Saturday, March 31, 2012

One Sentence, Many Discussions

Kelley Armstrong’s Bitten was not my introduction to her Women of the Otherworld series. My husband bought me Dime Store Magic, not knowing it was part of a series, when struggling for an idea for my birthday. He liked the idea that the main character was a witch presented in a positive light. Bitten was probably about the fourth book in the series I read.

I love to discuss the books I have read. It is even better, in my opinion, when one sentence or the backstory behind one sentence, represents so many different concepts.  In Bitten, this sentence would be “I am the local Psychopath.”  Clay’s simple statement and the grisly tale behind it can open up discussions in a wide range of topics.

First, is Clay truly a psychopath? Interestingly, as horrifying as the backstory is I do not feel that he meets many of the important requirements for this label. Are you interested in this type of psychology? Then read Bitten.

Second, do the ends justify the means? His actions saved lives. But, how does that merit when compared against the methods used? I would have loved to have read this story before I took my AP European history class in high school. This part of the book would have added an interesting dimension to my paper on Machiavelli.

Third, those that protect us tend to be “alpha” males. Do we really want these mean to stifle their protective instincts and macho behaviors? If they did, would they lose the part of themselves that allows them to risk their lives to save ours?  Does society need this type of personality to allow others to do good? Before you answer based solely on Bitten, Eric Greitens’s The Heart and the Fist. He makes another statement that it is interesting to explore. His is about how humanitarian workers need soldiers to make an area secure in order for them to be able to do good. But that is a discussion for a future post.

When you read fiction, does a statement make you stop and think? Maybe not about something the author intended to say but rather about a topic you find interesting or that hits close to home. I have mention just a few of the discussions I have had regarding one sentence in a novel. That one statement lends itself to starting several other topics.

Bitten is not my favorite book in Ms. Armstrong’s series. However, it does contain my favorite passage.

31 Tweets for Red Cross Month

  1. Today (March 1) in 1999, Red Cross Initiates Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) which provides early detection of HIV & Hepatitis C in blood.
  2. Each year, the American Red Cross responds immediately to over 70,000 disasters, the majority are house or apartment fires.
  3. The American Red Cross has been providing assistance to victims of disasters in the U.S . since Clara Barton founded it on May 21, 1881.
  4. Did you know that the American Red Cross directly touches the lives of 1 out of 5 Americans?
  5. About 200 times a day, American Red Cross volunteers help a family who lost everything in a house fire or other disaster.
  6. The American Red Cross supplies nearly half the nation’s blood supply.
  7. Today (March 7) in 1932, Red Cross begins distribution of government surplus wheat and cotton products to victims of drought in the Dust Bowl.
  8. Did you know that the American Red Cross is part of a global network of 186 national societies?
  9. 475 times a day, the American Red Cross connects deployed service members with their families.
  10. Did you know that the American Red Cross locates family members abroad affected by war, famine, or strife?
  11. Most American Red Cross workers are volunteers…about 600,000 vs. 35,000.
  12. The American Red Cross trains about 10,000,000 people in CPR and 1st Aid per year!
  13. Clara Barton, known as the Angel of the Battlefield, was not a trained nurse.
  14. Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have no religious, cultural or political connotations attached to them.
  15. Dr. Louis Appia and Henry Dunant were the founders of the International Red Cross.
  16. Today (March 16) in 1882, U.S. Senate ratified the first Geneva Convention.
  17. In December 2005, a red crystal emblem was endorsed and recognized as a distinctive sign of the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, along with the red cross and red crescent.
  18. The Red Cross is one of the world’s most recognized symbols.
  19. On today (March 19) in 1913, President Woodrow Wilson named 1st honorary president of American Red Cross, establishing a precedent for all Chief executives who have followed.
  20. Today (March 20) in 1945 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s last radio talk to nation was in support of the Red Cross War Fund.
  21. The Movement’s 186 National Societies represent 97 million of volunteers. About half are youth volunteers.
  22. The Red Cross has won the Nobel Peace Prize FOUR times 1917, 1944, and 1963 as well as in the award to Henry Dunant (1901).
  23. The American Red Cross puts special emphasis on disaster relief, services to the armed forces and veterans, and public health and safety programs.
  24. The American Red Cross was organized (1881) by Clara Barton and received its first federal charter in 1900.
  25. Today (March 25) in 1911, Red Cross helps families of mostly young female victims of tragic Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in NYC.
  26. Did you know the American Red Cross sheltered over 450,000 evacuees during Hurricane Katrina?
  27. Today (March 27) in 1964, Red Cross helped victims of massive earthquake that hit Anchorage, Alaska.
  28. The American Red Cross is the only congressionally mandated organization to provide aid to victims of disaster.
  29. Every 60 seconds, the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross benefits 250 people.
  30. The American Red Cross is responsible for fulfilling the mandates of the Geneva Convention within the United States.
  31. In April 1912, American Red Cross provided food and shelter as well as financial assistance to those who survived the sinking of the Titanic.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

