McGuffy's Reader

It's A Special Day

2012-03-01T07:16:00.001-06:00

It is World Book Day!

Spend some quality time
with a good book!

Cat Thursday

2012-03-01T07:15:00.000-06:00

Chloe's "come hither" pose

Bedbugs

2012-02-29T20:06:00.001-06:00

By Ben H. Winters

Susan and Alex are your typical New York couple. Young, married with one child, they are trying to make ends meet. Alex is working hard in his photography business, while Susan has put aside a law career to work on an art career. Hiring a nanny to accomplish this goal, finances are tight.

When Susanfinds the perfect apartment just within their budget, they decide to check itout. When she finds the “bonus room”, she knows this is the perfect place forher to make an art studio. The apartment is almost too good to be true.

They settleinto a routine. The nanny keeps their daughter busy. Alex is working longhours, leaving Susan to her art. Yet she doesn’t seem to be able to focus onit. Unusual things begin to happen. Then she begins to notice itchy, red welts,but only on herself. After researching it online, Susan becomes convinced theyhave bedbugs.

She speakswith the elderly landlady, and calls in an exterminator. Even when nothing isfound, the problem continues with Susan. She becomes obsessed with bedbugs, andas the situation escalates, she begins to question her own sanity.

As the storyunfolds, with characters as intriguing as the plot line, there are many twists,turns and unexpected surprises. It is quite a thriller. A very suspenseful novel, I could not put itdown. I read it straight through. Though it is admittedly not my usual genre, Ihighly recommend it.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-29T10:29:00.000-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

My Ruby Slippers

2012-02-28T20:21:00.000-06:00

The Road Back to Kansas

ByTracy Seeley

TracySeeley knows the importance of home and of knowing where it is. As a child, herfamily moved often. “Home” was thirteen houses in a mere nine years. Her fatherwas more concerned about seeking stardom and validating himself. He moved himselfand his family wherever he felt would further his whims. Ultimately, he lefthis family to fend for themselves. Tracy had no sense of stability; nor did sheknow what or where home truly was.

Afterstruggling through a fractured, broken childhood, Tracy has nothing to draw on.She must embark upon a journey alone, and find her own way. Taking us into herpast, she searches for meaning. She also shares steps in the present day as shemoves toward a future with purpose.

Complicatingthings for Tracy are serious health issues and illness, adding to theimportance of roots and what home means. This leads to her trying to reconcileher relationship with her father, and his role in her life.

FromKansas to Colorado to California, Tracy learns about life, herself, andultimately what and where home is. In going back to where it all began, TracySeeley was able to find herself and move forward. In that, she found that homereally is where the heart is. My Ruby Slippers is a beautifully written,lyrical memoir.

Patrice's Porch Chat

2012-02-28T18:12:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the porch for Patrice's weekly chat. Here are the questions for this week:

1. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

2. What's your favorite kind of juice?
3. Have you tried Pinterest yet?
4. I can't wait for __________ from my garden (or farmers' market/CSA/neighbor with green thumb).
5. The worst job I ever had was __________________.
My Answers are:
1. Coffee. I'm not a breakfast person. I know...sometimes I guilt myself. I like oatmeal. I'll bet Wendell likes his oats, too!
2. I like pineapple-orange-banana, especially with coconut juice...hold the alcohol! *lol*
3. I have never tried Pinterest. I need to find out what it is all about!
4. I can't wait for the flowers in the garden! They always cheer me up!
5. The worst job I ever had was retail. It is just so tedious. I respect those who do it well, though. An informed salesperson is very valuable to their employer and the consumer.

The Kreativ Award

2012-02-28T17:36:00.000-06:00

Thank you to Angie, of Angels are Kids and Furkids for the Kreativ Blogger Award!!
Wow! I am so honoured and excited! Angie is one of my favourite people. Please check out her blog and you will quickly see why. Thank you, Angie. Hugs!
The Rules:
1. Thank & link back to the person who gave you the award.
2. Answer the form questions below.
3. Share ten random facts / thoughts about yourself.
4. Nominate (at least) 7 other blogs for the Kreativ Blogger Award.
The Questions & My Answers:
1. Favourite song...Both Sides Now, by Judy Collins...this has been my favourite song since it came out, when I was a child. We sang it in choir then. I think it says a lot about Life. Of course, there are many songs that I love and identify with, however.
2. Favourite dessert...probably mint-chocolate chip ice cream. It is a weakness & a treat.
3. What ticks me off...is rudeness! There is no excuse or reason for rudeness. It is just hurtful.
4. When I'm upset I...withdraw, retreat, reflect. I think it through before I react.
5. Favourite pet(s)...are cats & dogs. I think they are so interactive, and cuddly! There are favourite cat and dogs, too...but that is a long and winding road.
6. Black or white...grey...I like grey, and gravitate towards it.
7. Biggest fear...losing my husband, Bill. I cannot imagine life without him.
8. Everyday attitude..."It is what it is...& must be dealt with." I believe I can deal with anything, as long as I know what I am dealing with.
9. What is perfection?...Perfection is mutual acceptance & love.
10. Guilty pleasures...are mint-chocolate chip ice cream, and non-educational TV.
Ten Random Facts/Thoughts about Myself:
1. I love sweaters with pockets & hoods, and "Hoodies".
2. I collect unique dictionaries, like Yiddish, Southern, Yooper, Slang, Regional, etc.
3. I love waterfalls, whether small or large. A favourite waterfall is Tahquamenon Falls, in Michigan.
4. I shower daily. I never take tub baths; it creeps me out.
5. I refused to "graduate" with my eighth grade class. We had moved (again), and these were not the ones I went through junior high school with. I chose to pick up my diploma.
6. I struggled with math. I think in words, not numbers.
7. I was a devoted Mad-TV fan, and miss it. I liked early SNL, and then Mad-TV.
8. My favourite cats are polydactyl. I truly believe they are special. I hope to have a Tuxedo Poly someday...if I ever find one, or it finds me!
9. I will not wear open-toed shoes.
10. I absolutely love all trees and everything about them.
Now I pass this award on to:
*Brenda of Brenda Youngerman
*Carol of Dizzy C's Little Book Blog
*Kathy of SUGAR MOON
*Patty of Books, Thoughts And A Few Adventures
*TillyBud/thelaughinghousewife
*Andrea of From The Sol
*Pat of A View from the Edge
Please accept this award, because it comes from my heart. Each of you are special & creative in your own unique way.

Knowledge is Power

2012-02-28T16:00:00.000-06:00

Human nature never ceases to amaze me.

I consider myself to be intelligent, and take pride in this. My curiosity drives me to read and to learn, believing there is power in knowledge. It is in knowing things that we can either use the knowledge for the good of ourselves and others, or to change something that is wrong. Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is simply the state of not knowing. Ignorance is also dangerous, allowing things that need to be changed to remain the way they are. The reason I am reflecting on this is something that has come to my attention recently.

Social networking is a blessing and a curse. There is a "feed" on some sights, that shows the most recent posts of those on your list of "friends", which essentially are people who are linked to your information and posts. Included on the feed are threads of conversation, comments and more postings. Okay, granted most people know all of this. Most of the world knows far more than I about "social networking" and how it works.

I try to keep up, but I have limits. It takes up so much time to try to blog, post to Facebook, "Tweet" (if it is Twitter, shouldn't it be "Twit"?). I have other things I need to or have to do. I do try, because there are those that I really connect with, and things I really care about.

For me, part of what holds me back or some say puts me off, is the "chatter". When I say something, I want it to be something of value. I don't want to waste anyone's time. I like discussions, and opportunities to share knowledge. I try to share what I think has importance, and I seek that from others.

Recently, someone posted that they are sick and tired of the postings regarding animal neglect, abuse, and rescue. They stated that they log in to check out what their friends are doing. They do not want these things on their feed, and they want people to stop it.

I understand the social aspect of these sites. I respect the right of people to post about their day, their dates, their parties, their personal issues, jobs, shopping trips, and updates of their TV shows, etc. They have every right to post whatever they want, and I will support them in that.

I also appreciate the value of networking on these sites, as well. So, I personally use it to educate myself and others. I will continue to read and post things that I find of value and importance, including animal related items.

I post these things because I believe it is through awareness that we educate others of the realities of animal neglect and abuse. This is what I want to stop. The only way to stop it, and hopefully prevent some of it is by facing it. Ignoring it does not mean it does not exist, it merely means you condone it. I have a conscience that does not allow me to look away and condone these things.

My intent is not to offend, it is to educate and perhaps inspire others to get involved in some form of rescue. If a post affects you, please use that to do something for the animals who cannot. Perhaps you can donate something to a local shelter or rescue facility.

If you have pets, love them. Imagine if they were to become lost or homeless, and what you would want someone to do to help them. Not all animals are as blessed as yours may be.

How Lovely!

