WHERE HAPPINESS LIES ....

Happy Friday all,

After an exhausting almost three days of HOPPING for HEALTH I finally managed to visit everyone. ALEX HOW DO YOU DO IT?

Thank you all for participating. Some of your really had some UNIQUE ways to stay fit. One blogger friend HULA HOOPS.... Now that's impressive.

Last week Morgan Shamy, a very close blogger friend, tagged me with MY FIVE HAPPY WAYS. I NEVER have time for most memes, but since I am a firm believer in EVERYTHING positive, I needed to post this. PLUS, how could I refuse the MORG.... LOL.

A little about Morgan. She is amazing. Not only does she care for four children, a hubby, a house, friends, and all her blogger friends, she still manages to keep up with all her writing.... Nothing short of MIRACULOUS! Another person I wish I knew HOW they do it! (That exclamation is truly for you Morg).

I am honored and happy to know Morgan because she has graced my life with whimsy, effervescence, old-world-charm and yes, MAGIC...  Thanks Morg for selecting me with this meme.

And  now for my five happy ways.

First and foremost, I am very happy and appreciative that I have mobility. "What?" You ask. For a very long time, years in fact, I was crippled with arthritis and even bedridden for one of them. This happened to me in my early thirties when most people are at the top of their game. After a decade of pushing myself, I am able to walk again. I may have some limits, but overall, I can accomplish what I need to do. The pain exists, but only as a whisper. I learned to live with it. NEVER take your health or mobility for granted.

Nature, is next. The birds chirping, bright flowers in a meadow basking in the sun, a periwinkle sky with a wisp of a white, fluffy cloud, a rolling sea crashing against a powdery sand, and even skyscraper propelling into space from a quiet shoreline, all make me happy.

Earthly Angels.... Those people that appear in our lives and do something so selfless and expect nothing in return. Thees chosen people are certainly sent to us by God.

The Arts: What would we all do without beautiful music, visually excited sculpture, colorful and expressive paintings, and of course for words woven so poetically into prose .... all can and have brought tears to my eyes.

And finally.... My blogging family. YOU KNEW I would mention you... HOW could I not. SO many, kind, caring, and supportive people. In all my travels through life, I have never met such a wonderful group of people that I have given so much of themselves. They game me TIME... our most treasured commodity...

SO, I would like to share with you some pics you may or may not have seen of me and some of my blogger friends ...

Starting with the most recent .... Nicki Elson and I celebrating our birthdays a few weeks ago...

Nicki and I with Liz Fiscera at her book signing in February...

Marcy Hatch and I at a charming bistro in Winter Park, FL last spring...

Melissa Bradley and I in downtown Chicago, having one of our six hour chat-a-thons ....

PK Hrezo and I at Wolgang Pucks at downtown Disney last summer ....

Here's one from a few years ago when I visited Hart Johnson in Ann Arbor, MI ....


















And finally... for those of you who had missed it ..... ANOTHER BLAST from the past .....

Well, the sunglasses at least, vintage Raybans ...well they weren't back then ... LOL ..... Don't laugh too hard .... THIS one is for you MORG....

As for picking five bloggers to pass this onto... Well, I pass it to ALL OF YOU. Be thankful and show us all what makes you HAPPY!!!!

HAVE a great weekend everyone!

TIME TO GET HEALTHY !!!! ....

WELCOME FRIENDS TO OUR FIRST "GET HEALTHY" BLOG HOP!

Fellow host, Stephen Tremp, approached me to help host this bloghop to help writers to get fit or keep fit. Many of us have gained a few extra pounds over the winter and now that SUMMER is here, this is a great time to start a new routine. My other co-hosts, Alex J. Cavanaugh and L. Diane Wolfe, have kept fit for years and have even guest posted on my blog about how they stay fit. AND NOW we are here to help you!

I am thrilled that so many have joined the hop and will offer their tips on how they stay in shape. If you'd like to hop along, please DO... Even if you just want to begin fitness and come along for the ride.  Say Hi, and offer your enthusiasm and excitement about getting healthy.