American Red Cross and Persons with Disabilities


Several years ago, I began to lose my hearing. Scared about the effects this changed had on my lifestyle, I became a virtual hermit. I loved disaster response and canine assist search and rescue. However, the ability to hear was vital, in my opinion, to both activities.

Within months, the isolation got to me. I gathered my courage and approached my local Red Cross office. I asked to resume my instructor and instructor trainer activities within their health and safety line of service. Our director already knew about my other disabilities (a spinal condition) and was happy to help me adjust to my decreasing ability to hear while teaching CPR. 

My situation was not unique. The American Red Cross has a long tradition of serving persons with disabilities. There is an equally proud history of individuals with disabilities serving within the ranks of the Red Cross as both volunteers and paid staff.

Persons with disabilities have served as Gray Ladies, receptionists, typists, and telephone operators. Personally, I have volunteered as my chapter’s Emergency Operations Center liaison, a community partnership liaison, shelter workers, logistics specialist, and a disaster action team leader within the disaster services area. For health and safety, I have been an instructor and instructor trainer for multiple courses and the my center’s health and safety program manager. I have done all of these tasks while accompanied by my service animal, Bug-A-Boo, or her predecessor, Paksenarrion.

The Red Cross offers several services to the disability community in association with partner organizations. These organizations include Meals on Wheels and Lifeline. They conduct programs and training at adult day care centers, nursing homes, and supervised care facilities.

Friday, March 23, 2012

10 Facts about US Navy Seals

 

  1. SEAL stands for Sea, Air, and Land.
  2. There are 8 SEAL teams. However, there is no Team 6. Interestingly, there is a Team 10. I know what happened to team 6. I wonder why no 9.
  3. Navy SEAL’s are also known as Frogman. A frogman is a combat diver or combat swimmer.
  4. Navy SEALS make up less than 1% of all United States Navy personnel.
  5. One of the more unique ways SEALs can go to war is the HALO (High Altitude-Low Opening) jump. These jumps have  SEALs exiting  an airplane at 25,000 feet or more and free-falling for several minutes. The sailors open their chutes within 500 feet of the ground.
  6. Visitors to  California have two seal/SEAL viewing opportunities. They can see seals frolicking lazily on the beach near San Diego or prospective SEALs training on a beach in the Coronado area.
  7. SEALs have extensive operations in land-locked areas.
  8. The washout rate for prospective SEALs is nearly 80%.
  9. If a recruit decides to quit during training, he may do so by ringing the class bell three times.
  10. U.S. Navy Seal, Commander Christopher Cassidy went to space aboard the shuttle Endeavour as a mission specialist on July 15, 2009 becoming NASA’s 500th astronaut.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

5 Reasons I can’t be a SEAL

  1. I am female.
  2. I can’t do 42 pushups in a row. Much less in under 2 minutes..
  3. You have to be able to run 1.5 miles in under 11 minutes.
  4. You have to be able to see without contacts or glasses. Without my glasses, I can’t even find the wall on which the eye chart is posted.
  5. I am too old. Applicants need to be between 17 and 28.

Oh well, at least I would pass the swimming requirement. I can swim 500 yards of breaststroke in under 12 1/2 minutes. Important since I can’t see the edge of the pool or the shore.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

UNESCO World Poetry Day

Today is UNESCO World Poetry Day. Which brings me to ask…”What is UNESCO?”

UNESCO is United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. That answered the question for you, right? Yeah, me neither. Their website says they work “to create the conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and peoples, based upon respect for commonly shared values.”

UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.

Sounds great! I wonder how poetry works to help accomplish this mission. The aim is to promote the reading, writing, and teaching of poetry.  This day is dedicated to reflection on the power of language and the full development of a person’s creative abilities. It also hopes to provide a return to the oral tradition of poetry through recitals.

Poetry contributes to diversity. It questions our use of words, things, and modes of perception. It has the power to alter our understanding of the world.

In honor of World Poetry Day, here is a poem written by me.

The Colors of Kindness

Dark greens, stormy seas
frothy grays waves, coast bashing
crashing against raw emotion
helping him who wounded
swallowing self
for another’s needs
 
Pink and orange of dawn
sunrises, rays pierce darkness
helping hand stretches
to one lost in despair
answering prayer
a tiny light before day
 
Center bulls eye blood red
becoming the target
to save another
the courge to say no
protecting the weak
standing before the arrow
without flinching
 
Spring grass, soft and green
sights of birth and growth
new friendships born
old ones rekindled
new seeds sown
a healing balm
 
Tranquil lakes, Carolina blue
Inner peace, calms turmoil
lazy carefree afternoons
at ease knowing you
harm none, love some, help all

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Supreme Sacrifice Day

Today, celebrates individuals who make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of others. Most often it is the soldiers who have died protecting our freedom that we think of when discussing ultimate sacrifice. However, maybe that lover who let their beloved go onto other pursuits (other loves) have also made it.How about a brother who takes a beating from an abusive parent for their sister? Or, a parent that goes without dinner to ensure that their children have enough to eat? I guess it would come down to how you define “Ultimate sacrifice”.

Today, in honor of Supreme Sacrifice Day, I am listing individual in public safety who have given their lives in the line of duty since the beginning of the year. Please forgive errors in spelling or omissions. I am certain that my sources are not complete. If I missed your loved one, please, add them in the comment section.

Emergency Medical Services
  • EMT Timothy “Kyle” Southern:  Harrisonburg, VA
  • Paramedic Sandra Nodurft: Racine, WV
  • Paramedic Joshua Weissman: Alexandria, VA


  • Fire Services
  • Cristano Leo Lionell: South Sacramento, CA
  • William “Jumbo” Elliot: Pompano Beach, FL
  • Samuel Butler: Maxton, NC
  • David Crenshaw: Anderson, SC
  • Brandon Little: New Oxford, PA
  • Duane Ibarra: Kahului, HI
  • Bruce Torcotta, Hopelawn, NJ
  • Walter C Sumner: Cranesville, PA
  • Doug Haase, Sr: St. Charles, MO
  • David M Flint: Edinboro, PA
  • Zachary Whitacre: Gore, VA
  • Jeremy Tighe: Evansville, IN
  • Matt Waller: Memphis, TX
  • Gerald “Jerry” R Wetherell: Prudenville, MI
  • Mark G Ratledge: Cottenwood, CA
  • Jamison Kampmeyer: Colby, WI
  • Mark W Morrison” Port Saint Lucie, FL

Law Enforcement
  • Sgt. Abimael Castro-Berrocales: Puerto Rico
  • Park Ranger Margaret Anderson: Pierce County, WA
  • Agent Jared Francom: Ogdon, UT
  • Deputy Sheriff William Coleman: Maricopa County, AZ
  • Detective Andrew F Faggio: New Haven, CT
  • Correctional Officer Clarence Tariq Hammond, III: MI
  • Deputy Sheriff Randall L Benoit: CalcasIeu Parish, LA
  • Agent Francis Crespo-Mandry: Puerto Rico
  • Cpl. Barbara Ester: Brickeys, AR
  • Correctional Officer Tracy Hardin: NV
  • Officer Garret Davis: Honolulu, HI
  • Deputy Sheriff James I  Thacker: Pike County, KY
  • Sr. Police Officer Gail Thomas: Atlanta, GA
  • Police Officer William D “Bill” Talbert: Montgomery County, MD
  • Master Cpl. Sandra E “Sandy” Rogers: Aiken, SC
  • Police Officer Steven Green: Mobile, AL
  • Reserve Deputy Don Williams: Dale County, AL
  • Detective David White: Clay County, FL
  • Sgt. Michael Todd May: Monongalia County, WV
  • Trooper Tony Radulescu: WA
  • Deputy Sheriff Barbara Pill: Brevard County, FL
  • Corrections Officer Brittany Rachelle Meux: Lake County, IN

I would like to express my gratitude for their service and my condolences to their families. Please, know that they are in my thoughts and prayers.
I do not want to forget our canine friends who serve mankind and have lost their lives in the line of duty. Unfortunately, these loyal animals do not have a memorial list that I could find.
However, my own family’s personal loss was Blackbeard, a medical assistance animal for a disabled veteran. Blackbeard lost his life in the line of duty early this year.

