The Surreal Writer

In God We Trust

2008-09-18T07:36:00.001-04:00

In God We Trust

“In God we Trust, all others pay cash”, is a famous, yet humorous sign seen in many bars. It simply means no credit. Of course this was before the day of plastic. Let’s examine that title a bit closer. It says more than you might realize.

Take a close look at American money. That statement is on every bill and every coin. How many, if any, other countries in the world would dare to use either or both words, God and Trust on their currency? These are not just idle words; it is what defines this country. It is our way of life.

Banks want everyone to know your money is protected and safe with them. To do this names are ‘some bank and Trust company’. As further assurance, we are informed the federal government insures our money. We know, from experience, that the countries government is stable. Thus with a stable leadership, we the people can trust in the federal insurance of our hard earned money. Beyond banking and currency, what does all of this really mean? It tells me and I’ve heard from others, that we are a God fearing nation. We put our faith and our trust in the lord to keep us free.

Big Brother is here. Everywhere you look there’s a security camera. Economic hard times have pushed a few people over the edge into the world of petty crime and shoplifting. But no one has a store employee or officer of the law follow them home after a purchase. You can buy your husband a shirt and if he doesn’t like it, you can return it with no questions asked. They do ask for a reason, but if you tell them that the cobalt coffee maker you just bought totally clashes with your hot pink kitchen décor, they will, after they stop laughing, accept the return. This is unusual because many countries do not do this.

In America, we do trust in God. We also rely heavily on security cameras. But the first four words of the pledge of allegience says it all; one nation, under God.

Save our Women!!

2008-09-17T16:43:00.002-04:00

The following link is very important for all women, no, everyone, to see! There is too much domestic violence. This has got to stop and it is up to everyone to do what they can to help. If you can't get your family or friends out of a situation, help at a shelter, send contributions, work to change the laws. Everybody can do something to help. If you live online, spread the word. We must stop this now!!

Please visit:
http://www.uaadv.org/home.html

To see what is happening next door.

ron

God - a personal perspective

2008-09-15T23:53:00.002-04:00

God – A Personal Perspective

Have faith my son. Right. In what? I started life attending a small Methodist church. I heard the words the adults used but that’s all it was. I aged a bit, understood the words, watched the adults and their hypocrisy shine like a halogen light. Who, what, or where is God?

I was never foolish enough to say there is no such thing as God; I did however, often question it. It conflicted with science or so it appeared. I would try different churches and it was all the same. Words of love, of caring for your fellow person yet nothing changed. The people sang the praises in church and start cussing like a sailor the minute the walked out the door.

Church is not for me. God is not in a building. But where is this elusive entity? At the end of a tumultuous relationship I was told to ‘have faith’. What does that mean? Have faith in what? There is nothing out there but despair. Then came the move of a lifetime. The details of the life there are not important but the aftereffects are. I hear, then listened to the gospel in song. I found my faith. I learned what God is and the power inherent. God is within me. I saw and felt the power of prayer. I listened and God spoke to me.

Where is your faith? Who is your god? Shut down your mind, open your soul and truly listen. The voice of God cannot be mistaken.

God - a personal perspective

2008-09-15T23:53:00.001-04:00

Can We Go Now

2008-09-15T10:31:00.001-04:00

Can We Go Now?

”I’m ready. I’m all warmed up.”

“Stupid small keys on this thing!”

“Let me see it John. What are you trying to do?”

“I’m trying to send a text message to that dadblamed car that we’re NOT going anyplace.”

Yes, it has gotten that bad. Cars now have a mind of their own. John’s been home for a couple of hours but that darned car wants to go for a drive! These things are so high tech they can turn themselves on. At least they can’t drive without a human behind the wheel. They are so high tech that the gearshift ‘reads’ the fingerprints. That is the ultimate theft protection.

John didn’t know about all of this when he bought the car. He saw it in the showroom and paid for it right then. He had his quarterly royalty check and needed a good car. Unfortunately for him, he’s an impulse buyer. That’s why Debi, his wife, handles the finances. But she turned him loose to get his car. Big mistake!

“I want to go visit my sister.”

“Y O U D O N How do you do apostrophe’s on this danged keypad?
“Here, let me do it. Your fingers are too fat.”

“Go to Sleep”

That’s all she had to do. The car would stay asleep until told to wake up. Unlike John, Debi read the instructions. So to make his life easier, she programmed the letter A to tell the car to wake up and the letter B for it to go to sleep. That’s all he needed until the car troubles start. But, that’s another story.

Peace Among the Stars

2008-09-14T22:46:00.000-04:00

From Joyce's weekly questions comes this story.

Peace among the Stars

Thank goodness humans invented language otherwise I couldn’t properly express this story. Now I must admit that to make it available to others I had to rely on a pen, paper, and the modern equivalent of moveable type, MS Word.

This summer has shown some real revelations in my life. Going from one place to another usually calms me down, but a ride on an old steam locomotive could really bring back some pleasant memories. Now I admit I’m a bit emotional but when my worst enemy called me oversensitive, that hurt. I have lot of difficulty controlling my emotions. I’m a very honest and friendly person but I have a lot of difficulty expressing how really feel. I truly do try to be kind.

As I was in school, I found out that Gym class was not for me. I did great in history. They weren’t my best subjects, but I preferred science. At that time, I wanted to explore outer space. But I had a few strange things happen to me.

I’ve been a bit under the weather so I was sitting out on the back porch. One the two women I truly love was with me and that put my emotions into balance. I’m alone as I write this and this story must be told so I don’t want to be doing anything else right now.

A radio station just finished a contest to see who could sing the theme song to Gilligan’s Island. Why my other half was singing the title song to Mr. Ed, I don’t know. We should be singing the Brady Bunch theme, everyone here is doing something different. I hear the opening to the Flintstones on the television.

I should have been singing the theme to the Jetson’s. I looked up, startled as a spaceship landed. Granted I’m an intelligent person but when she stepped out of the vehicle, it was hard to tell she was an alien. Andromedan’s morph to the shape of the creatures they stop to help.

But, as she spoke, I actually understood this mysterious mind. I’ve been going through some trying times. Her mission is to help others achieve peace and self-harmony. It was suggested I spend a week in the wilderness of my mind in meditation. I followed her advice and I am now at peace.

Commitment

2008-09-13T12:00:00.001-04:00

Commitment

She’s your friend, your wife, your neighbor. How often have you said that would meet them someplace, go with them or drive them somewhere then back out at the last minute? It’s understandable that things come up from time to time. But do you make a habit of breaking your commitments often? Put yourself in their place and see how you feel.

Commitment is another word for trust. Breaking your word on a regular basic earns you a reputation as untrustworthy. It carries over to the business world also. One of the greatest advertising tools is word of mouth. How do you want to be known?

I’m using commitment and trust interchangeably but what do they mean? A commitment is a promise – you say you’ll do something or be somewhere and the other person(s) acts upon that promise. You make a commitment to drive your neighbor to church. She in turn gets up and prepares herself by being dressed and ready to go. You fail to live up to your commitment and she either misses church or has to find another ride. How often do you think you can violate her trust before she realizes you didn’t mean what you said? Show up after not following through on your original commitment and she will more than likely tell you has made other arrangements. It’s a bad twist on the cry wolf syndrome. You’ve probably lost a friend in the process.

Trust is closely related to commitment. Your friend(s) and colleagues expect, trust, that you will follow through on what you say you will do. You expect the same from them. Break that trust and it is very hard to earn again. Think long and hard before you allow that to happen. Do you want to be respected, trusted? How do you treat others for whom you’ve lost trust? Do you want to be treated this way?

The two ultimate commitments are friends and marriage. What you say in the vows of marriage applies to friends. Commitments made in good times and good health are easy to keep. It’s the ones when the world turns upside down and your friend’s life becomes hell on earth that your commitment means the most. Do you value your friend, your mate? Look inside yourself and ask what kind of person you are. Are you trustworthy? What are your true commitments? Answer this honestly and you’ll discover what kind of person you truly are.

Words we Use

2008-09-12T21:10:00.000-04:00

Words we Use

A sound, a simple utterance of vocal chords that vibrate the air that vibrates the eardrum, is one definition of a word. Ink upon a piece of paper or a visible drawing on a computer screen we humans have defined as characters. So much for clinical descriptions. What really, are words?

Using predefined definitions, letters are assembled into groups that are then given a meaning that over time can morph into something quite unlike what started out as. Let’s look at a few examples. Turf used to be a safe word referring to ground. Now its gang-controlled territory. Ever twist your back? You can easily, doing the twist, a dance. Then we have bad, when used today we don’t know if it’s bad, or good. If something is cherry, is it red, edible, old, or just what?

These are the words we use. When you say something, make sure everyone involved in the conversation uses the same set of definitions, otherwise what you say may not be what you really mean. If in doubt, ask the other person to tell you what they think you said. You may be surprised.

It’s even more dangerous in written communication. The same words, read by two people can be read differently. Some people read word for word, literal reading. Others read between the lines and see a different meaning to the same words. With written communication, one does not have the benefit of enunciation or vocal inflection. Nor can one see or hear the tone of a voice and that also can change the meaning.

The bottom line is, be careful of the words you use. You may say something very much unlike what you want to say.

A special blog

2008-09-11T18:35:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine made a very interesting post. There are several major events in our country's recent history. The question asked is, where were you when they occurred? Check it out at:
http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog/

Ron

The Good Life

2008-09-10T18:07:00.000-04:00

The Good Life

I’ve been around. I’ve lived in Chicago; Erie, Pa; Norfolk, Va.; Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I’ve been to Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Antonio, Fort Lauderdale, New Orleans, Nassau, Bahamas, St. Thomas (Virgin Isles), Naples, It, and Des Moines. I’ve been married three times, and lived with three others. But in all of that, I always come back home to Cedar Rapids and the one woman who loves me.

Here I am accepted for who and what I am. I am not judged if I have a meltdown. She is there, ready to pick up the pieces. This woman is amazing. I’ve left and come back too many times. I don’t know what I was looking for but know it’s right here. I think the depression has gotten so bad that I would cut and run at a moments notice. I’ve stopped running.

What I have here is an ex-wife that cares, that understands me, that loves me. I’ve been many places, seen a lot, and met many. But the good life? It’s right here.

To have a friend

2008-09-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

This may be updated from time to time.

When things are going smoothly, it’s easy to be friends. It is even easy to be there when tragedy strikes one of them. But when words get twisted or even if one thinks they are twisted, communication breaks down. It is at these times when the lines of communication must be open the widest! That is when a friend is needed most.

When one friend is emotional and the other totally logical unable to deal with emotions, it is very hard to communicate. Emotions are such a driving force that it can be hard to keep them in check. For those non-emotional people, it is not possible to understand this.

It is easy to say you know someone. But to truly know and understand them requires years, especially if one of them is driven by emotions. These are the romantics. They talk from their heart.

words I pen

2008-09-07T17:46:00.000-04:00

Words I Pen

I write the words, yet they are read wrong. I cannot say them any plainer. I know not the simple way of speaking. I have tried to be direct yet it is taken wrong. Do I write such drivel as to be thought mad? Or is the pen I use more poisonous than I would ever conceive?

I speak from the heart yet I appear to be throwing knives. From the depths of my soul do I feel the heat yet it comes out as ice. Fear not for I am but the holder of the feelings. I share them willingly but they are thrown back at me in anger.

Lest I be thought the spirit of evil, nay, lest my heart be stilled, I cannot belay the heart and soul of the love that dwells within. It is the fire of a thousand suns but is taken as the ice shelf of the universe. Can not I say what I mean and have it taken as I mean it?

For what lies in the heart of one man is not felt in the heart of the woman. The feelings cannot overtake the logic of the mind. I dwell alone in this sea of pain and sorrow. Hear me not for my words are but ink upon paper. What they have in meaning is but for my heart to explore.

True Love

2008-09-07T09:44:00.000-04:00

True love

Have you ever experienced a love where your first concern is how the other person feels? A love where you know what they will say before they say it? A love so strong that just being with them lights up a room? A feeling that when the other person is happy you are happy but when they are sad, or hurt it affects you twice as bad?

Have you ever felt a love so strong that you want to tell the world about it? But yet you don’t because you want that person solely for your self?

I have, twice

Have you ever felt a love so strong that the pain of the other is your pain also? A love so deep that it transcends all of nature? A love that depends not on distance? Have you ever experienced a feeling that cannot be expressed in words? Have the feelings of the other person been so important that to make a mistake affects the very soul?

Have you ever experienced a love so strong that the loss of the other makes you want to tear your heart out?

I have, once

Have you? Comments welcome

Marv Wilson - interview with greatness

2008-01-09T00:36:00.000-05:00

I have been honored to have the chance to interview Marvin Wilson, author of I Romanced the Stone and Owen Fiddler on his worldwide Blog tour!

1. Marv, You’ve come a long ways. I read I ROMANCED THE STONE (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippie) and you have survived, no, thrived, after the ultimate downhill trip. Was Owen Fiddler based on some of the people you met on that journey?

Mmmm, not based on the same people, but similar to the types. Not based on that specific journey, but similar in the scenario. Both books, I ROMANCED THE STONE and OWEN FIDDLER, are stories with the same message about choices and consequences. We are free will beings with the knowledge of right and wrong. We create Heaven or Hell for ourselves with our choices.

2. Owen Fiddler seems to be the composite of all the down and outers with no direction, yet throughout the book, I can sense the spiritual message. Was this intentional and why?

It was intentional. That’s the whole point of the book, and I’m glad it was clear to you. There is a bit of Owen Fiddler in all of us. The degree and intensity of “Owen Fiddler” in each of us is the measure and barometer of our spiritual depravity.

3. I sense urgency in the words in Fiddler. Is this book a self-cleansing of sorts?

All my books are “self-cleansing.” The “self” – the isolated estranged “ego” is the bane of humanity, which you and I and everyone are a part of. There will always be urgency in my writings, because there is urgency in this fleeting temporal condition of human existence. What do we get – 50 to 100 years to figure things out? If we’re lucky? Most of those years spent in hormone-driven, self-centered, pleasure-seeking insanity? And we have ETERNITY to answer to based on our little puff of dust lives here on earth! If that’s not an “urgent” situation calling for some serious “self-cleansing” I don’t know what is.

4. Owen Fiddler, like I Romanced the Stone, is very well written. Are you planning on doing sequels to either?

Thoughts along those lines are in the works. There is a whole other “life after STONE” memoir to be written by me, after all, I’m not that old and not dead yet. Perhaps after (and if) I gain considerably more notoriety as an author I will publish a “life after death” memoir.
Owen Fiddler, of course, begs for a sequel, maybe even a series. I could see it being a TV sitcom-dram. (I just coined that word – you read it here first!)

5. I’ve read your words, in your books. Let me ask, considering the road you’ve traveled, is there, in your opinion, a good way to get the message across to the younger generation, about just how bad that type of journey is?

Old or young, the message is the same: Love and forgive your self, and love and forgive others as your self. Do good to those who harm you. Love your enemies. Pray for and help the weak and needy. How do we best get this message across to the young? ACT THAT WAY AS ADULTS! Nothing new in my message – Jesus said it more than two thousand years ago.

6. In a paragraph, can you sum up the Marvin Wilson of today vs the Marvin Wilson of say twenty years ago?

Marvin Wilson today is the product of fifty-eight years of trial by error learning and bumbling and stumbling his way through life’s lessons. It is said that there are three stages of growth from ignorance to enlightenment: 1) Not knowing that you don’t know and thinking that you do; 2) Knowing that you don’t know, and; 3) Knowing what you do know and realizing you will never know everything. Twenty years ago I mistakenly thought I knew everything. Today I know I don’t know everything. So I guess I’m half way there.

Marvin has written two (that I am aware of), great books. I highly recommend them to everyone. Here is how to contact Marvin and/or order any of the books he’s written.

Ron, I certainly appreciate the privilege of being able to come onto your blog and interact with your readers. Your questions were good ones, they gave me pause and thought, and were fun to compose answers to. I ROMANCED THE STONE (Memoirs of a Recovering Hippy) is available on www.amazon.com and for more info or to obtain a signed copy direct from me, go to: www.rockofallages.com. The OWEN FIDDLER Ebook is now available at www.mobipocket.com –and will by the end of January sell at www.ebooksonthe.net and www.fictionwise.com. Print copies should be available sometime mid-year 2008. For more info about OWEN FIDDLER go to: www.owenfiddler.com

To contact and get to know more about me the person, my MySpace is at: www.myspace.com/Paize_Fiddler - My Blog is at: http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com and my favorite email address is: marvwilson2010@gmail.com

The secret is out!

2008-01-07T00:04:00.000-05:00

The secret is that I have been honored with a visit from Billie Williams, author of Small Town Secrets (if you don't have any of Billie's books, get thee to Amazon.com and buy them!!). She is an amazing writer and will keep you spellbound from the first hot, smoldering house til the very last page! Let's meet this lady.

1. I’ve read Small Town Secrets and Bed and Breakfast Murders. Do these books, and your others, have some basis on past real events?
Intentionally they do not, but they seem to reflect some things or a mix of things that have transpired in the places I’ve lived. I have plenty of small town places I’ve lived that fed things to me, they appear as a composite in the books, but not the whole story by any means. I think the only book I wrote lately totally based on reality – well okay there are two Fire at Thunder Ridge (currently out of print – being revised) and Tung Umolomo – this South African adventure story was based on The Witch Hunt Conference held the year I wrote the book. It grew out of a small article about it.
2. The characters in your books have some interesting names, like Taaktu (pronounced take two) in small town Secrets. How do you arrive at such intriguing names?
These particular names needed to suit the twins (they are patterned after my sisters in law {smile}) I thought they were unique. But usually I try to come up with names that mean something that will give the reader the essence of the character using the name. For instance, Chaneeta Morgan in small town secrets named her illegitimate daughter Hope, she wanted her to have hope, she wanted to hope she would be adopted by loving parents. In Bed and Breakfast Murders all the names of the major characters mean something in the ethnic background of the character. I love doing this because it imparts more meaning to the character, for me, if not for the readers. The characters just seem to be more true to life if I do this.
3. I’ve only managed to read the above two books, although I hope someday to read more. But, based on those two, it seems your plots all occur in small, Midwestern towns. Do any of your other books now written or planned on, envelope us in some big city intrigue?

