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Wednesday, 7 January 2009
Love Guru Dr. Ava Cadell shares some thoughts
Topic: Author Interview

I have quite a dilemma today-Dr. Ava Cadell has so much going on that it was hard to limit what I share with you guys-and I just don't have room to share it all!  After reading the wonderful article by Dr. Cadell, please don't forget to check out the World's Best Lover contest (details below).

Armageddon Love by Dr. Ava Cadell

What happens when people feel their own mortality?  In Dr. Raymond Moody’s book, Life After Death, people described their experience of temporarily dying and then being brought back to life.  Almost everyone who had a near death experience reported being asked two questions during the time of their death.  Regardless of culture or religious beliefs, the two questions were the same: “What did you learn about being able to love?” and “How well did you use your gifts to live your unique life purpose?”

Most of us don’t get the opportunity to ponder these questions at the brink of life and death, never mind the prospect of coming back to life to change our responses should we be disappointed by them.  This being the case, it is only extreme, life-altering events that tend to compel us to assume such contemplative poses, and no one would argue that the prospect of Armageddon is an example of such a life-altering event.  However, what is new for many is the perceived proximity of Armageddon.  What was only recently considered alarmist fodder for hypochondriacs is now a realistic prospect for many.  And as such, it is causing many to “check in” with themselves in order to re-examine their lives in ways previously not contemplated and consequently to realign their priorities.

In some instances, this will lead people to be more introverted; the perceived greater risk and threat leading these people to want to close off and protect themselves from the prospect of further harm.  In other instances, this will lead people to be bolder, more daring and to take greater risks with the thought that “the end of the world” is approaching anyway so, why not?

Both of these paths have their benefits and drawbacks.  If you become more introverted, there may be less chance of getting hurt, but you also fail to live life to its fullest.  On the other hand, if you are bolder and more daring, you may also be inviting unnecessary risks, which may lead to their own dire circumstances.  However, there is a middle of the road.  Sincere self-examination can lead to self-forgiveness, the forgiveness of others, and the ability to lead a less judgmental life.

Being bold might include having the courage to find love, to learn how to deepen a relationship, or to live out your dreams.  Once people check in with their priorities, they tend to agree that love and human connections are the things that matter most in life.  This recognition motivates people to communicate more openly, intimately and honestly.   They are more aware of time and its imminent end and are hypersensitive of being left in the position of saying, “If only…”, “I wish I had…”, or “What if…”.  Uncertainty about the world and the longevity of one’s life causes people to take action.  Single people take greater risks because they don’t want to be alone, and couples reconnect, forming closer bonds.  In other words, people seek solace and refuge in the power of love.

Love is the fuel that keeps the world going round.  It empowers our planet.  In exploring everlasting love, we are seeking to express more of ourselves and experience more of life in tandem with the right partner.  If an individual can achieve a wholesome self-love, then two people uniting in love can become a powerhouse.  Every trial and tribulation they go through together can be viewed as an avenue to know, feel, and express more love.  Love has a high value because it is an investment.  It causes us to experience life on every level, and that is the ultimate gift of our existence.  We quest for love because of its enduring quality and its ability to grow if nourished.  Love is a precious gift that we earn and as such is all the more dear to us.  To be able to receive and give more of love is to experience life in glorious Technicolor.  To learn more about the power of love, do read my book, 12 Steps to Everlasting Love, or go to my virtual seminars.

***

 For more articles from Dr. Ava Cadell, please visit:

http://www.loveologyuniversity.com/LUPages/LULibrary.aspx

To learn more about The Best Lover Contest, please visit:

http://www.loveologyuniversity.com/instruction.aspx

Do you have questions that you would like to ask Dr Ava? For a time, we'll add the option for people to post a question here and Dr Ava will give you an answer. So, bring your questions about relationship, love, sex, compatibility and much more. You can post your questions here - or send them to nikki@nikkileigh.com and I'll get them to Dr Ava.

She has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share and she shares that through Loveology University. You should take a look - www.loveologyuniversity.com to see the wide range of information she offers. There are articles, audio, video, ebooks, and many courses for people who want to learn more for themselves and for people who want to become a certified loveologist.

Check back to see what other people ask - you could learn things that can turn your life, your relationship and your love life around -- just in time for Valentine's Day.

Nikki Leigh

PS - Email your question and we will not use your name unless you give us permission - your real identity is safe.

The questions and answers can be found at: http://www.worldsbestlover.blogspot.com/

For more information on how you can become a certified lovologist, stop by http://www.loveologyuniversity.com/LUPages/Mission-Statement.aspx and take a look around Loveology University!

***

Tomorrow, we again visit with political expert, Earl Ofari Hutchinson--and Friday Dr. Ava Cadell will return for a final visit!


Posted by joyceanthony at 3:00 AM EST
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Tuesday, 6 January 2009
How Do You Think Obama Won the Election?
Topic: Blog Tours

Today I would like to invite all readers to leave a comment with your opinion.  The question is How do you think Obama won the election? What bought about this question is today's guest, Earl Hutchinson.  Earl has released a book entitled How Obama Won:

How Obama Won

By Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Middle Passage Press, Los Angeles

January 2009


Print available soon. To be notified when the print book is available, please visit http://www.learnhowobamawon.blogspot.com and send us your name and email address to be notified.



