Happy book release day!!

It's here!!

SINCLAIR SUMMER

middle-grade fiction ebook

Available for purchase:

Musa Publishing

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Behind the gates of the exclusive Sinclair Estates, twin sisters encounter secrets, lunatics, and preteen madness.

Excerpt

Later that evening, I thought back to the new neighbor. What if he really was an escapee? The thought creeped me out, so I hurried back to look out the front window to make sure he wasn’t trying to break into our house or something weird like that. I scanned the front yard area. The new neighbor was not out there, but there was another pickup truck parked directly behind the rusted black truck from earlier. Several men stood around talking, then walked to the side of the house.

I went into the dining room, peered out the side window, and watched as the men stooped down in front of the basement windows, quietly and quickly applying a black substance onto each window. The setting sun caused eerie shadows to dance against the siding. I noticed the new neighbor standing near the corner of his house, arms crossed against his chest and staring at nothing. He had a smile on his face that matched the green Grinch before he stole Christmas from the little Whos of Whoville.

Sinclair Lane just got interesting.

Also Available

13-year-old Beatrice Peppercorn's heart's desires are to finish her final year in middle school, win the heart of her cutie pie crush and take home the trophy for the spelling competition. Simple, right? Not when Beatrice's arch nemesis gets in her way and a new kid arrives--turning her world upside down.

Merry Christmas 2012!

Joy is here on Christmas morn,
because the infant Christ was born

My daughter recited that poem when she was three years old for our church’s Christmas pageant. Twenty-four years later, her reasons for joy and simple truth still hold true and resonate in my heart. 

I love the spirit of the Season. To notice someone watching Christmas lights, their face lit up with awe and wonder. The taste of peppermint mocha and smell of pumpkin spice always brighten a smile. It’s truly a time for sharing and caring with the reflections of seasons past and the start of new traditions.

A special time for friends and families to come together, adorn themselves in kooky, colorful, Christmas sweaters, and not so perfect pictures are taken. It’s a time when great cooks cook and not so great cooks receive cookbooks as gifts.

I wish you joy, peace, and happiness this holiday season. May love and laughter fill your house and the homes of those you love.

Merry Christmas!


Beth Bowland
www.bethbowland.com

Roger Rabbit is back!!

My Publisher, Musa Publishing will release the next Roger Rabbit book! YAYY!! 

 

**tosses confetti**

 

Until then, click here to view all the other fabulous books Musa has published...

 including mine ;)

 

Here is the official press release:

Musa Publishing, an independent digital-first publisher, has announced today that they will publish Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? by author Gary K. Wolf, the third book featuring Wolf's iconic character, Roger Rabbit, and the denizens of Toontown.

"When I first got a submission in the inbox from Gary K. Wolf, creator of Roger Rabbit, I must admit that I didn't take it seriously. After all, why would such a well-known author be coming to Musa?" confesses Musa Editorial Director, Celina Summers. "But after I read his submission, all my doubts were erased. No other author in the world has that distinct narrative voice. Rather quickly, we accepted two novels from Gary—The Late Great Show! and Typical Day—and Gary became part of the Musa family. But even then, I never expected he'd bring us a Roger Rabbit novel. "

Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? is the culmination of a twenty year wait for fans of the world that Wolf first created in his 1981 Hugo-winning Who Censored Roger Rabbit? The third installment in the series has been promised to fans for a long time but never released. Now, with the 25th anniversary of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? on the horizon in 2013 and  and confirmation of a completed Roger Rabbit 2 script by director Robert Zemeckis last week stirring up excitement among Roger Rabbit fans, the collaboration between Wolf and Musa is coming at a significant time.

"I could easily have published Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? through a major print publishing house. Instead, I choose to make this the first book of the Roger Rabbit series to be published digitally," Wolf states. "That decision evolves directly from the way I work, from the core philosophy of what I write and why I write it. I always push the boundaries in my writing. I invent worlds that nobody else ever thought about. I create unique characters and situations. I try to always be at the forefront of my craft. That includes the way my writing is presented to my readers. Digital publishing is clearly the future. It’s the way books are headed, so I’m heading that way, too."

With his first book at Musa, The Late Great Show!, released in October and his second novel, Typical Day, coming out on December 7, Wolf is no stranger to the Musa system. "I especially like the way Musa has taken digital publishing into areas that I never thought of. Using proprietary software, I’m able to interact with them electronically in real time. My editor, the publicity department, the art department, and everybody else involved with my work all have instant access to everything I submit. And vice versa."

Wolf isn't the only well-known author bringing his works to Musa. USA Today bestselling author Sharon De Vita has a multi-book deal with the publisher, and her romantic mystery The Estrogen Posse has been increasing in sales since its release in October, 2011. Science fiction up-and-comer Gini Koch's serial—The Martian Alliance—is being published by Musa, along with new and backlisted works from well-known authors like Cindi Myers, Vella Munn, Helen Hardt, and Julia Parks. In addition, Musa is responsible for the Homer Eon Flint project, where the entire body of work of this lost American science fiction author is being saved from crumbling 1920s pulp magazines and disintegrating newspaper copy and published as e-books.