Let me begin by saying that I am not talking about a fad diet that will harm you or where you will lose a large amount of weight ONLY to gain it back plus a few more. I am talking about a life change. AND this doesn't have to be major. You can start by doing one small change at a time.

The first thing we all need to do is MOVE. WE are ALL guilty of spending countless hours at the computer. So this easy step is to WALK AWAY. No big exercise routine. Just WALK. Even if it is just around the block, to the grocery store, to the post office. If you can walk a half a mile to a mile a day, you are off to a wonderful start. Many of you have joint issues. I understand, I have arthritis. But movement is VERY important, even if you have this affliction. 

Another great way to move ... take the stairs. If you live in an apt, don't use the elevator. OF course if you live on the 20th floor, this won't work, BUT if you live on the second, third, or even fourth, try it. Start by going down, that is much easier. TAKE YOUR TIME ... breath deeply. You can do this.

Now for step two: Food. WE all love to munch throughout our writing endeavors. I have a few suggestions to replace those chips, crackers, cookies, and any other high sugar, high carb snack. No, I don't want you to munch on celery sticks or carrots, although they are a good substitute, they are hardly satisfying. ALMONDS are super delicious and have protein and good fats. Make sure you buy raw/natural... No salt, no roasted .... read the label and make sure the ingredients read almonds ONLY.

Fruits are another AMAZING snack. Apples are naturally sweet, and very satisfying. Slice them up, put a sprinkle of cinnamon on them and enjoy. Now for the past few years I avoided bananas because they are high in sugar, BUT I just recently came across an article that I would love to share with you. I don't know who the author is, but the person who sent it to me send pass it on... so I will ...

You will be awed by how healthy this fruit is for you!

"Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

DEPRESSION:

According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:

Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

ANEMIA:

High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

BLOOD PRESSURE:

This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

BRAIN POWER:

200 students at a Twickenham school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

CONSTIPATION:

High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

HANGOVERS:

One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

HEARTBURN:

Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

MORNING SICKNESS:

Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

MOSQUITO BITES:

Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

NERVES:

Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system..

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

ULCERS:

The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniclercases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL:

Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has FOUR TIMES the protein, TWICE the carbohydrate, THREE TIMES the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A BANANA a day keeps the doctor away!'

Share with your friends!"

As a final note, I would like to share a personal experience with all of you. As many of you know I have be into health and fitness for the past three years. Having gained over fifty pounds from writing, I decided to take charge of my life again and have lost and kept of 85 pounds. But last week I actually had a small crisis ... for the first time in years, I dragged myself to the gym. And I mean dragged. I didn't want to go, I had NO energy, and I felt like crawling under a blanket and just watch a movie. Now most of may think ... "What's the big deal, Michael ... you can afford to take a night off! Besides, I feel like that all the time." 

EXACTLY! We all come up with ALL kinds of excuses not to workout. Well I discovered something that night. As I stumbled through my usual routine, I felt worse and worse. Seriously, I was crawling. SO NOT ME! After an hour of ab work and so lifting, I still had to do my cardio. The THOUGHT of a twelve mile bike ride was less than lusterful .... Every fiber in my body screamed NO WAY!!! GO HOME!!!! DROP INTO BED!!! I actually argued with myself (internally of course... otherwise I would've been taken away in a straight jacket. LOL). 

Inching my way to the bike, I then threw over my two-ton leg and plopped onto the seat. I set the bike at one level under my usual setting and pumped. It was sheer torture. It felt like an hour to do the first mile, but in reality it was only a bit over four minutes. The second mile mirrored the first. I increased the tension on notch. Mile three, I began to pump faster. My head cleared. Mile four only three minutes 35 secs. By the time I hit seven miles I felt GREAT... Seriously. The endorphins finally kicked in AND they really DO make you feel better. I breezed through the final miles and I trekked home in my usual time.

So you see, it really does take more energy to push yourself to move THAN to actually move. I've always known this, but that night I honesty understood it.