I’ve only ever lived near large a metropolis a time or two in my life. I don’t like big cities. I don’t do well in crowds. I may someday use a city like Chicago, Illinois or Milwaukee, Wisconsin Or Denver Colorado because those places conger up thoughts of dark and sinister — or perhaps Las Vegas with it’s gambling and mob connections to create an atmosphere – but I’d have to do a ton of research to get the flavor right. I am not a big city person.

4. From what I’ve seen in your books, the cases are solved by local sleuths and in small town secrets, it still took a small town detective to beat a state police force in deciphering the clues. Have you considered a series using these sleuths?

All my sleuths are accidental sleuths; they are ordinary citizens with a vested interest in solving the current mystery. So while they are all similar, they are not a series though I have series developed around a couple of those sleuths. The Secrets series while connected will probably not have the same accidental sleuth in any of them. Skull Music has the same sleuth as Ghost Music of Vadeville (release date April 2008), The Bed and Breakfast books (Pink Lady Slipper and Bed and Breakfast Murders) have the same sleuth. Death by Candlelight and Candlelight and Shadows have the same sleuth.

The very nature of the sleuths in my mysteries (accidental) doesn’t lend them to be easily serialized – I don’t want to wind up with a Jessica Fletcher (Murder She Wrote – though I love the series desperately and have started a collection of the books written under her character name with a co-author) You begin to wonder how she has any friends left, and why any one would invite her everywhere she always brings a murderer into the mix.

5. In Small Town Secrets and Bed and Breakfast Murders, there is untimely death and much destruction, but it is only stated. There are no graphic details. This makes these books ‘safe’ reads for the younger audiences. Are all of your books designed this way? I do hope so.
Yes, I do not like a lot of violence on stage and I don’t think it’s necessary to get a point across. While I enjoy reading some of Stephen Kings books – I couldn’t write them. Though I enjoy watching adventure stories I don’t want to see Arnold Swartzineggar get beat up forty times with never so much as a black eye or a gasp for breath or Rambo/Rocky star Sylvester Stallone be killed to with an inch of his life and walk away none the worse for wear. What is the point in all that on stage violence – like sensationalism in journalism there is a place to draw the line and I prefer it this side of the rough stuff.

Small Town Secrets and Bed and Breakfast Murders are very good books. Once you start to read them, you won’t want to stop until the very last word. Below are where these two and all of Billie’s books may be found.
Thank you so much Ron for your kind words and the use of your blog space to talk with you and your readers. I appreciate the opportunity.
Your readers can visit my website where I have information about all my books, my publishers and some free stuff for the taking at http://billiewilliams.com Sign up for the Book Club or the writing course if you are so inclined. The chapters and lessons will be archived for those who come in late, also available on my website.
There is a study guide for readers groups, classes, book clubs to download for free on my website front page also. So some on by and take a look see. You may be pleasantly surprised. At least I hope so.
Thanks again Ron.

Free Gifts from a Fantastic Author!!!

2008-01-06T20:24:00.000-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen!!!

It is time to announce a very special set of gifts! Marvin Wilson has written two great books, "I romanced the Stone" and "Owen Fiddler". Check this spot for my interview with Marvin on the 8th. Marvin has some special gifts also.

1) Please announce to your readers that everyone who leaves a comment on your blog-interview with Marvin D. Wilson will receive downloadable PDF file sample first chapters of both my published books, I ROMANCED THE STONE and OWEN FIDDLER. Make sure to keep a list of all commenting visitors – come Feb 1, send me the list and I'll send them the thank you gift.

2) All commenting visitors are eligible for a drawing from which I will select three winners.
2nd runner up will receive (his/her choice) either a print copy of I ROMANCED THE STONE or a downloadable PDF copy of OWEN FIDDLER.
1ST runner up will receive the same option/choice.
Grand Prize Winner will receive BOTH books.

The drawing will take place during the first few days of February, as soon as I have received the lists of commenting visitors from all the hosts.

Also (and this is for you guys) – whichever host receives the most comments on their blog-interview will receive from me (your choice) – either a print copy of I ROMANCED THE STONE or a PDF copy of OWEN FIDDLER or a copy of my CD, The Average Praise Band – RHYTHM & TRUTHS (We'll Praise the Hell out of You!)

Tomorrow (ok, midnight), Come see the interview with Billie Williams!!

It's coming! It really is!!

2008-01-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Coming soon to a blog near you is an interview with a fantastic writer! January 7th, stop by this blog and meet author of Small Town Secrets. She is so excited that she is even offering special prizes! Look at what is up for grabs for you, the readers:

Everyone who comments on your blog will get a PDF sampler of the first chapters of all my books published so far, if they want one.
Everyone who comments on your blog and leaves an email address with you, will get a copy of The Golden Kettle Café Cookbook designed with recipes from Small Town Secrets for the holidays (all of them St. Patrick’s day to Christmas and New Years and everything in between.)
I will draw a name from the commenters on February 1st one person will receive a copy of “Adrift” – a book of flash fiction and short stories (download copy)
A second drawing will be for a book of poetry titled “Feathers in the Wind”
The third place winner will get a copy of Magic Carpet Ride – a children’s story

I will draw a winner from any one who comments and sends an email to the host with Writer in the subject line—a copy of my writing book Writing Wide Exercises in Creative Writing. (stateside only- Over seas it will be a download copy-sorry folks postage is a killer now days)

The grand prize for one lucky person who comments on your blog will be a download copy of Small Town Secrets (I will draw a name from all those who comment on February 1 – so keep a list of the email comments on your blog)

.
Now the Grand Prize for the BLOG HOST/HOSTESS for the blog that has the most comments will be to the host/hostess — Your choice of any of my published books (novels – in the format you prefer) and any of my writing books published so far.

The second place winner will receive her/his choice of my writing books in whatever format you choose.

Third place winner will receive a beach towel to help when you want to relax and let the words flow— beach side or tub side.

Ron

Ch 2 The Alley Visits

2007-12-31T21:33:00.000-05:00

.The Alley Visits

Amanda told Alex about how hard it was for Momma Kitty to find enough food for everyone. Alex asked where she lived. This was a very hard question since Amanda left home early and didn’t keep track of where she was going. Instead of just answering, she started to cry.

“Don’t cry, we’ll find it.”

“You, you’re taking me home?”

She was whimpering because her great adventure was being cut short.

“No, I’m not sending you home. I thought we could go back to get Momma kitty and show her some good places to find food. Then you and I could resume your adventure, if you would permit me to tag along.”

“Oh (sob), ok”

What Amanda didn’t know was that Alex had wanted to strike out on his own but was afraid of going alone. He readily admitted that Amanda was braver than he. But, together they could look out for each other. He went a step further by saying that they would have to look out for each other. He wasn’t going to play the big brother protector because it was obvious that Amanda could look out for herself.

Amanda knew the direction she came from, but that was about it. She and Alex headed that way hoping certain things would look familiar. Alex knew when they were headed correctly because Amanda would smile and point to something she had seen.

I wish momma had come looking for me. It would be so much easier.

Unknown to Amanda, her little sister begged momma to see if she could try to find older sister. She was too young to be on her own. At least that was her youngest one’s opinion. Momma agreed. It shouldn’t be too hard to pick up Amanda’s trail. Each kitty had a scent of their own and momma knew Amanda’s well. They spent a lot of time together foraging. Momma was teaching her kids the art of finding food, starting with the oldest.

“I’ve got a few scraps of food here. This should hold you guys until I return. Big sister couldn’t have gotten too far.”

I hope she didn’t go too far!

“We’re going the right way. I remember that house!”

“How? They all look alike to me.”

“Momma taught me how to recognize things by their smell and that house smells familiar.”

I picked the right partner! No one taught me about smells other than food.

Amanda headed down an alley. It didn’t look familiar, but it smelled right. As she walked over to a garbage can laying on it’s side, a human came out and picked it up. She was trapped!!

Alex had been checking out another garbage can and when he turned around, Amanda was gone! He was about to start yelling when he saw the human. For protection he darted behind some plastic bags. He had heard what humans do with kitties and he wanted nothing to do with them. He hadn’t actually seen any of the horror stories but why take chances?

“Meow! Meow!! (most humans don’t understand kitty language).

“How did you get in there? Here, I’ll let you go. If the boss saw me bring you in I’d be in big trouble. But, before I let you out, let me go get you something to eat. If I let you out first you’ll just run away.”

With that, he put the can down and left. Amanda was scared. What was this human planning on doing? She heard him say something but kitties don’t understand human language either.

What’s going to happen to me? Momma will never find me.”

As Amanda started to cry, the human reached in and picked her up. When he put her down, there was a big pile of cat food!! The human took the can and walked away. She was safe and now had food!! But where was Alex?

“Alex, where are you?”

“I’m here. I thought you were a goner! Wow!! Where did you get all this food?”

“The human gave it to me.”

Both kitties ate as much as they could then carried as much as they could to help them with the rest of their journey. As it turned out, it was a short trip. When Amanda and Alex rounded the corner and headed towards another alley that Amanda said smelled familiar, Alex caught a glimpse of another kitty coming down from the other end.

“Quick Amanda, over here. There’s another kitty coming.”

Amanda’s nose picked up a very familiar scent.

“Momma!!!! You came looking for me!!”

“Momma, I’d like you to meet Alex. He helped me find a lot of food.”

“Pleased to meet you. I can show you where there is a lot of food.”

“Ok, but let’s get Amanda back to her brothers and sisters.”

“Momma, I don’t want to go home. It’s time for me to be out on my own.”

She pleaded with momma and was told that she was right, but first she should go home and explain that she is ok. She let Alex come along. When they got home, all Amanda’s family started asking questions. She assured them that she was ok and introduced Alex to everyone.

After resting for a bit, Momma asked Alex about the food and he said he could take her to the place. From there, Amanda and him would take off on their great adventures.

Next week, Amanda’s adventures start.

Broken Rainbows

2007-12-30T07:48:00.000-05:00

Rainbows are, in many ways, special. Your personal rainbow can describe your life. when you are very happy, see the vibrant yellows and pastels? Sadness shows up in the blues. When upset or angry watch the reds sharpen. Your rainbow is the personal aura that surrounds you and is visible to others. Which color do you want them to see?

I have many online friends and I want my vibrant yellows to show through. This is easy since two of my friends, Billie Williams and Marvin Wilson have offered me the pleasure of visiting me on their respective blog tours. Come learn more about Billie's Small Town Secrets on January 7th, and learn more about Owen Fiddler, by Marvin Wilson on January 8th.

Rainbows are fragile, as the following story shows.

Ron

Broken Rainbows

It was a warm, sultry day. I stepped out on the porch to get the mail and it was so muggy I felt like jumping in the shower. It wasn’t real sunny because there were some dark and foreboding clouds on the horizon. I expected rain before long. I decided to get the dishes done and just relax until the storm hit. But what happened next was unprecedented. As I finished washing the bowls I reached over to get the plates to put them in the water when suddenly there was this tremendous THUD out in the street! I ran out to see if anyone was hurt because surely two cars decided to try and occupy the same space at the same time. But what I saw just does not happen all that often.

There was this huge dust cloud trying to settle. I stayed behind the door until it did. And that is when I saw it. There were pieces and shards of rainbows all over the place!! Now you have probably not seen too many rainbows in pieces, but every once in awhile, it happens. Next time you see those big rain clouds, look very closely and you’ll notice that there is a couple of odd shaped ones on the ends. These are the machines that assemble the rainbows. It takes a bit of work so that is why some of the lightening you see looks like it is staying in the clouds. That is the forge heating the special rivets.

But, on rare occasion, a cloud will have all the pieces of the rainbow and all the dust needed for a good storm, but the water isn’t there. You know how fickle those waterspouts are. They go on strike at a moments notice. They only have one job and that is to pull water from the lakes and river and put it in the clouds reservoir. But if some dumb fish gets in the way, they will refuse to get the needed water. Now most of this water comes from the great lakes and some of those fish there get downright stubborn and selfish (or is the shellfish). To make matters worse, there are other little beasties that like to mussel in, most notably the zebra mussels.

That is what happened on this particular day. The wind did its job of blowing a lot of dust and dirt up to the cloud. The rainbow makers came in and made the rainbow sections but before they could put it together they needed the rainbow assembly clouds and had to wait since they were being used elsewhere. The rain cloud was getting heavy and needed to have some water so it could rid itself of the dirt. Unfortunately, the wind was more efficient and put just a tad bit too much up there and the whole thing fell down and the rainbow pieces shattered.

I went out and gathered them up. I knew how to put them together but I had to first run over to the meteorological building to get the rainbow wrench. I went into the house and grabbed a sheet to cover the pieces so they wouldn’t blow away (they weigh nothing, really). It took longer than I expected because I got to the office right after the weatherman left for lunch. So I waited, impatiently, listening to the CD play rhythm of the rain repeatedly. Finally he made it. He dug out the wrench and tried to explain how to use it, but I already knew.

Let me stop here and give the instructions. A rainbow wrench is about a foot wide and a foot and a half long, made from a special plastic. There is a trough at the end where the two pieces of the rainbow sits. Below that are two lights, red and green. When the green light goes on, you take the special suction cup device attached by a line and place it across the two pieces and push a button. This sucks the two pieces together. You have to make sure you only do it when the light is green otherwise the whole rainbow will be lopsided.

The whole rainbow, when assembled only takes up about ten feet of space. Once assembled you have an hour to get it put into the pot of gold that holds it. When you do that, it goes ‘POOF’ and automatically disappears into the distance for everyone to enjoy. But remember; do not ever take any of the gold out of the pot because it is needed to hold the rainbow in place. It will also cause a very angry elf to show up on your doorstep! This guy has been known to turn every blade of grass into dandelions and crabgrass. But if you do it right and set the rainbow free, you get a very green lawn that is totally weed free.

tours coming up!!

2007-12-29T20:08:00.000-05:00

Watch this spot on January 7th for a visit with Billie Williams as we discuss her new book, Small Town Secrets, then make sure this site is bookmarked because on January 8th, we visit with Marvin Wilson and discuss his latest release, Owen Fiddler.

Critters in Paradise

2007-12-28T06:48:00.000-05:00

Critters in Paradise

Mama Kitty (she had a name, but had been mama for so long, she forgot it), didn’t want to get up. It didn’t take much to see that it had snowed really hard during the night. But, the steady meowing of her kittens told her it was time to scrounge up some food for them.

“I’m coming kids.”

As she woke up, her senses detected an odd aroma.

Catnip? Where did that come from?

Getting up, she looked around and almost collapsed! There were several dishes of food and half a dozen catnip filled toys. As she looked closer, she discovered more packets of food with a little card attached.

Compliments of Santa Kitty

“Kids, come here, hurry!”

They may have been kittens but it sounded like an army on the march! Food had been scarce lately so the little ones were hungry. But when they saw the bonanza, they stopped cold.

“Mamma, Where did you get all this?”

“I didn’t.”

Just then little sister winks found the catnip mice. But before they could start to play…

“Kids, get over here and eat. This isn’t a normal day so enjoy what bounty we have.”

Christmas does indeed come but once a year, but this year, even the animals were able to celebrate. On the back of the card, Santa Kitty wrote:

“This will be an annual event. Santa Claus has told me that no one can be left out.”

Mamma kitty wasn’t the only animal to discover that Santa Claus and his animal brethren were real. It was turning into a real white winter and the forest animals were having a hard time foraging for dinner.

“Momma, you stored a lot of nuts before winter, why not just go get some of them?”

“I would, but all this white stuff makes it very hard to see where I put them.”

It was a cold winter also. Even if she could have found her storage areas, it would have been difficult to recover. But then Mrs. Squirrel smelled something. She stepped into the other part of their home and was totally amazed. There were piles and piles of nuts and berries. As she started digging through the pile she knocked over something hard.

What’s this?

Scurrying around she found the card.

“Santa kitty”

She turned the card over.

“This is the first of many Christmas visits. I even left a small tool you can use to dig up your storage supply.”

Wow! A Santa just for us non-humans!!!

She rushed back to her sleepy kids to tell them of the surprise but she tripped over something. It was toys specially designed for baby squirrels.

This scene was repeated over and over with every animal in the world. All the furkids would usually get something from their human counterpart, but Santa always left a little something for them. This year and from now on, even the animals that lived outside had their own special Santa’s.

'Not' is a knotty word

2007-12-23T12:04:00.000-05:00

"Did you hear that G sharp in the third bar that I missed?"

Uh, no I didn't and most if not all, of the audience didn't 'not' hear it. But the pianist did. Now he'll practice over and over to ensure it is not missed again!

"Look at that! I did not get that leaf paited right.!"

Uh, looks fine to me. wonder if the artist will try to put a dab of green there to cover up something that only he/she see's.

"Finish that story/book, yet?"

No, but it will be. A writer, like a musician or artist, cannot 'not' write. Once a piece is started, it must, at all costs, be finished. The wastebasket may be overflowing but the story shall be written. That is the nature of the beast. Dishes may not get done for a few days. Meals may be a slice of bread and if the muse has taken a break there may even be two slices with something in the middle. The mind of an artist, audio, visual, or written, is a honeycomb of ideas, but each cell of that honeycomby must have something in it. Each cell must be completely full. No honeycomb is complete until all cells are completely full.

As a writer, I cannot 'not' write. when a story is started, it must be completed. I don't mean just throw some meaningless pile of letters in there. It has to fit, to make the story flow. One wrong word, one missed letter, will destroy the rhythm, the flow. I, like all the other true authors I know (Joyce, Janet, Billie, Barbara (Babs) Williamson-Wood, Pee Wee, Brenda, just to list the top six), have to have the complete picture. What happened? How did it turn out? Did they catch the villian? Did the audience laugh? Does the story work?

That is what an artist is, plain and simple!!

Ron

The rescue team

2007-12-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

The Rescue Team
By Ron Berry
The Rescue Team
By Ron Berry©
Dedication Page

This is the fourth Christmas story and I dedicate it to all my fans of offbeat humor.