"Even two or three years ago, it would have been thought impossible to lure these writers to a small, young publisher," Summers explains. "But because of our author-friendly policies and transparent business model, small publishers like Musa are able to release books like Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? digitally, with both a better product and prices far below what traditional publishers set for their e-books."

Both Summers and Wolf are optimistic about the prospects for Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? The novel reunites all the old fan favorites—Eddie Valiant, his fuzzy sidekick Roger Rabbit, Baby Herman, and Roger’s va-va-voom mate Jessica, who continue their madcap human and Toonian adventures. This time, Eddie is hired to bodyguard for Gary Cooper and Roger Rabbit, the stars of a new movie that's been receiving dire threats—shut down the film or else.

"Musa is thrilled to publish the next installment in the Roger Rabbit world," Summers says. "Toontown and e-publishing are destined to work well together. Gary has such an innovative mind. He takes risks daily with his fiction—he enjoys taking creative risks. He can do that comfortably at Musa because we encourage all our authors to reach further, to attempt things they normally wouldn't. E-publishing is all about trying things that traditional publishers might be uncertain about."

With the release of Who Wacked Roger Rabbit? set for November of 2013, Musa and Wolf are poised to gratify millions of Roger Rabbit fans across the world. The entertainment franchise is worth over $500,000,000 and the fandom is as eager as ever to follow their beloved Roger Rabbit and Eddie Valiant into new adventures—including e-publishing.

"Digital publishing is the wave of the future, and I’ve always been a wave of the future kind of guy," Wolf states matter-of-factly. "For me, going digital wasn’t in any way a last resort. It was a necessity."

Gary Wolf is the NYT Bestselling author of numerous book, articles, and short stories including Who Censored Roger Rabbit?, Who P-P-P-Plugged Roger Rabbit?, Space Vulture, and The Late Great Show! His movie credits include Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, the three Roger Rabbit cartoons Tummy Trouble, Rollercoaster Rabbit, and Trail Mix-up, and—coming in 2014—screen adaptations of his science fiction novels The Resurrectionist and Killerball. Awards for Wolf’s work include the Hugo Award, British Science Fiction Award, SF Chronicle Award, and 4 Academy Awards. Wolf is an avid Yoga enthusiast and lives in Boston where he is a full-time author, screenwriter, lecturer, entertainment consultant, and consummate “grown-up kid.” Look for his next Roger Rabbit installment to be released November, 2013 by Musa Publishing.



The Late Great Show! and Typical Day are available through Musa Publishing, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and e-tailers worldwide.

More information available from Musa Publishing at www.musapublishing.com and www.musapublishing.blogspot.com 

New middle-grade ebook--cover reveal!!

Presenting my shiny new cover for my upcoming middle-grade ebook:

Behind the gates of the exclusive Sinclair Estates, twin sisters encounter secrets, lunatics, and preteen madness.

 I LOVE IT!!! 

 Katrina Hollister, her twin sister Kiara, and their quirky group of pre-teen friends find themselves playing spy during their summer vacation in the prestigious gated community of Sinclair Estates.
Not only does Katrina and her crew investigate why ginormous mushrooms are randomly appearing then disappearing when their strange new neighbor is about, but she must also deal with the up-and-coming teen sensation who moved in across the street and stole her crush. To make things worse, her mother starts dating her crush’s gorgeous father—all of which she must stop.

 

COMING DECEMBER 28, 2012

Until then, check out my middle-grade book 

GRAPE BUBBLEGUM

Available now on...

Musa Publishing 

Amazon 

Barnes & Noble 

 

Thanksgiving & Black Friday shopping...

 Well, we've survived Thanksgiving and the biggest shopping day of the year--Black Friday! I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and didn't over eat. We don't serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Instead, we have a seafood feast consisting of: Crab legs, lobster tails & shrimp. Let me tell you it was delicious! :)

I did not go shopping on Black Friday. I've never gone shopping on that day and probably never will. I already hate shopping as it is. I can spend about an hour in a store before I get antsy. I can't imagine getting out in those crazy crowds. I prefer to shop online. On the news it showed people camped out in tents in front of some of the stores since Monday morning?!?!

How in the world can you  put your life on hold all week and spend days camped out in front of a store. I could understand if they were giving away stuff for free, but standing in the cold for hours for a discount? That musta been some discount! :) I have friends that do it every year, and they enjoy themselves and say it's fun. Uh...hmm..I don't know about that LOL! If I have to shop it will be during the after Christmas sales :)

Now, it's time to prepare for Christmas! The constant Christmas music on the radio, more sales commercials, flyers in the mail. I love Christmas, it's my favorite holiday but it seems like they start celebrating too. I'm actually tired of listening to Christmas music by Christmas LOL! I went into a store during the last week of October  and it already had Christmas decorations up?!!? Slow down, people!