How Obama Won is a provocative, hard hitting critical assessment of the issues, events, forces, politics, pressures and controversy that shaped and ensnared Barack Obama in his historic 2008 presidential campaign.

Political analyst Earl Ofari Hutchinson examines the impact of race and gender, campaign strategy, the key political players, the nature of presidential politics, the changes in the Democratic and Republicans parties, the importance of the black, Hispanic, youth, women and blue collar white worker votes, the role of corporation and special interests in American politics.

Hutchinson tells what the first African-American to win the White House means to America and the world.

How Obama Won

Hutchinson tells why:

  • Race was not a factor in Obama’s win


  • The Iraq war and the terrorism were not compelling issues in the campaign


  • Sarah Palin hurt McCain


  • Many blue collar whites and rural voters supported Obama


  • Obama was able to top McCain in fundraising


  • Ultraconservatives did not unite behind McCain


  • The economy ultimately sunk McCain


  • Obama’s win will and won’t change politics in America


    Earl Ofari Hutchinson is a nationally acclaimed author and political analyst.

    He is a frequent guest analyst on:

    The John Gibson Show

    O'Reilly Show

    Hannity & Colmes

    Glenn Beck Show

    PBS Lehrer Report,

    NPR's Talk of the Nation

    Various CNN News Shows.

    He is the National Political Writer for New America Media and a regular contributor to: the Huffington Post, and BlackAmericaWeb.Com

***

Later this week, I will be presenting a couple excerpts from this book, but for now, I would like to hear what you have to say. Leave a comment voicing your opinion!  You know you have one :-)


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:47 AM EST
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Monday, 5 January 2009
Do You Know the World's Best Lover?
Topic: Blog Tours

I am so excited this week I'm about to burst! I have two wonderful guests who will be alternating days this week, Dr. Ava Cadell, world renown Love Guru and Earl Hutchinson, well-known political commentator. I guarantee you will not want o miss a day!

***

Today, I want to announce a very special contest being run by Dr. Ava Cadell. Do you know the world's best lover?  If so, you have a chance to win!


World's Best Lover Competition

Love Guru Dr. Ava Cadell, founder of www.loveologyuniversity.com, invites romantics to submit a FREE entry listing why their lover is the best. They will receive a FREE certificate for their partner attesting to this loving tribute. This is a perfect Valentine's gift at no cost. Each person who submits an entry will also receive a FREE copy of the ebook 52 Sizzling Sex Secrets. Deadline for submissions is February 7th, 2009. The winner will be announced on Valentine's Day and they will win a $2000 scholarship for Loveology University or $1000 cash.

 Get those entries in folks!! While you are waiting to find out if you are a winner, please take a look at the following. 

The Tantric Sex Workbook & Audio and The World's Best Lover Competition:
       
In Loveology University's Tantric Sex Certification Course, you will learn the definition of Tantra and the different kinds of Tantra. Discover how to practice Tantra as a single person verses a couple and the best way to introduce a partner to Tantric sex. There are plenty of Tantric sex techniques and you'll understand how Tantra can help heal a hurt relationship and treat common sexual concerns. These sensual secrets are sure to please your mind, body and soul.

For women, Tantra can empower and fulfill their sensual needs. For men it can open up a whole new world to intimacy and it can give them the tools to become multi-orgasmic. For couples it's an opportunity to create a more meaningful and intimate connection. So, get ready to explore new sexual territory, expand your ideas about your relationships, intimacy and sex.

***

Dr. Ava will be here Wednesday and Friday, with more information on her great works.  Please drop by and leave her a comment.  Also, stop by Tuesday and Thursday to find out how Obama won the presidency!


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:26 AM EST
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Sunday, 4 January 2009
Getting to Know Dwight C. Rounds
Topic: Author Interview
 

 

Dwight C. Rounds the person:

1.  What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

Dependable, funny, direct

2.   How do you think others would describe you?

Same as #1

3.   Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.

Beatles era music and baseball

4. Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.

Three dogs - a Boxer, Scottish Terrier, and a Yorkie/Schnauzer mix

5. What is your most precious memory?

Throwing curve balls in Little League baseball

6. What is your most embarrassing memory?

Having a ski come off, and take off down the hill, and having to go after it on one ski. (this was before ski brakes)  It could have killed someone. 

7.   If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?

Same as now; real estate development and management, investments, some golf and ping pong

8.    In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.

He always did what he said he would do, and always went out of his way to speak to people.  He always thought most obituaries said exactly the same things, which often were sugar coated.  Because of that, this is all he wanted written for his obituary. 

Dwight C. Rounds  the writer:

9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?

Certainly not in school, when I disliked writing term papers. In my thirties and forties, I began writing about things that interested me, and have collected compilations on many different subjects.  I guess I first considered myself a writer, when I started my book about five years ago. 

10.  What is going on with your writing these days?

I am not writing anything currently, but am spending some time trying to market the book.

11.  What are your future goals for your writing?

In the near future, I am not going to have the time to write another book.  On my current book, I would like to set up more book signings around the country.  Along with the signings, I host a music identification contest that people enjoy.  It is only fun when a lot of people show up.  I would like to find places where I already know someone who can provide me with an invite list of people about my age who enjoyed that music.  Unless I am fairly sure that at least thirty people can show up, I would not schedule one.