The Rescue Team

Dawn beckoned bright and early. Ok, it was noon, but what is time to an out of work beaver?
Carson (he’s the beaver we’re talking about), realized his bank account was running a bit low.
He still had a few sales from his stockpile but most of the animals in his neck of the woods weren’t doing much construction due to the inclement weather.

He staggered out of bed. He didn’t dare hop out because he could go through the floor and this was not a good time to get wet because all of his towels were still in the dryer.

After a hearty breakfast, he wandered into the den.

Time to check email, I guess.

There were the usual ‘enlarge your tail’ and ‘for sharper teeth’ types of junk mail. After cleaning those out, he checked to see if Maxine, his girlfriend had written yet. As he scrolled down he noticed one that looked interesting.

Probably more spam, but might as well find out.

“Help desperately needed” was all the subject said. To make it seem more like spam, the sender was “elves unlimited”. He opened it and hoped it wasn’t some virus carrier.

Wow! This seems like the real thing!

He replied by asking for more details. As he hit the reply button he realized it had come from his aha group (animals helping animals). It must have just come through since there were no other replies to it yet. His answer was quick in coming. Santa Claus was in trouble!!

Usually getting supplies wasn’t a problem. One of the elves would just hitch up the team and fly to wherever the needed materials happened to be. But this year, Santa had tried a new brand of ice creator.

Ok, for those of you that are not aware of this, Santa’s sleigh needs a good run of ice to take off properly. Most everyone is familiar with ice melt, used to get rid of the stuff, but this is an exception. Santa’s usual supplier had reformulated his ice maker crystals. They tested it and it made the ice super slick. But what they didn’t realize was that it also did a number to the runners on the sleigh. In other words, Santa had a flat tire! Actually he had five flat tires! Both runners on the sleigh were bad and the spares were also since they had been sitting on the surface and not hung up like they should be!

It sounds like a simple problem, except for a couple of minor details. First, UPS can’t deliver packages of this size. Second, no human other than a select and limited number of UPS drivers even know where the workshop is! Adding insult to injury, only a special type of wood can be used, and no human outside of the North Pole knows what it is.
There is, however, some good news. All the world’s animals know how to get to the North Pole. Many of the forest animals knew what wood was needed. Carson offered his help. Then he checked his stockpile to see if he had any of the proper material. He didn’t! He knew that his vacation cabin was made out of the correct wood, but the pieces were too small. He decided to put out a call to all the beavers.
Carson headed to the top of his house where the call log was located. To make sure he made a good clean call, he brushed his tail, then situated the log into just the right position.

Slap, Slap, Slap.
What sounds like noise to us is in reality, a beaver’s SOS call. Each beaver has his own call sign and when the other beavers hear it, they know to contact Carson to see what the problem is. Back in his den, the phone lights up. It only takes three calls because they have a special network arrangement. Within fifteen minutes, every beaver in the forest knows what the problem is and how to solve it.

While the beaver clan was gathering wood, Carson got back on the net. (they use wireless connections. Not good to have a lot of high tech stuff sitting in the middle of a lake. As for the electrical power, beavers conceal solar powered generators on top of their homes.) He sent word to the elves that supplies were being piled up as this was being written.

“We’ll send a couple of workers down with Rudolph and Donner. They can bundle it up and fly it back here. Thank you for your help.”

In the time it took to make a cup of coffee, the elves were at the door. Carson invited them in for some hot chocolate and his special homemade cookies. Being a forest animal, Carson knew where to get all the best ingredients. Let me let you readers in on a small secret. There are mice in most company warehouses. Every one knows that. But what most folks don’t know is that they stock up on products and deliver them to the grocery stores hidden in the forests. That way the animals can get the groceries they need.
It didn’t take long for the beavers to gather up the wood. Nor did it take long for the elves to get it bundled up and ready to go. They said their good-byes and headed off to Santa’s workshop. They didn’t have much time before the big man had to make his famous trip. So in an elvian flash, the maintenance crew fashioned new runners and made several spares. These were hung up this time. While they were waiting for the beavers, most of the crew in the garage as well as every other available elf, cleaned up the bad ice and replaced it with new. The ice maker supplier had sent the last of the old mixture and promised to make more.
Santa instructed the elves to create something special for the beavers. They deserved it for all their extra work this year.

The time to HELP is now!

2007-12-16T04:48:00.000-05:00

The temperature is falling below zero more days than not. How many people are out in it? I don't mean out shopping, or going to work. I mean how many are out in it, trying to stay warm with no home? How many are scrounging garbage cans for a scrap to eat? If there is one, that is too many! North Dakota is America's ice berg. It's the season of giving. Go to: http://missionsocorro.tripod.com

Why? Because it is the right thing to do. Mission Socorro is like no other charity. Every penny they get goes to help someone. Janet and Ivan Smith founded Mission Socorro on a dime, then gave that dime to the first needy person that showed up. Who are these people? The Smith's are the most generous, kind-hearted people you would ever want to meet. http://missionsocorro.tripod.com was founded by them to help those that need it most and right now, they need help. It is cold, it is the holiday of giving, so give!!

If you can read this, you have a home and a computer. Take the dollar you were about to spend on a cup of coffee and let Janet and Ivan use it to feed someone who doesn't have a home. There are many charities out there, but this one is different, very different. No one who works there gets any compensation, financially. But the satisfaction of seeing a walking icicle transform into a human is beyond words.

http://missionsocorro.tripod.com is in North Dakota. It is a treeless, land of ice as I write this. There is work in the fields in the summer, but in the winter there are no fields to be seen. There are acre after acre of ice however.

Ok, you don't live in the north. I agree with you there are people in need everywhere. Then help someone nearby. What? you don't have a dollar to spare? I can actually understand that. But, you can help in other ways. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Offer to drive your elderly neighbor to the store, or better yet, you do the shopping and let her/him stay inside where it is warm.

The bottom line here, don't just sit there, get out and help someone!!! Oh, there is one other way you can help. Copy the URL of this blog and pass it on to everyone in your address book! I thank you for your support and http://missionsocorro.tripod.com thanks you. More important, every person who is given even a wee bit of help thanks you.

It's a classic!

2007-12-15T01:08:00.000-05:00

We went to see this group of performers tonight. Let's see, oh yeah, it were ballot, no, ballat, no, ballet!

There was this guy in 19th century Russia that wrote music for swans and peanut breakers. No, wait, not peanut breakers, nut things.

Ok, to get a bit serious now. Tchaikovsky happens to be one of my favorite composers. I also happen to love ballet. We were given tickets to the performance tonight. This was actually their dress rehearsal, but the price was right. Not one thing to regret about this performance!

The Lake Erie Ballet has been putting this on for the past 49 years. It was a fantastic way to use our family time. The movie is good, but to see the Nutcracker performed live just cannot be beat! The only entertainment that is better is a good symphony and if it is a night of Tchaikovsky, it is doubly good.

Granted a few slips were made, but that is what rehearsal is all about. For those that have never seen a ballet, The Nutcracker is a good one to start with. A note for all those macho types out there, this is not a bunch of sissy guys running around in tights. If you think you're strong, try picking up someone else and make it look like she is as light as a feather.

This was a wonderful performance and we all enjoyed it totally.

It's what's on the inside that counts

2007-12-13T21:46:00.000-05:00

It’s what’s on the inside that counts

The title is a Peter, Paul and Mary tune. The action, however, happens someplace else. How often have you heard that it’s not what is on the outside that counts, but it is what is inside that is the heart of the matter. Look at your family, your friends, your enemies. Are they ugly on the outside but have a strong, warm heart that drives them? How about the Strong, dark, handsome man that just went to prison because inside was the opposite of the outer? We can see this, in people. Now, let’s extend that principal.

I went to a cabaret tonight. Ok, that isn’t what it was called, but it was, after a fashion. I saw talent that was smokin’! It opened with an exercise routine. The ones on stage were getting not only themselves warmed up, but they were warming up the audience for what was to follow.

There were soloist’s, duet’s, quartet’s, and even poetry readings. I heard some amazing vocals. All I could mutter was wow!! The drums of Africa were heard. These were folk tunes from a distant continent.

On stage sat four violinists. Jack Benny would have been proud. So would Itzak Perlman. I don’t care if the name is spelled right because I am paying homage not to him, but to the four on stage. Then the stage was bare, but off to the left, a lone piano was sounding. Only a couple of selections were heard from this lone upright, but what pieces!

Up on stage, four were standing. Only one spoke. She told us her thoughts. Standing taller than the rest, one lone writer held the paper in which he was the featured writer. This was followed by poetry, flutes, modern dance and concluded with the choir.

There is one thing I failed to mention. Every one of these performers were under the age of sixteen. Every one of them came from the inner city. This is what can be done when people care enough to give of their time. This is where the hidden talent lay.

The sole writer? Shane Foster, son of Joyce Anthony, a superb writer herself.

For the holidays

2007-12-11T14:50:00.000-05:00

It's not too late to order your beaded jewelry! I have all my styles listed at:
http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/surrealstormcreations/

Short form:

surrealstormcreations.hereweb.com

Get your order in early. Custom creations take up to two days to make!

I am now offering a 10% discount to all who order before Christmas!!

and your opinion is?

2007-12-05T00:55:00.001-05:00

I did not write this, but I feel it worthy of passing on.

Ron

THE LAW IS THE LAW!> >>> I really love this one.> >>> This is one of the better e-mails I have received in a long> >>>time! I hope this makes its way around the USA several times over!!!!!> >>> So Be It!> >>>> >>> THE LAW IS THE LAW> >>>> >>> So if the US government determines that it is against thelaw> >>>for the words 'under God' to be on our money, then,> >>> so be it.> >>>> >>> And if that same government decides that the 'Ten> >>>Commandments'> >>> are not to be used in or on a government installation, then,> >>>so be it.> >>>> >>> I say, 'so be it,' because I would like to be a law abidingUS> >>>citizen.> >>>> >>> I say, 'so be it,' because I would like to think thatsmarter> >>>people than I are in positions to make good decisions.> >>>> >>> I would like to think that those people have the American> >>>public's best interests at heart.> >>> BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE?> >>>> >>> Since we can't pray to God, can't Trust in God and cannotpost> >>>His Commandments in Government buildings, I don't believe theGovernment> >>>and its employees should participate in the Easter and Christmas> >>>celebrations which honor the God that our government is eliminatingfrom> >>>many facets of American life.> >>>> >>> I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday,> >>>Thanksgiving & Easter. After all, it's just another day.> >>>> >>> I'd like the ' US Supreme Court to be in session onChristmas,> >>>Good Friday, Thanksgiving & Easter as well as Sundays.' After all, it's> >>>just another day.> >>>> >>> I'd like the Senate and the House of Representatives to not> >>>have to worry about getting home for the 'Christmas Break.' After all> >>>it's just another day.> >>>> >>> I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could besaved,> >>>if all government offices & services would work on Christmas, GoodFriday> >>>& Easter. It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be just like> >>>any other day of the week to a government that is trying to be> >>>'politically correct.'> >>> In fact....> >>>> >>> I think that our government should work on Sundays(initially> >>>set aside for worshipping God...) because, after all, our governmentsays> >>>that it should be just another day....> >>> What do you all think????> >>>> >>> If this idea gets to enough people, maybe our elected> >>>officials will stop giving in to the 'minority opinions' and begin,once> >>>again, to represent the 'majority' of ALL of the American people.> >>> SO BE IT...........> >>>> >>> Please Dear Lord,> >>> Give us the help needed to keep you in our country!> >>> 'Amen' and 'Amen'> >>> Touche!> >>>> >>> These are definitely things I never thought about but fromnow> >>>on, I will be sure to question those in government who support these> >>>changes.> >>>> >>> At the top, it says 'I hope this makes its way around theUSA> >>>several times over!!!!!'> >>> Let's see that it does.> >>>> >>>

Reflection

2007-12-04T09:52:00.000-05:00

Christmas is here. So, what does that really mean?

Is it gimme gimme all the toys and things we really want?
Is it Here these THINGS are for you?

NO!!! That is the commercialized version.

Is it a birthday? No, not really although we celebrate it as such.

So what is Christmas really?

It is the proverbial yearly kick in the butt to tell us to treat others more kindly. It is our yearly reminder to seek peace on earth. For one day a year, people know kindness. By the end of the second football game, we seem to slip back to our old habits of forgetting the homeless. Why give money to the poor? It's enough to get another six pack. Why help others? Where were they when I got picked up for DUI?

Christmas is the day to reflect and remind us that we should celebrate the tenets of the holiday every day of the year. We need to feed the hungry, clothe and house the homeless, pay homage to the vets, love our family and friends, and treat everyone with respect.

Why?

Because there but for the grace of God, go we.

Ron

Hoppin' Snowshoes, Santa!!

2007-12-02T11:35:00.000-05:00

Winter is coming! I'm hearing the words about the snow. But, I'm hearing it from people sitting inside a warm home. If you want to feel even warmer, grab your copy of A Lumberjack Christmas Revisited by Janet Elaine Smith.

Compared to Sawbill Landing, you are in the tropics!! I don't care if you live in International Falls, your place is warmer than in the logging camp!

What!!?? You don't have a copy of A Lumberjack Christmas? Get it! It's too cold to go out? That is not an excuse, go to Amazon.com. Tell everyone you want an early Christmas present. Ask for all 17 of Janet's books.

You've read my post about gunpowder. We are living in a world lost to us. Let's bring back reality. Start with ordering a copy of Joyce A. Anthony's book Storm. Read it, then you tell me if it is fiction or true. Let me rephrase that. I actually dare you to read it and tell me it isn't the future!!

Ron

Et Tu Fruitcake

2007-11-30T08:47:00.000-05:00

Caught your attention? Good! Because what I have to say is very important!

Ok, So it's only important to my bank account, but still...

You've read my previous post.

What!!!!????? You haven't??? Stop reading this and scroll down to what I said yesterday!!

Done? Ok, you've bought all the books now right? You've made some authors very happy. Now it's my turn. Let's get on with todays post.

Ok, I understand. You went in, bought all the books and broke your computer, right? Well, you've come to the right place. Check out: http://lowcostcomputerhelp.tripod.com
My prices are better than the geek squad and you don't have to go out and freeze your santa hat off! You can just fix most problems online, I don't care how little you know about a computer. If you can read this, you can fix it, with a bit of help from: http://lowcostcomputerhelp.tripod.com

Ok, that's fixed. Now let's put some beauty in your life. http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com
That, my friend is your source for the most unique jewelry on the net!! Tell me your favorite colors and I'll custom make one. These pieces are not 'ordered', they are 'commissioned'. So when your friends, family and neighbors see it, you can brag that you commissioned the design and construction of your latest necklace! Just send them to: http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com

Awww, I understand. You're having a bad day. Go to: http://insannity-inc.tripod.com for your laugh for the day. Click on the link whosonfirst, to learn about the baseball team. It takes time to load, so be patient. I will even write short humorous stories on commision. http://insannity-inc.tripod.com

SALE!!! SALE!!!! I have a pdf called Christmas's Near Miss for sale for $1.00. This is a great tale for the entire family. See how Santa loses then saves the day with help from someone very special. Just put a dollar in my paypal account: rainbow@velocity.net and send me an email with the email address to send the file. You'll love it!

I also have a site for critters that have crossed the rainbow bridge. Send me a pic and bit of history and I'll add yours. http://furfamilyforever.tripod.com

This site costs nothing, asks nothing but could save a loved one, a friend or a family.
http://wings4help.tripod.com

Missed one of my sites? They are altogether here. http://here-it-is.tripod.com/

Visit all, buy often!!!

Thank you

Christmas Specials!!

2007-11-29T10:46:00.000-05:00

Let me say up front that what I am about to show you may or may not be on sale. But, each and every one of these is a must for your Christmas list!! I'll start with giving you a place to check them out.
http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/

Having said that, let me give you a rundown of what you will find on that site. On top is Joyce Anthony. Her book, Storm, will keep you riveted to your seat. Is it a true story? You tell me. Check it out at: http://joyceanthony.tripod.com
She also has a blog that can't be beat! Think you're good enough to get an interview posted? Check her blog, then contact her.
http://joyceanthony.tripod.com/blog

I'm not going to list all of Janet's books, You'll see them on my review site, http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/. But I guarantee each and every one of these books is a fantastic read. Want time travel? She has it. Want to visit Scotland? Her Keith trilogy will take you there. Ever been to Argentina? Pampas will leave you with a desire to visit. Remember the Civil War? You ain't seen history like Phebe has! How about a good mystery? Those are there also. You liked Charles Dickens Christmas Carol? That will be in third place after you read A Christmas Dream and A lumberjack Christmas. Pick up a glass of water and sit back and relive the flood of North Dakota as seen through the eyes of those who were there. If any of these interest you, check them out on my review site, http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/. You can check out the Amazing Janet Elaine Smith at:
http://www.janetelainesmith.com
http://janetesmithstarbooks.tripod.com
http://characters-welcome-websites.tripod.com
http://meetmondayknight.tripod.com
http://crumbycapers.tripod.com

Like a good contemporary mystery? Read Inner Trappings by Barbara Williamson-Wood. Her reviews are also on my site. This young lady is a writers writer. She has been the inspiration for many that have followed her. Stop by Amazon.com and pick up your copies of her books today. These are great reads for those long, cold nights.

How were your high school years? Feel like reliving them? Feel the romance and the tensions of the teenage years all over again with Joyce Scarborough's True Blue Forever and Different Roads. Again, check my review site for more information or visit Joyce's sites:
http://www.authorsden.com/joycelscarbrough1 Joyce's Blog: http://joycescarbrough.blogspot.com

The best books on the market come from Star Publishing. That's because the owner, Krisitie Maguire won't publish just anything. If it is not top quality, it doesn't make it at Star. She is also a first rate author. Learn more about her at starpublish.com or visit http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/.

Historical fiction that is accurate is hard to do. It's even harder when the perspective is absolutely not what you would expect! Peggy Bell has put a twist on the Civil War with Fixin' Things. Visit her website at: http://peggyullmanbell.com and check out her ancient history books.

