A NEW YEAR...INSECURE?...MAY YOUR DREAMS/GOALS FOR 2015 BECOME REALITY!...

Hi, All!

HAPPY 2015! A week already has passed in the new year and life is still a whirlwind for many of us!

I hope you enjoyed he holidays and are now fresh for an EXCITING and MOMENTOUS Year!

I know I am. Once I put away all the Christmas decorations this weekend, I plan to JUMP back into my writing. I need to prepare for the SCBWI conference in NYC! 

But first, Alex has asked us to write a short bio about us... Okay... if I must. LOL. Currently I am an interior designer by trade, but last year I had started a new online business of creating blurbs, creative editing, and COVER design. I am happy to say several of you had contacted me and I LOVED working with you, creating the write blurb or cover for your new works. I'll be continuing to do more of that this year. 

I have written two novels and several shorts. I have several published blurbs, illustrations, an cover designs. In 2015 I hope to add my novel to this list.

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to dust off my second novel and take a fresh look at it. A blogger pal has just finished the latest version and she loved all the new edits. So now I am ready to present it the masses at the conference. I also opted for the Friday special critique of my first few pages. I am nervous and excited about the reaction of the group and the agent who will be hosting it. This conference is amazing. I had attended a few years back and had THE TIME of my life. I had presented the same novel then, but in all honesty it wasn't nearly as polished as it is now. I had done a MAJOR edit, changed, the tense from first/past to first/present. I killed off a main character and added another to fill in the gap. I softened some of the edges on the MC and fleshed ALL the characters out. It took over six months. Longer than writing the actual story, which only took six weeks. And this is what I'd like to talk about today.

No matter how polished we think our MS is we still need to continue. I had written this novel four years ago and now I finally feel it is ready. Giving your story a time to "ferment" is a good thing. I had left mine for months at a time. Then I picked it up again and revised and rewrote. It all happened when I had submitted to a small publisher. It was turned down by two out of the three editors. BUT the one who LOVED it, contacted me and offered her help. She actually became my editor and helped me focus on many different variables to make this story even better. She was amazing. THANK YOU, Mary Waibel! You are the best!

I plan to go through my novel one more time before the conference. I am SURE there will be things to tweak here and there. As we all ask ourselves, "Will it ever be ready?" I also realize once an agent/publisher gets there hands on it, I will need more revisions. SO REMEMBER THIS...

I am toying with the idea of turning my novel from a strictly male POV into dual. It seems that male POV is not very sellable in the Y/A market and a very close blogger buddy of mine has just sent me a new novel written by a bestselling author WHO just happened to have written in a dual POV. Her style, according to my friend, is very similar to mine, so I may have to do this to sell my book. I plan on reading this novel and waiting until after the conference to see what happens there. Thank you, Donna for thinking of me and sending this book to me. I really appreciate it!

So as you can see, I have my insecurities in check. At least for now. Next month may be another story.  The conference is on the Friday the 6th. On Wed. the 4th I may be a nervous wreck! Hopefully I will still have it together then for that post. LOL.

In the meantime. I wish all of you a very happy, healthy, prosperous, loving, successful, and CREATIVE year. As in the past years we, as a community, have always been there for each other and I see a stronger and more amazing community emerging for this year. More novels than EVER are being published and I wish all of you the very best with them. I hope mine will join the masses soon. It is time. As I always say. In Time...

Have a glorious day everyone and DON'T FORGET to drop by the other members' posts. Thanks again, Alex for creating this wonderful group! And thanks to this month's hosts Elizabeth Beckman, Lisa Buie Collard,  Chrys Fey, Michelle Wallace, AND the regulars at the IWSG Facebook page!

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES...SELFIES...AND WISHING ALL THE MOST WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON EVER!...

Hi, All,

Well, with Christmas Eve less than twenty four hours away, I just can't help doing a cheery HOLIDAY POST!

I know I haven't blogged much this past month, BUT, you all know why and it's not because I don't adore all of you, I was moving...YUK. But I finally have time to blog, visit and send out loving wishes for this most festive and most holy season.

Since we are all part of the same universe, many of you may be celebrating other festivities and I wish you all the happiest season. But one thing they all have in common is sharing with our family, friends, and to those less fortunate. LOVE is UNIVERSAL after all and by spreading it all over the globe, someday there may be a peaceful world. One can only pray and hope.

