on you? Tell me about the wonderful person that came to your aid in a time of crisis. I really want to know. 


We are all blessed with angels in our lives. Not the heavenly bound creatures, but the ones bound to earth. Let me hear your story.


To all me friends in the frozen midwest, north, and in Canada, keep warm and stay safe. We still have a way to go before the spring thaw.