It's winter time!! Let's warm up by taking a trip to Texas and see how the Ocotillo blooms. Linde LaRoque takes us down the dusty roads to a ranch unlike any you have ever seen! Visit my review site for more insight into How the Ocotillo Blooms. http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/.

Remember World War II? Anita Bloom Ornoff does. She went Beyond Dancing in her memories. Visit http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/ to read just how far beyone dancing she went. Learn what the WAAC was really like. We were fighting against discrimination overseas, but look how much we had here at home!!

Speaking of romance, stop over to West Virginia and visit The Kahills of Willow Walk by Sylvia K.Hamilton. This girl puts you in the mood to start wearing designer clothes! Check the review on http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/ and also visit her sites: http://willow-walk.tripod.com www.skhamilton.com

Sherlock Holmes was a good detcctive and his biographer, Doctor Watson was good. But they don't hold a candle to Billie Williams! By the time you figure out who the bad guy is, you've finished the book! Don't worry, go to Amazon.com and order more. This girl puts the dagger in cloak and dagger. Read what her book is all about on the review site, http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/

The Perfect Candidate isn't a book, yet, but it should be!! Tricia Ballad knows how to tie romance and office politics together. Check her out, this is one great read!

Now we are down to the point of reality. Do you trust your doctor? Your pharmacist? How sure are you that someone in your family or your friends are not hooked on one of the most lethal drugs available. Fatal Addiction will open your eyes and scare the pants off of you. But it is a most important read. Stop by the review site http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/ for more information.

Romance is in the air. No, wait, that's marijuana. That's where it started, but where it ended up was much worse! Marvin Wilson explains how easy it is to go from bad to much worse, in I Romanced the Stone! Check out this: www.rockofallages.com. If you believe that one taste won't hurt, Read I Romanced the Stone, or Fatal Addiction.

Wake up and smell the gunpowder

2007-11-27T07:36:00.000-05:00

Madeline Ohare is gone. Gather up your friends, neighbors, any and everyone you can get, and get a petition started to get prayers back in school. No, praying for students in not mandatory, but by gosh it should sure be available without some idiot saying they are wrong!!! While you are out campaigning for this, add it is time to take back our kids!

We have been so protective of kids that disipline is totally gone. Look wrong at a child and your ass is in the local lockup. The kids know this and use it to their advantage. So much so that we've had Columbine, and how many other school shootings? We as parents are the minority, the oppressed ones.

By constitutional law we are allowed to have guns. That does not give our undisiplined offspring the right to settle their disputes with them. We live in a materialistic world. It's gimme gimme all over the stores. What happened to family values?

Will putting God back in school solve this? No, but it is a start. Revisit the laws of abuse and get realistic. Yes, there is a lot of it, but look who does most of it. We have had generations of overprotected kids to the point that parents really have no control. The kid wants, the kid gets. This is flat out wrong!

We are adults. Let's act like it! We need a return to good manners, respect, and some form of belief in a higher power. We are now living in a nation of anarchy. Wake up people, smell the gunpowder!!!

It's Christmas gift time

2007-11-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

It's time to start that great holiday tradition of buying gifts for your loved ones. What greater gift can there be besides a custom ordered beaded necklace?
http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com

I make these and the proceeds are used so I can buy my family gifts. This is my income, the kids need shoes, check out:
http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com

Ok, so it won't be shoes, but a tree with nothing under it is the saddest sight in the world. Please stop by
http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com
and order yours today. My family will be forever grateful. I can make necklaces to order (withing obvious limits).

http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com

Thank you

Ron

Lovely hands

2007-11-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

Abuse, in any form is unacceptable!! The following is from Karina Fabian. There will be a copy also on the wings website: http://wings4help.tripod.com

Please take the time to read and visit wings4help.

Thank you

ron

Lovely Hands
by
Karina L. Fabian

SLAP!
“Shut up! Will you just shut up?!”
I could hear myself shouting, could feel the sting as I slapped my 3-year old again and again, yet somehow, it didn’t register that it was me. All that registered was a blinding rage. Why couldn’t he just cooperate? Just once! When I have so much to do and no help, not from anyone, not from him, not from my husband. For better or worse? Or was it better or work? Barry can’t come home at a reasonable hour, no, and he is no help, no help and neither is Tony and all I want to do is get these groceries bought and get home. Why can’t he cooperate? Why can’t he just help? Why? Why can’t Tony just sit still in the cart, just quiet? Just once?!
“Stop whining! Just shut up!”
I raised my hand again. Someone grabbed it. I stopped mid-sentence, mid-rage. Anger had given me tunnel vision. I didn’t see my son. I didn’t see the other shoppers. All I saw was my hand being held by a man with blue-blue eyes.
“I couldn’t help noticing what lovely hands you have.”
“What?” Was he nuts? I tried to pull out of his grasp, but he held me firmly--yet somehow gently, too. All I could do was stare as he turned my hand over in his.
“Yes,” he murmured, “such lovely hands. Hands for nurturing a child, not hurting him.” And his eyes pleaded with mine.
I didn’t know what to say. I had to get out of there, away from those eyes... I scooped up Tony and fled, pushing past the crowd that had gathered, trying not to feel their hawk-eyes on me, hooded, judging. Pleading. I had to escape those pleading blue eyes.
Tony’s cries were whimpers by the time I’d packed him into his carseat and climbed behind the wheel. I tried to wipe his nose with a tissue. He flinched.
I wanted to hold him. I wanted to cry. I couldn’t move.
“I’m sorry, baby,” I finally whispered and started the car.
At the stoplight, I looked at my hands, forcing them to unclench the steering wheel. Lovely? Nurturing? He was crazy. They’re veined and too thin. The knuckles stick out. The polish was too bight, just like Mom’s. Bright red.
Blood red.
When I think of Mom, I always remember her hands, how they could punch yarn to make a rug with such precision. How they found the smooth of my cheek with equal precision. What was it Mom always said? Don’t need a rod; the back of my hand’ll do just fine. Suddenly, I could hear her voice. Just shut up! Stop your whining! I could see the rage twist her face, her hand raised, those blood-red nails.
I wanted to be good, but by then, it was too late.
Those nails, bright red.
Blood red--
HONK! The blaring of a horn jerked me out of my dark reverie. The man behind me had his window down and was leaning out of it yelling and shaking his fist.
“Hey, lady! Wake up!”
The light was green. Shaken, I raised my hand to flip him off--
--“Such lovely hands...”--
--but gave him an embarrassed wave instead.
Tony’s sniffles had turned to snores by the time we got home. I carried him carefully upstairs and laid him on his bed. He let out a shaky sigh.
My poor, sweet baby.
I caressed his hair, soft and cut short for the summer. It seemed like forever since I’d just caressed him. When he was an infant, I used to sit with him for hours, just rocking him and stroking his peach-fuzz head. I used to sit by his cradle at night, listening to him breathe, so afraid that something would happen. Those first steps; I set pillows around the coffee table because I didn't want him to hurt his little face. He’s only 3. Was it really so long ago?
I caressed his cheek. There were no red marks. This time. I remembered my own childhood--the excuses, the sweaters in the summertime.
An old lullaby drifted in my head
Where they can be petted
And polished and fed
And carefully kissed---[1]
Again, I saw those blue-blue eyes from the store. “Hands for nurturing a child, not hurting him. Such lovely hands.”
Were my hands ever lovely? Barry used to think so. The first time he’d come to our house and seen the piano, he’d begged me to play.
“I’m not very good,” I’d demurred, shyly, when my mother cut me off.
“We stopped her lessons ages ago. She wouldn’t practice so why put out good money?” she’d said, and I couldn’t argue. I’d hated scales and exercises my teacher forced up on me each week, and whenever I’d gone to the piano just to play, picking through a song of my choosing, my mother would yell at me to stop making noise and just practice. I had defied her once. She’d slammed the keyboard shut, just missing my fingers.
“I don’t play,” I’d told Barry. “I just made noise.”
On our first anniversary, he’d surprised me with a used upright he found in the classifieds--and lessons. “You have such strong beautiful hands,” he’d said. “I’m sure you can make beautiful music. I’m betting you just needed to be older and maybe have a more patient teacher. Maybe, when we have kids, you can teach them.”
Today, as I was trying to clean the kitchen from the dishes Barry left--he’s supposed to put them in the dishwasher! It takes 5 minutes if it’s done right away!--and wipe up the mess of oatmeal and jelly Tony left on the wall, Tony had wandered into the living room and plunked himself at the piano. And I ran over and slammed the keyboard shut just as his jellied hands went for the keys. Had I even thought I might catch his little fingers in the process?
I clenched my hands into a fist, pressed them to my lips to keep from sobbing aloud. I could feel the design of the mother’s ring digging into my lower lip. Barry had given it to me the day Tony was born. “You’re going to be such a great mom,” he’d whispered as he kissed first me, then Tony. I pressed harder.
Spare the rod... Don’t need a rod when my hand’ll do...Hands for nurturing... Such lovely hands...A more patient teacher…
How long I sat there, I don’t know. When I could get up, my knees felt stiff and wobbly and I had to hold tightly to the banister as I went downstairs. I looked at the piano, jelly on the bench form where he’d climbed up. I tried to imagine him there (clean handed) banging away at the keys, smiling beatifically. Then later, older, working through a song his face furrowed in concentration. Me next to him, guiding him gently with lovely hands.
God, I wanted that.
I sat down for a moment, getting jelly on my jeans and indulging in the sweetness of that dream. I was not my mother. I never wanted to be like her.
I didn’t have to be like her, but I knew now I couldn’t change myself. Not alone. I needed another teacher.
I rose from the piano, heaved a deep, cleansing sigh and headed to the study. My hands trembled as I flipped through the phone book, found the number and dialed.
When the lady answered, I could no longer hold back my tears.
“Yes, I... I want to stop hurting my baby.”

In 2002, an estimated 896,000 children suffered abuse or neglect at the hand of their caregivers, according to the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect. A 1987 study predicted that one third of people abused as children become abusers themselves. Research also shows that parents can break the cycle with help. If you find yourself part of this cycle, get help. Look for local support groups in the Yellow Pages under Abuse or call Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453.
[1] From “If Babies Were Birdies” by Janeen Brady (@1988 Janeen Brady, Brite Music)
reprinted with permission

Here it is, at last!!

2007-11-20T08:26:00.000-05:00

Finally, a one stop place to do all your Christmas shopping! It's a simple site, but the links take you into some of the best worlds available! There are links to the most fantastic books by the greatest of authors. No, there's no Stephen King or danielle Steele. Anybody can get those at Walmart. The authors on this site are the elite, the cream of the crop. There are books here that belong in every library at home.
http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
Check out Joyce Anthony's Storm - This book will keep you glued to your seat and when you finish it, wonder if it is a story, or a prediction.
http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
Christmas is here. Pick up A Christmas Dream or A lumberjack Christmas by Janet Elaine Smith. She is the modern day Charles Dickens. After reading just one of her titles, you'll want all 17 books she's written.
http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
Like a good mystery? Check out Barbara Williamson-Wood. Read this one with the lights on.
For a good murder mystery, read Billie Williams
http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
How about a family drama? S. K. Hamilton will treat you to the adventures of the Kahill clan. The Walton's can't hold a candle to them.
http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
Remember your high school years? Check out Joyce Scarborough. She will take you back to both the good and rough memories.
http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
Ready for just plain romance? Check out Kristie Leigh MaGuire.
It's winter, check out this hot Texas writer, Linda LaRoque
How about office romance's? Read Tricia Ballads books
Want some interesting history?
Check Peggy Bell's books.
How about something to do with overcoming adversity?
You'll love Anita Bloom Ornoff

http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
Want to really surprise that little woman in your life? Or even that manly man. Check out the boutique.
http://here-it-is.tripod.com/
You are having computer problems? I can fix that!

http://here-it-is.tripod.com/

Christmas is coming

2007-11-12T08:15:00.000-05:00

Christmas is almost here. Now is the time to order your custom jewelry, special story, or get your computer ready for all those incoming cards, letters and family photos.

Visit:

http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com
http://insannity-inc.tripod.com
http://lowcostcomputerhelp.tripod.com

Ron

writing is easy

2007-10-28T02:53:00.000-04:00

Writing is easy. Ask anyone who visits a bookstore. In fact, it’s so easy that many people think they can do it better. How hard can it be? You sit down at a computer and just type away. No boss telling you what to do. If you want a drink or a break, you take one. You don’t even have to worry if things are spelled correctly because you have spell check. Then you send it to an agent who makes sure the book gets printed and into the stores. In the meantime you’re living easy on the advance check. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the money to roll in. Yep, writing is easy.

Now, let’s talk to a writer. The writing of the book is the easy and fun part. Then you have to either edit it yourself or pay someone to do it because spell check doesn’t catch it all and grammar is even harder to catch. Then you have to send off dozens of query letters to agents to find one that may look at your manuscript. Advance? Hah! Only the big name writers get that. All too often a writer either gives up, or goes POD, or Print On Demand. This is the latest in self-publishing. This ends the easy part of a writer’s life. Now it’s time to start promoting. Yes, the author does the promoting. If you are very lucky you may find an agent or publishing house that will do this legwork, but it’s doubtful.

You buy or make business cards. You develop a website and/or blog. You put a signature line on email. You make brochures and pass them out along with your business card to everyone you see. You may even have to call the bookstores yourself.

This is not a 9 to 5 job. You spend as much time as you can doing the promotion. Only office people get to be fortunate to have forty-hour weeks. When you’re not promoting, you are off doing the article writing or whatever writing jobs you can find, just to earn a living. As for the royalty checks, well, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones that earns a three figure check twice a year.

Christmas is coming

2007-10-27T07:21:00.000-04:00

Get your unique beaded jewelry at: http://berryssurrealboutique.tripod.com. For all those readers in the famiy, check out http://berrysreviews.tripod.com/ for some of the best books on the market.

Joyce A. Anthony 'Storm'
Janet Elaine Smith 17 titles to choose from, all are great
Barbara Williamson-Wood 'Inner Trappings', 'Through my eyes'
Joyce Scarborough 'Different Roads', 'True Blue Forever'
Peggy Ullman Bell 'Fixin' Things'
Linda LaRoque 'When the Ocotillo Blooms'
Anita Bloom Ornoff 'Beyond Dancing'
Sylvia K. Hamilton 'The Kahills of Willow Walk'

Hurry while supplies last. These will go fast.

Ron

My long, strange road to becoming a published novelist (Part VI)—By Mark Terence Chapman

2007-10-23T20:20:00.000-04:00

My long, strange road to becoming a published novelist (Part VI)—Ron Berry
By Mark Terence Chapman

(This entry is a continuation of one on author Karina Fabian’s blog. Click here to return to Part V.)

Finishing the story was only the beginning. I edited and polished and fleshed out that manuscript through ten drafts, each one presumably better than the last, for the next four years, lengthening the story to as much as 109,000 words before eventually stripping out a few large chunks that I felt slowed the pace of the story too much. The final result, tentatively titled Tesserene, was 102,000 words long.

Between drafts, I decided to work on a second novel, a sort of prequel to the first. (“Sort of” in the sense that it was set in the same fictional universe, nine years earlier, but with different characters.) So, in 2004, I wrote Lichen or Not (working title), about a naïve youth, fresh out of college, going to Mars for his first job as a geologist. Because of my experience in writing Tesserene and the drafts that followed, the first draft of Lichen started out in much better shape (about equivalent in quality to the 4th or 5th draft of Tesserene).

For the rest of 2004 and into 2005, I continued to edit and polish both Tesserene and Lichen. Then I had an idea for a third book in the series that would tie together the characters and events of the first two, to make them a true trilogy, rather than stand-alone books. So I began work on Reunion (set five years after Tesserene). After nearly 50,000 words, it dawned on me that it probably didn’t make sense to write a third book in a series until I sold at least one of the first two. I stopped writing and continued editing/polishing the first two books. I also wrote a second children’s picture book, called Marvin the Marvelous Mole Man, about a boy who is self-conscious about the mole on the end of his nose.

(During this time, an editor who’d stumbled across my old OS/2 book contacted me about ghost-writing some chapters of a book he was compiling about IBM server technology. I agreed and ended up writing Chapters 2, 4, and 7 of Exploring IBM Server & Storage Technology, 6th Edition, from Maximum Press.)

In 2006, I started work on my next book. This book is a great example of how inspiration can strike at the oddest times, and in the strangest ways. To find out how one word inspired a novel, click here to read the next segment of the story, on author KS Augustin’s blog.

The reason we age

2007-09-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

We are always hearing about the age of reason, but no one mentions the reason of age. Granted that we have little choice in growing old, but is that all we do, or really want to do? Do we really ‘dumb down’ as we approach our more senior years? Let’s walk through this process a bit. See how much of yourself is reflected here.

As we exit our primary years of school we decide that is enough late night cramming. It’s time to turn all that knowledge into a paycheck. For some it works, but all too often the reality of life puts a brick in our shorts and shows us just how little we truly have learned. Tis a painful lesson but it becomes all too apparent that we really do need to spend more late nights cramming more useless information into an already full head. Where will it all go? It’s obvious that we have to take from two to twelve, or more years of our lives to cram more useless facts in so that we can spend the rest of our lives using a fraction of this information to earn a decent paycheck.

Guess what? Those two to twelve plus years are not the end of it! You spend the rest of your life learning. This is commonly referred to as the school of hard knocks and your education here is the most critical and the most amazing. Let’s jump ahead to your mid twenties and see what’s changed.

If you are the average American college student, you have learned how to party. You may have even learned a few shortcuts to getting class work done. But, outside of class I imagine you’ve learned much more than you realized. It is cheaper to buy frozen pizza instead of having them delivered all the time. Gas is expensive, but walking is cheap. You’ve learned practical instead of extravagant. These are important lessons that will carry you through the rest of your life. However, as your income grows, your memory of these early lessons decrease.