I'd also like to take a moment to take a moment to send warm thoughts and healing ones to those who are ill. Every day I hear of another friend's family member stricken with cancer or some other life threatening disease. I BELIEVE in the power of prayer and good wishes. I've seen the results first hand! So keep on sending them to those who really need it.

As I cruised the blogosphere yesterday and came across some very fun hops and even though I may be late, I'd like to share a few of them with you!

First, the coolest and most insane one of us, Tammy Theriault is asking us to post a SELFIE in front of our Christmas trees. Well I had to wait until last night to get a decent one of me and my tree.

The second one, I thought was wonderful and is from two newer blogger buddies of mine. Cherdo and Janie Junebug, MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MEMORY...

Janie's memory, in particular, left a huge lump in my throat. It's the true meaning of this season... Please drop by their blogs and read their stories!

Here's mine...

Cherdo was telling us about her memories of her great grandmother, and that got me to thinking of mine... (grandmother that is...)

I only knew my mom's mom and she died when I was only nine. BUT, I remember her vividly. Spunky, fun, and THE BEST COOK EVER! Nothing like have an Italian grandmother. Talk about amazing food and baked goodies. And and always had custard creme in the fridge...always. Homemade, sweet, delicious, yellow creme ready to spread on a cookie or cracker...

My favorite Christmas memory with her was in 1968...I believe. I was only seven, but I remember the brand, new RCA COLOR TV. She had left two puppets on her marbled laminated coffee table.(Scary 60's furniture... lol) She sat my brothers and me down in front of the TV and switched it on. An advertisement for RUDOLF THE RED NOSED REINDEER flashed brilliantly across the screen. WHOA! I thought... SUCH BRIGHT COLORS! It was my first time seeing TV in color. 

Imagine that! Kids today couldn't even fathom that thought!LOL. 

Then I looked down at the puppets...ONE Santa...ONE Rudolph! That was my first time ever watching it and it has been my favorite ever since.

Well, there you have it... what was is your favorite HOLIDAY memory? We'd all LOVE to know...

On a final note, I'd want to wish all of YOU, the HAPPIEST, HEALTHIEST, and MOST WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON and may 2015 be your best year EVER!

ALL THE BEST MY FRIENDS! SENDING OUT CYBER HUGS TO YOU ALL!!!!!

And now for my selfie..... I have a new addition to my Christmas collection and it's debuting in my new digs.... Check out my snoopy! He's about four feet tall sitting on his doghouse decorating his tree!

INSECURE ABOUT MISSING ALL OF YOU....

Hi, All,

I know it's been ages since you've all seen me around the blogosphere, but I have had you in my thoughts.

Life has been very time consuming for me lately. With selling my condo, moving into my new apartment, and traveling to NYC and Central Florida, I haven't had a chance to catch to even catch my breath. 

I LOVE being active and all of my time has been spent well. For now, my journey seems to be on track. Now we are only a few weeks away from Christmas so I know all of us are busy preparing for this WONDERFUL holiday.

I know my IWSG post is almost a week late, but I spaced it this month, not realizing the first Wednesday was so early. I know Alex and all the wonderful people is this group will understand. I have always been VERY ACTIVE in this group since its beginning and I will continue to do so. I am settling down FINALLY. I should be ready to breath normally by the end of this week. Thankfully all my anxieties have been lifted. It feels AMAZING not having to stress every month to make my monthly bills. And with the holidays so close, money seems to go so much faster. But for me, this holiday season is a very thankful one. God has answered so many of my prayers for myself and for my special friends who are facing life's challenges with all the strength they can muster up. I still pray for those in need. That has never faltered. I was also THRILLED to be able to donate a nice amount to the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who do so much good through the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.  

I also plan to help out some of our four-legged friends, too. There is such need for funds for the Anti Cruelty society and PAWS here in Chicago. I LOVE animals and so many are abused and neglected so helping them is very important to me.

Giving is the most amazing feeling. Isn't that what Christmas is really all about? Giving our love to those we care about most. Those who need us... those who are far less fortunate than ourselves.  I constantly think of all my loved ones who suffer with Cancer. Especially the children. And I plan on donating to St. Jude's charity as well. All those poor families who can not afford the care for their children. It is such a great charity that helps the families stay together during this stressful time. I hope you will remember all of your favorite charities this season. With money so tight for many of us, even a little goes a long way. Our community has the biggest hearts and are beyond generous with their time. Give yourselves all a BIG HUG from me!