2012-02-27T18:11:00.000-06:00

Thank you, RoryBore, of Time Out For Mom for honouring me with this award. This really means a lot to me. The reason she has chosen to give me this award makes it especially meaningful. This is what she said when she told me of the award:
"In your particular case: it is your dedication and faithful commitment to animal rescue. I wanted to call attention to and honour that."
Thank you. To be given an award is wonderful. To be recognized for doing something that means so much to me, and calling attention to the importance of animal rescue is truly a lovely thing! Thank you.
Please visit Time Out For Mom , because she has a lovely blog, and is a lovely person.
Now I am pleased to pass this award to the following people for their lovely blogs:

*Angie of Angels are Kids and Furkids
for her warm, welcoming blog

*Patty of Books, Thoughts And A Few Adventures
for her sense of humour and hard work

*Patrice of Everyday Ruralty
for her comfortable, home-spun warmth

*Old Kitty of Ten lives and second chances
for her dedication to cats and their people

*Farm Girl of My Field of Dreams
for reminding us of the beauty around us

*Kea of Musings On A Small Life
for her sensitivity & creativity

And the Winner is...

2012-02-26T19:36:00.002-06:00

Everyone knows that I love animals. I have spent a lifetime loving animals. I have worked with them professionally and privately. It is its own reward.
People often ask me whether I am a "cat person" or a dog person". I love and respect both cats and dogs, for different reasons. How can I choose?

Clearly to me, the obvious winner is the pet owner.

Six Word Saturday

2012-02-25T13:29:00.002-06:00

I appreciate my wonderful
blogger friends!

Friday Fun!

2012-02-24T11:38:00.001-06:00

Hilary at Feeling Beachie hosts a fun blog hop every Friday. If you send her suggestions that she uses, she will make you a Co-Host!

Here are this week’s statements:
1. I never ___ on a ____
2. ___ is my favorite holiday
3. I think my ___ is/are ___.
4. When there is a ___ I ___.
Here are my answers:
1. I never eat meat on a Friday, during Lent.
2. Easter is my favourite holiday.
3. I think my age is making me more tolerant.
4. When there is a power outage I become very frustrated.

Hop over to and visit Hilary. Join in the fun!

Happy Cat Thursday!

2012-02-23T14:56:00.001-06:00

"The Real Owl & Pussycat"
This looks and acts exactly like Chloe Jo. She thinks everyone and everything is a game. Chloe loves everyone and believes they love her as much.

Hidden Truths

2012-02-22T19:33:00.002-06:00

ByBrenda Youngerman

Hidden Truths takes us into theworld of children dealing with the consequences of their parent’s issues andactions. Two families are living very different lives. Yet when tragedy strikeseach family, as is always the case, it is the children who suffer the most.

Billyand Wayne are the sons of Stan and Pat. They are a seemingly typical family,until Pat is suddenly killed. It is then that Stan’s struggle with alcoholspirals out of control, tearing what is left of his family apart.

Jackand Alice have a good life with daughter, Grace. When Gwen is born, it throwsthe family out of balance, ultimately dividing it. While Grace grows uphappily, Gwen is isolated and abused.

Life’scircumstances affect each child in very different ways. However, all areaffected by their parent’s reactions and responses to the harsh realities of life’struths.

BrendaYoungerman has a rare gift of seeing the hidden truths in life, and sharingthem in her novels. She takes on difficult, often painful situations, exploringthem and seeking resolution. Her stories are realistic in their subject matter.She is sensitive to both the issues and the characters involved. As do all ofthe books by Brenda Youngerman, HiddenTruths will affect you and leave you thinking. It is a moving and veryheartfelt novel.

BrendaYoungerman has just released the novel, SkeweredHalo. You can read more about Brenda Youngerman and all of her books on herwebsite, Fiction with a Purpose. She is a very wise and insightful author, onewhom I admire and respect.

Wordless Ash Wednesday

2012-02-22T18:06:00.000-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

Come Chat on the Farmhouse Porch

2012-02-21T20:37:00.000-06:00

It is time to visit with Patrice & Wendell at Everyday Ruralty . Every Tuesday they have a good old fashioned "chat" on their front porch. They pose questions for visitors to answers. Come join in!

This Week's Questions:

1. What's you favorite kind of salad?

2. How old were you when you learned to cook?

3. What's your favorite kind of store? (grocery, garden, department, cooking, bookstore, etc)

4. If you could have lived during another time in history, what time would that have been?

5. I'm looking forward to_______________.

My Answers:

1. My favourite kind of salad is spinach salad. I love most salads, with the exception of iceberg lettuce.

2. I was probably about 12 when I learned to cook, though I didn't actually get good at it until I was well into my teens.

3. My favourite kind of store is any book store. I can spend hours in a book store!

4. If I could have lived in any time in history, I would have loved to have lived in the late 1900s, in America. I think that was an interesting time for our country for many reasons.

5. I'm looking forward to being healed (after the ankle revision) and able to walk again pain-free!!

Thank you Patrice! Hugs to you & Wendell!

The Games We Play

2012-02-19T16:44:00.001-06:00

This week I was tagged (yes, again)...twice...so this is my attempt to catch up.I was tagged with the same game, by different bloggers with different questions and a slight variation in rules. I have taken the liberty to combine the tags.
Thank you Brenda Youngerman of Fiction with a Purpose, and Angie of Angels are Kids and Furkids.
Here are the rules:
1. You must post the rules.
2. List eleven things about yourself.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people that you have tagged.
4. Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.
5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Eleven Things about Myself:
1.I have no depth perception.
2. I am afraid of spiders.
3. Bill & I lived in and traveled in an old van as newlyweds. We did this for several months, traveling 13 states. My old dog, Velvet, was our fearless companion.
4. I have a weakness for chocolate chip/mint ice cream.
5. I do not drink alcohol. I am a big milk drinker, though!
6. A prized possession of mine is my great-grandparents original wedding portrait. It is in the original frame, with the original glass, 24" x 27". They were married August 5, 1891.
7. I am very sensitive.
8. The only sports I follow are football & NASCAR.
9. I was going to be a storm tracker in the Navy, before finding out my health was not good.
10. I am extremely practical and simple (but not simple minded).
11.I have never been outside the (mainland) United States.

Questions for Me: by Brenda:
1. Wine or beer? Neither; make mine coffee, tea or water.
2. Hot or cold? Cold!
3. Black or white? I am definitely grey .
4. Spring or fall? Fall. I find it to be a very reflective time; and the cool weather is such a relief after summer's heat. The colours, football, NASCAR Chase, all make it exciting.
5. AC or windows? Windows whenever possible! If it is hot, AC whenever possible. I have asthma.
6. Heater or fire? Fire; I like the natural things when possible.
7. Carpet or hardwood? Hardwood! It is natural, and easier with pet hair! Just sayin'.
8. Roses or Tulips? I like both, but probably roses a little more. But I like Mums and Angel Wing Begonias even more.
9. Dog or cat? Seriously, Brenda? BOTH!! I don't talk about Polly, my old Coydog much, because it is hard to. She is almost 17, and I am afraid of jinxing her. When we lost Wiley & then Maisie, two months apart, two years ago, it was devastating. They were 16. I am very protective of Polly, and afraid of losing her...don't go there...
10. Curtains or shades? Curtains are more open, inviting, free.
11. Shoes or barefoot? Barefoot...well actually, socks. I am really a socks person: thick, comfy socks. My feet & ankles being so messed up, shoes kill me. I just don't get you "shoe people"! I'm not judging (Hilary, *LOL*)...if it's your thing, go for it!

Questions for Me: by Angie:
1. Do you have a favourite book? If so, which one? Books are my favourite! I have many, many favorites. One longtime favourite is "The Prophet", by Kahlil Gibran. I first read it when I was 15. I have 3 copies of it, and it is on my Kobo (don't laugh; I want a colour Nook...any donations will be happily accepted *lol*).
2. Where do you think your love of reading stems from? Or how did you come to love reading? I remember learning to read! My first official word to read aloud, in school, was "look". I was exhilarated! I felt there was power in reading! I could do it anywhere. It satisfied my curiosity and my craving for knowledge, at the same time. There was no stopping me!
3. When you have "down time" what do you enjoy doing the most? I savour every moment spent with my husband. I always have. Anything with him is the best, be it watching TV (especially football & NASCAR), fishing, talking, whatever...it's my favourite time. We were platonic friends for years before he convinced me it should be more...but that's another story.
4. Would you ever own a black vehicle? No; nor would I own a white one. Too hard to keep clean, never looks right to me. One exception: Dale Earnhardt's #3 Goodwrench Chevy.
5. What is your favourite animal? Why? I dearly love all critters. Yes, all. I do have a special fondness for Sandhill Crane. Bill even brought me some Sandhill Crane items from China, when he went there on business trips years ago. I adore them. However, there is an animal that I feel a spiritual connection to: the Coyote. I believe it is misunderstood. I also have a deep respect and admiration for it, for its ability to survive alongside of & in spite of man.
6. Do you have an author whose work you read, no matter what? Yes, because they are always great! Some are: the insightful Brenda Youngerman (a review this week!), awesome Lesley Kagen, talented Sandra Kring, sensible Sherri Wood Emmons, creative Sarah Addison Allen, & the entertaining Bob Tarte all come to mind. But there are also some that I eagerly anticipate more books from, having written one book so far: beautiful soul Beth Hoffman, amazing Amy Greene, perceptive Lori Roy, sensitive Anna Jean Mayhew, significant Michelle Hoover, and genuine Gin Phillips all come to mind. There are more; I just can't name them all!!
7. If you could be a superhero, which one? I have no idea. I'm not into fantasy or sci-fi or that kind of thing. If I had a super power, I would choose to be able to fly. I have such a problem with my joints and walking, etc., that to be able to fly would be such a freeing experience. Wow.
8. If you could have any house, money being no object, what would you build or buy? It would be a log cabin, with a big wrap-around porch, on Lake Superior, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
9. What state have you always wanted to visit? Alaska! I would love to see their wild frontier, go whale-watching, experience their natural unspoiled beauty.
10. What's your favourite movie? I am not a big movie watcher. I like Christmas movies (A Christmas Story, Elf, A Gift of Love, etc.) and old movies (The Caine Mutiny, Angels with Dirty Faces, Dark Victory), and animated movies (Up, Muppets, Monsters, Inc.), to give some examples. I look forward to the upcoming movie The Lorax! It's my favourite Suess story! (I have an active, though secret, inner child. Shhh!)
11. What is your ritual when you settle in to read? All chores must be done. All critters must be cared for. No distractions! I like to be comfy, with a soft blanket or throw. Then I usually climb into my big recliner...followed by a cat or two.