You made it! You graduated and now you’re an engineer (lawyer, doctor, whatever). You’ve even found a job. The money bucket is overflowing! The first thing that typically happens is the lessons of practicality disappear. Even the first bill for student aid loans doesn’t throw you. You are on your way to middle and upper class! It’s time to look for a mate (although many find these as part of the college program. It’s called love and marriage 101. No books required but they should be. This new education soon coins another set of lessons for which an entire set of books has been written and none of them are right. It’s called children. You learn by doing.) Let’s skip ahead a bit; in fact, we’ll go all the way to ‘middle age’. You’ve turned 45.

Your first marriage didn’t work out? Aww, that’s too bad, but that’s life. You’ve paid off most of your school loans but now you have alimony and child support? Or maybe you’re the one getting the alimony and child support in which case it’s never enough. It’s time to revisit the frugality lessons again. I can buy x number of boxes of mac and cheese with this much money if I put the phone bill off for just one more week. Do you buy your groceries late at night so no one sees you stocking up on macaroni and cheese and frozen pizzas? How often do you look at your co-workers and wonder how many are in the same boat? You’ve learned the reality of life. One more stop on our trip through life.

Retirement is just around the corner. You finally paid the last of the child support and the ex remarried so the alimony stops. From the other side, no more payments coming in, but that’s ok, your job pays well now. It’s time to see what lessons have been learned throughout this journey.

You’ve had kids and grandkids. Where did you get the most enjoyment? Did buying that new car make you happier than seeing the look on your child’s face when you went to his first band concert? Your living room now displays a wall-sized television. Which would you rather watch, that or your grandchildren getting covered in ice cream and cake on their faces, hands, and everywhere else. Did the money you earned buy you happiness or were the smiles of those around you more priceless? You can now answer all those questions you asked your parents and grandparents. How come the sky is blue and why are dandelions called weeds? These and the other questions of youth have two answers, the real one, and the grandparents one.

This is the reason we age.

Stop the Slaughter

2007-08-01T01:09:00.000-04:00

Stop the Slaughter

Returning home from a routine trip to the library on Friday, July 13, 2007. I found one of my beloved cats lying on the floor in a pool of blood, her tiny body wracked with convulsions. Checking on the others, I found two more unable to stand, their legs too shaky to hold their bodies, their bodies trembling fiercely.

Wrapping these three in towels, we headed for the Pet Emergency Hospital, where one of the first questions was whether I had recently given the cats a flea treatment—I had, that very afternoon. The next quest: “Was it Hartz?” Again, my answer was yes. This was my first year using this particular brand.

When I left the hospital that night, it was without my three cats. They were too far gone to make it through. I left with instructions to bathe the remaining four and watch them closely. I followed this. They were quiet and nervous that night. By the next morning, another cat was in full-blown seizures and the other three were blinking rapidly and jerking, their muscles starting to be affected. Another trip to the Pet Hospital. When I left this time, one more of my babies was gone and the other three had been admitted. I was scared they would not make it. These three did come home. They survived physically, but my heart goes out to them as they wander through the house crying for those who are gone.

The look on the vet’s face got me thinking and I started to research. This was not the first tragedy caused by Hartz flea treatment. Cats have been dying from this product for years---yet the product remains on store shelves. Unsuspecting consumers, wanting to protect their pets and trusting the Hartz name buy and use it—sometimes it is fine, all too often it ends in tragedy.

I am asking you today to take a stand with me and demand that Hartz remove their flea treatment for cats from the shelves. Hartz knows the danger, they are aware of the record, yet they continue—this slaughter must stop!!

The warning on the box states simply the product should not be used on cats under five pound, pregnant or ill. None of my seven fell into any of those categories—all were over five pounds, five over ten pounds. None were pregnant. All were healthy. The youngest was just over two years old and the oldest six—not kittens. Yet EVERY SINGLE ONE had a reaction!!!

How can you take a stand? The first step is to make a copy of this letter and post it anywhere and everywhere you can. Let people know the danger of this product. Next, contact Hartz at:
Consumer Relations DepartmentThe Hartz Mountain Corporation400 Plaza DriveSecaucus , NJ 07094 USAConsumer Hotline1-800-275-1414 Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm EST

And insist they remove their product from the shelves. If you see the cat flea treatment on a store shelf, talk to the store manager, let him or her know the danger and ask that it be removed.

Hartz, how many more lives must be lost before you stop this needless slaughter? Is it going to take you seeing the pain and horror in your child’s eyes when they watch a beloved friend die? Is it going to take looking into a pair of golden eyes that are begging for help as you hold the convulsing body that just hours before ran and played? If there is any compassion at all within you, you will see the need to remove this product immediately.

I panic every time one of my remaining three moves quickly. Hundreds of others out there do the same. It is too late to save so many—it isn’t too late to save the rest!!! I ask each and every employee at Hartz to stop by the pet shop on your way home tonight—or maybe you have a cat at home –really look into that cat’s eyes and ask yourself this: Doesn’t that cat’s life mean anything? Is the money worth the pain and suffering?

If that doesn’t change your mind, look into your child’s eyes. What would you do if you gave this precious child medicine to help him or her and instead of helping, the medicine attacked every muscle, caused convulsions – and death?

My cats were my children—just as so many others are to those who love them. Find your conscious, search your hearts---and stop this senseless slaughter!!!

Joyce A. Anthony
rainbow@velocity.net

Stop the slaughter notice

2007-07-22T10:19:00.000-04:00

Hello

To everyone that reads this. I will be posting a blog on the first of August called Stop the Slaughter. It deals with Hartz Company and a product they make called One-Stop flea treatment. They have the standard warnings of age, size, illness and pregnancy. They do NOT tell you that this product is also fatal to healthy, older cats! It doesn't kill them all but very very many have died as a result of this reckless endangerment.

I would appreciate it if everyone that reads the notice copies it and reposts it on every blog you have. This has got to stop!!!

Thank you

Ron

poker fans!

2007-07-17T13:41:00.000-04:00

Like to play poker but don't have a pc? Never fear, http://www.macpokeronline.com/ is here! Although it seems like everything is geared to the PC format, some companies actually recognize the fact that there are others machines out there. Mac is a bigger player than many PC'ers want to admit.

http://www.macpokeronline.com/ lists several sites for Mac users to play their favorite games. Not in The US? No big deal this site covers many countries. It also offers bonus's and beginners guides made easy. You can play for real and actually make (or lose), real money, or you can play for free and just have fun.

You've been watching the gambling tournaments on TV and you know you are good at Texas Hold em. Then you go to your computer and There's no place to practice your skills because you prefer a Mac to a PC. Well, now you can. Just log on to http://www.macpokeronline.com/ and have the time of your life!

Call for action

2007-07-05T17:44:00.000-04:00

Subject: WINGS

WINGS is an advocacy group with the goal of getting resources into the hands of those that need it. We have several issues that we support as shown below. Our primary source of information is the newsletter that I feel needs to be distributed to the places least likely to hold this kind of information. Abused women are usually not allowed to go anywhere alone without the abusive mate hovering. But friends and family will go to get their nails and hair done Small churches and stores are also good locations. In the newsletter are stories, usually true but not always, that show the causes, effects, and signs of the abuse that is happening in our world. Even if the abused person cannot see the newsletter, friends and family can. These newsletters, the stories, and the list of resources are a valuable tool to stop this violence.

WINGS stands for Writers Involved Nurturing Guiding Surviving. Our projects are:
Abused women, abused children, veterans, homeless, single parents, abused animals, medical issues, children's mental health, Native American Rights.

What I need are writers and people that can distribute this newsletter as well as subscribers to the newsletter. Please, if you or anyone you know can help in any way, contact me at: unwriter@yahoo.com

Ron Berry WINGS coordinator

A note to my friends and someone very dear to me

2007-06-06T12:06:00.000-04:00

This will be a rambing post, I know that ahead of time.

I have made some very close friends on this net thing. I can list them, but they know who they are. Of these, I am spiritually wed to one. This young lady is the center of my universe!

Things have come up recently that have shocked my world. One I need not mention but that is something that those involved know my feelings about. I can do nothing to help and that is extremely painful to me. My daughter and her significant other are splitting. This hurts her and at the same time me because I can't stand to see her hurt. Let me add to this that we have three cars. Two are not on the road for specific reasons. The third, my son's, is a straight stick. He was learning how to drive it until today. Now he won't.

From all of this I am reeling. I also sense a dissention in something that is very dear to me. It's a group that was just starting to grow, but I'm afraid it is running out of steam. I don't know how to deal with that. We need everyone but, no one seems to have any time. I don't know, maybe I'm reading all of this wrong, but right now, I am hurting, badly. Thank heaven for my music. At least I can shut the world out for a short bit.

I am at a loss where to go, what to do. It feels like every time I take one step forward, I get thrown back four. This is the penalty for being sensitive.

Sorry for rambling, but I had to get it out. I've felt like, never mind, that is probably wrong.

a life, in short

2007-05-30T19:20:00.000-04:00

I remember looking in mirrors from my earliest childhood and hating what I see. That has not changed. I've felt out of place, always on the outside looking in. Again that has not changed. I have asked myself for years, who am I and what is my place in this world? I know I am supposed to be here for a reason, but even after sixty years, I don't have a clue. I know factory life and corporate life are both outside of my purvue. It's always, "You're good, but not good enough". Am I ever going to be good enough for anything? Anyone?

I have sought answers and only found more questions. I have made many close and some extremely close, friends in the writer community. I know now that I can write, but to what avail? I want to make a change, to do something. Who am I, what am I supposed to do? If only I really know. Maybe someday

So clean we're killing ourselves

2007-05-06T11:25:00.000-04:00

How clean do we have to be? We have sanitzed ourselves to the point that the smallest bug will kill us. We as kids used to play in the dirt. We made mud pies. We caught various mild maladies. Guess what, that built up our resistance. Not anymore. Heaven forbid a kid gets dirty without mom grabbing the lysol! To make matters worse, these survivors started drug companies that designed drugs to cure everything. Ok, some of them are worthwhile. Depression has only recently been diagosed and treatable. The same goes for some other things, but the change is more to do with, heaven forbid, carbs and calories!! We have to eat 'healthy' to stay well and skinny.

On another topic, but related.

Smoking is something man has done for years. Now it is so bad that the government thinks it is everypersons parent and has decided to add outrageous taxes to prevent people from buying these things. Excuse me, but many buy these things to relieve the stress of worrying about what they can or cannot eat. They smoke so they don't have to worry that that extra pound will show and they can't afford one of those muscle builders. But, thanks to the experience of the 20's alcohol is ok. It is so ok that it is advertised everywhere. Buy bud, get drunk, run down the innocents, hopefully the ones that have those overpriced cigerettes in their pocket.

People are so stressed worrying about the carbs and calories that they are constantly paying for their doctors european vacations to ensure they have the latest calorie killer, carb reducer and stress reliever. Don't worry about it, the drunks can smash even the svelte, calorie counting, carbless, non smoker into the nearest sidewalk.

Enough!!!!

2007-04-27T18:33:00.000-04:00

I am not the most 'Religious' person in the world. I don't spend nights and weekends in some church. However, I know a few things. First and foremost -

Madeline Ohare is dead!!!! She did not believe in anything. Oh wait, she did, money and armaggedon. She got both. If you don't believe that latter part, look at Columbine, or Virginia Tech. We have replaced God with guns and violence in our schools and homes. We cannot disipline because it is abuse. Excuse me, but not being able to disipline is why we have these problems. Wake up people!!! It is time to bring God back. I don't care if you are a Christian and your God is God, or Muslim and you believe in Allah, or some other higher supreme being. We need to bring prayer back to the schools, into our lives!! You don't believe in prayer or a God? Then use that time to reflect on your life. We don't necessarily need to spank our kids, but we must, absolutely must, instill disiplne and respect. We must take the court system and government out of it. You believe in money? It still says in God we trust. Who do you trust?

Anyone care to start a movement to reinstill God in our lives, in our schools, in our Government? Contact me at unwriter @ yahoo.com. I don't know if we can do anything but right now our doing nothing is getting our kids killed!

What hath we wrought!?!

2007-04-24T13:38:00.000-04:00

I received the following in a very special group. It is so very true!!!! The question becomes, are we a country run by one dead athiest or do we follow the god given rules? It took an athiest to remove prayer from school. It will take a God fearing country to put it back. Let us hope he returns to school before all the schools have been riddled with the bullets of troubled minds armed to the teeth. Please read the following and pass it on.

Ron

On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado , was invited to address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was painfully truthful.They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well. It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert! These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful, penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their blood cries out for answers."The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used.. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association. The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart."In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy – it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves. I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:Your laws ignore our deepest needs,Your words are empty air.You've stripped away our heritage,You've outlawed simple prayer.Now gunshots fill our classrooms,And precious children die.You seek for answers everywhere,And ask the question "Why?"You regulate restrictive laws,Through legislative creed.And yet you fail to understand,That God is what we need!"Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit. When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc. Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more restrictive laws. Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lieswithin our own hearts."As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999 , at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at the NRA – I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this country will not allow that to happen!"Do what the media did not - - let the nation hear this man's speech.. Please send this out to everyone you can .

bartender, pass me my pills

2007-04-17T07:33:00.000-04:00

Mother says to Johnny, "Don't take drugs. Pass me my xanax please." What kind of message are we sending to the kids? Over 80% of the ads on television are for one drug or another. There's one to put you to sleep, one to wake you up, one for anxiety, one for depression, etc. The average home has at least four bottles of pills prescribed by a doctor!! Mom and dad get up and head to the bathroom, get a glass of water and a handfull of pills to survive the day. Before going to bed they take another handfull to survive the night.

However, booze seems to be ok. The ad's that aren't for drugs are for one beer or another. Grab a beer, take your pills and hope you can see well enough to find your car keys. But, make sure to tell the kids not to take pills.

Take the ads for drugs out of Readers Digest and other mags and there is nothing left. We have become a nation that is so clean and sterile that even the simplest of germs will lay us out flat. We are now the United States of Pharmacia. So, I guess the real question is, "Does Acccident forgiveness count even in fatal accidents?:"

Pass me my beer, I have pills to take.

The Storm has arrived!!

2007-04-08T08:10:00.000-04:00

Storm, the most viscereal, inspiring book ever written is now available!

Oh, wait, you don't know about Storm yet? I've had a visit with the author, Joyce Anthony and here is our conversation.

Ron: What was your inspiration for having Storm show up at a lighthouse?

Joyce: I tried to think of the most isolated, out-of-the way place I could, one that was also fairly safe from weather and critters--and a lighthouse in the middle of an ocean was perfect :-)

Ron: Where did the picture (mental) come from for a whirling rainbow?

Joyce: One day the thought occurred to me that some days all the colors of the rainbow swirl together so tightly they create balck--therefore, even on the blackest of days, there is always a rainbow.

Ron: Is Storm, the title and main character, a play on temptuous?

Joyce: Other than the fact he appeared during a storm, I find storms powerful. They always bring about chnge, sometimes drastic and other times subtle--but always a change. Like a storm, my MC is powerful and brings about change to all he touches.

Ron: Maggie, in her role, designed as man's best friend for the obvious reason?

Joyce: Maggie actually showed up out of nowhere and made herself part of the story--I didn't create her. She had her own reasons for appearing.

Ron: How did Storm remain on the island 33 years and have nobody question it?

Joyce: Seafaring men are often "ask no questions, make no explanations" types. There was the orphanage Sam grew up in on the mainland and Sam had a reputation from his captain days of being kind and caring--it was most likely assumed he had adopted Storm for company and help.

Fire and Ice

2007-04-07T20:18:00.000-04:00

I've posted many things on these blogs. But the one I am about to post is very special. Read it carefully because these two have pulled together like no one I've ever known and under the most adverse of conditions. This is the story of two hero's that I am very priviledged and proud to know.

Ron
This was written by Joyce Anthony and Shane

I need to preface this message with the fact I am not trying to convert anyone but God plays a big part in it--so if you feel you will be offended by the mention of His name, feel free to delete. I do hope you read though--it is very important,
*****
Yesterday, the five apartment building I live in caught fire. Four of the five apartments were occupied. When it was all over, not one person nor one animal lost a life. Two apartments are uninhabitable, one is severely smoke damaged. Mine and the back apartment--who' s occupant is away at a church retreat this week are fine--just a very slight smell of smoke.
In the midst of trying to get all my critters out, I wasn't allowed to return--my cats and doves were still inside--the back apartment has two cats and four newborn kittens--and a kitten of five months ran into the apartment that was on fire. A snowstorm saw cockateils and a chinchilla sitting on the sidewalk. Why do I tell you this? Becaus at least some of these should naturally not have made it--yet they did.
As a lay in bed last night with now heat or electricity, I said a prayer of thanks to God. Then it hit me--when we could no longer come inside, my son was sobbing, heartbroken that we couldn't get the cats. As he held onto me, I told him to pray--we stood there, smoke pouring around us and prayed--I heard my son's words--God, please save the animals, please save Whisper (the kitten who went into the burning apartment). He kept repeating God don't let the animals die." As we prayed, his sobs subsided and he went to hunt down a dog that wasn't ours that had run in fear and carried the 40+ pound dog back two blocks when he found her.
I realized as this came back to me--the two apartments that remained livable were ours and the man at the church retreat--a loner who rarely gets involved with anyone, yet is quick to help if asked.
The firemen got the fire out--they entered the smoke-filled apartments to check for cats they could not find--and opened a window in the room with the dove cage--something else that could have killed them--yet the fireman was trying to help. Not one fireman was injured in this incident.
What saved our animals? What helped get everyone out alive? Faith--faith and a willingness to ask God for help--for it was in His hands at that point. I needed to share this with you guys. Why? Because so often I am asked how my faith became so strong--this has been the most trying test, but there have been others--and God has never failed me. I needed to share that--my faith is part of who I am. I thank God for each and every life He saved yesterday--and for allowing me to be here to share this with you.
Joyce

The gemshop

2007-04-05T15:07:00.000-04:00

This is for all those writers out there. I'll add more as I go along, but only the top gems make it. The list so far:
Emerald: Joyce A. Anthony - Storm {no matter what I read, this one is always on top}
Red Sapphire: Janet Elaine Smith -Pampas, Patrick and Grace mysteries, Keith Trilogy and many more.
Turquoise: Barbara Williamson-Wood - Inner trappings
{uncut} Joyce Scarbrough - True Blue Forever

cybershells

2007-03-17T08:04:00.000-04:00

One last flower, one last vase.

