Sunday, December 31, 2023

Sunday Post #100: Year's Last Tells



Happy New Year!!!! 🎊 πŸŽ‰

Finally at 100 Sunday Posts!

There were two Tell Me Something Tuesday prompts that I missed. So I would like use my 100th Sunday post for those prompts.

For the start of December, the topic:

 If you were stranded on a desert island which book would you want with you? 

I would be worried about finding a way off that desert island.

The final December topic: 

What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2023? 

It is a memoir called Voice Lessons. The author is my favorite voice actor. Now I am going to have to be very picky about other books I add to my favorites.


------------------

Latest Fluidart Piece




Goodreads

πŸ“š added 8 books to my TBR shelf



Currently Reading 

πŸ“– tbd



Currently Listening

🎧  tbd 



*** Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That's What I'm Talking About


*** If you don't have anything to say about this week's topic, you can comment on any other part of the post or just say "hi".


*** I am always having to edit many of my posts. If I made any grammar mistakes, I will eventually fix them.


*** The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer


Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Blurb Blitz: The Joy of Spirit



 GENRE: BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Inspiration & Personal Growth

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

BLURB:

Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul."
– Walt Whitman

Care to reclaim your authentic, pure self?
This book will show you how to find your inner balance in life, by connecting to mindful moments 
to reclaim your true nature.
This book:
- is transformative in nature,
-will teach you to depend on yourself, as you hold a wealth of magic,
-will teach you how to shift perspective,
-is riddled with warm anecdotes to inspire you,
-will teach you how to live mindfully outside of yoga and meditation,
-will remind you that intention setting is key,
-will help you connect to your own spirit guides and the Angelic realm regardless of religious 
beliefs,
-will show you how to connect to your multidimensional self,
-will remind you that belief is at the core of spiritual realm,
-will have you connect to the frequency of love where actual magic begins.
In essence, shift your perspective to tap into this spiritual realm while on earth.


~~~~



Excerpt:

The higher self, some believe it sits a few inches above your mind, while others, refer to it as the
third eye. It has been my experience that it does not sit in one place but hovers around you.
Your higher self is your all-knowing self. It holds the secrets of your existence in this life and the
many lives before you and the many after you. Your higher self is the one constant that wraps
around you. There is a reason we are being invited to meditate. With mental illness on the rise,
meditation anchors one down. Mindful practices connect you with your heart’s centre, the
magical gateway to your consciousness. Meditate, sit in silence, to connect to this wonder, this
brilliance that has all the answers we seek, sitting quietly within. Start consulting with yourself.
Start connecting with your inner wisdom. Quiet your mind long enough to hear this voice, this
intelligent exchange, this insightful chat that will finally awaken the truth you seek.
While I continued using my journal to further discover this new endeavour, a few days later, I
discovered my boardroom of helpers, who follow me around throughout this lifetime and assist
when necessary. Imagine a boardroom of consultants looking after you, working 24/7 throughout
each entire life. That is their assignment, to follow you as you navigate life’s trials and
tribulations. My boardroom of helpers or councillors consisted of four. This varies for some. I
continue to visualize them sitting around this oval table and looking at me, face to face. Their
eyes are on me, as are the eyes of your very personal team of guides. Yes, they see you naked
too, and everything in between! It took me a while to get over this one.



AUTHOR :

Tania Kiaizadeh (Kia) was born in Teheran, Iran but in 1977, at the age of nine, she moved to
Montreal with her family in order to avoid the political rumblings which gave way to the Iranian
Coup d’Γ©tat. With new beginnings in Montreal, adaptations to be made, she carved a life in
North America. She received her Bachelor and Master of Education in Educational and
Counselling Psychology, at McGill University. Since 1991, she has been working with her
students in classrooms and in private practice, teaching them French as a second language,
literature, history, as well executive functioning skills, while reminding them that they are
limitless beings with gifts and capabilities that extend far beyond their imagination. It all starts
with setting an intention and implicitly believing in yourself. Education, knowledge, self-
improvement and self-empowerment paired with curiosity and her favourite aphorism, “leave no
stone unturned,” define the fabric of her life. With Spirit nestled in stereo, she now has access to
a crisp means of learning, which involves a great deal of hands-on, experiential learning.
She began writing her debut, prescriptive non-fiction, a spiritual self-help, after delving into the
study of transformation, spirituality, intuition and manifestation. When she is not busy editing her
second novel, a narrative memoir, she can be found walking in nature, connecting to her
students, embracing her limitations in yoga, deeply breathing, having insightful exchanges with
her family and friends, and just being. Since the summer of 2021, she has been sending free,
monthly, distant energy healing to those in need, especially during this worldwide pandemic,
where people are suffering in many different ways. Even with energy medicine, she proves to be most effective helping children. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 GIVEAWAY 

Tania Kiaizadeh will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn
winner via rafflecopter during the tour.






Sunday, November 26, 2023

Sunday Post #99: Reading Challenges and Fluidart

 



Hello All! To those that celebrate, I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. For everyone, I hope you all had a good week.