You can do this. Taking the first is the hardest one. I hope you this helps. Remember to take is slowly and DON't hurt yourself. On the next hope I will be more specific about how to change your eating habits for a more healthy life. 

I would love to hear what you do to stay in shape. And don't forget to hop around and visit my co hosts and our blogger friends.

Also, if you have an extra minute, please scroll down to my previous post. Our friend Charmaine Clancy having an AMAZING giveaway!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

A NEW MYSTERY UNFOLDS ....

Sunlight streams through the center bay window where a young girl holds tight to a book. Her eyes race across each sentence as if her life depended on it. Something scampers into the room and hits Kitty with a force that knocks the book out of her hands.

“Spade! Why did you do that?” 

The miniature schnauzer’s tail wags so fast it almost propels him off the floor. He takes hold of the cuff on her jeans and tugs her off the window seat.

“In a minute ... let me finish this last page.” She picks up the book, reads the last page, and snaps the book shut.

“Let’s go ... but if I run into that prissy, little Miss perfect, Jessica Jones, I will never forgive you.”

Spade runs downstairs, pulls the leash off the closet door, and waits with leash-in-mouth.

As they stroll down the street toward the park, Kitty doesn’t see Jessica, but spots a dog, whizzing around in all directions. Spade pulls her closer to the black and white pooch, who stops in mid turn. Spade barks.

The stray cocks his head and plants his feet into the grass. He looks up at Kitty.

She slowly approaches him as Spade keeps in step with her. The dog sits, wagging its tail ...

*     *     *     *     *

A few days pass and Kitty tries to find the owner of the lost dog. Even after putting up posters all over town, and placing an add in the local paper, she is no closer to finding the owner. She needs help and the only person she really knows is Jessica. 

What happens next?

Could there be foul play?

Kitty and Jessica find themselves in the middle of a deadly mystery.

Will they solve it?

Only time will tell.

DOGNAPPED by Charmaine Clancy

Hi, Everyone,

I hope you enjoyed my newest intro.... 

Charmaine is having THE MOST AMAZING Giveaway. A KINDLE FIRE and a $25.00 Amazon gift card. HOW GENEROUS.... HOW AMAZING.

All you have to do it buy a copy of her book for one entry and Blog about her giveaway for another entry. SO simple.

This cute caper is on my list to be read next... I can't wait!

Drop by her blog to enter here.

Below is more info in Charmaine's words...

Dognapped? A dog show detective mystery, featuring Kitty and her mischievous miniature schnauzer, Spade. In this adventure, they unravel the mystery of the missing dog -- simply lost, or something more sinister?

A lost dog

A stolen dog

A mysterious will

It all equals murder!

Meet twelve-year-old Kitty, friendless bookworm and amateur sleuth. All Kitty wants is to gain her mother’s attention, spend time with her miniature schnauzer Spade, and avoid Miss Perfect, Jessica Jones. 

Kitty’s world turns upside down when she finds a lost dog, and she needs Jessica’s help to find the owner, hunt down a dognapper, and solve a murder.

Introducing Kitty Walker and her mischievous dog Spade in the first Dog Show Detective Mystery.

Dognapped? is a mystery novel perfect for curious girls aged 10-12yrs. There are funny and cute canine characters, but also an element of danger! 

To celebrate the release of Dognapped?, I'm hosting a competition! I'll be giving away a Kindle Fire! (Kindle Paperwhite if winner resides outside the US - Amazon won't ship the Fire to non-US countries). That's not all, one lucky runner-up will receive a $25 Amazon gift voucher!

There are two ways to enter:

1. Purchase your copy of Dognapped?, then fill in the entry form below. You'll be asked for your receipt number from Amazon (it will be on the receipt Amazon email you - keep a copy of your receipt as proof of purchase if you win). Dognapped? will be FREE May 22nd and 23rd, and yes you can still enter if you downloaded your copy FREE! 

or

2. Blog about this competition or about Dognapped? (you can review, talk about or interview) then fill in the entry form below. You will be asked for your blog post link in the entry form. If you'd like to review the book, I'll be happy to send you a free review copy, simply email: charmaineclancy@gmail.com. 