It's also Christmas wish list time! Have you made up your list?

Teen Books...

Do you know any young readers ages 10 - 14 looking for a fun read?

How about purchasing a copy of GRAPE BUBBLEGUM for them.

It's also available in the following countries via Amazon: France, Italy, Japan, UK, Germany, Spain & India

From other countries you can purchase it from the Musa Publishing website 

  Musa Publishing

	When hair dye goes wrong, falsies escape during pep rallies, and friends turn to the dark side, Beatrice's 8th-grade year can only be saved by grape bubblegum kisses. 13-year-old Beatrice Peppercorn's heart's desires are to finish her final year in middle school, win the heart of her cutie pie crush and take home the trophy for the spelling competition. Simple, right? Not when Beatrice's arch nemesis gets in her way and a new kid arrives--turning her world upside down.

Veteran's Day...

THANK YOU!!!

Election Time..

It's that time of year. Time to VOTE!!!

It is your duty/responsibility to get out and vote for the candidate of your choice.

Let your voice be heard. 

Not your hatred!

 I honestly cannot believe the level of hatred spreading around.

Vote for who you want to vote for and leave it at that.

Please stop the name calling, racist statements, threats.

If someone doesn't look like you, believe like you, 

live like you, etc.

not a reason to hate that person.

 Yes, I know that in your mind you are not in need of grace, 

you're perfect, living a sin free life, 

never gossiped, lied or stolen a ink pen. 

Your heart is 100% pure 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Never ever an impure thought about anyone.

You are perfect

However,

You can still passionately promote your candidate

talk about your beliefs

discuss your family values

without the hatred

Agree to disagree

Not a reason to hate.

Blessings!

Fascination with sunrises...

 

Not sure when or how it started but I have a fascination with sunrises.  

Not only are they beautiful, but there is something about capturing that first glimpse of it when driving to work that somehow brightens your outlook for the day.

 

Another word to describe a sunrise would be majestic. Definitely causes an awe inspiring moment.

A sunrise a symbol of hope. Each morning I have a feeling of hope.  

A special smile from God saying His grace is sufficient for me. 

It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness.

The LORD is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.

It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

 (Lamentations 3:22-26)

Blessings!

And the winners are......

1st prize - $20 Amazon gift card -  Sharon Ledwith

2nd prize - copy of Grape Bubblegum - Candace Norris

Yayyy!!! *tosses confetti*

Thanks so much for participating!!! :)

How Am I Driving 1-800-WhoCares...

I think there is a connection between your personality type and the way you drive.

I'm not absolutely positive about this nor have I read scientific data to prove this. But I'm going to share my thoughts.

Some of you may recognize Mr. Magoo, he's from an old cartoon that aired years ago. Mr. Magoo was the absolute worst driver. He had horrible eyesight, drove on the wrong side of the road, cursed at slow moving drivers and often ran off the road. Hmm, he's gotta be from Texas :)

The Daredevil: This past weekend, while driving home I blared my horn at a crazy driver. He crossed in front of me while trying to make a right hand turn from the left hand lane?!?! It was a 3 lane road. He was in the far left lane. I guess he realized he needed to make a right turn at the next street, but instead of putting on his blinker and getting over, he speeds up and made the broad turn from his lane, crossing over the other two. I saw him, but the driver to my right, just barely missed running into him. Then he had the audacity to get mad at us for blowing at him?

Personality Type: Serious risk taker, acts before thinking, probably climbs ladders before checking to make sure they're balanced and secure and then wonders why they fell.

The Zipper: You see this person a lot. While driving he weaves in and out of traffic, passing you at breakneck speed trying to get ahead of you and everyone else, only to find himself sitting next to you at the next red light.

Personality Type:  Has zero patience, only eats microwavable food--no time to cook anything. Only watches TV shows that he has pre-recorded so he can zip through it. Can't understand why you're unable to commit to them after the first date. Never reads the instructions/directions before starting anything.

The SlowPoke:  Ah, the slowpoke driver. Very seldom goes over the speed limit, regardless of what the current flow of traffic may be going. Stays in the fast lane going at least 10-15mph slower than everyone else and refuses to move over, despite being flashed repeatedly with high beams by the drivers stuck behind him.

Personality Type:  Takes a very long time for this person to tell you anything because he speaks slllowwwlyyyy, while taking frequent pauses to think more about what he's going to say to you slowly. Takes forever to finish a job assignment or complete tasks. This person takes forever to commit to anything including relationships.

The Tailgater: This is the worst of all! This person rides your bumper while driving, even in the slow lane. Instead of passing you he just stays on your bumper. If you're in traffic this person never allows more than a few inches between his front bumper and your rear bumper. At a traffic light, if you move up an inch, they will move up an inch. Must always be very close to you in all types of traffic.