My Questions for Those I Tag:
1. What is your favourite childhood story?
2. What was your first vehicle?
3. What or who was the first concert you attended?
4. How old were you when you had your first kiss?
5. Do you have any tattoos? If so, what?
6. If you don't have tattoos, do you want any? If so, what?
7. What time do you usually get up?
8. What is your bedtime routine?
9. What is your "irrational" fear?
10. If you could go anywhere, to where would it be?
11. What is your favourite snack?

TAG! You're It!
1.BOSSY BETTY
2. coming home to myself
3.A Soul Unsung...
4.Everyday Ruralty
5.Deserts and Beyond
6.Form The Sol
7. Marti's Musings
8. P.S. Annie!
9. Silver's Reviews
10.Show My Face
11.♥ Books, Crafts & Pretty Things Blog
12. Tilly Bud /The Laughing Housewife
13.The True Book Addict
14.Welcome to Just Cats In-home Cat Care
15.New Prairie Woman

Six Word Saturday

2012-02-18T22:15:00.000-06:00

I'm missing my Truck Driver husband.

A Very Special Interview

2012-02-17T19:54:00.000-06:00

I am honoured and pleased to have Bobbie Pyron visit McGuffy’s Reader today. She is the author of the wonderful book “A Dog’s Way Home”. I respect Bobbie, both as an author and a person. I am sure you will, as well.

Bobbie, please tell us about yourself.

Well, I was born I Hollywood, Florida to a mother who had trained to be an opera singer and a father who loved dogs more than anything in the world (except my mother). My mother was swimming in the Atlantic Ocean when she went in to labor with me. I credit this event with my life-long desire to be a mermaid. Besides the sea, my other two great passions as a child were dogs and books. My best friends were always dogs and books, which was perfect for a very shy child wanting to be a mermaid. I never could quite figure out how to grow a tail. Instead, I went to college in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and fell in love with the high, wild places. Later, I got my Masters degree in Library Science. I’ve worked as a librarian for a long time, many of those years before anyone had ever thought of the Internet! Now, I live with my husband, three dogs, and two cats in Park City, Utah, which is 7,000 feet above sea level. I still long for the sea.

What moved you to begin writing?

From the time I was about nine years old, I could imagine nothing better than to write a book. I will admit to coming awfully close to plagiarizing some of my favorite books in an attempt to write my own when I was ten. And I did write some ghastly poetry in high school! About six years ago, I was at a point in my life and career when I could pull back a bit, work part time, and put energy in a long-held dream of writing. I started out writing picture books. I think learning the art and craft of picture book writing is invaluable to any writer! Into my second year of writing picture books, I was out walking one day with my dogs. All of a sudden a very snarky teenage girl voice started telling me about all the problems in her life. The only way I could get her to stop was to write her story! That story was eventually published as my first novel for teens, THE RING. I say now I have to write novels because it’s the only way I can get any peace and quiet from all the voices in my head demanding attention! But really, it is a dream come true.

What inspired "A Dog's Way Home"?

Well, after I finished writing THE RING (it took me about a year to write the first draft), I put it away for a while like everyone says you’re supposed to do before you start revising. It was summer. I was hiking one day way up in the mountains with my two dogs, Teddy and Boo. Teddy is a sheltie and Boo is a coyote mix. I was watching how different they are when they’re in the woods. Teddy, true to his breed, never wants to be more than six feet from me, even when tempted by small furry things to chase. Boo, on the other paw, is always off and away hunting. She always knows where I am, but I often don’t know where she is. I started wondering what would happen if they got lost in the wilderness and had to survive on their own, individually. So I did what all writers do: I asked myself “What if?” I kept asking myself “what if” questions all afternoon. On the hike out, I started hearing this girl telling me about losing her beloved sheltie on a drive home along the Blue Ridge Parkway. She told me how no one believed she would ever see him again, but she just had to hold on to hope. By the time the dogs and I got back to the car, I had a pretty good vision of the beginning, middle and end of what would become A DOG’S WAY HOME.

Why a Sheltie? Tell us about your dogs.

I absolutely love the breed! They’re extremely smart, loyal to the point of obsession, athletic, highly trainable…I always tell people you haven’t been loved until you’ve been loved by a sheltie. I have two of them, Teddy and Sherlock. Both came from Sheltie Rescue of Utah. I adopted Teddy nine years ago when he was four. He was given up by his family when they lost their home to foreclosure. He is very dignified, mellow, and loves me more than life itself. Three years ago, I met little Sherlock at Sheltie Rescue of Utah. I really wasn’t planning on a third dog but he just stole my heart! Sherlock was a stud at a puppy mill, which are horrible places. He’d lived the first three years of his life in a tiny wire cage. When we adopted him, he had no idea what grass was, had no depth perception, and was missing about half of his teeth because of chewing on the wire cage. He has a wonderful life now! My third dog is Boo. We adopted her from a shelter about ten years ago. She was a feral street dog and very wild. When my vet first met her he said, “I have good news and bad news. My guess is she’s coyote and herding dog. She will need tons of exercise and may want to eat your cats, but she’ll also be the smartest dog you’ve ever had.” He was right. Fortunately, I’m pretty dog savvy and figured out how to train her not to eat our cats.

I understand you do rescue work. Tell us about what you do and why.

I volunteer with two different rescues: Sheltie Rescue of Utah and Friends of Animals Utah. As I said, I adopted both my sheltie-boys from SRU. I’ve also done a fair amount of fund raising for them and cajoled numerous friends into adopting a sheltie. I also help Friends of Animals with fund raising and newsletter writing. Last spring, I put together an event called “Authors Unleashed” as a fund raiser for FOA. A group of six of us who write about and are inspired by dogs talked about our books and our dogs and did a signing. Between ticket sales and donating profits of book sales to FOA, we raised a bit over $7,000.00 for FOA! As to why, well I just feel it’s the right thing to do. Plain and simple!

What challenges and motivates you?

Hmmm…good question! What challenges me is making myself sit my butt in the chair and write. I generally have the attention span of a gnat and am easily distracted. Sitting at a computer for an hour is not something I am comfortable doing. But I love telling the stories that come to me, so that’s what motivates me. Also, I have been so very fortunate to get fan mail (mostly via email) from readers weekly. Hearing a nine-year-old tell me how much they loved my book and how deeply it touched them, that’s a huge motivator!

If you had three wishes, what would they be?

Okay, this is going to sound really shallow, but my first wish would be to win a couple million dollars! That way my husband could retire and pursue his passions. And with the second million I’d set up a trust so that I could have my second wish: to help as many animal rescues as possible. My third wish would be to be able, just for a day, to be a real mermaid.

Any upcoming books?

Yes! I am so excited to be able to say my next book will be out next October. It’s titled THE DOGS OF WINTER, and is being published by Arthur A. Levine Books(Scholastic). It is a dog story, sort of. It takes place in Moscow in the mid-1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union. It’s based on the true story of Ivan Mishukov, just one of many thousands of street children trying to survive any way they could Russia. The way Ivan survived for two years was by living with a pack of feral street dogs. My book is a fictionalized account of those two years.

Anything else you would like to tell us or share?

A DOG’S WAY HOME just won two huge awards from the Dog Writers Association of America. I just got back from New York City where I was honored with the Maxwell Medal of Excellence and the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. I’m very proud of these awards!

Thank you, Bobbie. Congratulations, and much continued success. Please keep in touch!

By Bobbie Pyron

Bobbie Pyron knows dogs. She has several, volunteers with rescue, and as a librarian has read many good dog stories. Now she has written one especially for adolescents.

This story is set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. This gives different perspectives and scenarios of both beauty and danger, to both a child and a dog.