If you blog and purchase the book, then yes, you get two entries.

Too easy! This competition runs from now until 7 July 2013.

Isn't this AMAZING?!!!

Don't forget tomorrow is the GET HEALTHY BLOGHOP!

WHO'S FLOATING IN THE CHICAGO RIVER?

Hi, all,

I hope everyone is enjoying their Memorial Day weekend. I DO hope everyone thinks of our brave military men and woman at some point this weekend. IF it wasn't for those brave and selfless people we would not sleep safely at night... We should ALL BE PROUD to be AMERICANS!

This weekend is also the last few days of the Romantic Friday Writers May post. So without further ado, I have written another installment of my latest WIP, which JUST happens to be a 1940's Film Noir novella. I hope you all enjoy it...

Here is a bit of the intro scene for those of you who are not familiar with it. It's All Hallows eve. A swanky party at the world renowned Palmer House in Chicago is at full swing. Liberace is performing and a young woman dressed like a flapper disappears behind a huge column.

Doris, the girl's friend notices her boyfriend, Marty, is missing too. Distraught, Doris seeks the help of Marty's best friend to help her find them ...

At 763 words ....

A pinprick of light creeps in through an icy, frosted window early Monday morning. The dusty glimmer highlights a gray metal ashtray littered with stale cigarette butts. The aroma of burnt coffee lingers, assaulting the senses like an unwelcome vagrant. 

Dry, cracked fingers strike a match, and a flame ignites. The sizzle echoes in the dead silence. A broad chest expands like a organ grinder’s accordion as a rush of smoke escapes flaring nostrils. An unshaven, bleary-eyed Cal reads the first line of a smudged letter. 

My dearest Cal,

By the time you read this letter, I’ll be gone ...

He crumples the paper and bangs his fist on the desk. “Damn her!” Pounding the note smooth, he continues to read and sucks in a long draw from the cigarette dangling from his lips. A smoldering ash drops and bores through the note as I’ll always love you turns to cinders, leaving only a wisp of black smoke.

He bolts upright from a knock on the door. “Come in,” he barks, sweeping the remaining letter and ashes into the open desk drawer.

Clancy lumbers into the office. His menacing steel-gray eyes and shiny bald head reflect the overcast winter sky. Cal turns away from his gaze. 

“What is it?” Cal snuffs out the cigarette and faces Clancy.

“Still mooning over that dame, ain’t ya? Tell it to chaplain, we got work to do!” 

“Who’s mooning? You’ve got ...”

“The captain’s riding me good to sniff out any sort of lead to the Juliano murder. I’ve come up with bupkis. And, we can’t group him with the two other big cheeses who got bumped off, cuz he was nothin but a gunsel, so we need ...” 

Cal’s face drains of all color. 

“Geez, I-I’m such a dolt, I forgot you was friends with that hood.”

Cal glares at him. “He wasn’t ...”

Clancy heads for the door, but gives Cal a sideward glance. “Put a lid on it, and meet me outside. I’ll be waitin next to the black-an-white.” He faces Cal. “That dame of yours, knows somethin ... I can feel it in my gut.” 

The door slams and Cal’s head drops onto the desk with a loud thump. He rakes his stiff fingers through his oily hair and pounds the desk again. “Why, Rosemary? Why?”

His stomach lurches as he thinks of Marty’s dead body swimming with the fishes in the Chicago River and the mysterious note that had soon followed. He shakes his head. Was is only three months ago?

Please meet me at the Palace Grill on Canal St. tomorrow at 11:00 am sharp. Come alone.

Cal would never forget that day. The day he lost his heart.

A movie plays through his mind as he recalls All Hallows Eve and his first encounter with a beautiful flapper. In an instant she was gone ... and then the hunt began ... Doris, the flamenco dancer, hot on his heals.   

After combing the streets of downtown Chicago for hours, checking every two-bit, low-life saloon, Doris throws her arms up and looks at Cal. Dried mascara ran in long tracks down her cheeks. “I don’t know of any other joint. We’ve hit’em all.”