I am now putting this black carnation in an iron vase, set way off to the side. This one is for me.

Words are the bullets of the internet. I wrote a post protesting the gestapo tactics used to put more money into the coffers of the Iowa bank. This money will be used to give state politicos raises. It will also fund non smoking casino's with twice the number of bars. That way all of those non smokers can gamble away their savings and drink enough to endanger the lives of everyone they meet on the road. No, the money won't go to fix or build roads, that would be logical and Iowa is NOT logical.

No one saw the taxes part. Everyone condemned the smoking part though and did it well. It was just my train of thought. Hmmm, maybe a trip to the park would help.

money hungry Iowa

2007-03-16T12:11:00.000-04:00

Iowa is the first in the nation. The very first state to eliminate the middle class. Thanks to our new tax laws, only the rich can afford to buy cigarettes. Is it legal? Of course it is, the government did it. They have taxed one entity out of business. Whatever will this money hungry state destroy next? How about coffee? Then all the smokers can suffer both withdrawal from nicotine and caffeine at the same time!!
I guess they might as well make it easy and just remove all controls on guns. That way those of us that smoke and drink coffee can just add more business to the soon to be growing mortuary business. Oh wait, that will be getting taxed out of business too. Hmm, I guess we’ll just have to start digging bigger pits to throw the excess bodies in. Isn’t Iowa just grand?

crush that taco!!!

2007-03-12T12:27:00.000-04:00

I try to avoid politcal issues. However, our government (Yes Virginia, we do get what we pay for and this government is not even good enough for a goodwill bin), has finally proven just how idiotic it really is. Ok, yes, we all know that war in Iraq is just to reduce the number of male taxpayers. But their latest bouts of stupidity have me totally up in arms.

What, may I stupidly ask, is the problem with immigrants? I guess since they can't vote they are undesirable. Are they taking jobs of Americans? No, in fact we ship the good jobs to their country. We are not the natives of this country. I do not recall ever seeing a petition to fence the east coast to keep the pilgrims out. I don't believe the Mexicans, or any from South America built very many walls to prevent the spanish or portugese from conquering them. Europe has taken down borders and make a united Europe. What in the hell is the mindset here? Heaven forbid a mexican will sneak in to feed his family!!!!

Oh, wait. I know what it is. Spies and Terrorists come in through the Mexican border disguised as immigrants. Give me a break. The bad guys that want in to cause damage have much more sophisticated ways. They can forge papers to the point they will come in legally. Justify this immigration thing. It cannot be done!! Dont get me wrong, there are a lot of excuses and I've heard a lot of them, especially at Taco Bell!

Another vase

2007-02-27T19:59:00.000-05:00

I've decided it is time to add the flower of youth, the Lilac in it's own vase. There will be five of them. I think the best way is to do this from youngest to least youngest.

Let us look at someone who is young yet at the same time very adult. This is a person that anyone would be very proud to know and I am. His youth belies his knowledge. Much of what he knows he was taught by an expert teacher but there are things that he knows that cannot be taught. He has a spiritual insight oft thought reservered for the elders. Tis a wisdom of life that has woven a thread of maturity unheard of in much of the youth of today.

Come, join me in raising a glass (Kool-aid), in tribute To Shane Foster, The son of Joyce Anthony.

words, worlds, wisdom

2007-02-23T21:38:00.000-05:00

It has been the week that should have never happened. I get in trouble at work for being personable. I learned that money, banking and humor do not mix. Tough, that is who I am and what I am. I am not a robot. Those were my parting words. Do not tell me words, I have my own. I know how to use them. A law firm finds a way to legaly steal money from my son, devastating, but we were able to short circuit their plans. Don't tread on me, I do bite.

I write tributes, but jealousy burns so strong in some that destroying me becomes paramount. I write words to honor the fallen, and come close to being crushed. Tis unfortunate that there are those that do not know how to listen nor to see. It takes more than eyes to see and more than ears to listen. Heed my words, feel my passion. Let not hatred and the worship of the almighty coin of the realm rule your life. Money allows one to exist, love allows one to live.

I have seen the world but now I see the world around me. I visit the earth from a higher plane. I am not looking down, nor do I look up at all that is around me. I am on a plane that has neither height, nor depth. It does however allow me to see the shallowness of those around me. As I observe, I can see that all too many have an existance that is solely dependent upon whatever materialistic gains are to be had. Material goods mean nothing. friendship means all. I need not a fancier car, but to love those around me, is of primary concern. I find more value in creating a smile in others.

No Rose is an Island

2007-02-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

We now have a pacific Rose to put in our cybervase. This is the first yellow rose to be added. It must be yellow because wherever this young lady goes, she radiates the sun of the California sunshine. Her display of support for this vase, these triibutes and indeed the very coupling from which this vase emerged have earned her a most prominent position in our vase.

She has since sprouted wings, and as an able speaker, can spread the word about our cause to many. Some people are shallow and make it easy to pen words in their description. This young lady is quite the opposite. Her accomplishments include Toastmasters, Beads, and Books. We are very fortunate to have her as part of WINGS also. Let us, with open arms, welcome our newest Rose, Nancy McCormick.

The Rape of America

2007-02-17T18:25:00.000-05:00

The sign reads: $19.95, The cashier rings up 29.95 plus tax. Why? There is a $10.00 mail-in rebate. Spend another fifty cents and wait for over two months to get ten bucks!!! and that is only if you do it in the right timeframe.

Fifty dollars in rebates is really five $10.00 certificates that must be sent in, according to a specified date, to get a ten dollar gift card. These are from the same credit card company that sends out fifteen dollar checks that when cashed sign you up for a protection program that is 85 cents per $100.00. Most people don't even notice it, until it's too late.
The above is the next best thing to snake oil sales. Legal but just barely.

Smoking is banned everywhere yet the majority of lung cancer victims are non smokers. No, it is not second hand smoke. Those that smoke are banished to the netherreaches of outdoors. Guess what? That makes them stronger!

Companies use these and other legal tactics to get the coveted dollar. There is no respect left in the business, corporate or retail world. The idea is to get the money from the consumer at all costs. The more money these golddiggers can get into their coffers, the more control they have over who does what.

Look at what you buy, was there a rebate? That last phone call, did they try to pressure you to buy something you have no use for? Do you smoke? That really makes you a villan. grab a cigarette and you're sent to the back woods. But those murdurous drunks get all the advertising they want. Watch tv, how many ads are for alcohol? Once corporate america has everyone boozed up they can then start you on their next ploy. Prescription drugs!!!!

Welcome to America, the land of the corporate, money loving terrorists!

The tribute Vase

2007-02-16T17:32:00.000-05:00

This vase is different. Let me describe it. A crystaline base with colored lights around inside the rim. Equally spaced are four small jets of water that are located between the rim and the lights. As the short bursts of water are released it gives the impression of a floating rainbow. Floating in the pool are small flowers. In the center is a crystal clear vase being held by praying hands.

Into this vase go the white roses, one for each victim of the rampage at the Salt Lake City mall. The lilies floating in front are for the families of the victims. Surrounding this crystaline vase is a red velvet pad. It is here that all may kneel to pray for both the victims and the families.

two more roses

2007-02-15T21:20:00.000-05:00

This is going to be a bit different. The first rose is for some special friends that have decided to grace the hospitals with their presence. Now we all know these two are very good and are among our best friends, but they really do need to learn that on the floorboard of life, just to the left of the accelerator is the large pedal called a brake. we do need ot get these two to slow down and smell the roses (hint: this is a cybervase with unlimited room). Gale and Linda R spent too much time laying down on the job. Ya'll can't write the history of the world from a hospital bed. It's good to see both are well and back among the fiends.

This is a very special rose I am now putting in. I reserve the white ones for special reasons and this is one near and dear to me. I know now that WINGS is on the right track. I hereby dedicate this white Rose for all the victims of abuse. Please join me in offering a special prayer that it is soon ended.

It was in the tea leaves

2007-02-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

Karen returned home from school just as her mother was being loaded into the ambulance. The attendants said she could meet them at the hospital. but, before she could leave the police had some questions. it only took one to explain eveything.

"Miss, the last words your mother spoke were, "It was in the tea leaves." Can you...."

That was all he could say because with those words Karen said the son of a bitch finally did it. He said he would kill her and he finally did! At that point she collapsed. The paramedics brought her around and told her that her mother would be ok, just needed a few days rest and they wanted her to stay in the hospital for observation. She explained that 'It was in the tea leaves' was their private code for trouble and almost always was her father taking out his rage against whatever, on his wife.

Mike, Karens father was arrested and this time was actually charged with assault. The laws of the day did not recognize spousal abuse. Karen had seen her mom used as a punching bag at least once a week but never was it as bad as this. The police knew their house well as they spent many visits but could never do anything. Once it escalated to the point of hospitalization, they had enough for a charge of assault. One of the policemen offered to take her to see her mother.

How we treat others

2007-02-05T10:11:00.000-05:00

No logo on this post, it is personal.

I don't do things to hurt others. For those that know me and know a bit of my past you know and understand. I do not attack others, especially on a personal level. I put a compliment up where many could see it. It was treated like a slap in the face. Then she went the next step and posted everything in her group. I kept everything off list but she didn't. I was accused of passing the emails off to others. The only ones I passed them to were the one involved. She took it to the group and involved everyone else. That move cost me friends.

I went through hell a few years ago. I survived because of family and friends but it was literally touch and go for awhile. I was close to a nervous breakdown and closer to suicide. Thank the good lord for Joyce and Janet because I am again at that stage. At least I can release some feelings here.

I'll stop here otherwise I will make mysef worse. I just want to offer my heartfelt thanks to the two ladies that are my lifeline right now.

set in stone

2007-02-05T06:56:00.000-05:00

Before I begin, I must point out that there is a dedication to one that does not understand a compliment when given. I really feel sorry for her because she is taking others down with her. I have too much love in my heart to hate her although she is begging me to. She has lost a friend.

Another rose is being added to the cybervase. Kris, who has gone over and above the tasks asked of her, is now in the company of greats. Fellow roses, let us allow room for Kris to stand tall among you.

On my shelf that holds my cybervase I am now adding another vase. This one is carved from Amethyst. Into this special vase go the golden holders of sunshine. Observe if you will, how bright and warm the radience from the dandelions I am now adding. Of these two that are in the vase, one has been defined as a weed, yet it is rare indeed to find a rainbow dandelion. I have moved her to this vase because she is both a very tall rose but also the most unusual of flower, the elusive rainbow dandelion. She accepts being looked upon as a weed because she knows that most weeds can only see other flowering plants in the same terms. Once this weed takes off her rose colored glasses she would see that rainbow dandelions are special and very rare. There is only one in existence. Joining this new and most unusual of dandelions is another equally as rare. Irridescent and bright, she is a Star variety. Her nickname is MK, but others just call her Janet.

I have mounted, directly above this Amethyst vase, a special light to ensure their brilliance forever brightens the world. I welcome you Joyce and Janet.

Growing up is an option

2007-02-01T07:39:00.001-05:00

There's something different, a title that almost fits what I want to write! Anything to be odd I guess.

I've noticed that there is so little respect left in this world. I was thinking it was because I was getting old (I am, by comparison). But I've noticed it in people of my age and older. I've belonged to several groups online and found some very rude moderators. Of course I left those groups. What it comes down to is respecting the views of others as well as just plain respect. I belong to several groups now that actually know how to treat others. That's why I still belong to them. There may be a member or two that does not know what respect is, but that is rare. Then we come to the 'real' world, the non cyber one. Now respect has become a four letter word (these kids can't spell either).

Ok, before I start hammering on those non adults at work, it's time to villify the general public! I was taught that men take their hat off when inside, especially a restaurant. What is the big deal with all these damn hats anyway? Take 'em off!! A line in a song says it all, "Tip your hat to the lady son". I have yet to see that happen any more. Doors are another major complaint. I don't care what book you read on manners, guys, you open the door for the female!!!! You also open it for your elders. It is showing respect for others, plain and simple. Ladies, get off your high horse and let the guys be gentlemen, it doesn't happen much anymore. Can you open your own door? Sure, but when someone opens it for you, say thank you and step through. You are just as rude by saying you can open the door by your self. We hold the door out of respect, not doubting your abilities!!

Speaking of women and respect..

Where did it go? Guys, we don't need to hear how you 'scored' last night. You had fun, did she? Do you even remember her name? Respect her in the morning? Hell, you didn't even respect her last night, she was just another mark on your scorecard. Aren't you the same guy that complains there are no virgins left? The same guy who gets all bent out of shape when women talk about the guys they've had? Amazing how it seems to go both ways. You had a good night? Keep it to yourself, we don't need to hear about it. I would say it is almost a safe bet that the person you were with really doesn't want to be just another mark in a list.

Over the years I've earned my respect by respecting others. Who I slept with last night, the number of women I have slept with, is my business, no one else's. I've learned that by treating others with respect I actually have more female friends than many guys. Duh! I get so tired of hearing about how easy it is for me to have a lot of female friends. No, I don't pick up women. I don't go girl hunting. I never have and never will. I've been married, am married and have the loves of my life. Who they are, and our overall relationship is my business. The females involved don't need to be bandied about like so much fluff. I've earned my friends. Don't ask me who my latest 'score' was, it's none of your business. Actually, use that term with me and you are likely to hear words you didn't think this old man knew!

Where did this come from? This is the result of a set of posts by someone who doesn't understand true love. It was fired and fueled by a collection of kids at work who seem to think that it is cool to have a lot of women on a string (I don't think the term girlfriend/wife is part of their dictionary). It's a 'You've been married how many times? You have how many women? You don't have no trouble picking up women do you?' comments. Excuse me, but I have some very special friends, one is an ex-wife (no I am not giving details about the divorce/our friendship), one is the absolute love of my life (You want to know about her? I'll tell you how well she writes. I'll give you details of how special she is. But if you want to hear personal details, such as what she looks like, do we or don't we have a sex life, forget it, it's none of your business. I don't ask about your love life, the women in your life, don't bore me with yours. Oh yeah, then there is the illustrious how do you rate your wife/girlfriend/last nights pickup in bed? This has got to be the most horrendous idea anyone ever came up with!! You do not, ever, under any condition, rate your love life!!! I think of all the stupid things the male species has ever spewed, this is probably one of the worst. The only person that ever hears how good they are, in bed, in person, is that person, only and I will guarantee it is not some dumb damn rating system! I never have to worry about respecting them in the morning because I respect them the night before, the day before.

I guess the bottom line of this whole rant is, what ever happened to the golden rule? Does no one know it anymore? For those who seem to have a memory problem, here it is.

DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU!!!!!

Growing up is an option

2007-02-01T07:39:00.000-05:00

skunks and deer

2007-01-29T10:51:00.000-05:00

Women are the weaker sex. Men are the tough guys. I really hate to burst everyones bubble here but that is totally the wrong approach! Why in heavens name is everything compared to the male?? What makes us the superionr of the species? It's time to ask that question the correct way. Why aren't men as good as women? I for one am sick and tired of having the female have to bend down to compare herself to her male counterpart. Men portray themselves as the stronger sex because they fear their true selves will be exposed.

The power, the drive, of the average female is enough to send the brawniest of males cowering to the nearest corner. Mom (a female) says jump, man says how high and when do I start? The fat cells of the male ego is often used as a platform to reach the height of the female. It's time to put things into proper perspective. The majority of men will claim their strength to be superior yet they are too weak to admit the truth. Put a woman in her place and the macho man has bragging rights to his drinking buddies. If he were to say the same thing at home one of only two things would happen. Either the little woman will put him in his rightful place on the couch for several days or if he is of the control freak variety the woman ends up in the hospital. Fists and guns solve nothing.

Men used to respect women. Then, some fool idiot decided that they were getting away with too much so he started to put women down. A woman under foot is easier to control. A controlled woman makes the mans life easier. Now he can think he is superior. He is the hunter, she is the prey. It is time for the deer to look down again on the skunks and return to holding their head high. Let the men spray all they want, their faux pas superiority just plain stinks.

The day the world started

2007-01-28T13:35:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of a new world. I know this but I don't know what it means. I took a nap, and woke up to the oddest of all feelings. I know this. I am walking with someone very special. There is an energy level the likes of which every government in the world seeks but cannot attain. We are moving on the highest of planes. We cannot be seen but we see all. We see as one. We are one. This is not a world to fear, but to embrace. A conversation that can be understood by only two. Come, let us tour our world.

We see injustice, but know it can be made right. We see pain, suffering, yet we know how to heal. We see control, yet we can offer release. Can we do this? No, but we have the power, the energy to direct those that can. We offer the will, the prayers, the fire, of our energy. Use what we offer, use the love to obliterate the hate. Use our strength to break the chains of control. Use the fire we send, to sear the social injustices. We are but one, yet with us is the embodiment of all the spirits of change. Let us infuse you, to make the difference that must be made.

Let our wings offer you shelter from the storms of life. We do not soar over the world of pain but we do fly towards the sources of help. Our wingspan is large, we can cover many of the worst of the ills. Under our guide, take from us that which is needed to make the positive changes this world needs. We are wings, we are one.

The cybervase fills

2007-01-27T12:51:00.000-05:00

Tis quite a vase I have created here. In the center is a tall, rainbow rose. she is surrounded by many red roses and this collection is then enveloped by many mini roses. But, we are still missing many. One at a time the roses mature enough to be instilled within the rest. Another has been added.

A hardened stem from living a hardy outdoor life has not detracted from the beuty that is hidden within. His thorns may be sharp, but they are tempered with the humor only a redneck can provide. Let us now welcome our newest rose with the charm a southern gentleman deserves. Gale Sparks does indeed sparkle both in art, and in the humorous and newly added romantic writing he does so well.

get out of that chair!!!!!