12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?

I would spend about an hour a day writing, and reading and watching videos on the topic most days.

13. Why do you write?  

Enjoyment and recognition

14.  What writer most inspires you?  Why?

Bill James, who writes about baseball.  He looked at baseball in an entirely different way, causing me to often realize "I never thought of that."

15. How do you define your writing?

Thought provoking, discussion starting, opinionated

16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?

If you want to know about the music, and social activities during the Beatles era, this book will tell you all you need to know. 

Dwight C. Rounds the details:

17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?

www.AnimalsToZombies.com   www.DayTripper.blogspot.com

18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?

DCRounds@aol.com  or UnfortunateSon@AnimalstoZombies.com

19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?

The Year The Music Died

20.  For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?

The book is part reference material and part commentary.  It is irreverent, and entertaining for those who have a sense of humor.  It is a music book aimed at non musicians, which are most music listeners. 

In conclusion:

21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?

There is no one alive who enjoys that era of music more than I do.  I have listened to it almost daily for 45 years now, and am constantly watching videos and reading about it. 


Posted by joyceanthony at 1:53 AM EST
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Thursday, 1 January 2009
The Year the Music Died by Dwight C. Rounds
Topic: Blog Tours
 Even those of us too young to remember the 60s are familiar with the music from that time period.  Dwight C. Rounds has written a fascinationg book that will take everyone back to that time.  Let's take a look at the book and author.

THE YEAR THE MUSIC DIED

by Dwight C. Rounds

A book covering exclusively the best era of pop music, 1964-1972

The book is filled with commentaries on the groups and songs, psychedelic drugs, album and single chart statistics, the music festivals and numerous opinionated lists. There are also unusual trivia and lyric identification questions. The book is different from any other music book.

It is written for non-musicians (which are the vast majority of music listeners) and gives a very different perspective than most other music books.

Secondly, there is some biting humor in it, as the author pokes fun of musicians and some of the events of the time, which most music books tend to revere.

If you enjoyed the music of that era, or want to learn more about it, this book should interest you.

***

ABOUT DWIGHT ROUNDS

  

Dwight Rounds probably can’t name the bands or songs on the radio today, but ask him to name two No. 1 songs from 1964 and 1965 whose lyrics were written before 1930, and he’ll answer you faster than you can change the dial.

 

Born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in northern California, Rounds developed a fascination and eventual obsession with popular music when he watched the Beatles perform live on “The Ed Sullivan Show” on February 7, 1964, the official launch of the British Invasion. Rounds began collecting every Beatles album produced, eventually branching out to other bands such as the Rolling Stones and the Byrds. By 1972, Rounds noticed a marked decline in the quality of music on the charts and began listening to contemporary pop music less and less. To this day, Rounds only listens to bands from 1964 to 1972, an era that has defined his musical taste.

 

Rounds has compiled his knowledge of his true passion—popular music from the 1960s and early 1970s—into his first book, The Year the Music Died (Bridgeway Books, 978-1-933538-69-3, $16.95, July 2007). This collection contains insightful commentary and trivia about the music from 1964 to 1972, including charts and ratings, information on music festivals and commentary on the social movements of the time. The book offers baby boomers a chance to rediscover the music of their childhood and introduce it to today’s generation of listeners.

 

Rounds received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from DePauw University in 1976, earned his M.B.A. from The University of Southern California in 1978 and was a self-employed CPA for 22 years. He currently resides in Austin, Texas, with his wife and two children. When not listening to music, Rounds enjoys following baseball and playing golf (once with Alice Cooper) and tennis.

 Please come back on Sunday for more information on Dwight C. Rounds and The Year the Music Died.


Posted by joyceanthony at 11:58 PM EST
Updated: Friday, 2 January 2009 12:04 AM EST
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Saturday, 27 December 2008
Storm by Joyce A. Anthony--an Excerpt
Topic: First Chapter

 

Prologue

The wind whipped against the lighthouse, shaking it so fiercely that Sam could picture it toppling into the stormy sea.  Waves pounded the rocks and halfway up the sides of the lighthouse-waves that were twice Sam's height.  His thin frame tightened as he braced for each violent shake from the waves that fed hungrily on the wind.  Sending a silent prayer skyward, Sam checked to make sure the light was still working.  Weather like this could easily send an unfortunate ship spinning into the rocks, shattering it to mere splinters in seconds.  The light continuously spun, sending its warning outward. 

There's something different in this storm, Sam thought as he made his way to the lower level of the lighthouse.  Another wave rattled the windows in the area Sam called home.  "Yes, indeed," he mumbled out loud.  "Something is definitely different."

Unable to sleep, Sam played solitaire and let his thoughts wander.  He didn't mind being alone in the middle of the sea.  His job was an important one.  A ship getting lost out here and crashing upon the sharp, rocky island would mean instant death to all aboard.  Sam hated to think of what the aftermath of such a disaster would be like, so he was meticulous in keeping the light well-oiled and the glass sparkling.  He'd been emotionally alone his entire life, yet never felt lonely.  Life was everywhere around him and Sam never ceased to wonder at the power and beauty of the sea.