Abby is a little girl. Tam is her very special Shetland Sheepdog. Abby is quite convinced that they are each other’s “North Star”. They are inseparable, until an accident tears them apart. Days turn into weeks full of changes and situations that they are forced to face without each other. It seems they may never be reunited. But they persevere, never giving up.

This is sure to be a classic for dog lovers. It’s a keeper!

Friday Four Fill In

2012-02-17T19:14:00.000-06:00

Hilary of Feeling Beachie is the host of this weekly Hop.

Each week, she lists four statements with blanks for us to fill in on our own blogs. If you want to join the fun, come up with fill in’s of your own and let her know. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop! This week’s co-host is Irene from Me, Myself and I , who came up with the last two statements.

This week’s statements:

1. Sometimes I ____
2. I ___ high school
3. Deciding what to ___________________________ before I ___________________ is such a pain sometimes
4. _________________is my favorite_________________
My Answers:
1. Sometimes I feel guilty and frustrated by my health limitations.
2. I loved my experience of high school.
3. Deciding what to prepare to eat (by myself) before I shop is such a pain sometimes.
4. Criminal Minds is my favorite network TV drama.

A Life of Bright Ideas

2012-02-16T20:34:00.001-06:00

By Sandra Kring

In1961, Button and Winnalee became best friends. Two very different little girls,they were drawn together by life’s circumstances. Opposites attracting, theycomplimented each other. Together they began recording life lessons, titlingit, “The Book of Bright Ideas”. The purpose was to learn from not only theirmistakes, but from observing those of others.

Itis now 1970, and the girls are reunited when Winnalee suddenly appears in thesmall northern Wisconsin town, again. Though grown, time and distance have notdiminished their friendship. While Button remains cautious and reserved,Winnalee is still free-spirited and bold.

Button’smother is now gone, killed in a freak accident. Her father has emotionally detached,isolating himself in guilt and grief. Aunt Verdella is helping to raise Button’swild six year old brother. Together, the two friends

settleinto the family home across the road from Button’s Aunt Verdella, the fracturedfamily somehow stronger now.

Buttonis working in her mother’s bridal shop as a talented seamstress. Winnalee findswork at a local tavern with a bad reputation. Yet both girls are happy infinding their way together, again. Button is writing to a boy from high school,now serving overseas in the military. Winnalee has created a carefree sociallife through her job.

Allseems bright until Winnalee’s mother suddenly comes to town, bringing with hera secret that changes everything. Families and friendships are tested. Everyonemust face things hidden within themselves and those they love, in order to healand move toward a better future.

SandraKring captures the spirit of the time period in both Button and Winnalee. Her writingof the events of the time: free love, war, women’s rights, and values are honest.She is sensitive in her portrayal of families dealing with death, abuse, and secretswithin. A family is made up of flesh and blood, but connected by hearts.Absence can make hearts grow fonder, and time can make them grow stronger.

Thisbook is both heartbreaking and an utter joy. You will laugh, you will cry,sometimes simultaneously. You will not forget the characters, their story, orSandra Kring; nor should you.

Cat Thursday

2012-02-16T07:11:00.003-06:00

Some days you just feel like this...

Hello Goodbye

2012-02-15T08:42:00.000-06:00

By Emily Chenoweth

Hello Goodbye is the heartbreaking story of a family at a crossroad. Each member is dealing with serious life circumstances, individually and as a whole unit. Love and the realization of loss is a common thread through each character’s life, as it is throughout the book.

College student Abby goes on what is believed to be a final “family vacation” with her parents. She is coming into herself as an adult, and she is making her own decisions. She also is making new, perhaps dangerous friendships, while also learning about love. Abby suddenly has secrets from her parents.

Youth often prevents one from seeing one’s parents as people in their own right. I believe Abby struggled with this, which kept her apart when she really needed them the most.

Consequently, Abby has no idea that her parents are keeping a deep secret from her. She does not know about her mother’s health and illness. As her parents are coming to terms with this issue, they reveal things to their friends and deal with family, leaving Abby out. They really needed Abby as much as she needed them, but parents try to protect their children from life’s hurts. No matter how much one loves their children, though, you cannot protect them from life.

The poignancy of youth, of the coming of age, and the mortality of life make this book remarkable. The situations are very real, and the dealing with them is as well.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-15T08:06:00.000-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T19:13:00.000-06:00

                   "All You Need is Love"
                  Aids Awareness Project,
                   with performers from
                          156 countries

Meet Andrea!

2012-02-14T15:04:00.000-06:00

I am fortunate to have a neighbor who has become a very close friend, as well. We have shared a lot these past few years! One of the many things we have in common is our love for animals and nature.
Andrea has been very supportive of my efforts in writing and blogging. She has her own talents, too. She is responsible for creating my blog header and other items on my blog. She is also a very talented photographer, with a keen eye.
After much encouragement on my part, Andrea has started her own blog! I am so excited to introduce her to you. Please meet my friend, Andrea.
Andrea, please tell us about your blog.
The idea of my blog is to have a place to share my photographs, some of my thoughts about them and maybe about other things. I am in the early stages of developing it so the future will dictate what it will become.
How did you choose the name for it?
I love nature, as you know, and the sun nourishes all of nature and shines a light on it. The "Sol" version of sun is a play on words that also describes that my pictures are a reflection of my inner self...my soul. The picture of the Sunflower with the bee's make a perfect smiley face, and stresses the uplifting nature of what I want my blog to be.
What are your hopes and plans for it?
I hope to meet others who share my interests and can enlighten me with theirs. I will also greet critics who have something helpful to say. It is an effort to expand my horizons, while hopefully helping others expand theirs.
What would you like others to know about you?
On my blog, I wrote an introduction that tells my story. I hope that people will get to know me through my art. I am sure they will interpret me in their own way, so that I either fit or don't fit in their lives. Sharing with others is enriching and I am blessed to have a very good friend who has opened this door for me.
Is there anything else you would like to say?
Thank you, Annie, for all you do for me...you are a delight and I love you for it.

Please visit Andrea, and join her at:
From the Sol
http://fromthesol.blogspot.com/

Random Acts of Kindness Week

2012-02-13T22:22:00.001-06:00

It is "Random Acts of Kindness" Week.
This is a chance to truly be kind,
and best to do so anonymously.
Remember:

Be kind whenever possible.

It is always possible.

~Buddha~

Dogged Pursuit

2012-02-12T11:50:00.002-06:00

My Year of Competing Dusty the World’s Least Likely Agility Dog

By Robert Rodi

Robert Rodi rescues a pathetic little Shetland Sheepdog named Dusty. He decides that to help create a bond and forge a relationship he and Dusty should join Dog Agility. This training offers a competitive world of shows, where trainers take their dog through an obstacle course by commands. Robert explains and educates on the world of agility dog shows, and the difference from traditional dog shows.

Robert thinks this is an excellent way to bond with Dusty, though Dusty does not make it easy. Dusty seems to do everything his own way and “wrong”. Together, they literally learn by trial and error. This becomes a challenge for Dusty and Robert, and a funny but touching book to read.

Robert, an educated urbanite and Dusty, a pitiful little rescue dog bond make their way through many situations, including the dog show world. Both make many mistakes, but ultimately with perseverance, they find success together.

The book is interesting, inspiring, and very funny. Whether your dog is a show dog or not, you will love Dusty, and Robert Rodi, too.

Pondering with a Purpose

2012-02-12T07:31:00.000-06:00

Hosted By Brenda of Fiction with a Purpose

"Technology"

Six Word Saturday/ShowMyFace

2012-02-11T18:14:00.000-06:00

Always waiting for what comes next.

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

2012-02-10T14:30:00.000-06:00

This is a fun "meme" hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie.

This week’s statements:

1. I don’t understand rudeness or abuse and probably never will.

2. I prefer books to movies.

3. My favorite smell is the woods or forest because I feel a sense of peace there.

4. I suspect my neighbors of not caring about wildlife or the environment.

Please visit Hilary of Feeling Beachie, and the wonderful Alex!

(Please excuse any changes. This post "disappeared". I had to "re-do" it! *augh*)

Cat (Thurs)Day

2012-02-10T13:35:00.001-06:00

               Etta James & her cat
           In addition to her beautiful voice,
     Etta wrote and co-wrote several songs.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T13:30:00.000-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie
(P.S. This was our Febrary 2011 Blizzard)

Back to Work...alone

2012-02-08T13:24:00.000-06:00

Bill is back on the road. The time together is so important, but goes so quickly. It is hard to pack everything into the few days together! We can't; we try. We have been together for over 30 years, and friends for 35+ years.
He is back to work, and so am I. I will try to get things caught up. Be patient with me, please. This is hard. ("What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.")
I have some important book reviews coming, and have been tagged again. So...I will do my best! Thank you all for your support, understanding, and friendship. It means a lot to me.

He is Home!

2012-02-03T13:07:00.002-06:00

Bill is home! After another long run, my husband is finally home. We were apart for Halloween and Thanksgiving, then finally reunited mid-December.
We were apart for Christmas and the New Year's holidays. I went to Mayo Clinic without him, which was hard for both of us. In 30+ years, we have never been apart like this. Bill & I are inseparable.
He will be home for four days, before he goes back on the road. I will take him when I can get him. That's how is it for the long haul truck drivers, and their wives.
Appreciate your spouse or significant other. I certainly do mine.
Time together is precious.