Youth and the American Red Cross

As I mentioned in my last Red Cross post, I started my volunteer career with the organization as a teenager. As I put on my jumper for my first day at Huntsville Hospital, I joined the proud heritage of American youth performing public service.

Some Junior Red Cross Facts
In 1884, six youngsters conducted the first known American Red Cross youth activity. These six children performed a play in Waterford, PA that raised $50. They donated these funds to the three-year old American Red Cross.

On September 15, 1917, President Wilson officially announced the formation of the Junior Red Cross. He asked our country’s youth, “Is not this perhaps the chance for which you have been looking to give your time and efforts in some measure to meet our national needs…?”

Since that call, the Junior Red Cross has meet needs across our nation and around the globe. They have helped during wars, the depression, disasters, and other emergencies. The Junior Red Cross taught good citizenship and instilled in youth a spirit of internationalism.

In 1942, College units were added to the Junior Red Cross. Almost every US campus hosted some type of Red Cross activity.These activities ranged from organizing student groups to offering Red Cross training courses.

In 1946, they introduced an new program. The International Student Work-Study program brought American and foreign secondary and college students together.

In 1947, The Junior Red Cross began the High School Chest Program. This project sent school supplies to students who lost them in natural disasters. The program benefited not only students within the United States but those overseas as well.

However, despite a rich history of service the Junior Red Cross began to decline during the 1960s. Maybe competitions from other youth organizations – like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, or YMCA – contributed to this. Or perhaps, it was the new teacher union regulations. These new regulations made the program an after school activity to be conducted by teachers on a voluntary basis. Some blame youths becoming more self-absorbed; that student interest in public service and international affairs has decreased. I don’t know. Maybe it is a combination of all of these factors.

In the 1970’s, the Junior Red Cross’s name was changed to Red Cross Club or Youth Corps. During this time, youth volunteers not associated with the clubs were blended into mainstream Red Cross service.

The community that I first volunteered in did not have a Junior Red Cross. But, the local chapter did distribute volunteer opportunities for youth to the local schools. I was lucky. My English teacher shared these opportunities with our class. However, many youth possessing a desire for public service find it difficult to learn about volunteer opportunities available to them.

I am proud that both my children volunteered as teens for the American Red Cross. My son served wherever asked. My daughter volunteered in disaster services with me and as a HIV-AIDS Teen Peer Counselor.  During that time, I finally got to experience the Red Cross Club as an adult leader.

If you know a youngster who volunteers for the American Red Cross or any other organization, please, take a moment to thank them. All volunteers deserve our gratitude, but it is especially important to demonstrate it to those just beginning their journey. Remember, a person who volunteers as a youth is more likely to continue volunteering as an adult…especially if they have a positive experience.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

Today, I would like to share with you my favorite blessing. It is a traditional Irish one. My church youth choir in Huntsville, Al ended every practice by singing this.
 
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.

I hope that you have a fun but safe St. Paddy’s Day. Enjoy yourselves, but be responsible. And, don’t forget to wear GREEN. I don’t know about you, but my family loves the pinch tradition associated with not wearing green on this day.

Friday, March 16, 2012

March Tidbits

  • March was the first month of year until we switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752.
  • One superstition is that if Easter falls on Lady Day (March 25) some disaster  to England will soon fall.
“When the Lord falls in my Lady’s lap
England beware some mishap”
  • Narcissus is the the flower most associated with March. It is also known as wild daffodil or Lent Lilly. This is the main daffodil species of Britain.
  • I was born in March.
  • March’s birthstone is aquamarine.
  • March was named for the Roman god, Mars –the god of war.
  • A farming superstition is that if rain falls during the first three days of March there will be a bad harvest.