He wandered over to the window and looked out over the raging water.  Bolts of lightning lit up the churning waves and thunder reverberated from every direction, not so much following the lightning, but accompanying it-the two creating a chorus of unimaginable power.  The lighthouse continued to shake with every clap of thunder, but she held her ground, steady and sure in the face of danger.  Sam felt safe within her walls.  Still, as he watched wave after wave crash against the rocks outside, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something different about this storm.  He'd been through many raging storms in his years at sea, but the feeling wasn't the same.  With one final look out the window, Sam went back to his game to wait for morning.  He knew it would be a long night.

 

* * * *

 

 Morning arrived, clear and cloudless, with the sky a bright blue shade found nowhere else in the world.  Sam stepped outside to take a look at what damage the storm had caused.  He took a deep breath of the salty air.  He could feel it energize him.  The thought crossed his mind that there wasn't a bit of blood flowing through his veins after all this time.  "No," Sam said to the sky, "there's nothing but pure salt water running through these old veins."

A storm as powerful as the previous night's could cause a lot of damage.  Sam had found, at one time or another, various kinds of debris and sea life.  He'd found sea creatures stranded on the rocks and pieces of broken ships that hadn't made it through to the end of their journey.  Today, everything appeared fine.  Then he saw the gulls.

It wasn't often you saw more than a lone gull this far out at sea.  The last time Sam had seen so many circling like this, a dolphin had been thrown from the sea and lay stranded upon the rocks.  The gulls had gathered and circled, waiting for the dolphin to lose its fight for life.  Sam had worked all day, dragging the stranded creature to the edge of the island so it could swim back to safety.  His heart sank as he headed toward the gulls. 

What now? he wondered.

Following instinct rather than any tangible reasoning, Sam headed for a large boulder to his right.  If nothing else, he thought, I'll get a clearer view of the surrounding area.  The air suddenly stilled.  The gulls landed and ceased their constant cries.  Sam looked around him and wondered at the total silence.  A tingling ran through him like the lightning the night before had charged the air around him.  It wasn't an unpleasant feeling.  Sam continued his climb up the boulder and, reaching the top, he froze.

He wasn't sure what he had expected to see-maybe a dolphin or a tortoise.  What he did see, however, was so unexpected and out of place that Sam felt unable to move for a time. Wedged tightly between two stones was a wicker basket, like those used for laundry.  It appeared whole and undamaged. 

A cry broke through Sam's reverie; there was something alive inside the basket! Approaching the basket cautiously, he looked around for any signs of life other than the gulls.  The gentle lapping of the waves eased his nervousness, but not his confusion.  Inside the basket, wrapped tightly in a soft blanket, was a baby. 

"Is anyone there?" Sam called out, turning slowly in a circle.  There was no sound, no movement.  Sam saw no boat to indicate that there was anyone else on the island.  Searching the ground for footprints, Sam found none.   This made no sense.  Babies don't just appear out of thin air.  He closed his eyes.  He was seeing things.  That's what it was.  Opening his eyes again, Sam discovered that the baby was still there.  The air still held the abnormal silence. 

It's like the calm before the storm, he thought, only this time it's come after the storm

The baby was watching Sam, quietly now, an expression of interest in his dark eyes.  Stooping down, Sam gently reached out to touch the child's forehead.  "Well, I guess this is one critter I can't throw back in." The baby laughed and the sound startled Sam; it was a sound that seemed so out-of-place here.  Rocks upon rocks surrounded them.  The lighthouse stood on the only piece of flat land the island had. 

Island?

It occurred to Sam at that moment that nobody could have gotten there without a boat, and the storm of last night would surely have caused any boat coming close to splinter against the rocks.  There were no signs of a wrecked boat anywhere.  Sam's confusion grew, but common sense finally kicked in. 

"You must be wet and cold," he said to the baby.  "I need to get you inside." He reached down to lift the infant and found, to his utter amazement, the baby was as dry as he was.  "Who are you? Where did you come from?" The baby's eyes met Sam's silently. 

Sam carried the tiny bundle back to his home.  In all his years, he'd never held a baby, and he found himself taking extra care for fear of being too harsh.  He wondered what he could feed the baby.  He was sure he'd heard somewhere that babies needed special food.  "Hope you like fish, little one.  That's about all we get around here."

Gently laying the baby on his cot, Sam unwrapped him.  He looked the baby over carefully for signs of injury.  There wasn't a mark on the perfect skin.  "Looks like everything is in working order," he said out loud.

Eyes as black as a starless night looked up into Sam's gray ones, and Sam suddenly felt he was in the presence of someone so much older than the tiny child he held.  The eyes seemed to speak of mysteries Sam could only guess at.  The child's hair was wavy and black.  Sam gently reached out and allowed the hair to curl around his finger.  The child reached up and took hold of Sam's outstretched finger and Sam had the strongest feeling of pure love he'd ever known. 

"What am I to do with this child, Lord? Please show me what you want of me." Sam unwrapped the child's hand from his finger and sat down on the cot.  The baby had drifted into a peaceful sleep and Sam's worried expression turned to a gentle smile as he looked upon the sleeping baby. 

I'll find a way to take care of you, he thought. 

A ship came to the island every six months to bring supplies.  Sam checked his logbook-five months to go.  He'd turn the baby over to the supply crew when they came and they could take him to town, where his parents could be found.  Sam felt that was the best thing. 

"What shall I call you until then? You need a name."

