A Slice of Life Review of: “Wrecked”

 

Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you I’m back today with another Slice of Life Post. Today, I’d like to share with you a book I’ve thoroughly enjoyed. The title is “Wrecked” and the cover and blurb are below.

 

A tragic car wreck leads to PTSD and therapeutic salvation in this novel from the author of America, which Kirkus Reviews deemed “a work of sublime humanity.”

Anna is involved in a horrific accident one night that leaves her brother’s beautiful and popular girlfriend dead. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, she begins an unusual method of therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Through her therapy, dreams, memories, and experiences, we begin to see, along with Anna, the full picture of her controlling father, her lost relationship with her brother, and her overwhelming guilt about the wreck.

With a deep understanding of the minds of teenagers, and a deft hand in translating that to the page, E.R. Frank presents a story with real and challenging characters, beautifully told and filled with haunting images.

 

My Thoughts:

This story touches on a tragedy that happens quite often in young people’s lives.  A party that leads to a car accident that not everyone survives. It’s a tough thing to deal with and E.R. Frank tells the story of the survivor’s recovery and how she deals with the accident, the death of her brother’s girlfriend, and the guilt she feels.

Anna is the main character who survives the accident, but she has developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and survivor’s guilt. The story takes you through her therapy sessions and in my opinion, erases some of the stigma surrounding therapy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I liked the characters, and I felt they were well thought out and believable. This is a great story for young people because it shows the cause of PTSD and how Anna deals with it. Most people think of it as something soldiers get from being in active combat, so this story broadens that perspective and shows that any horrible event can cause this disorder.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my review. If you’d like to read other Slice of Life Posts click here.

Do you have any YA books you’d recommend? Leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!

 

 

Write Like An Olympian

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. I know I did. My sister invited everyone to her place and we had quite the spread. It was a good time.

Photo credit: jameskm03 via Visualhunt / CC BY-SA

My kids’ last day of school was Tuesday, so it was my last day, too (for the week). I’ve enjoyed my little break and I’ve been diligently working on my writing. I’m motivated. I’ve got three stories going, but right now I’m making one of them my top priority. I finished it, but now I’m making changes, making it better. It takes time to get everything right.

 

Photo via Visualhunt.com

And that’s what I want to talk about today. The time it takes to invest in your dream. Everyone tells you to chase your dream, and I agree with that whole-heartedly, but you have to be prepared to make sacrifices, too. Because chasing our dreams takes time. We have to practice, practice, and practice some more, honing our skills until we become proficient.

We may have to give up going to the movies with friends because we need to work on our story. If you aren’t willing to make those sacrifices maybe the dream you’re pursuing isn’t what you really want.

Look at those Olympic athletes and all the time they’ve invested in their dreams. We have to think like Olympians.  We have to decide what our goals really are and make decisions that align with them.

For example, one of my goals is to be a successful writer, the other is to be the best mom I can be. Therefore, when I thought about working outside the home, I wanted to work around my kids’ schedule. So I found a job at their school. I write when I’m not working and hone my skills every day. I write or read every single day, even holidays. 🙂

Photo via PourquoiPas via Visual Hunt

There’s a lot of work involved with writing, there’s research, writing that rough draft, revising, and handing it out to Beta Readers, and then more revising. All of this takes time, but that’s okay.  Do you remember that old slogan?

 

We will sell no Wine before Its time?

That applies to writing your novel, too. 🙂

 

So take your time and make your novel the best it can be. When you’re writing, think of those Olympic athletes who prepare for years to compete at the Olympics. They invest hours upon hours to spend a couple of minutes in front of the judges. We have to keep that in mind when we’re writing, the same principle applies.

Photo credit: burge5k via Visualhunt.com / CC BY

 

So write. Write like an Olympian.

Photo credit: Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post today. Do you have some advice for writers? If so, leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!

Persistence

Hello everyone.  I hope all is well with you. I’m back today with another Slice of Life Post. I had a busy night last night. My oldest had his Christmas concert and the whole family went to see him sing. It was amazing. He stood in the front row and sang his little heart out. I am proud of the young man he is becoming.

Therefore, my Slice of Life Post is short today. I find this meme motivating. I have a thing for water whether it’s a river, a lake, or the ocean. I love to be near it. This meme is perfect for me because of my love for water, and the belief that it’s the day to day habits that pave the way to our goals. I’ll leave you to contemplate this:

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope this meme was as motivating for you as it was for me. If you’d like to read other Slice of Life Posts click here.

My Thankfulness Post

 

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. I’m back today reeling from the fact that Thanksgiving is almost upon us. This year is going by so fast and my boys are growing so fast. Did I tell you I found fuzz on my oldest son’s upper lip? Talk about a wake-up call. So I thought it would be appropriate to write a Thankfulness Post.