Personality Type: The person is definitely a cling-on, very clingy, unable to give you any personal space. This person must be around you at all times. They will call you and leave a voice mail message and before you have a chance to retrieve it they will call again, and again, and again! They must be near you. If standing in line at the check out lane, they're directly behind. If you're sitting on bench, they're sitting very close to you. If in an office with several open chairs, they will pick the one right next to you.

So, there you have it. The next time you want to get involved with someone or want to know more about them. Just go for a ride!!

Blessings!

3eighty5 (repost)

This morning I decided to go for nice jog + walk = joalk?  Anywhoo, I chose a 5 mile route and I thought it was early enough where I wouldn't get caught in the Texas heat. So, I didn't take a bottle of water with me..I thought...oh, I'll be ok. Well, I was wrongo! about half of this route you're facing the sun and I felt my energy slowly draining from my body. The last 2 miles I was REALLY thirsty and there was NO WAY I was going to make it home. I had my cell phone in my pocket and I thought of calling my husband to pick me up..LOL yeah, right..I'd nevah hear the end of that...then I thought how I was never going to get there, I may fall over in a ditch, if a dog came after me, he'd catch me and rip me to shreds, started hallucinating and saw a sno-cone stand, wondered about the statistics of how many people passed out during a joalk and how this was the longest, hardest trek back home. Well, while I was deep in thought contemplating how I was going to quit, I looked up and I was back at my street!

This scenario can be used on any goal that you're trying to reach...it may seem hard and that you're never going to get there. But, if you just keep moving, pressing forward, no matter how tough it is. You'll get there. If only just slow baby steps, but at least you're still moving forward.

My brother, a former marathoner, told me that after running 26 miles its that final 385 yards that are a killer. The end is in sight, but it takes everything you have not only physically but mentally to finish it out.

I know that you're tired, but keep pressing forward. You've come too far to stop or turn back.  Look up! You're at the 3eighty5 !!!

Blessings!!

Winners...

WINNERS!!
UPDATE!
Congratulations to blog hop participants Catherine lee: KINDLE FIRE
Duckysblue: SWAG BAG #1
Cassandra: SWAG BAG #2

The winner of the ebook from my blog is........ Jean MP!  Yayy!!  I will contact you by email with further details.

Thanks everyone for stopping by  & participating!!

Musa Publishing Blog Hop & Pre-order info

(CONTEST NOW CLOSED)

Today begins the 7 day Musa Publishing blog hop, celebrating their 1 year anniversary! *applause*

If you've never participated in a blog hop, give it a try. You just hop from blog to blog (Listed below) and leave comments on each. Every time you comment on a blog you will be entered to win a Kindle Fire (US and Canada only.)  *applause*


There are some really talented writers published by Musa. Visit their site www.musapublishing.com and check out the different imprints. I'm sure you will find something for the entire family.

 
I have two books with Musa Publishing. The first one Grape Bubblegum will be released October 19, 2012 *applause*

When hair dye goes wrong, falsies escape during pep rallies, and friends turn to the dark side, Beatrice's 8th-grade year can only be saved by grape bubblegum kisses.

It is available now for pre-order only. Click here  >>Grape Bubblegum Pre-order link<<

 13-year-old Beatrice Peppercorn's heart's desires are to finish her final year in middle school, win the heart of her cutie pie crush and take home the trophy for the spelling competition. Simple, right? Not when Beatrice's arch nemesis gets in her way and a new kid arrives--turning her world upside down.

Contest

Every time you comment on any blog in the Musa Blog Hop, you’ll be entered to win a Kindle Fire (US and Canada only), compliments of Musa Publishing. International winners will receive a $50 Musa Publishing gift card. 

The prize from my blog will be 1 ebook of your choice from the Musa Publishing website www.musapublishing.com (Make sure that your comment has a link to your contact information )

An old dried up lemon...

Remember those goals you wrote down at the beginning of the year? How are you doing with them?

It's a good time pull out that list and have a little self inventory? Even if you don't have a physical list, I'm sure there were some things you thought about in January. Things you wanted to complete by the end of the year.

Well, it's almost October! I'd say it's crunch time. Time to kick it into high gear!  You may not get everything completed but don't just forget about your goals/dreams/aspirations and leave them on a shelf to die.

Let me give you an example. 

Here we have a fresh lemon.  This lemon represents your goals/dreams/aspirations. Things you said you wanted to do, start or finish. They were fresh ideas! In your mind they were bright & full of life.

Here we have an old dried up lemon. This represents those goals/dreams/aspirations that you put up on the shelf and forgot about!

Don't let your dreams die! Don't just put them up on a shelf or stuff them in a drawer and forget about them. Life is short and now is the time to do it.

I'm really passionate about people going after and accomplishing dreams/goals/aspirations. But so, so, soooo many people just keep saying--tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow I will start.