Thinking back over the past few hours, Sam still felt confused as to how this child had come into his little piece of the world.  Answers or not, Sam knew the coming months would not be easy ones.  His nice, quiet, uneventful life had been turned upside down without warning.  You never can tell what the storm will wash ashore. 

"Storm," he whispered to the sleeping baby.  "I'll call you Storm."

 

 

Chapter 1

Storm watched the tiny island disappear as the supply vessel carried him away from his home of thirty-three years and toward a future that was even more unknown than his beginning.  Sam had often told him the story of the day he was found.  He once told Storm he felt guilty for not turning him over to those who could have given him a better life, but somehow the supply ship came and went, and each time Sam felt that he would be giving up the family he never realized he'd needed. 

As Storm grew, Sam taught him all he knew-about the lighthouse, the sea, and the world beyond.  Storm was a quick and eager pupil, asking constant questions, drawing out every detail Sam could find.  One day Storm questioned Sam's version of how he came to be on the island.  It made no sense to Storm that a child could have just appeared, let alone survived the kind of storm Sam described.  Sam confessed the circumstances still baffled him.  "Some things, Storm, just are," he finally said.  "We can question endlessly and the answers forever elude us."

Sam's hard life finally caught up with him and Storm took over the duties of running the lighthouse.  The two men spent hours, playing cards or simply talking.  Sam couldn't remember a time when he'd been happier.  Storm knew no other existence. 

When the older man caught a chill that invaded his body so thoroughly that he could not shake it, Storm did what he could to make Sam comfortable.  In the end, Sam's fight drew to an end and he called Storm to his side. 

"Storm, you are destined for great things.  You must go and meet them willingly."

"How can I survive in a world I do not know?"

Sam took Storm's hand in both of his and looked deep into the dark eyes he knew so well.  He was searching for something-a word, a sign, anything-to help him know what he must say.  The words came to him clearly and he held tightly to the younger man's hand.

"Follow the railway tracks and seek the whirling rainbow.  There you will be what you are meant to be."

"Whirling rainbow?  I don't understand.  How can I find what does not exist?"

Sam's voice was softer now, and Storm had to put his ear close to the dying man's lips.  "Faith and courage, but mainly faith, will lead the way."

Storm gently washed Sam's body and dressed him in clean clothes.  They had discussed this day a few weeks ago and Sam had told Storm that he wanted his body thrown into the sea.  The sea had been a part of him during his life, and he wished to be a part of it at the time of his death. 

Storm silently watched as the waves carried away the only family he had ever known.  As a large wave enveloped Sam and drew him beneath the surface, the young man turned slowly toward the lighthouse. 

"I'll see you inside the rainbow, Sam."

 

* * * *

 

"Where are you heading?"

The voice broke into Storm's thoughts and he returned to the ship.  "I'm not sure.  I guess whichever way the wind blows me."

The supply ship had docked and Storm looked around, with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.  This was his first time away from the lighthouse; he had never seen houses and cars and stores.  Yes, he'd seen pictures, but they were nothing compared to the reality that surrounded him now.  Sounds were everywhere and Storm found he could not identify many of them; you can't describe a sound recognizably in a book. 

When one of the sailors asked if he was okay, Storm realized that he had been standing quite still, overwhelmed by all that surrounded him.  "Yes.  Yes, I'm fine."

Letting instinct lead him, Storm headed toward the setting sun.  As he passed, people stopped and watched him.  There was an air about him that demanded attention, although nobody could have put words to what it was.  His dark hair flowed past his shoulders and halfway down his back.  It had never seen a pair of scissors and was thick and wavy, glistening each time the sun glanced off of it.  Eyes of dark obsidian reflected everything he looked at.  They were warm eyes that conveyed a sense of peace and understanding, never revealing the turmoil they hid.  His skin had been permanently wind-burned to a rich tan and his muscles were those of a man who had worked hard, not one who worked out.  Storm's hands were strong and rough, yet he held them in a way that made you picture them wiping away a tear or cradling a wounded bird.  Gentle hands. 

To those he passed, it appeared this man knew exactly where he was heading.  He didn't rush, but neither did he linger.  He walked purposefully, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells around him.  Not once did he notice the curious stares of those he passed.

Storm was nearing the edge of town now and he still had no clue where he was going, but he figured the direction of the setting sun was as good as any.  He remembered Sam's advice-to follow the tracks-but he had not seen any in town.  It was getting dark quickly and it made no sense to continue further until morning.  The weather was clear and warm, so Storm figured he didn't need too much shelter for the night.  It never occurred to him that there might be danger.  His entire life had been safe.  Finding a willow with branches that nearly touched the ground, Storm lay beneath its branches and drifted into a restless sleep.

Storm found himself surrounded by color-moving, pulsating color.  They seemed to be lit from behind by an unseen light.  The sound of music, unlike any he had ever heard, vibrated from everywhere.  He stopped to marvel at how beautiful the sound was.  He turned his head, first one way and then the other, trying to pinpoint just where the sound originated, but it seemed to be coming from everywhere at once.  It occurred to Storm that the music was coming from the colors themselves, as their movement coincided completely with the sound.  If he had been asked to explain his feelings at that moment, he would have found it impossible.  Every emotion he had ever felt passed through him, one right after the other, each lasting mere seconds.  The colors and music hypnotized Storm and he found himself spinning to the rhythm. 