Tagged!

2012-02-02T13:53:00.001-06:00

Tag - I'm It!

I was tagged by Pat, A View from the Edge . Thanks, Pat!
All games have rules, so here are the rules for this game of tag:

The Rules:

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then

create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag (eleven?) people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Eleven (Fun) Facts About Me:

Well, "fun" or not, here we go...

1. I wanted a dog so badly as a child that I named my turtle Snoopy.
2. Later, as a child, I had a pet skunk and a pet squirrel monkey. I did finally get a dog, too!
3. I have a stuffed toy woodchuck named Denver, who has "lived" in every car I have ever owned.
4. I have an astounding memory, which is both a blessing and a curse.
5. I believe I am a Dork, but am okay with that.
6. I rely on a good sense of humour, as it has gotten me through many trials in my life...and continues to. (I have pretty sharp wit, too!)
7. I firmly believe animals go to Heaven.
8. I am a Christian, but incorporate many elements into my personal spirituality. I think there are many spiritual teachers, such as Buddha, Gandhi, the Native Americans, and others.
9. I am a "Homebody". I would rather stay home than "go out". When I do go out it is something very simple. I do like to travel...and then come home.
10. Only my left ear is double-pierced.
11. I want to get a tattoo.

My Questions:
1. Do you have a hidden talent? I am not sure it is a hidden talent, but I have a good sense of intuition. I am usually very accurate in assessing people and situations.
2. Do you have a favorite book? I have many, many books & authors, that I love. I think it is safe to say a favourite book is The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran.
3. Do you get popcorn at the movie theatre? Yes, it is one of the few times I get to have popcorn! I love (plain) popcorn, and could easily O.D. on it.
4. Chocolate or vanilla? I like both; it depends on my mood. Can't I have both?
5. What is the best vacation place? I love anyplace UP North! The North Woods is my favourite place to be. I love the wildlife, nature, cool air, solitude, the sense of peace I feel there. *sigh*
6. Do you believe in the Afterlife? Absolutely, yes. I also believe that is where and when everyone is held accountable for their actions, good and bad. I also believe in karma; just sayin'.
7. Are you more of a Felix (neat) or an Oscar (slob)? I am not as extreme, but lean more towards Felix. I dislike clutter; it is unsettling.
8. How many hours a day do you spend on the computer? Usually I spend a couple of hours a day, at least checking emails, blog posts and commenting if possible. If I work on my blog, more time. If I am away, like at Mayo, I just used my phone to check. My next trip, I will have my mini-laptop! So, it varies.
9. How often do you comment on blogs? I try to comment on some daily, at least a few. I especially do if it is something that strikes a chord with me, for whatever reason. I am trying to comment more.
10. Do you come from a small or large family? I come from a small, very fragmented family.
11. Can you drive a stick shift? No; I never learned. Right now I can't even drive my automatic! When I am healed from my ankle surgery (which won't be for several months), I will be able to tag along with Bill in his truck! He's the driver!

Questions for Those I Tag:
1. What is your favourite colour?
2. What is your favourite flower?
3. What kind of pet would you like to have, if possible?
4. What is the most unusual pet you have ever had?
5. What is your favourite song?
6. Why did you start your blog?
7. How/why did you choose the name for your blog?
8. Do you have a nickname? What is it?
9. What is the ringer sound on your cell phone?
10. Do you collect anything? What?
11. What was the last dream you had?

I am Tagging:
Animal Shelter Volunteer Life

Ann's Reading Corner

♥ Books, Crafts & Pretty Things Blog

Books, Thoughts And A Few Adventures...

Dizzy C's Little Book Blog

I Love My Amazing Animals

My Field of Dreams

SUGAR MOON

Ten lives and second chances

Time Out For Mom

Under The Boardwalk

Thank you, Pat! You're right! It was a lot of work...but a lot of fun!

It's Cat Thursday!

2012-02-02T07:44:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T13:23:00.003-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

We Have Been Tagged!

2012-02-01T12:49:00.000-06:00

Maggie & I have been tagged by Brenda & Muttley, of Brenda Youngerman.
We have a list of questions we must each answer. Then we get to tag others!

Maggie

Here we go!
1. Describe yourself in seven words:
Mom: cautious, conservative, faithful, honest, persistent, sensitive, trustworthy
Maggie: affectionate, beautiful, curious, furry, pampered, polydactyl, worthy
2. What keeps you up at night?
Mom: Grizelda & Chloe
Maggie: Grizelda & Chloe
3. Who would you like to be?
Mom: Maggie
Maggie: I'm "Me"...there is no one I'd rather be!
4. What are you wearing now?
Mom: Jeans & a Tie-Dyed T-shirt (the usual)
Maggie: My beautiful white coat & a smug look (the usual)
5. What scares you?
Mom: Something happening to Bill, especially now that he is a long-haul truck driver.
Maggie: The vacuum cleaner!
6. The best & worst of blogging:
Mom: I love the interaction, ideas, and people! I feel bad when I don't have time because of health or other unavoidable issues.
Maggie: I love the time Mom is still so I can be near her uninterrupted. I hate when she tells me to get off of the desk or printer.
7. The last website I visited:
Mom: A View from the Edge (Pat)
Maggie: McGuffy's Reader; I was watching Mom.
8. The one thing I would change about myself:
Mom: I would be able to walk...without pain!!
Maggie: Why would I need to change?!?
9. Slankets: yes or no?
Mom: No; I'm claustrophobic. I love blankets, throws & quilts!
Maggie: I'll lay on anything comfy!
10. Something about the one who tagged me:
Mom: Brenda is an intelligent, wise, talented writer. She is both professional, yet personal. I adore & admire her.
Maggie: Muttley is a poor thumbless dog. I feel sad for him being afraid of everything! He is very lucky to have Brenda, though!!

Now we will tag:
Patrice & Wendell Everyday Ruralty
Angie & her Cats Angels are Kids and Furkids
Kim & her ManCats Fuzzy Tales
Michelle & Alice The True Book Addict

Thank you, Brenda & Muttley!
This was fun!

Mayo Clinic

2012-02-01T10:48:00.000-06:00

I have been a patient of Mayo Clinic for several years. I have always gone to the Minnesota Mayo. This was the first time I visited the Arizona Mayo Clinic. I have to say I am impressed with Mayo, in general.
Since I have been home, I have begun to plan my next visit to Arizona. I did get answers, and now need to have the necessary surgery to fix the problem.
I will be going back to Mayo Clinic, in Arizona, mid-March. I will have the necessary pre-op tests, etc. I will then have the surgery, as well.
It is going to be a long road, but I have to take it. I am grateful for the hope Mayo Clinic has given me.

photo by Mayo Clinic

A Very Moving Video

2012-01-30T22:20:00.000-06:00

This is heartbreaking, but real.
It is also proof that animals
have genuine feelings & emotion.

An Award!

2012-01-29T15:42:00.000-06:00

I am honoured to have been chosen for an award. It means a lot to me when a peer, someone I respect, chooses to honour me. It still amazes me that people actually want to read what I write! I appreciate it!

Thank you to Angie of Angels are Kids and Furkids. Please visit and join her at: http://angiesangelsrkids-furkids.blogspot.com

Here are the rules that go along with this award:

1. In a post on your blog, nominate 5-15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award.

2. In the same post, add the Versatile Blogger Award.
3. In the same post, thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link back to their blog.
4. In the same post, share 7 completely random facts about yourself.
5. In the same post, include this set of rules.
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination by posting a comment on each of their blogs.

Seven Random Facts about Me...(really?)...

1. I am a very light sleeper,

and often have trouble sleeping.

2. I have severe claustrophobia.

3. I am a "chatterbox", once I open up.

I am a very good listener, though!

4. I literally live in denim,

and hate to "dress up".

5. I am a lifelong fan of The Rolling Stones.

I love Classic Rock (60s-early 70s), but also Classic Blues, Folk & Country.

I guess I'm "Classic", now.

6. I have an endless curiosity. I want to know or at least

understand everything, not that I ever will...just sayin'.

7. I have long had a connection to coyote for their ability

to survive, even in extreme situations. I respect them.

I would now like to pass this award on to:

*BookBagLady at

http://bookbaglady2.blogspot.com/

*Patty at

http://patty-adaywithme.blogspot.com/

*Brenda at

http://brendayoungerman.blogspot.com/

*Patrice & Wendell at

http://www.everydayruralty.com/

*Kim at

http://keas-fur-family.blogspot.com/

*Joseph at

http://josephsreallife.blogspot.com/

*Farm Girl at

http://fieldofmydreams.blogspot.com/

*RoryBore at

http://amothersluv.blogspot.com/

Back in the Saddle...sorta'

2012-01-29T15:04:00.000-06:00

I made it home from Arizona!

So, I'm "back in the saddle",

trying to get caught up

on all of the things here at home!

It was a whirlwind tour of

The Valley of the Sun!