No, start it now! Don't look back over your life and say should've, would've, could've.  It's doesn't have to be anything major in someone else's eyes, maybe something that is important only to you. It can even be a personal goal that only you know about. 

Maybe it's finishing that book of poetry you started years ago. Or, you've always said you've lived an interesting life and you should write about it. (Your kids/grand-kids/great-grand-kids would love to have this priceless heirloom from you.)  Thought of a screenplay, stageplay or cookbook. Saw something today while out and about and thought about a process to make it simpler. 

Well, today is your day!  Kick Procrastination & Fear out of your house!

Grab that pen & paper or turn on that computer and get busy. Whether you write something, research a new idea or re-write that to-do list.

You're doing SOMETHING!!!

The first step is the hardest, but it is a step. Just do it and don't share it with anyone...cause as soon as you say out of your mouth what you want to do. Someone will tell you why you can't or shouldn't do it.

Make it happen!! I am cheering you on!!  :)

Blessings!!

Time Management

Time flies when you're having fun!

Right now I seem to have a lot going on in my life and it all centers around writing. I'm not complaining because I love writing. However, it seems as though everything is coming due at the same time.

I'm usually pretty good at time management, but lately there seems to be shortage of time. I mean it seems like a few hours are missing or hiding from me.Where are my missing hours?

Oh where, oh where has my little hours gone?

Oh where, oh where could they be?

They were here when I woke up, and now they are gone.

Oh where, oh where could they be?

Yeah, I know that was a sad attempt to make a children's poem relate to my situation LOL!  But you get my meaning.

Well, anyhoo! Short blog today. Busy, busy, busy! Gotta go find my missing hours!

Later Gator!

Blessings!

Motivated...

 I'm in the final steps before the release of GRAPE BUBBLEGUM next month. Yayy!! 

 In the process of writing more on my current work-in-progress.

Workouts are going excellent!

Cooler temps are finally here in Texas!!

 Just feeling feisty and ready to take on the world.

I'm feeling like Rocky! Oh, wait, let me clarify that statement.

I'm feeling like this Rocky..

and not

My 5lb Maltese named Rocky

At times life can just wear you down. There are days that you just wanna stay in bed with the covers over your head. I think everyone has these types of days. 

Days where it seems like nothing is going for you. But there comes a time when you just gotta shake the covers off. Don't allow people and their actions to make you unhappy. Your happiness is your responsibility. Stop giving that responsibity to your friends, family, husband, wife, etc.

It's not up to them to make you happy. They can do everything by the book and you still won't be happy.

Why? It comes from within.

If it's not happening for you...

Go make it happen! 

Try again!

Try something else!

Stop sitting around wallowing in self-pity, sadness, indecisiveness & being unhappy.

 Today, I want you to start implementing the OWKIM!

Oh Well, Keep It Moving!

I didn't get the job...OWKIM!

My boyfriend/girlfriend broke up with me...OWKIM!

They no longer want to be friends with me...OWKIM!

I thought___________would've happened by now...OWKIM!

They rejected my proposal...OWKIM!

They were talking about me behind my back...OWKIM!

They lied to me...OWKIM!

 I'm not saying things won't bother you. But don't allow yourself to dwell on certain disappointments for too long. It will just leave you depressed, sad & unmotivated. Brush yourself off and keep moving.

YOU can conquer whatever you're facing today!!

Get up, turn on some music and dance or go run some stairs!! ;)

 

Blessings!!!

GUTGAA - Meet & Greet

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!!!

GUTGAA - Meet & Greet

-Where do you write?

Different places, but mostly in my office.

-Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?

Empty candy wrappers :)

-Favorite time to write?

Midnight until....!

-Drink of choice while writing?

Juice or Soda! neither which are good for me.

-When writing , do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?

Most times I need complete silence while I'm writing. I wrote a post about the ear phones that I wear.----> {{here}} However, there are times when I listen to music and it's either classical or movie soundtracks. My favorite is Chopin.

-What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?

My current wip has been pushed aside until I've finished my final edits for GRAPE BUBBLEGUM (out - Oct 19 Woo Hoo)

But my inspiration for my current wip was a Christmas card catalog. There was an image of an old farm house covered in snow. The story took off from there and it is a doozy! It's a little SciFi with a dash of fantasy Can't wait to share it!!!

-What's your most valuable writing tip?

Keep Writing!

Never give up!

&

Tune out the naysayers!

 

Power Walking...The Fat Blaster!

Today I want to discuss my new found love for power walking. I sorta touched on it [here] on a previous blog post. Well, I did a little research on power walking and who knew it could be such a fat blaster?