 

So below is a list of some of the things I’m thankful for but don’t express appreciation for very often.

 

Thankfulness List:

 

• I’m thankful for my boys. They’re growing up to be awesome young men and I’m so thankful they haven’t joined a cult or been initiated into a gang at this point in their illustrious careers.

Photo credit: K a P p Y via Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-SA

• I’m thankful for my hubby and the fact that he hasn’t run away with the circus after living with me for so long. 🙂

Photo via Visualhunt.com

• I’m thankful for my siblings and extended family for allowing me to live during those tumultuous teenage years.

 

• I’m thankful for the friends I’ve met through work who were so supportive of me when I was going through chemo. They were awesome. I’ve never met such a supportive group of people.

 

• I’m thankful for my writing friends who welcomed me into their group and for all my writing buddies I’ve met via Social Media. I’m also thankful for all my fans who love my stories and inspire me every day.

• I’m thankful for my painting friends. I love getting together and chatting about world problems and learning a new creative skill.

• I’m thankful for our awesome universe and I hope we can take care of the earth for future generations.

Photo credit: GLAS-8 via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

• I’m thankful for my inspiration. I’m loving all the ideas that keep coming into my head. 🙂

Photo via Visualhunt

• I’m thankful for all my blog followers who encourage me and leave comments on my blog. It’s so nice to know someone is reading. 🙂

 

Thanks for reading my Thankfulness post. What are some of the things you’re thankful for? Leave a comment. I‘d love to hear from you! 🙂

The Super Moon: A Slice of Life Post

 

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. I’m back today with another Slice of Life Post.  I don’t know about you, but I was very excited about our Super Moon that appeared on Monday, only to be disappointed to find it obscured by a cloud haze. However, I did get to see it on Sunday and it was very bright and it seemed to loom above us like a luminous Chinese lantern.

Photo credit: Paul Anglada via Visualhunt / CC BY-NC-SA

I think it’s amazing that the moon hasn’t shined this bright for sixty eight years. I’m so glad I got to witness this Super Moon because I’ve never seen one before. I realize how vast our solar system is and the fact that there are other solar systems out there makes me feel very small.

I’ve always been intrigued by the moon and our solar system. In fact, our family watches the Universe channel quite a bit and I’ve learned so much about our planets and stars that I’m flabbergasted.

Photo via VisualHunt

Did you know that all the elements that are present in our bodies came from the stars? Doesn’t that just blow your mind? We are literally stardust.

Photo via Visual Hunt

When I think about the earth. I think about how it sustains life for us as well as many other species. I think about how the conditions must be just right in order to continue sustaining that life, and I realize how awesome our world is and how fragile it is.

There are so many things out in space that could destroy our planet, death stars, exploding stars, and asteroids just to name a few. I realize how amazing it is that our earth has been around for as long as it has.

I also realize that we need to take better care of our planet in order for it to continue to sustain life the way it always has. So let’s take care of our earth.  It’s the only one we’ve got. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post today. If you’d like to read other Slice of Life Posts click here.

 

 

 

 

Are you a Helicopter Mom?

 

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you. I’m back today and I’m talking about something other than the election. Although, I will say that I’m tired of all the political posts on Facebook. Lately when I sign on, it feels like everyone’s yelling at each other. Everyone’s pissed off and it just makes me tired. So, I’m only taking it in small doses right now.

But enough about that. Today, I’m writing about Helicopter Moms.

Photo credit: Defence Images via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC

What is a Helicopter Mom? We’ve all run into them. They’re the ones who take a good mom attitude and turn it up to the tenth degree. They’re overbearing and pushy and just a downright pain, but here’s the official definition.

A Helicopter Mom is a mom who pays extremely close attention to a child’s or children’s experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions.

Although the phrase applies to parents with children at the high school and college level, it can be applied to children of all ages. Not sure if you’re a Helicopter Mom? Just read through the list below and see if you qualify.

Helicopter Moms

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you have the same Halloween Costume as your child.

Photo credit: Tobyotter via VisualHunt / CC BY

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you have to be in charge of every fund raising event at the school. In fact, you’re so sure you’re the only one capable of handling these events that you mud wrestle other parents who have the gall to volunteer.

Photo credit: mrbille1 via VisualHunt / CC BY-NC-ND

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you think the Parent Pick Up Line’s Procedure should be changed to accommodate you and your schedule.

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you hold up the Parent Pick Up Line because your special little cherub dropped her mood ring and needs to find it before you go home.