What was that smell?   Lilacs! How he knew this with complete certainty, he couldn't say; he'd never seen a lilac, let alone smelled one.  The strong scent infiltrated his senses and added to the hypnotic feeling.  The colors swirled faster now, each one mingling with the next.  It was hard to see where one ended and the other began.  Storm spun faster and faster with the colors. 

Fear started to take over his mind and he wanted everything to stop.  "I'm not ready yet.  Make it stop." His cries were drowned out by the music-no longer sweet, but a crashing jumble of notes.  Storm covered both ears and screamed, the only thing he could do to release the immense pressure building up inside of him.  Sweat poured from him, joining with the colors in a way that made it appear as multi-colored as they were. 

Storm wanted it to stop; he willed it to stop; finally, he pleaded silently for this nightmare to end.  Another long, primal scream escaped him, this time accompanied by a loud clap of thunder.  At the same moment, a bolt of lightning flew through the air and barely missed Storm.  It was followed by yet another loud clap of thunder.  The colors around Storm exploded into millions of splinters, each containing its own inner light and color.  Storm's spinning abruptly stopped and he sank to his knees.  Tears flowed down his cheeks-tears that joined with the multi-colored fragments in the air. 

Then he heard the Voice; or rather he felt it, as it seemed to come from both inside and outside him.  "Stand up to your destiny, son. 

The strong voice demanded to be obeyed, and Storm stood without thinking.  "Who are you?" he asked.

"You know who I am-and who you are.  The time has come to take hold of your destiny and complete what you have come here to do."

"But I don't know what I'm to do! Tell me.  Tell me where my destiny lies!"

"The answer lies within the whirling rainbow.  Trust yourself."

The Voice was silent then.  Storm looked around him and saw the colors fade.

"Wait.  Where am I to go?  What must I do?"

Silence was his only answer.

***

To meet some of the characters from Storm and read some reviews, please visit http://joyceanthony.tripod.com

To view the book trailer, visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCU-D9W72E4

To purchase your copy of Storm, please go here:

http://www.storm.2freedom.com/

Thank you!!


Posted by joyceanthony at 1:20 AM EST
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Thursday, 25 December 2008
A Mother at Last
Topic: Miscellaneous

 I was tagged to write a Christmas story. This was first started my Marvin Wilson over at http://inspiritandtruths.blogspot.com/ and he passed it onto Ron Berry over at  http://unwriter1.wordpress.com/ who passed it onto me.  I decided to write of the one Christmas that will forever stand out in my mind.  I hope you enjoy it--and feel the joy that was felt that Christmas.  May your most heartfelt wishes become reality this year!

 ***

She had taken them in one by one.  First came the boy that was passed from one person to the next.  He found a home with her, a home of love and caring.  Next came a brother and sister.  They had lost their mother to death and their father to anger and pain.  She went to the children's home and brought them into her own--giving them love and nourishment of both body and spirit. 

Last came the little one, not yet a year old.  "Merry Christmas, she's yours." The words came from the bay's father--not wanting the baby. She was in her fifties, but took the girl under her wings and raised her--giving her a home, love, a chance.  Only this one called her "Mom", but there was always the slight nagging that she would be lost before she grew up. After all, her dad lived les than twenty miles away.

They all grew and had families of their own.  Aunt Rheuie they called her and she accepted this.  She was unable to bear a child from her own body-but she loved each one as though she had carried them herself.

***

The snow fell that December. It had been thirty years since that last wee one was left with her.  As she watched the snow grow deeper her heart sank-would she be alone this Christmas?  Surely nobody would travel in such a storm.  Rheuie barely heard the knock on the door, but there it was again. Her heart sang with joy, seeing the woman and three children on the other side.  Her "bay" had made it.

With shaking hands, grown frail with age, she opened the litle package slowly.  Inside was a small box of dark blue velvet, holding a ring of gold, with four tiny stones.  Tears fell when she read the single word engraved on the band, the one word that made all those years worth it:

Mother!

 ***

I will let everyone know later this weekend who I pas the New Year's story onto.


Posted by joyceanthony at 3:10 AM EST
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Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Questions and Answers with Crystalee Calderwood
Topic: Author Interview
Where did you get the inspiration for Angeline Jellybean?

I don't even remember how I came up with the story. I was taking a picture book writing class back in 2007. Our assignment was to write a picture book under 500 words, and that's what I did. I wrote it in rhyme because I wanted to see if I could write a rhyming picture book. I didn't even really expect to like it. That's how Angeline was born. A few rounds of revisions and a submission later, here it is!

Is Angeline anything like you?

Oh yes. *laughs* Angeline loves jellybeans almost as much as I love chocolate. Of course, I have learned to limit my chocolate intake, and I didn't have to go through the nasty side effects that Angeline did! Angeline is also very strong-willed and has a bit of a temper, which reminds me of a certain little redheaded girl I once knew.

When did you start writing?

I've been writing as long as I can remember. I used to write short stories way back in first grade. I've been reading even longer, since before I started school, so I only felt it was natural for me to write. I wrote poetry for many years. It wasn't until I went to grad school to get my MFA in Creative Writing that I discovered writing for children. That was in 2006. I ended up with a dual emphasis in poetry and writing for children and adolescents. I am amazed at how far I have come along with my writing since then.