We were able to drive through

Apache Junction, &

Superstition Mountain.

The difference in landscape

was incredible!

The Tonto National Forest

does not have the trees

that I am used to up North.

If Mayo Clinic in Phoenix

can't help me, I

have options in

Apache Junction!

Anyway,

"Honey, I'm Home!"

P.S. If you don't see your comment

on "I'll Be Missing",

please let me know.

Somehow, some comments

went to another blog

and were deleted

(I never saw them).

I'll Be Missing

2012-01-23T08:31:00.001-06:00

I will be missing for a few days. I have been very busy with getting ready for this trip. Some of you know that I had ankle surgery last Spring. After several months, I was told it did not work. So, due to the complications, and much to my desperation and dismay, I am going to Mayo Clinic. I am hoping they can help me and correct this problem. It is amazing how you take things like walking for granted, until you can't. When I get back, please know that I have many book reviews to post. When I am not blogging, I am reading!

Thank you all for your patience and understanding. I appreciate each of you.

Go Nuts Today!

2012-01-21T10:31:00.000-06:00

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day!

This time of year is difficult on wildlife.

Please be kind & think of them, too.

Squirrels like seeds & nuts!

So feed some squirrels today!

Etta James

2012-01-20T18:58:00.000-06:00

Thank you, Miss Etta James...
may you rest in peace.

Cat Thursday

2012-01-19T00:31:00.000-06:00

The Peach Keeper

2012-01-19T00:30:00.000-06:00

The Peach Keeper, by Sarah Addison Allen, has just been released in paperback!
I am honoured to have won a special The Peach Keeper "Box of Summer"!

To celebrate, I am re-printing my review of her wonderful book.

The Peach Keeper

By Sarah Addison Allen

The Peach Keeper has it all. In this book there is romance, friendship, family, and Southern charm, all mixed with a touch of magic.

In the town of Walls of Water, North Carolina, unlikely former high school classmates are brought together by the renovation of a local historical mansion. It is this mansion that ties the unlikely families together throughout history. As they struggle with this history, and their own problems, a real mystery is literally uncovered with the renovation. This forces them to look beyond what they thought they knew: at their families, each other, and ultimately themselves. They must solve this mystery for everyone to be able to move on.

Sarah Addison Allen’s books are always a treat. I already look forward to her next book, and every one of her books.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T23:52:00.001-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

It's a Blackout

2012-01-18T07:41:00.000-06:00

http://www.copyblogger.com/sopa/

The Sometimes Daughter

2012-01-17T20:59:00.001-06:00

By Sherri Wood Emmons

The Sometimes Daughter is a beautiful, deeply poignant novel. It is a story about a daughter often abandoned by her emotionally and physically absent mother.

Born at Woodstock, surrounded by “free love”, Sweet Judy Blue Eyes grows up feeling unloved by the person whose love she seeks the most: her mother. Her father, Kirk, matures, taking his marriage and parenting Sweet Judy seriously. Cassie, her mother, continues the carefree hippie lifestyle, neglecting all responsibility. Eventually, she leaves Kirk and Sweet Judy to follow a communal life, with tragic consequences. Judy and her father move in with his parents, forming the only stability that Judy will ever know. They are Sweet Judy’s salvation, never letting her down.

Throughout the years, Judy struggles with her mother’s lack of responsibility. She watches her mother make serious mistake after critical mistake, including remarrying and its sad outcome. Over and over she trusts her mother, only to be let down. As she matures, Judy must deal with the same issues all young people do, but hers are colored by the feelings of maternal abandonment. While she has her father and grandparents, she feels the physical and emotional void of not having her mother, whom she so loves.

This book delves into the intricacies and dynamics of the mother-daughter bond. Sherri Wood Emmons lays bare the frailties of this connection, and also the necessity of it. A mother’s love is the first love we feel, and the one most of us count on when all others fail us. The neglect of this essential ingredient of childhood leaves one feeling broken.

Sherri Wood Emmons has keen insight and is an amazing author. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

Pondering with a Purpose

2012-01-15T17:05:00.000-06:00

Hosted by Brenda of Fiction with a Purpose

Each week, Brenda challenges us to "Ponder with a Purpose". Well, Brenda, you know I do that probably too much. (Bill says I think way too much!)
This weeks challenge is: Routine

I am a creature of habit. Like a cat, I thrive on routine. I believe, "there is security in sameness". This has long been a mantra of mine. Perhaps this is a result of moving too much as a child. I was never allowed to develop roots. I went to over nine schools. It was not for the military, however that may be what attracted me to R.O.T.C. in high school: routine.
I excelled in ROTC, becoming the second in command, the highest ranking female. There was security in the sameness. I belonged. I thrived within the secure structure of this routine of knowing what to do, when to do it, how to do it, what to expect, and who I could count on. I also was eager to impart the wisdom and security upon others. In being secure, I could offer it to others. Routine is security; there is security in routine...at least for me.

A Thousand Vessels

2012-01-15T16:17:00.002-06:00

~Poems~

By Tania Runyan

In A Thousand Vessels, Tania Runyan brings the women of the Bible to life with her poetry. She weaves their stories and struggles into the fabric of the contemporary lives of women today. Revealing heartache that has echoed throughout the ages, it still resonates in the hearts and souls of women today.

Each section of this beautiful book is titled with the name of a Biblical woman. The poems are written about that woman, some in her own voice. From Eve the first woman, to Mary Magdalene, thought to be the lowliest woman; they are here. In their sorrows and trials, their poems are written with an urgency and importance.

Tania Runyan writes with intelligence and sincere emotion, both essential in poetry. She writes from the heart and soul. Life resounds in every poem, each with trials and tribulations, but also with faith, love and hope.

Hibrrnation!

2012-01-14T15:26:00.001-06:00

"The Joy of Books"

2012-01-13T21:44:00.001-06:00

The Joy of Books

http://www.youtube.com/

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun

2012-01-13T19:08:00.000-06:00

Every week Hilary of Feeling Beachie hosts this fun "Hop". She poses four statements for the reader to complete. This week her co-host is Tami from Empty Nest in Illinois. If you have ideas for statements, please let Hilary know!

This week’s statements:
1. I have never eaten ___
2. I like to ___ in ___
3. If I could go back and change one thing, it would be _______.
4. My greatest _____ for my ______ is ______.

My Answers:
1. I have never eaten bugs. I know some people have, admit it or not! I know it can be a cultural thing, or whatever...not me, no way, no how, not ever.
2. I like to write in the middle of the night, when I can truly hear my soul.
3. If I could go back and change one thing, it would be to spend more time with my father. I spent most of my life missing him, and I will spend the rest of my life missing him. It was not by choice, but rather circumstance; not all families are functional. If you have a dad, please appreciate him, if you can.
4. My greatest wish for my husband & I is to retire in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where we can fish and commune with nature until the sun sets on our lives.

Please go visit Hilary, and Tami, too. Have a wonderful weekend!

A Special Cat Thursday

2012-01-12T11:50:00.001-06:00

Author Dee Ready & Dulcy,
of "A Cat's Life: Dulcy's Story"

Dee & Dulcy

A Special Bond

A Cat's Life

2012-01-12T11:50:00.000-06:00

Dulcy’s Story

As Given to Dee Ready

This is a very special and beautifully told story, from a cat’s point of view. Dulcinea, “Dulcy”, tells the story of her life with her human, Dee Ready.

The perspective and awareness is remarkable. From the beginning, their interaction was based upon a mutual respect and love. The result was a strong yet tender bond, lasting a lifetime and beyond.

Both cat and human were present both physically and emotionally for each other, through many of life’s changes and situations. They shared a spiritual connection. Not only was Dee blessed by Dulcy, I believe Dulcy was most assuredly blessed by Dee.

Anyone who has experienced a deep emotional connection with a pet will not only understand, but appreciate this very heartfelt book. It is a joy and a tribute to that special bond between the two species of human and cat. All those who have shared love with a cat should have this book on their shelf. It is sure to be a favorite book, read often.

To quote Dulcy (and Dee), “At the end, all that matters is love…”

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T20:13:00.001-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

Pondering with a Purpose

2012-01-10T13:21:00.002-06:00

Brenda at Fiction with a Purpose presents a weekly pondering & writing prompt. It is our mission to ponder and then share what we write. Her most recent prompt is: wallow.

I gave this a lot of thought, as I do most things. I ponder constantly, perhaps too much. My husband says I think too much, but he says a lot of things...that is an entirely different "ponder": husbands and how they think.

My thoughts are: I don't wallow. Personally, I dislike wallowing. I never feel sorry for myself. I am more inclined to feel badly for those around me, having to deal with me and my issues. So, I will admit quite readily, that I "hide". I withdraw. When I am threatened, hurt, overwhelmed or in pain of any sort, I withdraw. I burrow in and hide. It is how I cope; it is what I know. This is how I can sort through things, including my feelings. I often write through it, which is obvious in my poetry.

So if I am missing, I am not wallowing. I am probably hiding.