2007-01-26T12:11:00.000-05:00

Why are we just sitting here? Every second we sit, another child dies, another woman is battered. Why do we accept this? Stand up! Run as fast as you can and don't slow down until you hit the wall. Feel that pain? Imagine yourself at age six, feeling that, and more. Do it again, then Imagine your daughter, your wife, your mother feeling that at the hands of her spouse or her boyfriend. If you live in the north, anywhere the snow is, put on a pair of socks, make sure they have plenty of holes. Leave your billfold, your purse, inside. Step outside, without a coat or your keys. Make sure the door is locked and try to find somewhere to sleep. If you survive, come back in about a week and get in your car. Drive around and see how many homeless were wearing more than you. You had no money, no identification. Neither do they.

Does the above sound far fetched? It isn't. In reality what I said above is mild, compared to how it really is. Yet, you are sitting there, reading this. Why are you not on the phone? Why are you not writing letters, walking the streets in protest? Oh, I see, you are looking for your checkbook. Money solves everything. It doesn't. It may ease your mind, but it does not save that wife, that daughter that has had her jaw broken, again, because she dared to ask a question. It will not ease the pain that child is feeling when dad (or mom), decided he didn't move fast enough to pick up his toys and a few back swings didn't speed them up enough. Ah, I see, you are going to go give a couple of bucks to that poor man you saw sleeping on the park bench. Really! Do you honestly expect that to make a difference? Go down to the local soup kitchen and help serve meals.

Property, or person

2007-01-25T17:36:00.000-05:00

Person or Property

“I paid for it, I can do what I want with it”. This should have been a red flag, but young love is blind. Kevin and Arlene met in high school but did not start dating seriously until they graduated. It an idyllic courtship. The engagement was not unexpected. There were the standard ups and downs, of course.

What is it about a gold or silver ring that changes a man? The first indication of trouble occurred a couple of weeks into the engagement. It wasn’t anything major. Kevin had purchased a vase and had it on the coffee table. On this night he was in a rather surly
Mood. Suddenly and without warning, Kevin picked up the vase and heaved it across the room. His energy and his anger spent, he went over and cleaned up his mess. Saying he was sorry but it was a rough day at work. Had he stopped there, Arlene would not have had the glimpse into his dark side. He added, “I paid for it, I can do what I want with it.”

Love is not only blind, it is deaf as well. These little incidents started happening more frequently. As first it was just his property, his possessions, he destroyed. By the time he started taking his anger out via things he had purchased for Arlene, she had come to expect it. She never read the signs.

The day of their wedding was the happiest day of her life. In fact it preceded the last two weeks of happiness she would ever see. They returned from their honeymoon a couple of days early. Kevin wanted them to be settled in their house before he returned to work.

Kevin’s income was sufficient for now that Arlene didn’t have to work. Since Arlene didn’t have to work, people were used to her not leaving the house for days at a time. No one really suspected anything when they talked to her on the phone. Granted the phone calls became more and more infrequent but she was a newlywed. As her calls became more distant, less informative though, her friends started wondering. Invites to coffee or lunch went unanswered. Vibrant, vivacious, talkative Arlene was becoming a mime.

Inside the house (this was not a home, by a long shot), things were much different. When Kevin bought the house he made sure it was set away from the others and was on the end lot of the new development. Life at the Kevin house was lonely. He hated animals and only had one phone and it was in the den where he could lock it up in the morning. Kevin owned this house, he owned everything in it, including Arlene. He did love her, in his own way, but since he paid for the wedding, he owned her. She was his property and was treated accordingly. Arlene did not see the trap, until it shut. He did not lock the phone away right away, until he realized that was a means of escape for her.

When Kevin went on vacation and went by himself, his co-workers suspected something was wrong. The day after he left town to go hunting, Arlene’s mother went over to the house. She knew she couldn’t when Kevin was home. No one had heard anything. The police did catch up with him before he got too far. Arlene was not in the car, but it was obvious where she had been.

At the trial, Kevin defended himself. He got life. On his way to prison someone overheard him say, “I paid for it, I can do what I want with it”.

This is not really an extreme case. Granted this one is fictional, but it is played out all too often for real. The goal of WINGS is to point the signs of a control type personality. Let us show you the traps before you are sucked in. Love may be blind, but learn the pitfalls before getting totally sightless. Are you property? Or a person?

The mini roses

2007-01-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

Most vases have a spray of greenery. Mine has wings. I am now going to puncuate this cybervase with some very special indivuals but I am doing this as a group. These are the mini roses one would see if this vase were to be visualized. Each of the following are fellow Toastmasters. This won't be an inclusive list and each mention is short, but from these I could write a book and these are the chapters.

With a brilliance of artistry, this mini rose has sharp, yet kind thorns. Barb Prall is the artist that painted me into a more refined speaker. Her thorns, her wit, have kept the group on it's toes for many years. She is a friend I am very proud to know.

Arriving from the north and landing in our midst, Cecile Clark is hand delivered to our gatherings. This gal has knowledge that even she is unaware of but subtly lets it escape.

Sandy Young is, young that is, and quite vivacious. She waltzed into my life and came to personify the self marketing genus. (yes that is spelled correctly).

I've learned much from our education vice president. His lessons are follow as I lead. Mike Anderson is a born leader. From vp to President of the club to area governor, Mike is indeed the principal apolitical leader.

Our resident feng shui house seller keeps our minds uncluttered. Carolyn Shay sells me weekly on the value of her friendship. Her living room personna is big enough to envelope life itsel.

We can alway count on Kathie. I have to give here credit for stepping up to the plate at the times she is most needed.

One of our building blocks is our most non taxing Judy Harford. As a fellow beader, she can string us along with her speeches. As a fellow officer, Judy is very true to form. She is indeed someone that can be banked on.

When one sees Judy, most often Eilene Sauer is with her. This is a girl with homespun values that permeate the group. She is a fellow writer and like Cecile has more to offer that one would first imagine.

The framework of our club has style, thanks to Gary Whitehill. His blueprint for toastmasters has rooms for everyone and room to expand to add new members.

Al and Marlene Myers are the patriarch and matriarch of the group. As we stray, these two have gently prodded us back onto the correct path. These are the foundation blocks of our club.

The future me, my clone is Kyle. He is my son. I know better than to start talking about him. There is not enough room on this or any other server to accept what I would say.

These are not all my fellow toastmasters, but they form the core group from which I have emerged. It is from these mini roses that I have flowered as a speaker. Many of my petals have yet to unfurl, but it is with the nourishment provided by these mini roses and others that my future holds promise.

there is no reason for this

2007-01-23T07:16:00.000-05:00

The Hidden Beast

High school, where estrogen meets testosterone; it is less a meeting of the minds as much as a clash of bodies. Emerging from this supercharged, hormonal drenched atmosphere were football tackle Jay and cheerleader Kathie. Everyone called them the perfect couple. Jay, the macho sports star was a teddy bear in Kathie’s hands. His manners were impeccable. Kathi, sweet, demure, Katie was at Jay’s beck and call. College was not an option, so Jay went to work in his father’s garage.

No one was surprised by the engagement. Kathie’s parents took out a second mortgage to throw their only daughter, their only child, the best wedding ever. Although Jays parents were struggling to make ends meet, they managed to scrape together enough for a two-week cruise.

Sharon remembers the day they returned. This was the day the honeymoon was over, today Sharon saw Kathi smile for the last time. In fact, it was the last day anyone saw her, until the ambulance pulled up to her house.

“No Visitors” was all Sharon could learn about her friend. Neither Kathie’s mother, nor Jay, once she finally got hold of him, would comment. It was the call six weeks later that finally cleared things up.

In public, Jay was the kindest, most well mannered person. At home, behind closed doors, the real beast emerged. Jay had always been frustrated about his ability to learn. He wanted to go to college, but didn’t have the grades. He would take out his frustrations on the football field. Once he got married, the frustrations continued. His new object for frustration relief was Kathi. It didn’t matter what she did or didn’t do, he still used her for a punching bag. The last time put her in the hospital. It also spelled the end of the marriage because once out of the house, she could tell what went on and could now escape.

This is a fictional account, but it happens all too often. WINGS is here to provide information and resources to help others in this type of situation. It happens way too often. We need to let women know there is help available.

broken stems and the cybervase

2007-01-21T09:19:00.000-05:00

Not everyone appreciates dedications. One of my roses has a broken stem. Should she decide to heal the break, and retract her thorns, I will replace her in the vase. I never would have expected this, but I suspect the burden of jealousy was too much to bear. Tis unfortunate and I worry about her cybergarden. It isn't about the weeds but has she actually removed a vital nutrient from its soil? Her garden needs little tending yet her lack of attention to all that grows there may eventually block the sun, thus creating an unnecessary darkness.

My cybervase has no dimension, I have room for all. It must be noted however, that whatever color Rose I add, none will exceed in size or brilliance, the prima donna of the vase. Within this vase is a multicolored bouquet. There is but one that truly stands out, and she is the rainbow rose. For those that know me, this goes without saying. I learned last night that our rainbow rose is also a natural leader. I am thusly paying tribute to her again. I really don't need an excuse to do so however.

I am posting this to let everyone know that soon our vase will have WINGS. Do stay tuned for further developments

Another Rose for our cybervase

2007-01-18T07:18:00.000-05:00

I am not a writer. I am not an author. I am, however, an artist. My palette holds words and beads. My canvas is either paper in the form of a word processor, or strung on a line. My brush is either my fingers typing or putting beads on a wire.
My foray into the artistic world of words has put me in the company of giants, henceforth called Roses. Into this vase I have placed many and there will be more. Some have been without thorns and others have had very sharp thorns. Both have elevated me from painter to artist. My fellow Roses with thorns have used them to prick me into action at times when I felt my muse departing. I waved good-bye to my muse, I had lost my touch. It looked to me like I had fallen from the bush and landed among the brambles on the ground. It is at these low times in my life that some Roses without thorns come through with words of encouragement. To make sure these words do the most good, some Roses use their thorns to wake me up and then offer bandages for the wounds.

I must, at this time, mention the Rose with the sharpest thorns, the wisest words. This young lady will not let me lie fallow among the weeds. Her name, is Molly. It is time to add a bit of creative water to our vase, and put our fellow Rose, Molly, in with the rest of my Roses. Welcome Molly Swoboda, you have joined the elite in terms of artistic talents and muse verification.

More thorns, more roses

2007-01-17T11:47:00.000-05:00

Many people have helped me get to where I am today. Of those, most are on my groups list. To show my appreciation I started to write dedications. I will not do anymore! With one exception, all that read them, liked them. I am using this forum to recognize another one.

Jay, you formed a group of friends that became fiends. I do hope I fit in the latter category. As you invited peple in (your spelling), I was one of them. Through your group and your encouragement, I met others that have helped me progress. For that, I am eternally grateful. If ever I can do anything to help you, let me know. You have been a true friend to me and to the others on your group. Keep it small, keep it friendly. Between your southern corn and my more northerly, we have it covered. But, I have also seen some of your more serious writing. You, my friend, are good. Keep going. Keep the meds up else I drive down there, pick up Joyce on the way and together we kick your tail to the doctor. Take care of yourself, please.

I must say here that there are others that have helped me. I hope at some point in time to get a blog to cover each one. I do, however, refuse to add any more to my site since apparently I should not do that.

Ron

The thorn of the Rose

2007-01-13T09:43:00.000-05:00

Dateline California
A man wants to take hs wifes last name when they marry. The cost? $300.00 and weeks of advertising. That is just flat out wrong!!! we need equality in every state at every level for everyone!!! Why on this earth do women always come out second? Why does the male get the raises, the high positions and then be allowed to go home to 'his woman'. His woman, his wife that he married and promise to honor, has to do six times the work with only a fraction of the pay.

All to often the male has an eight hour job that tires him out so much that when he gets home he only has enough strength left to grab a beer and the remote. His woman, on the other hand has to come home from her ten hour a day job, clean house, make supper, do dishes and the laundry plus take care of the kids and all of this while earning a paycheck that is but a fraction of her master.

Bedtime and for some odd reason his woman is too tired to make love. Now I wonder why?

That is not equal no matter how you look at it. How many of these masters get so fed up that his slave, er, wife, does not clean good enough, or is always too tired, or heaven forbid actually have friends to the point where he becomes abusive? "You called a friend from work?" This then leads to a confrontation where mr. macho shows what all that muscle of his does. At the hospital his victim, er wife, seems to have hit the door from at least four sides.

This has got to stop! Now!!!!

We are WINGS, come fly with us as we make right these wrongs.
email:
unwriter@yahoo.com
rainbow@velocity.com

Take it to the people that need it

2007-01-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

I am a humorist, usually. This is one of the exceptions.

While you are reading this, at least one woman, someplace is incapacitated because her husband/boyfriend thought that women are property and beat the hell out of her because she did something he didn't like, up to and including something as simple as smile at the wrong time. How many children go to the doctor because according to them, they fell down or ran into a door, when the reality is that mom or day decided they made good objects upon which to vent their rage? How many young ladies, under the age of ten, have replaced their mother/girlfriend as a sex toy?

Is that man on the curb there because he wants to be? He is begging for money for food, yet you know it's going to alcohol. Are you going to ignore him? Or are you going to stop and talk to him to find out the real reason he's in the condition he's in. You will probably be very surprised.

This is only part of what we are trying work on. I for one am tired of seeing all the abuse and neglect. I know we can do something. No, we HAVE to do something. Join me, make a difference. The cover letter for WNGS is below. There are email address'es to contact us if you are willing to quit being a couch potato and help. Let George do it? We are George!! Help with us. Are you part of the problem? Or are you willing to help find the solution?

Ron

To our contributors,

We are WINGS (Writers Involved--Nurturing, Guiding, Surviving). We are seeking writers to head and contribute to any or all of our various causes. As writers we can make a difference in this world. Let us allow our stars to shine so we can aid others in discovering the stars shining within themselves. We want letters of hope, and help.

Our goal is to utilize as many resources and locations for aid that we can. We have the ability to use our talents for the good of mankind. Join us in building the foundations of help. Come with us to the brighter future that we can create. We will have one cause per month spotlighted with supporting issues and at times secondary aids. Our focus, at this time, is on the following causes (more will be added as time and resources permit):

abused women
abused children
veterans
homeless
single parents
abused animals
medical issues
children's mental health
Native American Rights

Send an email to:
Ron
unwriter@yahoo.com
Joyce
rainbow@velocity.net
Babs
lakotahwriter@yahoo.com

Thank you

Creed

We are a star in the Abyss of abuse and neglect. As such we need to radiate brightly and let our rays of information brighten the lives of others.

Mission Statement

WINGS is for just about anyone who is down and out and needs lifted up. We strive to provide the most up to date and accurate information available. Our goal is to enlighten and inform. No matter your plight, we shall endeavor to search for the most readily available resources to help end your sufferings.

Taking flight

2007-01-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

"The ambulance took mommy away. Daddy beat her up because the house wasn't clean enough."
"I told daddy I was sorry. I didn't mean to say no to him. The doctor says I won't have too many scars."
"What's a daddy?"
"Look at those lazy bums! Maybe if they would stay off the sauce they could find jobs and get off the street."

Do any of the above lines scare you? They should. Have you wondered why your neighbor hasn't been seen for a few days? She could be ill, or she could be staying out of sight until the bruises go away. I have never met an attack door in my life, but I have seen some of the nicest guys in person beat the liife out of their wives. Read the papers, watch tv, and try to escape this. You can't. Spousal abuse is on the rise. How many children fall down two or three times a month bad enough to require hospitalization?

It does not take a piece of paper to make children. It does take committment to raise them though. I guess the making part is fun, but caring for, loving and supporting is just too much work. Life for single parents is not easy. Granted the stigma is virtually gone, but that does not make day to day life easier.

Is that bum really just a lazy drunk? How do you know? You judged him without checking. He could be ill, mentally or physically, but you'll never know, if you just judge and walk away.

These are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Writers, take up your pen, do the research and help stamp out these situations. I for one am sick and tired of guys thinking their wives, partners, are nothing more than punching bags. How many children have become surrogate love partners? How many children have we lost because a parent or guardian lost control?

You think that if you ignore the problem it will go away? Oh, wait, I know, it didn't happen to you so why bother? I suggest you rephrase that, as "It didn't happen to me, yet." Before that happens, join us. WINGS (Writers Involved--Nurturing, Guiding, Surviving), is a coalition of writers doing research, writing white papers, publishing articles and resources on this and other issues. We MUST do something! We have the power of the written word. It is time to use our words to melt the swords of injustice.

Creed

We are a star in the Abyss of abuse and neglect. As such we need to radiate brightly and let our rays of information brighten the lives of others.

Mission Statement

WINGS is for just about anyone who is down and out and needs lifted up. We strive to provide the most up to date and accurate information available. Our goal is to enlighten and inform. No matter your plight, we shall endeavor to search for the most readily available resources to help end your sufferings.

Old writers, new loves

2007-01-07T09:32:00.000-05:00

Old writers never die, they just get erased. This writer is a long way from that point. I have been slowed down, but I am picking up speed. I've added a new piece to my website. Considering how this weather is going lately, it is very appropriate. One of the greatest unknown, but soon to be a household names is Joyce Anthony. Her book STORM is going to take the literary world by storm.

While on the site, view some other books, three of them are mine, but the links page has enough material to keep you reading for years!

http://thesurrealwriter.tripod.com

A seed is planted

2007-01-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

Our garden of life has a new seed. Nurture it, keep it watered and fed. This seed of 2007 will grow only as you care for it. Feed it new ideas. Shower it with love. Nourish it with the manna of the gods. Surround it with contentment. How will your new beginning, your fresh start on life grow? Are you going to keep the weeds of hatred and lust at bay? Use your talents and plant flowers of success. Watch as the bloom in the brightness of life's positive energies.

You are not a gardener? Your family and friends are. Work wih them, let them teach you. This is the year of growth, in your personal and professonal life. Use the tools you have at hand. Your friends are the hoe, and the rake. They will help you remove the weeds of doubt and discontent. Your family is the showers of love. Revel in it for that is the power and energy to ensure straight and true growth.

How will your garden grow? Will it be full of weeds of hate and dissiillusionment? Or will it soar to the heights of forever and return buds of love and creativity?