I've missed you all tremendously. I will be seeing you all very soon. I plan to start making the rounds tomorrow....Until then,

Keep peaceful and calm. Know that you are loved when your anxieties take root....Always remember we are here to help....

REEMERGING FROM A LONG SILENCE...NEWS!

Hi, All,

So sorry I missed the IWSG on Wednesday, but I have been in a whirlwind lately! In the past three weeks my life has turned upside down, BUT in a good way!

I FINALLY have a contract on my condo and close on the 21st! YAY! It took over six months but I finally found the right buyer who absolutely loves my place. SO as you all can imagine I have been frantically packing, searching for a new place to live, and doing ALL THE PAPER WORK needed to accomplish these two major tasks. Plus working on a huge design project for a client I had signed in late September.

I must remain in Chicago for another year to finish all my work, but thankfully I found an AMAZING apt, just steps away from my former condo. SO I'm still in my familiar neighborhood but it will be a whole new experience. I will be residing on the 17th floor in a Mies Van der Rohe building with a panoramic view of Lincoln Park, Lake Michigan, and Downtown Chicago. The view is heart stopping from the wall of ceiling to floor windows facing south! Stunning barely describes it. I'll post pics as soon as I can.

I am currently in NY looking for my FUTURE condo now. Real estate is going up, so I need to find something affordable quickly, because by next year it will get too expensive for me. Sadly I can't afford the city, but I found a very cool space in Scarsdale NY, a story book town just 33 minutes from downtown NYC by train. It's a great space that is currently a doctor's office. I'll be converting it into a 2 bedroom 1.5 bath. You know how I LOVE  a good challenge.

I know most of you know I love Florida, especially in the winter, but I am from NYC and it is home for me. It's time to return home. PLUS all the publishers are here and I know for my writing and Interior design work, this is a better option for me. The town I'll be moving to eventually is very affluent. I already have two projects for the future. People I have met on my stay here who have residences that need sprucing up.

I have plans to escape to Florida over Thanksgiving for ten days to do the new Diagon Alley, etc. I've had a tough few years and now it's time for me to act like a KID again. LOL. I'll definitely post pics when I'm there.

I hope to visit all of you soon. I am currently in a Starbucks because my brother's place in NY doesn't have wireless, and I don't like his computer... old and slow. I need my Macbook. LOL.

I hope all of you are doing well!

I'll be driving back to Chicago on Wednesday morning. SO, I should be able to catch up with all of you over the weekend. Thankfully most of my packing is done. I just have the walk in closet to tackle. The movers are coming on Mon. the 17th to move me to my new home. That's when I'll be crazed again, setting up the new place and filling the holes, touching up the paint, and cleaning my condo for the new owner. I want to leave it perfect for her since she doesn't plan on painting. I did paint a few years ago, so it is in good shape. BUT, I still have to make it presentable. I am a perfectionist after all. I know you all can relate to that. LOL.

I miss you all terribly and I wanted to make sure everything was set before I told you all my news. This is the happiest I've been in a very long time. Now I just need that contract for my novel to make life really perfect!

In Time...

HUGS EVERYONE!!!

YOU WILL SURVIVE AND THRIVE!...

Once again I am teaming together with Stephen Tremp, our own Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh, and the lovely, L. Diane Wolfe for another very important blogfest about HEALTH!

As many of you remember our HEALTH Blogfest in May of 2013 was a HUGE success, so Stephen approached us this time with a really

important theme...

THE SURVIVE AND THRIVE BLOGFEST!

The Survive and Thrive Bloghop is meant to bring awareness of disease prevention and early detection regarding medical conditions that may be averted or treated if caught in the early stages.

Our desire is to motivate people to go in for early screening, and if a condition is caught early and treated, then our world just became a little better place to live.

The topics are wide open.You can post about a particular cause you support. Or you can share a personal or family experience that is near to your heart. What’s great about this Blogfest is you can inspire people to take care of themselves and their loved ones early enough to make a difference in their lives.

As you can see this is something we ALL need to do. Our health is our MOST PRECIOUS commodity...NEVER take it for granted. And pre testing is the best prevention. ESPECIALLY those of you with children. They NEED YOU. Who be there for them if anything happens to you? By taking the necessary precautions now, you will never have to even think about what a tragedy that would be. Isn't that reason enough?