The Meerkat Wars

2012-01-10T12:54:00.000-06:00

By H. S. Toshack

H. S. Toshack has written a third book in his Paka Mdogo: Little Cat series. Our little heroine is Sheena, a domestic cat. As in her first two books, Sheena is off on an adventure.

In The Meerkat Wars, Sheena’s family goes on an African Safari. Sheena stows away in the back of their vehicle, and ends up in the middle of a warzone. There is a war amongst the tribes of Meerkat in the Baragandiri National Park. Sheena becomes the mediator, and hopeful peacemaker for the Meerkat.

As in any situation involving war, there is violence. However, this is a chapter novel for young adults. As an educator, H. S. Toshack handles these situations with intelligence and moral lessons. Tolerance and acceptance are stressed. The book is filled with natural facts and interaction of Meerkat. The lessons are easily applicable to human nature, as well.

I highly recommend this book and series. Well written, the books are both adventurous and educational. H. S. Toshack plans more books based on his Paka Mdogo: Little Cat. His following of readers continues to grow in number, and in age.

Unlikely Friendships

2012-01-09T21:30:00.000-06:00

...Remarkable Stories from the Animal Kingdom

By Jennifer S. Holland

I fully believe animals have much to offer to each other, and to humans, in many ways. We can learn from them. This book illustrates this fact.

Jennifer Holland has captured 47 truly incredible stories of bonds between animals. These are stories of true, heartfelt connections. Accompanying each story is amazing photography of the animals showing their bond.

Some of these unlikely friendships are those between a cat and a lizard, a monkey and a dove, a dog and a fish, and even a friendship between a pit bull, cat and baby chicks!

Most people have heard the classic story of Koko, the 230 pound gorilla who had been taught sign language. It was a surprise when she signed that she wanted a pet kitten. Koko’s favorite stories were “Puss in Boots” and “The Three Little Kitten’s”. For Koko’s birthday, she was allowed to choose her pick of a litter of kittens. She chose a tail-less grey kitten, who she named “All Ball”. Koko then treated him as a mother gorilla would her own infant. The entire story is beautifully recounted in this book.

I am reminded of my dog, Maisie, a Shetland Sheepdog. In her 16+ years, Maisie was surrogate mother to many kittens and bunnies that I rescued. We called her “Auntie Maisie”. She did everything for them, but feed them. It made no difference to her that they were not puppies (or that she was spayed). She was patient and loving, and she knew that was what they needed.

Auntie Maisie

That is the theme of this book: love and the connection that it offers. Love goes beyond species and breed. It is the common thread of life, holding us all together. The need for love is universal, promoting growth, healing and well-being.

Each and every story here will leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and renewed. Yes, indeed, we have much to learn from the animal kingdom, if we only would watch from our heart and listen with our soul.

This book is for all ages, all people, and one to be enjoyed through the ages, again and again. There should be sequels. This is a very special book.

Maisie Grace

Feeling Beachie's Fun Four Fill-In

2012-01-07T16:12:00.001-06:00

Every Friday, Hilary at Feeling Beachie posts four statements. This week the co-host is Sarah of The Mama Pirate. It is our fun mission to fill in each statement as it pertains to us. Here are this week's questions, followed by my answers.

This week’s statements:
1. ________ is not my strongest virtue
2. _________ is my favorite meal of the day
3. ___________ is my ____________
4. Whenever ____________ happens, I always _____________.

My Answers:
1. Trust is not my strongest virtue. I have a hard time trusting other people.
2. Lunch/dinner is my favorite meal of the day. You may make it big or little, and have plenty of fuel to get you through the day. I am not a breakfast person; just coffee, please. Supper can be too much!
3. "Myself" is my own worst enemy. Whether or not it is proper English, it is true.
4. Whenever something bad (around me) happens, I always blame or question myself.

Okay...there you have it, truth & all! Now hop on over to Hilary's and enjoy her awesome blog. And check out Sarah the Mama Pirate, too! Everyone, have a fun-filled week!

It is Cat Thursday

2012-01-05T17:35:00.002-06:00

Sybil Exposed

2012-01-05T17:33:00.000-06:00

The Extraordinary Story Behind

the Famous Multiple Personality Case

By Debbie Nathan

Sybil became popular, both in psychiatry and modern culture in the 1970’s. Both the book and the movie made the complex disorder known as “Multipersonality” a phenomenon, though sensationalizing it, as well. Not only did it bring this disorder to the spotlight in mental health, it created a catchphrase and controversy, in spite of its horrific nature.

Psychiatry and psychology are not absolute, as the mind is a complex, hidden area. The memory is not always exact in time or place, being affected by many things. It deals with fact, feelings, and the shaded grey areas in between. The mind deals with the melding of both fact and feeling. Sometimes the mind remembers what the heart may have felt. History is recounted by what the mind remembers, sometimes losing things to interpretation, and sometimes colored by emotion, whether intentional or not.

For many years, the story of Sybil, as well as the ethics and motivations of her therapist have been questioned. This book is written by investigative reporters whose goal is to shed light on the truth of Sybil’s case, as well as the disorder.

Letters and documentation were supplied by the family of Sybil to researchers of what is now known as “DID”, Dissociative Identity Disorder. This disorder is still misunderstood and often misdiagnosed. The intent was to dispel myths, answering decades of questions and speculation.

Notes at the end of this fascinating book list the documents used and the resources that Debbie Nathan was privy to, in her writing of “Sybil Exposed”. I have no doubt that Sybil and her case will continue to be controversial, as will DID.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T01:05:00.003-06:00

Favourite Cookies, hosted by Hilary,
of Feeling Beachie.
Very old (obviously) & good,
M&M cooky recipe!
"We made you cookies, but we eated them..."
now you have to bake them!
(Hilary started it!)

The Source of All Things

2012-01-03T16:09:00.000-06:00

A Memoir

By Tracy Ross

Tracy Ross has written a powerful memoir that will resound with many, assuredly staying with the reader. Her story is open, honest and painfully true.

Losing her father when she was a very young child, Tracy felt blessed in gaining a doting stepfather not long thereafter. They become very close throughout her childhood, and all seemed right in her world. Her family was close; camping trips were commonplace. Her stepfather taught Tracy many things about the Idaho nature, wildlife, and living life to the fullest on these family outings. However, his love and affection for Tracy turned very wrong when on a camping trip her stepfather began to sexually abuse her. Tracy was eight years old.

Eventually, Tracy fights back. Leaving home as a teen, she reveals the truth. This tears the family apart, finally forcing them all to face buried secrets and carefully hidden flaws. As Tracy was betrayed as a child, the family felt she now betrayed them. It takes years for them all to admit the truth.

Growing up fast, Tracy goes through many changes, and encounters many situations. She learns hard-earned lessons. Tracy’s lifelong love for nature and the outdoors takes her from her native Idaho to Alaska, and eventually to Colorado. It was nature that always held Tracy together, and ultimately helped her to heal.

There finally comes a point where Tracy is able to confront her stepfather, as an adult. This takes immense courage, for which I admire her. In doing so, Tracy is able to come to terms with what happened to her, and that she survived.

Tracy Ross’s story is full of raw emotion, vulnerability, and ultimately real survival and forgiveness. This is a memoir not to be missed.

Thank you!

2012-01-02T19:16:00.000-06:00

Thank you to everyone who supports my blog and me. I have many upcoming reviews and musings. I enjoy sharing with you all, and I enjoy your comments just as much. I appreciate each of you. Thank you!

Time

2012-01-01T13:36:00.004-06:00

We are all on the proverbial clock. Everyone is bound to time, and there is no way to escape it. It is said that there is a time for everything: a time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, and a time to harvest, a time for war, and a time for peace, a time to cry, and a time to laugh. Time is not affected by religion, race, or gender. There is never enough time, yet there is always time.

No two clocks are the same exact time, yet clocks are everywhere. Clocks come in every shape, style, color, and size. There are loud clocks, silent clocks, clocks that start out quiet and get louder if you ignore them. There is also the perpetual clock.

Every Spring we are told to set our clocks forward an hour, just to set them back an hour come Fall (as if we have nothing better to do with our time).

Time zones also add to the entire time phenomenon. You can be in one place, travel to another, and it be the same time as when you left the first place. Now that is magic!

Of course, the sun and moon have something to do with the real issue of time. We know that when the sun comes up it is morning, the beginning of the day. When the sun goes down, it becomes night, the end of that day. The time in-between becomes tangled in seconds, minutes, and hours. How this happened and why, is the real mystery.

We all deal with deadlines and due dates. A wide array of calendars and appointment books can help manage time, if you can find the time to use them. Yet, some seem to never be in sync with time. Time has been an issue since the very beginning of…well, time.

The world was created in seven days. Noah survived the “great flood”, when it rained for forty days and forty nights. It goes on; history is full of dates and times. We keep track of our own time with birthdays and anniversaries. We rely on time telling us when to do things, and when not to.

In reality, time is obviously without measure, though we forever try to measure it. It is elusive, though we forever try to capture it. We fight it, yet we celebrate it. It is seemingly endless, yet it is often too brief. When you look into the eyes of an infant, you see the future. When you look into the face of an elder, you see the past. The circle of life is the true “biological clock”; each of our lives is set to it.