You might be a Helicopter Mom if your sweet little angel throws an incredible hissy fit about getting in the car, and you allow him to kick and scream, holding up everyone in line, and telling anyone who will listen that little Johnnie is just “expressing his feelings.”

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you go to Parent Teacher Conferences with your own graphs and charts of Little Gracie’s progress and explain to the teacher that she may just want to “rethink” her lesson plans for the rest of the year.

Photo credit: Innovation_School via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC

You might be a Helicopter Mom if your child is consistently late for school and you argue with the principal explaining that “Jasmine is just making an entrance and therefore shouldn’t be marked tardy.”

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you push other parents down as you try to get photos of your precious sweetheart at the Christmas Concert.

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you show up during recess to “provide instructions” for the playground aides.

Photo credit: smithereen11 via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

You might be a Helicopter Mom if you go on play dates and take notes about the other children and then pass the information along to the teacher to “help” her deal with the kids’ behavioral issues.

All the above issues are symptoms of the dreaded disease Helicopter Momitis. If you feel you have some of these symptoms, don’t worry. The cure is More Cowbell.

Photo credit: raindog808 via VisualHunt / CC BY

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post! Do you have more symptoms of Helicopter Momitis? If you do please leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you! And remember when you’re burning with the Fever of this dreaded disease the only cure is More Cowbell!

Photo credit: the ryan king via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-SA

 

 

 

 

Election Day: A Slice of Life Post

 

Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today with another Slice of Life Post. Today is Election Day for our country and I’m hoping everyone gets out to vote. I feel like this year is an important year, I’m not sure why I feel that way, but I do. It’s intuitive so I’m following my instincts.

Photo credit: polarpaul via Visual hunt / CC BY-NC-ND

The thing for me is, I don’t like either candidate, so I’m going to write someone in. Now, I know who I write in isn’t going to win, and I’ve heard the rumor that every vote that isn’t for Hillary helps Trump. So, what do you do when you don’t like the candidates, and your write in is unlikely to win? That is a very good question.

It’s time to change the way we elect our president. Our political process is no longer working for us. We’ve outgrown the system. The two main parties have found loopholes and ways around our protective barriers. There’s corruption at every level.

When election time rolls around, the candidates are making promises that’ll get them elected and then when they’re in office instead of rolling up their sleeves and digging in and solving problems, they’re still campaigning. They’re doing everything they can to get themselves re-elected. While they’re doing that, who’s solving our problems? Who’s putting their time and energy into taking care of our country?

In my humble opinion, we need to elect someone who isn’t concerned about the next term. We need someone who will focus on finding solutions for us.

Is there anyone out there who’s willing to do this?

I don’t know. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if we wrote in a fictional character for president. Say, Santa Claus. He’s a jolly kind of guy with a generous heart. He works all year round to bring toys to good little boys and girls. He wouldn’t be worried about reelection. When his term is over, he can go back to his toy-making. Yeah. He’d work. 🙂

Photo via VisualHunt.com

I do wonder what would happen if we wrote him in and he won. I’m sure they’d disqualify the votes, but what a powerful message that would send, kind of like the image below. 🙂

Photo credit: meg’s my name via VisualHunt.com / CC BY-NC-ND

Thanks for stopping by and reading my post. What are your thoughts on the election? Do you have anyone you’d like to write in? I’d love to hear from you, leave a comment!

If you’d like to read other Slice of Life Posts, click here.

 

A Tribute to Trees

 

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you! I’m back today with a quick post because I’ve had a busy weekend helping my mom move. After I helped my mom, I met with an awesome friend who’s helping me research another idea for a story. I’m so excited about this one! I can’t give you any details yet, but it’s going to be good!

Anyway, I’m loving this fall weather. It has just been incredible. I’ve noticed some awesome colors this season and I’ve taken some pictures. They’ve turned out well and I’m going to try and paint them when my painting ladies get together. I’ve found a new hobby! 🙂

I thought I’d share some of the pics with  you. I’ve been drawn to trees lately, so along with the pics I’ve included one of my favorite RUSH songs and one of my favorite poems. I’ve pondered why I’ve been drawn to trees and I’ve come to the conclusion it’s because trees are a symbol of wisdom for me. They endure the changing seasons by being flexible, yet they stay strong, rooted in the earth and reaching for the sky. So here you go. My tribute to Trees. 🙂

 

ADVICE FROM A TREE

By Ilan Shamir

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!

Aren’t these colors awesome! I love fall. I love watching the cycle of the seasons reflected in the changes in the trees. 🙂

Here’s a RUSH song about Trees. It’s good!

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my Blog today and checking out my tribute to to the trees. 🙂 What’s your favorite season and why? Leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!