March sayings:
  • A dry March and a wet May fill barns and bays with corn and hay.
  • As it rains in March so it rains in June.
  • When March come in like a lion it goes out like a lamb.
  • March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Ides of March

Today is the Ides of March. Many of us know this phrase from Act 1 Scene 2 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.  Here the playwright retells a tale from Plutarch’s Parallel Lives. Plutarch wrote about Julius Caesar visiting soothsayer who the emperor that great peril would come to him no later than the Ides of March.

But, what is the Ides of March? Is March the only month that has it? I use it because Ides is singular.

Ides rhymes with hides and in the ancient Roman calendar was the day of the full moon. It fell on the 15th of the month in March, May, July, and October. In all other months, the Ides falls on the 13th.

Ancient Romans did not believe that the Ides of March was a particularly inopportune day. In fact, they normally honored celebrated the deity of the month with military parades. March’s deity would have been Mars. However, Shakespeare gave us the well known phrase “Beware the Ides of March”.

Today provides a great excuse to read or reread Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. If you do, be on the lookout for my favorite passage from the play. Spoken by Mark Anthony in Act 3, scene 2, it begins “Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears.”.

Here’s hoping you have a terrific Ides of March.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

National Pi Day

Today is 3.14 or National Pi Day. Living in a math and science centric household, obviously, I had to post about this exceptional number.

Ten Pi Facts

  1. Ï€ represents the relationship between a circle’s diameter and its circumference.
  2. The formula to calculate the area of a circle uses pi. A=Ï€r2
  3. Pi is an irrational number because its value can not be expressed exactly as a fraction having integers in both its numerator and denominator.
  4. Its decimal representation never ends. It also never repeats. At least that is the evidence to date and it has been calculated to more than a trillion places.
  5. Pi is also know as Archimedes’ Constant. Archimedes of Syracuse provided an approximation of the number during the 3 century BC.
  6. A rarer name is Ludolphine Number. This name is for Ludolphine van Ceulen. He computed a 35-digit approximation around t1600 AD.
  7. When π is used as a symbol for the mathematical constant, it is not capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.
  8. The capitalized form of pi has a completely different mathematical meaning…the product of a sequence.
  9. The earliest known textual evidence of an approximation of pi date from around 1900 BC. Found on both the Egyptian Rhind Papyrus and Babylonian tablets, these approximations are within 1% of the true value.
  10. One needs 39 digits of π to make a circle the size of the observable universe accurate to the size of a hydrogen atom.

And let’s not forget the joke: “Pie’s aren’t square, they’re round!”

Interesting side note: On today in 1879, Albert Einstein was born in Württemberg, Germany. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Chris


I have mentioned that I am writing a novel for young adults. This morning, I thought that I would take a moment to introduce the novel’s main character.

Chris is a nine year old orphan living on the streets of Afghanistan. This is no ordinary orphan. She is an American citizen. Oh, and obviously, she is female pretending to be a boy.. During the last three years since her mother was murdered, Chris has been developing the skills to survive in Afghanistan. Her mentor, Benyamin  - a Mossad agent- has helped hone her language and fighting skills. However, one day, Chris has to choose whether to risk her safety to rescue an American male being held hostage or to maintain her anonymity. No matter what she decides life as she knows it will change.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Gray Lady Service

Yesterday, my parents drove 800 miles to have dinner with my husband and I for my birthday. What a special thing for them to do! In addition to the traditional birthday things, they brought me a letter from Huntsville Hospital written in 1985.

What does a letter from a hospital have to do with Red Cross? Well, I began volunteering for the American Red Cross in 1983. During those early years, I served as Teen Aide at Huntsville Hospital. This letter thanked the many volunteers (from various organizations) for their service to the hospital.

When I tell people that a long time ago I was a Teen Aide, they often go, “oh, a candy striper”. Now, where I volunteered there was a distinct difference between the two volunteer positions. A teen Aide had direct contact with patients. We delivered charts to nurses stations, took patients to their rooms or x-ray. Teen Aides helped with admitting, delivered flowers, and worked with adult volunteers. Candy Stripers ran the gift shop. They had no immediate adult supervision. Oh, interestingly, you had to be 16 for the Candy Striper position. I was too young.