I used to enjoy jogging, but my right knee has kindly let me know, it would no longer participate in that activity. And if I should ignore his words, it would not be a pleasant experience :)

I'd been doing pretty good with my workouts lately. Well, I should say, I've been consistent with them. In the past it's a hit or miss situation. I'd workout for a week, quit for a week, repeat.  I've been getting up every morning at 4:30am (Mon-Fri) and putting in some type of workout DVD. Three days of cardio and two days of weight training. It was going well and I've noticed a difference. 

However, it wasn't until I re-vamped my workout days, and added in power walking on the weekends that I've noticed a major difference. Okay, now lets's discuss power walking. It's not the normal stroll that you see people doing most of the time. For it to really be effective: 

• Bend your arms slightly (90 degree angle)
• As you're walking swing your arms front to back. Keep your elbows in.
• Keep your abs and butt tight.
• Take short quick steps.
• Focus on landing on your heels and pushing off your toes.

At first, it's an awkward movement and you will look funny doing it. But it works!  The key is to focus on building up your speed 3.5mph - 5.0mph. You're moving quickly, and if you follow the above bullet points, it's an all over workout. You will feel it especially in your legs, butt, and abdominal muscles. Your midsection will tighten and shrink.

Oh, and another helpful hint. My friend told me about listening to techno music (stop laughing), who knew?!?!  I now pull up the "Electronic/Techno" music channel on my phone and that fast beat is the perfect pacesetter for your stride.

Are you currently a power walker? Hate it or Love it?

It's also an Olympic Sport [Race Walk]  Hmm, maybe I'll be ready to compete in Rio 2016?

Who's with me?  LOL!

Scary Stuff...

It's no secret that I don't do scary stuff. Meaning, I don't watch scary movies, visit haunted houses, or read scary books. Heck, I don't even like scary music LOL! So, if a book or movie is about vampires, demons, or werewolves. I've not read the book or watched the movie.

They have a show on TV called Ghost Hunters or some variation of that. It's when modern day ghost hunters visit known haunted places or where paranormal activity has been found. I watched about 5 minutes of it, and of course they're using night view cameras so everything has that eerie green light. They hear something and start screaming, the camera starts shaking and I turn the channel. Yep, that's about all I needed. I think I turned it to the cartoon channel to clear my mind.

Do you believe in ghosts? I've never seen any dead people walking around my house or popping up in my mirrors.  Oh, I wouldn't like that at all, and it would most likely make me angry. I'd go find it and demand that it leaves, cause it has no right here. And if it wants to stay it'd better have a job! LOL!!

I did have one incident, though, I'm not sure you would call it paranormal. It happened during a time when I was experiencing severe insomnia. My doctor prescribed me a product called Lunesta. Whoa!! I'd heard that one of the side effects was hallucinating. Well, I woke up and saw the Stay Puff Marshmallow man, remember him from Ghost Busters. He came in right through my wall and smiled at me. He stayed for several minutes. I just stared at him and he just kept grinning at me!

If  I'm watching TV and a movie preview comes on and it's a scary movie. I will usually change the channel. However, sometimes they sneak them in on you. While watching TV, a movie commercial came on, and from what I remember it started out okay or maybe I wasn't paying attention to it. I think the name of the movie was Possession? or something weird like that. But there was a scene when a Dr was looking down the girl's throat and some fingers came out. ACCKKK! TURN THE CHANNEL!!! TURN THE CHANNEL!!!  Who could sit and watch a movie like that. 

Remember that old movie "The Exorcist" it was made back in the 70's. Well, I've never watched the movie, but once when I was younger (probably middle school) It came on TV. I decided that I was going to be brave and watch it. It was already on so I turned to the channel and just my luck, it was the scene when the girl's head spins around and she doing the whole projectile vomiting thing. Yuck! That image is still etched in my brain after all these years.  

Okay, I did watch Poltergeist, BUT even though they were not comedies, they made me laugh! Especially in #2 when Rev Henry Kane was introduced...He was creepy-funny!

Do you watch scary movies? read scary books? Have you ever seen a ghost or something unexplained in your house?

Woooosahhhhh!!!!!

I received some news the other day that left me a little stressed. Ever have one of those days when everything was going great and just one email, or phone call or visit just completely throws you into turmoil.

Well, that was me the other day. Has your brain ever been so overwhelmed, you didn't know where to start to sort it all out. You try to quiet your mind, but it refuses to cooperate with you. You even try to meditate or pray and the only thing yelling out is: What am I going to do? How am I going to fix this?  Not sure where to start, which way to go or what to think about first.

Well, I have the solution!  Here's what you do. Grab your ipod, lace up your sneakers and go for a nice, long, walk. I went out on a 5 mile trek around the neighborhood.

Mile 1: Mind still very much cluttered, hard to get moving.
Mile 2: Picked up the pace a little, not really in to the music.
Mile 3: Picked up pace a little more, listening to the inspiring lyrics from the songs.
Mile 4: Pep in my step, mind clearing, starting to sing along.
Mile 5: Speed walking, arms pumping, singing out loud & happy!