Wherefor art thou

2006-12-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas has come and gone. Let me rephrase that, Christmas day has come and gone. What are you doing today? Are you reading that new book? Is everything ready to be returned? What are your plans for today? For tomorrow? You have tons of new 'stuff'. Is that it? You are all done with Christmas until next year, right? I received, this year for The holiday, some material items. Yes, I like them. But they get used, they may break, they may get lost. They are, in reality, of little value. I also 'received' some new friends. I 'received' a revitalized spirit. These are the gifts of the ages.

Does your Christmas exist for a few weeks, then poof! It is over in one day. Take that spirit of giving, that loving feeling and wrap your life around it. Live each day like it is Christmas. Smile at your fellow humans. Treat your surroundings with kindness. Christmas is not about gifts. Christmas is not about material 'things'. Christmas is the love and harmony we show every living thing on this small planet called Earth. It is all about sharing. What shall you give shall in return be received many times over. Let this year be the seed the spirit of Christmas takes root in your heart and grows to become the person you are.

Are you going to box up your spirit of love and put it on the curb this boxing day? Will your box of Christmas spirit be again stored in your attic, not to be reopened until next year? Are you living in a box, a self centered house of one? Take yourself out of the darkness of self containment. Remove that bushel basket and let there be light in your life. Take that light and show others the path of contentment. Guide your fellow humans down the path of hope. Be the guiding light.

Please help!!!

2006-12-19T19:55:00.000-05:00

Please read and pass on;

If there is anyone in the Syracuse or surrounding area who would love to welcome a 3 year old Bichon/Poodle into their home, please contact me offlist ASAP. We know of a man who purchased this male for his mother, who then passed away. He's had the dog for a while but lives in an apartment and works 11-12 hours a day. Instead of leaving him alone, he's decided to put him to sleep the day after Christmas. The appointment is already made...YIKES! !!He is good with kids and other animals and just wants someone to pay attention to him.I'm heart broken about this, and we are considering bringing him into our home and hearts - even temporarily - but we already have two furry babies. (Not sure about managing a third???)This little guy is absolutely adorable and I have pictures if you're interested. He's all white, small, up to date on shots, housebroken. I know it's a long shot, but I'm trying to get the word out to as many people as possible. I want to try and save this little life.Thanks so much for any good thoughts or interest.Have a good one!Gina R-G

The daisy fields

2006-12-19T13:05:00.001-05:00

I am a sensitive person. I get upset easily, but I calm down quickly. I am difficult to anger. I don't calm down easily when angered. But I am angry now. Why? Because there is an epidemic in this world that needs our attention. It's called aids. Oh, wait, I know what you are thinking, aids only happens to queers. You figure you are not queer so it is not your problem.

WAKE UP!!!!!!!

It is everybodys problem.

It isn't just sex that spreads this deadly menace. Read then read some more about how it is spread. Sex may be where it starts, but dirty needles, tainted blood, and probably dozens of other reasons. It is not just the gay community, or just Africa, it is everywhere. You, your family or friends could come into contact and not even know it. Try this. Get a few scratches from you dog or your cat, then offer to help someone put a bandaid on a small cut they received. Wait a few days and go to the doctor. You may have aids!!! It is that easy to pass it on.

Check out this blog from an excellent writer to learn more.

http://readingrucke

We have only two choices. One, we ignore the problem and the world goes away. Two, help, in any way that we can, and the problem goes away. Which choice is yours?

Flying Farm Animal Bombsquad

2006-12-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

Like my title?

I'll try to keep the bull to a minimum (don't get me wrong, I am going to milk that title for all its worth).

I was going to say I don't want to hog the spotlight, but I'm not chicken so I'll ham it up here. Yes, you read that right, this is pun central. Throw veggies, the animals are hungry.

DUCK!!!!!!

Sorry, a low flying goose just came in. With that, let's gander about and see what this day has in store. It's monday, not really the cream of the crop in terms of days of the week. I hope the levity in this post puts a few smiles on everyone. There is absolutely no point to it beyond that.

Ok, so puns get your goat? Sorry Balaam, but this is one donkey (you thought I was going to say ass, didn't you?), that lives for the next best pun. Words are the humans toys so let's play.

You are reading this so I assume you like to read. Visit the link above and check out the links page. There you will find links to many of todays best writers. Woud I kid you? (sorry, couldn't pass it up)

Now, to paraphrase Bart Simpson, Let's not have a cow here. My primary goal this morning is to start monday off with a smile. I am also trying to egg you on to read some of the great unknown literature.

I'll shut up now.

Ron

Let there be BOOKS!

2006-12-10T19:07:00.000-05:00

Ok,

Somebody said to use the blogs. I use the blogs. I a bloggin' away here. In fact, this is a blog. In fact, this is a bloke busy blogging businesswise.

Now that I have you blored to btears (silent b), then I have something real interesting to tell ya! I got a feather stuck up, well, up where a feather ought not to go, and updated my books webpage!!! I added metatags (more than there were), and added a page of pages. Sound confusing? I hope so. My suggestion? Unconfuse yourself (this is coming from the uncrafter and unwriter and I is unconfused and often unclear, and according to some, unhinged). You can tell me about that last part after you go to:

http://thesurrealwriter.tripod.com/

Ron

Beads, Bonds, Books, Beauty

2006-12-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

It's pyscho time. NO, NO! I mean it's Psychedelic time. With the Beatles Sgt Pepper playing in the background, I managed to get my website up and running. Beads for sale or rather beads made into jewelry. Bonds and I don't mean that number 7 spy. I refer here to the bonds of friendship since I have links to many on the site. The links take you to many sites to add more books to your library. Mine of course is on front since I want you to buy my books. Actually you want to buy my books first since 'Computers Simplified' will ensure your computer skills are up to par, 'Simply Math' will ensure you can add up all the purchases you will make, and 'Journey into the Surreal' will keep you laughing while your bank account empties out buying all these great books, beads, and art. Oh, I didn't mention the prettiest part of this? Beauty is for the artist on the links site. There is another and when I get his link I'll add it. (Gale, are you listening?).

There it is, Beads, Bonds, Books, and Beauty

Ron

At least it's a start

2006-12-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

I modified an older website into just jewelry. Here's the link: http://uncrafters.tripod.com
This isn't all and the site is a long ways from being done, but thanks to a very dear friend it has gotten this far. If ya likes what ya sees, just follow the yellow brick road, or the directions, whichever comes first.However, just make your selection but don't buy it until monday. I have to redo the paypal. If there's nothing there you like, wait because I have more. Better yet, contact me and we'll discuss what ya want.

Ron

Oh my goodness, what do I call this?

2006-12-08T07:49:00.000-05:00

Ok folks,

It's now official. I am going to spend time playing with this blog thing. [no Max, it's not like tennis, you don't bat blogs back and forth over a fence. People use it like a diary, or to rant. Excuse me? Oh, a rant means to complain about things, like 'Why can't I get plaid in stripes', or 'I voted for Lassie, why didn't she take office?']

Sorry for the interruption. Max is an imaginary friend who only understands things that are written. Now, where were we? Oh yeah, I was talking about this blog thing. Now ain't that a funny word, 'blog'. What does it stand for, I wonder? Basket log? Barbeque log? Beer log? no, that would be Beer keg. Aren't these $%%^%# computer terms just the cutest little ole thang? We can even link them. I can just picture that, a virtual link of words like cyber sausage.

Now, to answer the age old question. Ok, it came up yesterday but that was an age, wasn't it? I'll be cyber digging for markets for childrens stories. I know, I can't use the %#@$#^ part, but the rest is pretty clean. Of course when the parents read some of the silly stuff they might be $#%^& me.

I would have put a link in there but I had some cyber eggs and needed a cyber sausage to go with it. I'll pick up some more for next time. Maybe next time I can try to write something a bit more serious. We'll see.

Religion sucks eggs

2006-12-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

Aha!! I got your attention.

This post has nothing to do with religion or eggs. Although, I do hope by the end of this post you pray for those less fortunate.

If you are reading this, you have access to a computer. When you are done you will get something to eat, go watch television or go to bed. Do me a favor.

When you go get something to eat, try to picture all of the homeless with neither money, nor a place to stay or a source of food. Remember our servicemen who are living in the mideast, eating k rations while praying they don't get killed while protecting American interests. I don't care why we are there. The point is, it is American military personnel and they need our support.

As you watch tv, Check the news a few times. See the pictures of Irag? See the bombs and terrorist attacks in Afganistan? Look closely at those streets in Irag. There is someone with a gun on every block. Was that a pile of rock over there on the left? No, that was someones home. Now look out our window. How many bombed out buildings do you see? Is there a tank sitting across the street?

Duck!!!! There goes another rocket. Oh wait, that was on TV.

When you go to bed, think long and hard about all those that are sleeping in boxes and under bridges. How many paychecks are you away from that? You have a warm place to sleep, lucky you. How many in this world do not? You have a soft pillow for your head. Take that out and replace it with a rock. Leave the covers off and open the window. Guess what, that is close to how all too many will try and sleep tonight. Oh? You think I'm still talking about Iraq. Get off the computer and get in your car. Drive around, especially in the bigger cities. You'll see many that are homeless. Know any of them? They could have been your neighbors, Your friends, or someone in your family. While you are out, take that money you were going to use to get a cup of coffee and put it in one of those red kettles. At least at this time of year you can pretend to care and give away a few pennies. You talk a great talk about how we should do something to help. Good, put your money where your mouth is.

Now, when you get back home, go to bed. Get some sleep and try to convince yourself you made a change in the world. You didn't, by the way. Do something year around and you will. As you dream, picture what the Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Afgan people are seeing. Will the home be here tomorrow or will that next rocket or car bomb take it out?

Sleep well

The holidays are here again

2006-11-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

The holidays are here. It's time to get that Christmas list out and start picking up the gifts. For those that need to get a present for the new computer user, or the I-can-spell-math-but-can't-do-it person, there are two ebooks available for purchase on my website below. For those family gatherings an evening of story telling is an option. Journey into the Surreal is a collection of short, funny, family style stories and is in the ebook also available here:
http://thesurrealwriter.tripod.com/

If you or your family or friends has a computer but need some techical assistance, visit my tech support site:
http://computersfixedcheap.tripod.com

Remember, it is important to get your Christmas shopping done early and the sooner you pick up one of these ebooks, the sooner you can cross those names off your list. Also, the sooner you pick up one, the sooner I can go out and finish off my list also.Ron

first stop on the blog tour

2006-11-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

I have a very special guest blogger, Dorothy Thompson, author of "A Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook," For those of us that write but know nothing of promotion, this is the bible of reference. If you are or want to be, a writer, pick up this book. If your computer isn't working right, click on the link above.

Ron

In self promoting, where should one start?

Hi, Ron, and thanks for having me! When you choose to self-promote your book, you make that choice to either give your book (or eBook) all you got, or let it die. You are the book’s life force, and it is you who has to have that dedication, that perseverance, to do everything in your power to make sure the book does well. If you fail, then you only have yourself to blame.

Every book or eBook on this planet, if written well, has the potential to be a big money-maker. It all depends on how you promote. I have seen books with under a hundred pages do so well for the author that she appeared on television talk shows and national magazines. But, this author does a bang-up job of promoting. The secret to her success is that she found her niche, and pounced on it. You have to find that hook, and use it.

If I had to pick one thing that was the most important in self-promotion, it would be to have the best search-friendly selling page for your book or eBook that you muster. Once you have that in place, talk it up! Find some unique angle that makes people want to visit your website, thus buy your book or eBook. Word of mouth is the best kind of promotion you can use, but if you don’t have a well-designed selling page, what’s the use?

A well-designed selling page consists of placing relevant search words and phrases dotted throughout. What kinds of search words would people use to find your website? Use them. If you’d like to see how I set up my selling page for my eBook, A Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook, go to www.thewriterslife.net/promoteebook.html.

Is there a guide to writing press releases?

There is a standard format you can use, but also keep in mind to use those same search words and phrases throughout. Publicity Insider puts out a wonderful template you can use to go by. You can see it at http://www.publicityinsider.com/release.asp.

My eBook, as you know, boasts over 40 places to send your press releases. The key is to send your press releases to as many press release sites that you can to up your search engine ranking. And, don’t just stop with one. Keep them coming. Every time you can tie your eBook in with a newsworthy topic, let her rip. I know of someone (and I’m sure there’s many more people out there like her) that sends a press release off once a month. She ties anything romantic-related, but newsworthy, in with her book and sends it off. Her sales are going through the roof!

Does this book apply only to the ebook format?

Good question, Ron. This eBook to promote eBooks can be used for print books as well. All the strategies I used in this eBook are great for promoting any kind of book. I discuss how to turn your website into a powerful selling tool, how to set up a selling page that will bring in potential buyers, how to set up your own personal guerilla marketing plan, how to promote yourself through radio interviews, lots of neat stuff, and the best part about it is that every single promotional venue is absolutely free. I show people how self-publishing is one of the most viable, not to mention profitable, ways of earning added income over the Internet there is. All the secrets to great promotion is inside my eBook. If you use every single one of the methods in the eBook to promote your own eBook, you’ll see those sales!

For more information on my eBook, A Complete Guide to Promoting & Selling Your Self-Published eBook, visit www.thewriterslife.net/promoteebook.html.

drugged to death

2006-11-06T21:57:00.000-05:00

According to the TV, I have a doctor. I have been to Walgreens and another big drug store and did not find any doctors for sale. Even if there was, I wouldn't buy one. I don't want one. All they do is take half your paycheck and give you scrips to spend the other half on pills.

We, as Americans, spend the last half of our short lives downing pills. There's a pill to go to sleep, a pill to make you thin, clean out arteries, make you cry and heaven only knows what else. We are a drug induced nation!! I believe very strongly that this is lowering our life expectancy. I find it amazing how few pills my parents and grandparents took and how old they lived to be!!

None of them worried about how long an erection lasted, or even if they got one. It was nothing for them to pull an apple off the tree and just eat it. Oh my goodness, they did not wash it! I grew up taking strawberries and wild grapes along with a lot of other wild fruits and never did get sick. I've pulled up potatoes and wiped the dirt off and eaten them. Hmm, I guess I was supposed to get sick.

The bacon I eat, the water I drink, and good grief, even the high cholesterol foods has not made me deathly ill nor increased my weight to the point of needing a crane to lift me up. What is more important is that I do not stress over these things. Let the surgeon general have a heart attack worring over what color my food is. Take those damn drug ads off the tv and out of the house and maybe, just maybe, the kids won't find their own drugs. As it is now, it's fine for the kids to take drugs because look at mom and dad's medicine cabinent.

We are a drug induced, tv influenced nation with cell phones growing out of our ears. I guess that's why we can't think straight, interact socially or hear what is going on around us.

Biotechnology

2006-11-05T21:17:00.000-05:00

We live in the age of wonder. We've gne from the mechanical age to the electrical age to the electronic and have entered the strange world of biotechnology. This can be proven very easily. Take some of that stuff the government really doesn't want you to have. Let's see, what do they call it? Sorry, it has been a long time since I've even seen it. Oh that's right, money. Most of it is now housed in some museum someplace.I think its called Fort Knox.

The reason we the people aren't allowed that stuff is because it has magic properties. Observe if you will, what happens when someone who has somehow acquired some of this magic paper walks into a store that sells cellular phones. He/she will hand this magic paper to the person behind the counter and poof! like magic, a cell phone grows out of their ear! I am surprised they are able to sleep at night with this new added appendage. I would imagine it has a breakin period. I find it amazing how many of these biological appendages have maliciously attached themselves to others.

non affordable economy

2006-11-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

I live in a modest (under $60k) house. There are three out of four here working and one is working two jobs. But, thanks in large part to our fantastic pres who thinks sending our boys to fight in a country that no longer needs us but does have a big effect on oil prices, the cost of our very existence is out of our price range. There was a time when folks could afford to put gas in their car and buy groceries in the same week. But since the middle east isn't making enough of a profit and the insurance companies need bigger buildings, we, the little people, get to realize the true meaning of global warming. Our money warms the hands of the politician in the form of higher taxes so that congress gets bigger raises. It warms the insurance company so they can build fancier buildings and send out more junk mail and it warms the doctors hands so he can make us take more pills and they can then take longer and fancier vacations.

healthy living???

2006-10-31T21:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm getting a little fed up with all this healthy stuff they are throwing at us on tv. Let's see, what does it take to be healthy?

First, avoid the foods that the Surgeon General has deemed unsafe. That includes: Milk, Bacon, fried foods, sweets, anything that is green, anything that is white, anything that tastes good. Then, you go to the doctor to get a bunch of those carb killing pills and whatever other pills the doc wants to have you spend your last penny on. You might as well spend the money on drugs (legal type), because there is little at the grocery store, except the vitamins and energy boosters.

Then, once you've got most of your money spent on drugs and vitamins, you spend the rest of your life savings on some fitness videos and a bowflex. Oh, someplace in there, you must try to squeeze in some insurance also. That way they can afford to build fancy buildings and the top brass can go on those expensive tours.

Let's get real!

2006-10-26T08:16:00.000-04:00

Ok, it's time to look at a bit of reality here. Bad people will enter this or any other country no matter what is done to keep them out. By putting up fences and other barriers we increase the number of bad immigree's. Why? Because it is a challenge to them. We want to keep the foreigners out yet we move all production companies to their countries. Does that make sense?

The real question is, why do we need to put up any kind of barrier? Open the borders between the US and Mexico as well as between US and Canada! Let the people come in. The immigrants that sneak in do jobs that most Americans don't want to do anyway. That also allows Americans to get into Mexico to work at the real jobs since they have all moved there anyway.

I would like to see the federal government do something it has not done in decades.

THINK!!!!

Remove the dictator!

2006-10-22T17:01:00.000-04:00

I just read where the laws have been changed to allow anyone to be searched anywhere anytime! I hereby call for an impeachment of George Bush while we still can!! This is the same path taken by Hitler, Mussolini and all the other malicious dictators of the world. We must act now, while we still have any rights left. One by one our civil rights are being stolen from us and if we just sit here and watch, we will become subserviant to the will of one rich, oil baron!

Stand up and be noticed!!!