My ability to serve as a Teen Aide comes from the Gray Lady services of the American Red Cross. Gray Ladies provided services of a non-medical nature to individuals in hospitals, other health-care facilities, and private homes. Some Gray Ladies wrote letters, tutored, read, or shopped for the ill, injured or disabled. Others served as guides to hospital visitors, hostesses in hospital rec rooms, or sat at information desks.

Gray Lady services began in 1918 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. Although it had a different name at this time, the gray uniform the ladies wore had the soldiers affectionately calling these volunteers gray ladies. In 1947, the name Gray Lady Service became official.

But, don’t think for a second that only women provided the valuable services as gray ladies. The Red Cross had “Gray Men” volunteers as well.

The Gray Lady Service ceased to exist under that name in the 1960’s. The Red Cross decided to do away with its separate branches in favor of a more unified American Red Cross. Because of that, although I did the duties of a Gray Lady, I have never been able to apply that name to my first Red Cross volunteer job.

However, in 1983, on my first day, I proudly sat in my gray and white striped jumper over my white blouse with its American Red Cross patch on my left shoulder. I was lucky that day, my supervisor patiently told me the history of the Gray Lady Service. Especially since today many Red Cross volunteers don’t even know that many of our fellow volunteers still carry on this proud tradition.

I may never served as a Gray Lady, but its proud heritage lives on within every Red Cross volunteer that serves in a non-medical function in our hospitals and other health-care facilities.

Just as a side note: Candy Stripers have a wonderful history as well. They got their start as a school civics class project in New Jersey. Candy Stripers should be as proud of their distinctive red and white striped uniforms as I am of my gray and white striped jumper.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Walking More

Last month, I posted Sunday blogs following the theme of American Heart Month. In one of those posts, I mentioned that my husband and I had parked our car and walked places about 2 miles or less from the house.

Not all in our circle have meet this decree positively. It really amazes me the comments people make about a decision that does not affect them. 

One neighbor has made his mission in life to inform me (repeatedly) that the short distances I am parking the car won’t make a difference to environment. Frankly, I think every little bit helps. And, the new policy means that on average I only use my car twice a week. But, our decision was to exercise more.

My favorite comment was “Why don’t you just become Amish?”. Now, I have a lot of respect for people who live their beliefs despite how mainstream society treats them. However, it is not a lifestyle for me.

How did the Amish get pulled into my personal choice? Well, this friend knows more about me than most. I do not have a house phone line and rarely use my cellphone. About a year ago, I disconnected our television from both cable and satellite because it had not been used in 6 months. Most of the television I watch are British shows. The little television we watch is from DVDs, streaming video, and blu-rays.

While my husband and I have chosen to live a simpler lifestyle, I do not want to live the Amish one. I am very attached to my DVDs and MP3s. Yes, I know that I could order books in “Dead Tree” versions. Please, don’t make me give up my Kindle Touch or my Fire.

Most importantly, I live in South Central Florida. I can’t even image life with air conditioning. Actually, I can. I did it last August when ours died. It is not an experience I am eager to repeat.

Yes, we walk most places. It is a slower lifestyle. Amazingly, both of us, really enjoy this new pace. I get to speak to neighbors,watch the children climb on the local jungle gym, and pet the dog that lives three blocks away. All of which would be harder to do if I was speeding past in an automobile.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

“Fair Game” by Patricia Briggs

Several years ago, as my birthday approached, my husband searched high and low for the perfect gift. Of course, the high and low bookshelves at the local bookstore where his hunting ground.

Finally, he settled on Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. Wow, what a great gift. I immediately feel in love with Mercy, the lead character. A new favorite series was born.

This book has traveled to multiple states and Mexico with me. It has endured emergency room visits and hospital stays. The poor thing has even dwelled on the bathroom floor with me as migraines made worshipping at the porcelain goddess necessary. Yes, it is definitely the friend I call on when in need.

But, Mercy is not the character within Briggs world that I most identify with. Anna from her Alpha Omega Series fills that role. Anna rises above an abusive past. I can identify with the strength and determination needed to survive in that situation. I cheered as an alpha male rescued her and was inspired as she learned to rescue herself and others.