As many of you know may not know, I was hit down in my early thirties with crippling arthritis. It started out with just aching joints from time to time. I ignored it mostly. Too active with my career to give it a second thought. It didn't have time. Arthritis is for old people, certainly not me. WRONG. Even children can be inflicted with arthritis. There are several types. Rheumatoid, which is autoimmune and degenerative, striking at any age... Osteoarthritis which is generally from injury and age... and one that really isn't to commonly known as arthritis: Gout. Most people have heard of it, but generally think it's just a flare up in the bunion part of the toe. It's commonly known as the "Rich man's disease." But if this is undetected and not taken care of properly it can eat away at your joints, cartilage, and can even enter into your organs. It is caused by too much uric acid... this acid forms like shards of glass and collects in the joints, causing excruciating pain. I should know. this is what I suffer from. 

Thankfully it has been under control. But it took almost two decades for me to walk properly again. I made the mistake of trying to cure it holistically. Yes, mistake. I am a HUGE believer in holistic medicine, but it can't cure everything. I spent a year with a Kinesiologist, which is a holistic doctor/chiropractor. He meant well, but my condition worsened in time, to the point where I couldn't walk and I was bedridden. My legs had atrophied so badly that I couldn't even stand on them. And bent to where I couldn't even straighten them. 

I was living in Las Vegas and decided to move back to Florida to get help. I found an orthopedic sports doctor who chastised me for over two hours for not going to a medical doctor. I could have avoided all the pain and damage just by taking one pill. At that time my uric acid levels were so high, over 13, and 5 is normal. Need I say more. 

The doctor prescribed  three medications. One heavy duty pill to flush out the uric acid. There were traces even in my kidneys and intestines. Two years it took to flush it all away. By that point I lost 45 percent of the cartilage in my knees. I had a ten degree bend in my legs. I walked like a hunchback because I couldn't straighten my legs at all. 

I did have some physical therapy, but it really didn't work. It took many years(fifteen) of walking and stretching finally got my legs built back up and they are almost straight. But the damage in the joints is there. As long as I move, i'm okay, but I can;t stand in one spot for more than a few minutes. I always have to keep in motion. It's something that I had to learn to live with.

The arthritis is spreading into all my joints. Now in my wrists and fingers. Not fun. But it's better to move them through through typing. Any injuries I've had in the past are now targets for this uric acid I seem to produce in abundance. The ironic thing is i don't drink or eat rich foods which does trigger these attacks.

So if any of you have ANY kind of joint pain, find out what's wrong. Rheumatoid can be very, very bad. Have it checked. Almost anyone who has suffered and injury at some point will have osteoarthritis. Keep your muscles strong around the joint to alleviate the pressure upon them.

If you have arthritis in your knees or ankles. You must make a lifestyle change. Exercise is key, and losing the extra pounds. Any additional weight on your joints will inflame them.

There are also vitamins you could take which helps tremendously and may prevent further joint damage. 

Many of you will have heard of these:

• Chondroitin sulfate
• Glucosamine sulfate

But also try these: But do consult with your doctor or nutritionist first. Some supplements may have unwanted side effects and many can counteract some of your medication. Make SMART choices.

• Calcium
• Vitamin D3
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Omega-3
• Green tea

Other options:

• SAMe
• MSM
• Stinging nettle
• Bromelain
• Vitamin E
• Devil's claw

Next, stay away from foods that will inflame the joints. The "Anti inflammatory Diet/Wellness diet is a great place to start.... eat foods rich in Omega three fatty acids.

Heres the link to  ANTI INFLAMMATORY DIET by Audrey Jones. I researched Amazon's collection and found this book has a five star rating and it's only 2.99. Eating right helps not only for arthritis but for many other ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic pain. Eating right can prevent so many illnesses and there are so many different ways to eat healthy and enjoy your food too!

Four years ago I had changed my lifestyle. I cut out processed foods, refined sugar, and starches. Let me just say, I lost eighty-five pounds and I've never felt better. No one believes my age and I have tons of energy. This is something we can ALL DO. 

So remember to step away from your computers... and keep moving and eating healthy snacks!

Okay... I am done. You know what you have to do... drop down to the linky below and join in the Blogfest!

Have a wonderful and HEALTY day everyone!

TRAVELING THROUGH THE MISTS OF TIME...

The first glimmer of daybreak carves its way through a soupy fog. 

Silver mist clings to a ramshackle building as colorless fingers wipe water spots off a chipped beer glass. 

Images pop through the bar keeps' mind, like a child's toy pistol releasing an imaginary round bullets.

His mind focuses on a face twisted in agony. And, for the second time, watches vivid red leaking onto the blanket of snow.

Timing is everything. Who would've guessed it would be this easy...