Was the problem solved by walking? No. But it helped to calm my mind, body & spirit.

When you're in  panic mode, the problem seems insolvable. You're reaction is frantic and fearful, you have a pity-party  and you tend to make bad decisions you will regret later.

When you're in a calmer state of mind, it's easier to 'hear' what is necessary to resolve the situation.


Give it a try! Not only will you feel better, but you may drop a few pounds while doing it :)

Blessings!

Visions boards & sunrises...

Do you have a vision board?

By definition a vision board is poster board or cork board with a collage of images that you've gathered from magazines, pictures, or newspaper clippings. It can also have motivational quotes or sayings. The purpose of it is to surround yourself with the images of what you want to have or become until your reality matches what is on the board.

I'm not sure when it became so popular, maybe back when that book "The Secret" was so popular? It was an interesting book. I did read it. However, something about it just didn't sit well with me. It's been debated that it's new age religion stuff.  For me as I read it, I couldn't help but think that most of this stuff was taken from the bible, but the scriptures were left out. So, it wasn't really a secret after all. LOL!

I do believe in writing down your goals, visions, dreams, and desires. I hear so many people saying the "Universe" was so good to me and provided me with such and such... But, these blessings are not coming from some unknown entity in the Universe. No, the blessings are from God.

Yes, I am a Christian. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. No, I'm not going to debate with anyone about  how the Universe is your god, your spirit guides or how in your previous life--you lived as a cat.

However, I would love to hear if you have a vision board? What sort of things do you put on it?

I have a cork board, with scriptures & faith statements on it and it's sharing space with index cards with plot lines written on them.  I have some pictures but I've not put them up yet. (the cork board is out of space LOL)


I also have a shiny new journal that I plan to write in, but I've not started that yet. I've kept a journal off and on over the years and it's always interesting when you go back and re-read what you've written years ago. One journal was filled with like 3 months of darkness. I'm not sure why everything was so depressing during that time.Nothing seemed to be coming together, everything going wrong in my life. And it seemed as though when I wrote it I didn't believe the sun was ever going to shine again. (but I guess that's how depression works on your mind)

But we know the sun will shine again, and whatever darkness you're experiencing is only for a season. Although I know it's hard to remember this when you're surrounded by darkness.

But, I'm telling you, it will get better!!! it will get better!! IT WILL GET BETTER!!


“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  
See, darkness covers the earth
    and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you
    and his glory appears over you." Isaiah 60:1,2"


Blessings!!

All sorts of nastiness...

So, by now I'm sure that you've heard of the kid who posted a picture of himself standing in bins of lettuce. Yes, the lettuce that is used for YOUR food. Eww, that is just all sorts of nasty! Why would someone do something like that? Just the thought of it activates my gag reflex.

Do you think he was upset with a customer, his boss, co-workers or just thought it was funny? Well, there is always the crazy factor.

Have you ever walked out of a restaurant because you noticed something dirty? I have.  It was a fast food type restaurant and they handmade your sandwiches. Well, the lady behind the counter had like 4" long finger nails and on top of that she NOT wearing gloves. Oh, and one other little tidbit of information. She was the store manager!?!!?  That's gross! I don't care if she did scrub her hands well with soap and water before making the sandwich, it's still nasty!

I'm not much of a complainer but there are some things you just can't look past. I emailed the company stating they should require anyone working directly with food to wear gloves. I thought it was already mandatory, but I guess not.

There was another incident when I went through the drive-thru and ordered a salad. Once I arrived at my location to eat my lunch. I pulled the salad out of the bag and the lettuce was brown, wilted and partly frozen?!? Yuck! And it wasn't like the person serving the salad would not have noticed it because the lettuce was at the bottom or something.. It was the entire salad.

Remember those 'Caught on camera' type TV programs and they show employee's doing nasty stuff to your food. Dropping your steak on the floor and picking it back up and serving it?!?!  When this particular guy was confronted he said he did it because the patron kept complaining and sending her plate back saying it was not cooked correctly. Ugh!!

I'm probably the queen of walking out of eateries. I've walked out after one of the kids behind the counter sneezed in his hand and continued making the food.  After watching them scrap all the old ingredients that spilled over onto the counter (probably sitting there for a while) and putting them back in the tray to serve. Employees, scratching their head and  then continue preparing the food. The funny thing is that I'm usually the only one to walk out. Even though others noticed the incident, it didn't seem to bother them LOL!! Yuck!

What about you?

Are you nosey?

Are you nosey?  Well, now before you answer 'no' too quickly, let's talk about it. LOL!!

I can be nosey. But, it's usually when I'm at home. If I hear strange noises, loud noses, strange voices or sirens. I'm peeking out my window to see what's going on. My husband calls me Mrs. Kravitz LOL!

Do you remember the nosey neighbor Mrs. Kravitz from the show Bewitched? She was ALWAYS peeking out her window at Samantha then hollering "Abner, come quick!"