How do you get the ideas for your picture books?

Well, I live and experience life, first of all. I get most of my ideas from things I've seen, experienced or heard. I also try to interact with children. I spent a year as a volunteer reading to children in daycares across Pittsburgh. In that year, I learned more about what children like than I had learned in my entire life. I also love to read children's books. I'm always asking myself if I can write something better than or different than the kinds of books that are out there. I'm not interested in writing books that copy a current trend, unless I can put my own spin on that trend.

Do you experiment with other genres as well?

Yes, I do. I started out writing poetry. I have also experimented with flash fiction. But nothing makes me happier than writing for children. I'm really a big kid at heart, and I write the kinds of books I would have liked to read when I was younger. I have also recently completed a young adult novel in verse, and I'm very excited to break into the YA market was well

***

Update:  I spent hours yesterday working with Wordpress, but couldn't get it to do all I want. I'm heading over to Blogger now and see how I can work with that.  Please watch here for updates.  Thanks for your patience, everyone!


Posted by joyceanthony at 2:00 AM EST
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Sunday, 21 December 2008
Meet Crystalee Calderwood
Topic: Blog Tours

I would like to introduce you to Crystalee Calderwood and her recent book, Angeline Jellybean. Unfortunately, I can't share the cover photo with you today (see note after post), but let's meet Crystalee:

Crystalee Calderwood is a born poet turned children's
writer, small town girl turned big city dweller. Crystalee
moved from Altoona, Pennsylvania, to Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, when she was twenty-two years old to
attend the MFA in Creative Writing program at Chatham
University. It was there she took her very first class in
writing for children and adolescents, and she's never
looked back.

As a member of Literacy AmeriCorps Pittsburgh,
Crystalee has had the pleasure of interacting with children in
the community through the non-profit organization
Beginning with Books. She introduced children to great
books in hopes that they would fall in love with them the
way she has. She is currently teaching computer skills to adults.

 

And here is a look into what Angeline Jellybean is all about:

Angeline wants to eat nothing but jellybeans. Year round, from Easter to Christmas, she asks for her favorite treat. But a strange event teaches Angeline that there's such thing as too much of a good thing!

With colorful, delightful illustrations by Stephen Macquignon, Angeline is sure to win over hearts of young picky eaters everywhere.

 

 

For more information on Crystalee, please visit:

Blog: http://www.crystaleecalderwood.blogspot.com  Website: http://www.crystaleecalderwood.bravehost.com  
You can purchase this wonderful book at:
http://www.amazon.com  
http://www.barnesandnoble.com 
http://www.4rvpublishingllc.com/Store-Books.html 
 
Please come back on Tuesday, when we will be talking with Crystalee--
you won't want to miss this one!
 
***
Note to my readers:  It seems I've used up all my space here :-( I spent
nearly two hours tonight trying to upgrade, but Tripod is not cooperating
with me :-(  I will be moving this blog to another account tomorrow.  The
link will be left here so you can find me.  Please make a note of the new 
link and drop by the new blog and say hello.  Thank yu for your patience
in this and your continued support.  I will make the move as smoothly as
possible.  Joyce 

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:02 AM EST
Updated: Sunday, 21 December 2008 4:05 AM EST
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Friday, 19 December 2008
Getting to Know Jean Henry Mead
Topic: Author Interview
Jean Mead the person: 

1.      What three words do you think describe you as a human being?

 That's a tough question. Impatient, determined and compassionate. I'm impatient to get things done, determined to succeed in whatever I attempt, and hopefully, I'm compassionate.
2.      How do you think others would describe you?
 Because I'm basically shy, people sometimes think I'm aloof. I hope they think I'm dependable because I try very hard not to let anyone down. And I'm sure they think I'm a little eccentric, but most writers are.
3.      Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
love animals, especially dogs. I also like photography and I'm a bibliophile. I have thousands of books, some of which I've had since I was a child. We're either going to have to build a library or just buy multi-format books for our ebook readers.
      
4.    Do you have any pets?  If so, introduce us to them.
I had two dogs until last month when my lovable black lab, Muggles, was struck by a pickup truck. I now have a very lonely Australian Sheppard, Miriah, as well as two crazy ducks named Vern and Shirley. I also have Chicki, a hen that was nearly killed by her flock mates. Only Miriah is allowed in the house. :)
5. What is your most precious memory?    
When my first grandchild was born and my very nervous son-in-law brought him out of the delivery room wrapped in a blanket.
6. What was your most embarrassing memory?
 I embarrass easily so it would be hard to remember just one. Okay, I do remember when the batteries fell out of the bottom of my tape recorder and rolled under a massive desk the night I crashed a cocktail party at a local bank to interview sportscaster Curt Gowdy. I had to return the following day to interview him in the bank lobby with lots of people present. Not an easy way to conduct an interview.
7.      If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
I would either be a photographer or an anthropologist. I'm fascinated by ancient civilizations. If not married, I'd probably be an aid worker in a foreign country. I've worked at various jobs such as teacher, secretary, sales, office manager, parts chaser for our business, magazine editor, photojournalist and news reporter, but nothing pleases me more than being a novelist.
 