Let us enjoy the time we have with each other, and in our own selves. Let us live each day as if it were our last, remembering yesterday with little regret, and looking to the future with hope. Time waits for no one.

Godspeed.

Follow Friday Four Fill In

2011-12-30T13:39:00.000-06:00

Every week, Hilary of Feeling Beachie gives us four statements to complete. Her co-host this week is Irene from Me, Myself and I. If you have suggestions for questions, please let Hilary know and you could be her co-host!

This week’s statements:

1. Lately, I have been feeling a little___________

2. I am usually a ______

3. ________________________is always the best feeling at the end of the day

4. _________________________is the first thing I do in the morning

My Answers:

1. Lately, I have been feeling a little depressed.

2. I am usually a positive person. Really.

3. A hug is always the best feeling at the end of the day.

4. Get a hot mug of coffee is the first thing I do in the morning, or I cannot function.

Pondering with a Purpose, & Brenda

2011-12-30T12:53:00.001-06:00

Hosted by Brenda of Fiction with a Purpose

Superstitions
I think it is human nature to be be superstitious, whether you admit it or not, or call it that or not. Everyone talks about "luck", or perhaps have items they consider "lucky". Athletes are known for the rituals they follow. Some athletes have articles of clothing they wear or won't wash if they are on a winning streak. Dale Earnhardt had a "lucky penny" glued to his dashboard when he had a particular important win. Tom Brady wouldn't cut his hair when the Patriots were on a winning streak a couple of years ago.
My Granny was a small but mighty woman, even imposing at a mere 4'8". Even she had superstitions. One passed down through her beliefs was that all Christmas decorations be taken down and put away before midnight New Year's eve. Before the new year arrive this must be done or someone in the house may die in the new year. I remember fearing this and that something may get overlooked...then what?! Well, I still observe this, but not as strictly, and being Catholic now, I like to leave the nativity out until epiphany. (Granny was strict Baptist, which is what I grew up as.)
It was also not wise to put up a calendar for the new year until the 1st day of the new year. You did not want to bring the bad things from the old year into the new year. You want to start fresh.
Granny also delivered many babies in western Tennessee, in her day (early 1900's). She believed in the "veil" some infants are born with as being "lucky" for that child. The veil usually was over the infants face. Granny would take this and put it on a Bible for the mother, to preserve it for her and the child. To destroy it was considered very bad luck, as it was an omen of greatness for the child.
These were Granny's superstitions. Seven year bad luck for breaking a mirror, throwing salt over your left shoulder however, as were many others, considered "old wives tales", not to be taken seriously.
Superstitions often are traditions, I think, in families and in cultures.

Martha Mary, my Granny

Cat Thursday!

2011-12-29T07:21:00.004-06:00

Wake me when it's over.

Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs

2011-12-28T16:25:00.000-06:00

A True Story of Bad Breaks and Small Miracles

By Heather Lende

In her second book, Heather Lende takes us on an emotional journey. Being the obituary writer for her local newspaper in Alaska, she is well versed in the emotions of life and death. However, it became personal when she was in a near-fatal accident, literally run over by a truck. To add to her pain, she lost her mother to leukemia a year later.

Confined to bed, Heather reflected on life, death, and everything in-between. What came of it all is this beautifully miraculous book. Heather turns once again to her neighbors, friends and community. There she finds strength to focus on faith and spirituality and from that there is growth and eventually healing.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T16:20:00.000-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

Dear Old Love

2011-12-27T15:30:00.000-06:00

Anonymous Notes to Former Crushes, Sweethearts, Husbands, Wives, & Ones that Got Away

Compiled By Andy Selsberg

When Andy Selsberg got married, he reflected on commitment and old loves. He felt the need to reconcile past relationships, the joys and lessons of some and the pain or errors of others. He turned to the Internet and started this project as a website. It would be a place to leave messages to old or lost loves.

Being able to do so anonymously made it easy to say what may have otherwise been difficult or perhaps impossible. To be able to take a love story and condense it into one line is undeniably an art. This only adds to the importance and beauty of the message and of this book. There is quite a variety of messages and thoughts here. The final section of the book is a “fill-in” section, where you can actually create your own “Dear Old Love…” messages.

Quite often, it is the small book that has so much to say. This book is an excellent example as is says a lot very succinctly. Dear Old Love is for the ones who got away and the ones that were held onto, if only in our hearts. It honours them all by addressing them, “Dear Old Love”.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T14:10:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
Peace & blessings to all!

Santa is on his way!

2011-12-24T08:50:00.001-06:00

It's true!

I was watching CNN this morning,

while having my morning cup of coffee.

Breaking news is that Santa

has left the North Pole!

He is making his rounds,

delivering gifts to everyone

on his "Nice List"!

This is how you can track Santa

as he is traveling:

www.noradsanta.org

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T17:12:00.000-06:00

Please Note:

Book Reviews will resume next week!

Thanks! Happy Holidays!

Follow Friday Fun Four Fill-In

2011-12-23T16:51:00.000-06:00

Hilary at Feeling Beachie is the host of this very fun Hop.

Each week, she lists four statements with a blank for us to fill in on our own blogs. If you want to join the fun and come up with four fill in’s of your own, let her know. If she uses them, she will add you as co-host to the hop!This week’s co-host is the wonderful Brenda of Fiction With a Purpose (she came up with the last two statements). Please visit them both; they are wonderful women.

This week’s statements:
1. I have a love hate relationship with_____
2. I have been buying a lot of ___ lately
3. If I hear _____________ anymore I swear I will _________________
4. Whenever I see_____ makes me ____________ and then I ____________

My Answers:
1. I have a love-hate relationship with healthcare. The miracles of science amazes me...so does my failed ankle surgery. I can't believe I am worse now than before.
2. I have been buying a lot of critter food lately. Between the inside furkids and the birds & squirrels outside, we are going through a lot of critter food!
3. If I hear Frank Sinatra sing "Mistletoe & Holly" anymore, I swear I will boycott carols!
4. Whenever I see people going for walks, it makes me remember how great it felt, and then I feel very sad that I can't. I am trying to get my ankle issue resolved, but it is time consuming, painful both physically and emotionally, and extremely disheartening.

Maggie's Bath

2011-12-22T14:40:00.001-06:00

Chloe loves her "big sister" Maggie,

sometimes to Maggie's dismay.

Maggie is patient & tries to indulge Chloe,

knowing that Chloe is very persistent,

and does not take "No" for an answer.

Chloe gets her way as always,

which is wanting Maggie's attention.

Clean and comfy, now...

it's nap time.

Cat Thursday

2011-12-22T14:15:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to All!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-22T14:06:00.001-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

Fun Follow Four Fill In

2011-12-18T14:16:00.002-06:00

Every week, Hilary of Feeling Beachie hosts a "Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun". I hate to miss this one, so even if I have to be late, I try to make it! So, here we go...

This week’s statements:

1. ____ is my ideal winter night.

2. I don’t remember the last time I ___ but, I really want to.

3. I will never turn down __________

4. To save money I like to ____________

My Answers:

1. Cuddling inside, and watching a good snowfall from the bay window is my ideal winter night. This was fun last February, when we had a good old-fashioned blizzard!

2. I don't remember the last time I made a snowman, but I really want to! I also want to go sledding!!

3. I will never turn down a hug.

4. To save money, I like to re-use whatever I can as long as possible!

Thank you, Hilary, for hosting this fun each week! Hugs!

Please go visit Hilary at Feeling Beachie; she & her blog are awesome! You'll love them, and you will especially love Alex!

Meowy Cat Thursday!

2011-12-15T20:00:00.001-06:00

Here's hoping you are on the "Nice" list!

On the Road Again...

2011-12-15T08:53:00.000-06:00

After 7+ weeks, Bill was finally home for a few days. It was not long enough, went way too fast!
Bill is a long haul truck driver. He is one of the hard working guys who brings the food to the stores, who makes sure you have what you need accessible to you.
As you know, we have been together for over 30 years. We have been through many things, always together. Bill wasn't home for Thanksgiving, and he will not be home for the holidays. Such is the life of a long haul trucker. It just isn't "home" without him. It's hard; I miss him.
The next time you encounter a trucker on the road, please remember he is doing a job you rely upon. He is a regular guy, and someone loves him. Please give him the space and respect he deserves. It might be Bill.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-15T08:32:00.001-06:00

Hosted by Hilary of Feeling Beachie

Fun Four Fill-In...

2011-12-11T11:54:00.001-06:00

Every Friday, Hilary at Feeling Beachie hosts this fun "Fill In". Please join her!

This week’s statements:

1. When I ___ I feel that ___ paid off.

2. I just realized that____.

3. My _______ come from _______.

4. If I had _____, I would _____.

My Answers:

1. When I think of my husband I feel that loyalty & commitment paid off.

2. I just realized that I have to have my ankle surgery totally re-done.

3. My decisions come from my intuitions based on experiences.

4. If I had my ideal life, I would live in the U.P. and commune mostly with nature.

Now, hop on over & visit Hilary!