I am always thrilled when Briggs comes out with a new book. She is one of a handful of authors I eagerly watch for new stuff. So when Fair Game popped up on my Kindle yesterday, I happily devoured it before retiring for the night.

I don’t want to spoil the story of anyone. But I will say the ending left me curious to see how she further explores this world.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Writing Emotions


Excitement radiates from me when I discuss my newest writing project. Chris, the main character, tells me her story as I dream. I never envisioned myself writing fiction, especially not a novel.

I hesitated to share my work in progress with anyone. Would they laugh at my feeble attempts? Was it a good idea poorly executed?

I cautiously began to share Chris’s story, the adventures of an orphaned nine year girl living on the streets of Afghanistan. It could have been the tale of any street child except this exceptionable girl is an American citizen.

Soon, I had a rough draft other’s showed interest in. My largest test was to send it to my father. He has always been honest about my writing efforts. If he thought it showed any promise, I would polish the story. Trembling hands sealed that first draft in an envelope and placed it in the post.

Somewhere along this path of self-discovery, my dream became a reality. People were interested in publishing Chris’s Story. But they wanted it re-written for a younger audience.

Fear and self-doubt surfaced. I have never written for children or young adults, Not only did they change the age of my audience, but they would like to explore a Hi-Lo options. High interest – Low Reading sounds like a specialized area. How do I approach this new audience?

Despite fear, self-doubt, and caution, it is excitement that constantly accompanies my thoughts and words about Chris.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Red Cross Month

Since 1943, every year the President has declared March “Red Cross Month’. The American Red Cross traditionally uses this month to promote it services to the American public and for fundraising.

Fundraising is important to the American Red Cross because it does not accept funds from the government. However, all its disaster services are given free of charge to victims. While many people know that the Red Cross responds to national disasters, did you know that they also respond to smaller ones, like single family house fires.  It is  through the generous support of the public and our volunteers that allows them to help meet the emergency needs of an individual who has experienced a disaster.

However, Emergency Services is not the only service delivery line of the Red Cross. They also provide Services to the Armed Forces. Who hasn’t heard of the CPR classes offered by their Health and Safety Services? Maybe you have even donated blood at a Red Cross blood drive. This is only three examples of the many things Red Cross does in addition to disaster response.

On Sundays in March, I hope to help us all celebrate Red Cross Month.  Maybe along the way, we can all learn something about this organization. For example, did you know that last radio speech President Roosevelt gave, just days before his death, was in support of the Red Cross?

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I want you to know that I am a volunteer with the American Red Cross. I am proud of this association which began decades ago in Huntsville, Al. It was there at the tender age of 13 that I first volunteered with them as a Teen Aide at the local hospital.

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Challenge

Can I take a novel written for adults and rewrite it for Young Adults? My response: Sure! Why not? Then I asked the important question …What does Young Adult mean? Hey, I am nothing if not daring.

Then came the challenge…Could I take that same novel and write it for both Young Adults and a Hi-Lo audience? Here, I wised up. Completely bewildered, I had to ask what a Hi-Lo book was.

Hi-Lo books are high interest – low reading level books. Basically, stories written to encourage the struggling or reluctant reader to read. In other words, age appropriate material written at a lower reading level.

It is an interesting challenge. I can’t say that I out right accepted. But, rather, I would see what I could do.

My younger nephew is a reluctant reader. For him, it isn’t a matter of reading ability. He just prefers to be active.  My mission in life has been to get him to enjoy reading. Buying him a Kindle began him on this path. He reads more now, but still has a long way to go.

He is my inspiration for attempting this challenge. Just maybe, if I am really lucky, I could write a book he falls in love with.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Share a Smile Day

Today is Share-A-Smile Day. What a nice way to start March!
In honor of this great idea, here is a list of ten things that make me smile.
  1. Walking in soft rain on a warm day.
  2. Kisses from the magnificent Bug-A-Boo, my service dog.
  3. Reading a good book in front of a fire on a cold gloomy day.
  4. Picnic dinners with my husband.
  5. The staff at 18 East, a terrific local pub.
  6. Writing for the joy of telling a story.
  7. Helping someone else.
  8. Reading a child’s first story.
  9. Peanut butter and chocolate chips on bananas
  10. Seeing friends unexpectantly.
What makes you smile?