I am happy to say that I have completed my Goodreads Reading Challenge as well as my Kindle reading challenge. This year I was able to find a favorite - a memoir. I hope all of you found at least one favorite this year.



This is my latest fluidart piece. I still don't actually know how I feel about it. Does anyone have any thoughts or feelings about this piece?



Post Rewind 

πŸ“Œ Nov. 9th = Book Blast: Outsider


Goodreads

πŸ“š The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (by: Esther Hatch) = moved to read shelf

πŸ“š Beguiling the Duke (by: Darcy Burke) = moved to read shelf 

πŸ“š Power Play (by: Maria Luis) = moved to read shelf

πŸ“š Drops of Gold (by: Sarah M. Eden) = moved to read shelf



Currently Reading 

πŸ“– tbd in January 



Currently Listening

🎧 tbd in January 




*** If you don't have anything to say about this week's topic, you can comment on any other part of the post or just say "hi".



*** I am always having to edit many of my posts. If I made any grammar mistakes, I will eventually fix them.



*** The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer




Thursday, November 9, 2023

Book Blast: Outsider

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Monica Buchanan will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Monica Buchanan grew up in Jamaica. She revisits her lived experiences of abuse and neglect in early childhood and her younger adult years. Buchanan takes the reader on a palatable path that allows for reflection on one's own life. She writes about her survival journey, while looking through descriptive lens, she carefully details how exposure to early childhood abuse and neglect within her family helped form patterns, influenced choices, and shaped decisions in her adulthood.

By chronicling familial stories, the roles of parents, siblings, and community, she employs a story-telling and meaning-making approach, that is both painful and entertaining. Even though as a young child I was told I was the problem, I knew intuitively that I did not cause all my problems. I now know that what happened to me within the context of familial (and other) relationships had a name--emotional abuse and neglect.

Growing up I wished there were more people and resources that could help me make sense of my life as I struggled with low self-esteem, insecurities, felt lost, craved attention, and an overall sense of not belonging--I felt like an outsider and desperately wanted to be on the inside.

Buchanan reaffirms that: childhood experiences of abuse and neglect does not mean one has a commutable life sentence of pain and suffering. It does not matter where you are on your healing journey, you can set that stuff aside and reclaim your life. This book is for anyone who grew up in a toxic, abusive, and unhealthy home environment where they felt like they did not belong within the family unit. It is also a book about making changes, forgiveness, and letting go.

Read an Excerpt

Emotional Abuse and Neglect
 
Experience has taught us that we have only one enduring
weapon in our struggle against mental illness: the emotional
discovery and emotional acceptance of the truth in the
individual and unique history of our childhood.

Alice Miller

Impact of Early Childhood Emotional Abuse and Neglect

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. I do not know when or where I first heard this saying, but these days my life is lemons. Not the ripe, luscious, bright yellow lemons we often notice in the grocery store from afar, but sour, bitter, bad tasting ones—a whole lot of them—and there is no sugar to sweeten the lemonade I am making, so I just must swallow the bad tasting, intolerable concoction. I took the childhood garbage I ingested into adulthood. When and where did I learn to swallow this stuff and keep it down? I did not learn it as an adult; I learnt this behavior as a small, innocent, and unsuspecting child.

For many of us, the traumas and dramas of our early childhood experiences have turned us into survivors. MerriamWebster says a survivor is “A person who continues to live after an accident, illness, war, etc.” A more specific definition is “Someone who can keep living or succeeding despite a lot of problems.” The second definition certainly applies to me (and most other survivors of childhood abuse and neglect). Those earlier events have altered our psychological and emotional state in adulthood. Wegrow up to be adult-children who are not fully “alive” but rather, we endure an existence where we appear to be living a full life but are just getting by; we are surviving.

About the Author:
MONICA BUCHANAN has a PhD in psychology, as well as a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies. Buchanan is semi- retired, after a long and rewarding career in counseling, psychotherapy, and coaching, she now follows her passion and live a purposeful lifestyle. She continues to be enthusiastic and committed to development of strength-based community resources for adults and youths from marginalized and under-served communities, thus she remains an active volunteer. She focuses on mindfulness and relaxation and loves to read, write, garden, and take long meditative walks.

Website: https://www.monicabuchanan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_monicab
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmonicabuchana n
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonicabucha nan
Twitter: a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Sunday Post #98: Regarding Fanfiction



Hello All ! I mentioned fanfiction in another Sunday Post. However I decided to make this week's post about it. The reason is that I have a short one-shot fic about the Shades of Magic brothers. 

I have it taking place after ACOL but before Threads of Power. There may be a spoiler or two. Also I recently noticed the typos. It is only my third fanfic and I don't have a beta reader.

If you are up to it please check out fanfiction.net/siran84, and please let me know if you see a poll question anywhere in my profile.



Post Rewind 

πŸ“Œ Oct. 19th = Book Blast: The Highland Heir

πŸ“Œ 24th = Book Blast: The Undiet- Diet


Goodreads

πŸ“š Beguiling the Duke (by: Darcy Burke) = added to want to read shelf



Currently Reading 

πŸ“– The Earl’s Hideaway, No Ladies Allowed (by: Esther Hatch)



Currently Listening

🎧 Drops of Gold (by: Sarah M. Eden)