Cal nods. “Let’s check his flat.” 

“He wouldn’t! Marty ain’t capable of somethin like that. You're his friend. How could ya think that of’m?” Tears well in her eyes. 

“Do you know where Rosemary lives, then? Maybe she got away. We should check on her. See if she’s all right.”

Doris rummages through her beaded bag, pulls out a crumpled hankie, and wipes her face. She blows her nose like a freight train whistle, and stuffs the soiled hankie back inside the bag. “She lives a few blocks from me. At some flea-bitten boarding house. But we can’t go there ... at this hour the landlady’ll flip’er wig! She's no honey. Trust me on this one.”

Cal sighs and shrugs his shoulders. “Let’s call it a night then.” 

“Look kiddo, you know I’m stuck on Marty, right? And I thought he and me was ...” Doris sniffs and locks her eyes on Cal's. “I can’t rest until I know.”  Tears burst from her eyes and she sobs into her hands. 

Cal pats her on the back. “Well, it’s almost dawn. Let’s grab a cup a joe and swing by her place in a few hours.” 

Doris wraps her arms around his waist. “You're a real pip. Ya know that?”

The putrid air from the day’s slaughter hung like a diseased veil as Cal escorts Doris through the hazy streets of the west loop. 

I hope you all enjoyed this excerpt. I'd love to know what you think.

Enjoy the holiday everyone!

A SPECIAL SURPRISE FOR A TRULY SWEET BLOGGER ...

Hi, All...

Well, today I have a special treat for a favorite blogger of all of ours. A new friend, Randi Lee is hosting the Three Ups Blogfest. If you haven't heard of it yet, there is still time to join in on all the fun. Randi is to the blogosphere and she has already added so much with her kindness to our community! So PLEASE drop by her blog and say hello!

This blog hop was created to show how much we appreciate our fellow bloggers. This is their tribute. Pointing out three special things we enjoy about them. Today, Tyrean Martinson will be honored. I have known Tyrean for a while now. She is a sports enthusiast, and all around positive lover of life! Today I am reposting my intro of her book, Champion in the Darkness. JUST INCASE you missed it from the A-Z challenge.

It's quite the exciting story and I know you will enjoy it. ALL the best with your novel, Tyrean! Have a FANTABULOUS "Threes UP" weekend!

A glint of highly polished steel mesmerizes Clara. Even at a young age, the sword has always fascinated her. She flicks the blade around as rays of light catch and reflect with a brilliant flash.

“You are destined my child,” Dantor says in a chilling, calm voice.

Icy tingles race along Clara’s spine, down her right arm, and into her fingers. She drops the blade with a loud clang. “Destined? For what?’

Dantor’s face freezes into a solemn expression. “Our next Champion.” 

Clara’s lower lip drops. “I may have the ability to become a master swordswoman, but ... a Champion?” 

“You know our fable, Clara. When in need a hero arises.” He unlocks his face and a smile fights to the surface. “Or, heroin in this case.”

*     *     *     *     *

Through cunning and manipulation, Kalidess snakes her way into the court of  Septily. 

The evil spreads throughout the lands and now Clara steps up to embrace her fate with the aid from her mentor Stelia, who’s knowledge is a blessing and a curse. With swords in hand they set out ... 

Will they have the strength to overcome their enemy? 

CHAMPION in the DARKNESS by Tyrean Martinson

Smashwords   Kobo   Barnes and Noble Nook   Kindle

I hope you all enjoyed the repeat intro. As you can see it is very intriguing. A fantastic book to curl up with this weekend, since we all have an extra day... Hint, hint ... lol. 

Have a GREAT one everyone and don't eat too many hotdogs, hamburgers, and corn on the cob. Don't forget to sign up for the GET HEALTHY blog hop on Wednesday, the 29th. For all the details click on the apple to the left.

THE STIGMA OF HIGH FASHION AND HOW IT AFFECTS Y/A and TEENS ...