I did.

Step one of my plan is complete.

What is his next move? 

Will anyone else bite the dirt?

Only one person has the means to stop him.

But will there be strength enough to overcome this deadly plan?

The answers are soon to follow...

THE TURNAGAIN ARM

by 

JULIE FLANDERS

This is the prequel novella to Julie's first book POLAR NIGHT. SO it's a MUST READ. What an exciting premise! Right?! I've got my copy and can't wait to read it! 

I hope you enjoyed my little intro. I was honored  when Julie asked me to design the cover and write the blurb. It's one of my favorites. And I hope you rush out and get your copy.

Here's the blurb to wet your appetite a bit more...

Locomotive wheels screech to a halt. Potters Creek, Alaska is nothing more than a small camp set up alongside the tracks. A weathered sign dominates the scene. 

The Turnagain Arm Saloon 

Est.1917

Only one passenger remains and exits.

The early afternoon full moon peaks through a shimmering snow fall as a shadow casts over each split rail. The wind howls, sweeping the cloak of a hooded figure. He follows   the tracks toward the distant saloon. A hulking man crunches through the snow, attracting his attention. 

Calling out to him in a foreign accent, the townsman stops in mid step. The stranger catches up and engages him. 

Until…

The man disappears under the stranger’s cloak. 

Blood drips from his lips, and he wipes the remaining trickles from his mouth. After disposing of the body, the mysterious figure continues on his journey. He glides through the snow as if on a sleigh, leaving no footprints behind.

*          *          *          *          *

Within a short period, he convinces Vasyl, the owner of the saloon, to hire him. Aleksei charms everyone he meets. But soon mistrust enters every tense line on Vasyl’s face as others disappear, and his wife falls under Aleksei’s spell.

The classic game of cat and mouse continues, but who will win?

Is a mere mortal any match for Aleksei?

A spark ignites within Alexei after yet another of Vasyl’s attempts to disgrace him.

This man knows of me. He must be a witch. Aleksei laughs. You are no match for me or my plan.

Available on Amazon: Link 

Don't forget to drop by Julie's blog and wish her well on her newest story...

Have a wonderful day everyone!

SUMMER PASSES AND NEW BEGINNINGS EMERGE...

Hi, All

Well, Autumn has arrived. It's already October 1st and as the vestiges of Summer turn like the swaying leaves, brilliance abounds. Is there anything more beautiful than fall foliage? Eye popping hues of gold, red, orange, and burgundy. Such splendor. 

Today is also the day for a new IWSG post. I can't help thinking how much has happened this year. As winter approaches another year has passed. Have our goals been met? Did we sign with our perfect agent? Did our book debut with record sales? For some, the answer may be yes. And I couldn't be more happy for you! But what about the hundreds, perhaps thousands of others whose goals haven't been met. This post is for you...for us.

You are not alone. I join your ranks. At this point I'm sure your insecurities about your skills are being questioned on a daily basis. You must be asking yourself Why? Why has it not happened for me? I put in the endless hours... 

Of course you have... It's not about that. You have the talent. It's just plain, old timing. I've come to believe that. WE have all heard it. But we must acknowledge this. Your story is not ready for this particular time. It can happen tomorrow, next month, or perhaps in several years. But believe it WILL happen. In the mean time. Keep writing. I tell myself that, but I have a hard time focusing on something new. I know you've all been there. But remember inspiration is all around us. OPEN your heart to it. Don't wallow. Don't stress it. Live. There is so much of life out there for us to enjoy. Take a moment for yourself. Step back and really look at your surroundings. This time of year, in particular, is AMAZING visually.

I plan to do that later today. The sun is shining. A crisp Autumn wind is blowing. I plan to enjoy it. Perhaps write a poem about it. Step away from your novel and just write. It's been a while for me, but it's TIME to create again. Before winter rolls in with a vengeance. 

I know how hard it is. We all do. But look at our blogger buddies' successes! It's amazing. So many new published books. It amazes me how many novels are posted on our Ninja Captain's blog. Sometimes it overwhelms me...but I know some day my novel will be featured and so will YOURS.

Thank you, Alex. Your support of our community is endless and because of you we are able to post our insecurities and advice every first Wednesday of the month.

I honestly appreciate this as do the hundreds of others in our group.

Please visit as many IWSG posts as you can. They bring a smile to everyone who reads them. Knowing we have this support and knowing we are not going through our journey alone.

Have a wonderful day everyone!