8.      In two paragraphs or less write your obituary. (This was so hard)
Jean was born the eldest of five children and the only girl in an otherwise all-boy neighborhood, the reason she was a tom-boy and unafraid to try new things. Her curiosity sometimes got her into trouble but it served her well as an adult when she began her writing career. Divorced at 27, with four young daughters, she started college, carrying a full load of classes while working, and coaching her daughters' softball teams. Doing their homework together, the five of them managed to stay on the honor rolls. 
 Four years later, she remarried and the family moved to Wyoming where they began a new life.
     
Working as a magazine editor and freelance photojournalist, Jean's magazine articles were published domestically as well as abroad, winning some awards. In 1982 her first book was published and others followed. Later, her grandchildren arrived and life was complete, although not always easy. She once said that she would like to be remembered as someone who tried her best.
Jean Mead the writer:
9.  Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a “real” writer?

 
I realized I was a real writer when I got my first news reporting job with the local daily newspaper while editor of my campus weekly.  But I wrote my first novel when I was nine, a chapter a day to entertain classmates. I wrote it on construction paper with pencil and it got rave reviews from my classmates because it  made them laugh. I've always included humor in all my books, including nonfiction. I cringe remembering my first newspaper article, titled, "Are mosquitos bugging you?" I don't think the publisher appeciated my wacky humor.
10.  What is going on with your writing these days?
I'm working on a third novel for my Logan &  Cafferty senior sleuth mystery series as well as a children's book, The Mystery of Spider Mountain and an historical novel about the hanging of "Cattle Kate." Three books at once is about all I handle. The second novel in my Logan & Cafferty series, Diary of Murder, will be out next spring
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
To continue writing my mystery/suspense series and western historicals. Maybe even more children's novels. I would someday like to have some of my novels published as audio books.
12.  Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I'm usually at my computer by eight each morning where I remain until noon, and one until three in the afternoon. I love writing, so it's not a chore. Getting the housework and laundry done is the real chore. I've heard other women writers say, "What I need is a wife to keep up the household." I agree. Men writers are usually relieved of household chores but are burdened with the responsibility of earning a living. But a lot of women work and write too.
13.  Why do you write?
Because it's in me to write and it brings me great of joy when the writing goes well, which is most of the time. I give my characters free rein and they rarely lead me astray. I just type as fast as I can to keep up with them.
14.  Which writers most inspired you?  Why?
Ernest Hemingway inspired me because he changed the way modern literature is written. I have a difficult time reading some of the flowery language of the classics although I have over a hundred classic novels on my bookshelves. It's probably because of my journalism training, and Hemingway began as a journalist. I was also born on his birthday.
                
I studied Dean Koontz's writing style when I was attempting to make the transition between journalism and fiction. I've always liked the way he strings his words together, although some of his early novels were pretty flowery at times.

 
15. How do you define your writing?
I had to think about that for a while. Someone recently compared my historical novel, Escape, to Hemingway's work. I was flattered but can't quite see it. I like to follow actual events in my historical books, so it could be considered faction rather than fiction. I like to think of my books as an honest portrayal of the human condition, both past and present. And of course, generously sprinkled with humor. If we can't laugh at ourselves, we're in trouble. I enjoy writing mysteries most because they're such a challenge. I also like reading mysteries and trying to solve the crime before the fictional detectives.
16. In one sentence—what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
That they couldn't put my books down, that they enjoyed the humor and solving the mysteries as well as learning something from reading them.
Jean Mead the details:
17.  Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website?  Blog?
My website is: JeanHenryMead.com (http://jeanhenrymead.com/)
Blog sites:
Write On! Advice From an Editor: (http://advicefromeditors.blogspot.com/)
A Western Historical Happening: (http://awhh.blogspot.com/)         
I also contribute to Murderous Musings (http://murderousmusings.blogspot.com/) and                          MakeMineMystery (http://makeminemystery.blogspot.com/
        
18.  Is there a place where readers can reach you?
They can email me at JeanHenryMead@aol.com. I'm always happy to hear from my readers.
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
Most of them are out of print but can be found on various used book sites:
A Village Shattered, Escape, A Wyoming Historical Novel; Wyoming in Profile, Casper Country: Wyoming's Heartland, Maverick Writers (written as S. Jean Mead), Westerners, Wyoming's Cowboy Poets, Wyoming Historical Trivia (written as J. J. Hammond), Escape on the Wind, What Our Parents Should Know: Advice From Teens (edited), and Shirl Lock & Holmes (as Jean Henry).
20. For new readers—what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
Mystery, suspense, humor, a little romance, western facts and fiction, and hopefully an enjoyable read. 
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers—what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
That my writing comes from the heart. That I love my characters and live with them 24/7 while I'm writing a book, which means that Sarah Cafferty and Dana Logan live with me most of the time. That I spent nearly four years researching and writing Casper Country: Wyoming's Heartland and had so many notes left over that I wrote Escape, A Wyoming Historical Novel.  That I've interviewed hundreds of writers, actors, Hollywood screenwriters, artists, politicians and other celebrities. Most of the interviews are between the covers of my books: Westerners, Maverick Writers and Wyoming in Profile. And that writing is my favorite pastime.

Posted by joyceanthony at 4:32 AM EST
Updated: Friday, 19 December 2008 4:37 AM EST
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