As most of you all know I try to keep things light and positive on my blog. BUT, on Monday, I had stopped by my blogger pal, Sheri Larson at Writer's Alley... Well, her post FLOORED ME.  "How Social Attitudes Affect Y/A Literature ..." Please hop over and see what Sheri has to say, it's an eye opener!

Basically she states about that Abercrombie and Fitch stated they don't want "model-type" kids to buy their clothing. A ban?! As a former fashion model, I am APPALLED! I never did agree with fashion's INSANE quest for anorexic proportions for young girls, especially since ALL PHOTOS are altered. In my day it was airbrushing, today it's photoshoping... but the bottom line is THESE PEOPLE DON"T look like that in person. EVERYTHING is altered. Kids and ANYONE who has kids, need to understand this. STAGE mom's, IN PARTICULAR, need to know this. But that is ANOTHER post.

Back to Abercrombie ... Imagine, originally an affluent, sports clothing line created for the middle-aged elite, altering their views to THIS?! When they reformatted "their look" a decade or so ago, I was like WHOA.. Okay. But then again, their sloping sales needed a boost somewhere, so why not splash half naked ripped boys. It worked.

But to BAN teens that are not on the A-list... That is WRONG on SO MANY levels.

Sheri also points out a faux pas from Starbucks as well. Admitting they wish traditionally married people need to stay home.... WHAT?! ARE you al bugging out?! I know I did. How ridiculous is this statement. I am ALL FOR appreciation for alternative lifestyles acceptance, but targeting ANY group is just plain WRONG ... AGAIN.

How does this affect Y/A or even m/g? Think about it ... of course it does! How many y/a books have you read with two ripped boys hot at after the sexy teen girl? Uh, like 99%. I mean, that's what sells. Right?  But is it right? Are we compromising our values and "selling out?"

Okay, I myself an a bit guilty in my second novel... an edgy contemporary. Yes, my teen is ripped. BUT he is average height and is beyond flawed. The second male is blind... so you still can put some of these elements in your writing, but it is more important to have a STORY.

Sheri gives some AMAZING examples of the non, a-list kids/teens. They are WONDERFUL Here are just a few ...

"

• the teen boy, who wears hammy-downs from his cousin because he works two jobs to help his family buy oil for the winter?
• or what about the sophomore girl, whose eyeglasses are too big for her face but her parents can't afford to buy her more expensive ones?
• maybe it's the high school senior unable to afford college or simply feels that school is not his/her thing?
• could it be the teenage cashier or bus-boy, or babysitter? "

Lord only knows how often I have battled with my weight. And it wasn't until I slimmed down at sixteen did I get discovered to model. And it happened again when I had gained over fifty pounds when I began writing four years ago. Talk about being invisible. NO company should EVER discriminate against ANYONE. 

According to Sheri, A&F is only making clothing up to a certain size, only wanting a "certain type" to sport their clothing. (Shaking head at this one). An overweight person has ENOUGH prejudice to deal with on so many other levels, why add insult to injury. A person should have the opportunity to wear whatever they wish. This is a free country. 

I know we have all see fashion No No's, but do we really have the right to judge anyone? I know I have been guilty of it in the past, but I would never hurt anyone's feelings. With me it's more of an aesthetic thing. Something else would look more appealing on that person. And please don't get me started on the hanging pants thing... How many more years do we have to put up with that? Not only does it look ridiculous but these boys can barely walk right.  Low hung jeans are hot ... below the butt is NOT.

Getting back to writing. How many y/a books have been banned with dealing with "heated' issues? Too many... I am curious to see how fast my novel gets banned when the time comes for it to be published. (Soon... I hope. Lol)

Sheri is so passionate about this subject and frankly, I think all y/a authors should be... So what do you think? 

Here are the links to the article and video.... Let me know. After viewing, Please leave a comment.

Certainly something to muddle over on this HUMP day....  

Video

Article

Here's an article I just came across from another blogger. (Opposing Views) "Plus-size Blogger creates Mock Abercrombie and Fitch Ad," by Sarah Rae Fruchtnict. (Cudos Sarah!)