I think most people are nosey, when it comes to their homes and whats going on around it.  Or, if they're out somewhere and notice something strange going on, you will want to find out what it is. However, there is that 'other' nosey that drives me crazy.

There are people in this world that are just SO nosey, it's beyond ridiculous. Always asking inappropriate or personal questions, listening to your telephone calls, standing around corners eavesdropping in your conversations, it's just pathetic. In some situations you can't help but overhear conversations, but you don't have to comment on it or add your two cents/opinion on what you 'think' the conversation was about. Or worse, you go and gossip about what you heard.

There are also the really bold ones who will ask you to repeat what you said, or wait until you're off the phone and ask who you were talking to, what did you mean when you said that, or what the other person answered.

Where are you going? Where have you been? What did you buy?  Who did you meet? How much did you pay for that? Is that new? How much do you make? Where did you get that? What did you say? What did they say? What did you say, after they said that? LOL!! The appropriate answer you should give is...

NONYA!! = None Of Your Business.

Yes, that's right! It's NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!

Now, be gone, nosey-posey, go away, stop being nosey, get a life, read a book, hugs & kisses, be blessed, best regards, see ya later & may the force be with you :)

Blessings!!

Wild & Crazy TV Shows...

Where, oh where, shall I start this topic. I will call this blog: Wild & Crazy TV shows. Let's discuss a few of them.

First up. Call of The Wild Man aka Turtle Man--Live Action {insert his signature yodel here...}

This guy is so funny. He's just a backwoods, country, likeable fella that loves catching turtles. Well, not just turtles, but any type of critter you need to have captured.  The highlight of this show, is hearing his signature yodel he does after each capture and finding out what his payment will be for his services. This can range from a canned beans, jars of honey or an apple pie. LOL!!

Next up: WIPE OUT
This is a guilty pleasure. It's a game show competition where crazy adventurous people run through outrageous obstacle courses to win the title of Wipe Out champion and $50,000. These people are pummeled by giant rubber balls, smacked,  and tossed around like rag dolls.

I laugh at these guys & gals as they're going through the course, but there are times I just wince. Some of those falls and smacks look very painful. Plus, they add funny sounds in the background while it's happening and the commentators add in their wise cracks.

Last up: My Strange Addiction
Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse... They have found people with even stranger addictions. 
This show is like watching a train wreck. Once you start watching, it's hard to turn away. They had a guy who had a serious love affair going on with his--car?!?! He'd caress it, kiss on it, and say lovey-dovey things to it.   Then there was the chick who drank nail polish?!!? The girl who couldn't stop eating clear adhesive tape (yes, the stuff you use the wrap presents) She had stashes everywhere, and just tears off pieces and eats them like chewing gum. 

What's up with people eating dryer sheets, dry wall, and cat treats. How does one go about getting hooked on this stuff. I've used thousands of dryer sheets while doing laundry and not once did I ever say to  myself. "Mmm, I betcha this would taste good." or "Hmm, I think I'll have a nibble of drywall after lunch." or maybe "I have sudden craving for nail polish, let me go take a swig."

What about the young lady who LOVED the smell of mothballs. So much so, she had them crumbled on her carpet, like carpet freshener. She carried them in her purse, and sniffed them all throughout the day. She had them in her dresser drawers, in pillows, closets...EVERYWHERE! Her poor friends had to deal with that lovely odor.

OMG!! I think the worst was the lady who drinks her own urine?!?! UGH NASTY??? she said, sometimes it tastes like plum champagne?!?! and Mmm maybe a little lemony?!?! GAG! PUKE!! How in sam hill did she decide to start doing that 4 years ago!?!?!  

I love when they confess their addictions to their poor unsuspecting friends. The look on their faces is always priceless.

Do you have any strange addictions that you would like to confess?

Blessings!!

It's so hot outside...

I don't know about where you live, but down around these parts--IT'S SMOKIN' HOT!! 

So, today in honor of the heat. I want to try and make you smile.

I found some "It's so hot outside..." jokes. 

It's so hot outside...

All the corn on the stalks started popping and flying through

the air. The cows thought it was snowing. And they froze to death.

Farmers are feeding their chickens crushed ice to keep them 

from laying hard boiled eggs.

I saw a dog chasing a cat and they were both walkin'..

It’s so hot that I saw a funeral procession pull into a Dairy Queen

It’s so hot that birds have to use potholders to pull worms out of the ground.

Even the sun was looking for some shade! 

It's so hot your AC bill is higher than your mortgage.

It's so Hot cows are now giving Powdered milk!

The next book should be called 50 shades of red.

I saw Optimus Prime transform into an air conditioner.

The Devil was in Ace Hardware buying air conditioners.

Mayor Mike Bloomberg was seen drinking a Big Gulp.

What are some of your favorites?

Enjoy & Stay Cool!!

Blessings!!