*** If you don't have anything to say about this week's topic, you can comment on any other part of the post or just say "hi".



*** I am always having to edit many of my posts. If I made any grammar mistakes, I will eventually fix them.



*** The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer


Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Book Blast: The Undiet- Diet





This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Dr. Douglas Pooley will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 







 

The UN-Diet Diet is a health reclamation strategy. It is designed to give the participant simple and effective tools to aid in improving overall health, effectively deal with weight management issues, and to serve as a guide for empowered aging. The program is aimed at those over the age of 55 with existing health compromise. It examines the true genesis of both health and disease through the lens of our evolutionary footprint, drilling down to the essence of what it means to be alive. It is here within the principles which create and maintain life, that we also find the keys to health and longevity.


Read an Excerpt

One unassailable truth is certain: If you buy into the above negative beliefs about getting older, the likelihood of finding satisfaction in life going forward is slim.

However, if you are genuinely committed to feeling better, the ideas I am about to present in the Un- Diet Diet, may open your mind to a different approach for reclaiming and maintaining health...one that just may potentially help save your life. Proceeding through the book, you are going to be shown a strategy for repair, health maintenance, and creative ageing that is in perfect step with our evolutionary footprint. It is here through man’s continuous adaptation over time that we uncover the roots of health and longevity potential.

The pandemic in 2020 has changed the world forever. It was particularly vicious for those over fifty-five, killing many and leaving even more seriously health compromised. The need for new direction when it comes to the fostering a healthy lifestyle has never been more imperative. I believe that for us to continue to successfully thrive we must reconnect with our inherent health potentials which have continuously adapted and evolved over hundreds of thousands of years.

About the Author:














Dr. Pooley has been in practice over 43 years, and during that time worked with over 20,000 individuals in close to 500,000 clinical encounters. He is married to his soulmate Patti Mugford-Pooley and lives in Lighthouse Cove in Canada. He has served his profession and community in various roles, and lectured nationally and internationally on professionalism as well as the importance of natural approaches to health and wellness. Doug is a former bodybuilding champion and continues to explore new frontiers in health and successful aging.

He is currently in his early seventies going on seventeen.

Website: https://theun-dietdiet.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUndietDiet/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DRDOUGPOOLEY/

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-un-diet-diet-healthier- boomers-in-21-days-dr-douglas-pooley/1143853597
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Diet-Diet-Healthier-Boomers-Days- ebook/dp/B0CD436TVR/ref=sr_1_1

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Book Blast: The Highland Heir

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Allison B. Hanson will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.











 

Kieran has spent his life living in the shadow of his late older brother. Brody had been the heir his father had loved and wanted, while Kieran was born to a woman his father despised for her betrayal. Kieran has only ever felt the bond of family with his best friend, Ella.

Ella knew one day Kieran would be called on to do his duty to his clan and marry for an alliance. But she never expected his engagement would suddenly force her to see him in such a different way. They’d known each other all their lives, but aside from one exploratory kiss, she had never been attracted to him as a woman is to a man. Until now.

As the time comes for Kieran to marry, he realizes he has feelings he shouldn’t have for the lass who’s been by his side all his life.

When the marriage contract is breached, Kieran hopes it means freedom for them to be together, but instead, it leads to war and a secret that will change their lives forever.

Read an Excerpt

But now, he was expected to sit at the high table and take part in clan business.

Not that he had any idea what kind of business had brought the MacKenzie laird to their lands. His father told him little.

“How is your family?” Rolfe asked, making it sound as if he cared.

“Well, thank ye.” Neil glanced at Kieran and gave a nod. “Your son looks hearty.”

Hearty? Was that the word used to describe a man who stood at least four inches over his father’s tall frame and was wider in the shoulder than the laird as well? Kieran might have sniffed in offense except he knew how much the sound bothered his father, and he didn’t want to be scolded like a lad in front of the MacKenzie.

“Aye. He will make a fine husband to your Isla. Shall we sign the contract and then celebrate with a dram?” Rolfe suggested.

Perhaps Kieran wasn’t as hearty as he’d thought, for he felt the world had just tilted as the words echoed about in his mind. Kieran would make a fine husband? A husband to this man’s daughter?

“Marriage?” The word escaped Kieran’s dry throat.

Rolfe lifted a brow and frowned at Kieran.

“Why do you look so surprised?” his father asked.

Kieran might have answered if he thought he could get the words out. The truth was he looked surprised because he was, in fact, quite surprised. Why did his father act as if it were something they’d just discussed earlier in the day?

It surely wasn’t as if Kieran would have forgotten such a thing as being shackled to a wife he didn’t know.

“You’ve known for as long as you can recall that, as my heir, you would one day be joined in an advantageous marriage when an alliance was required.”

Yes. One day. He didn’t realize it would be so soon and with a complete stranger.

About the Author:



















One very early morning, Allison B. Hanson woke up with a conversation going on in her head. It wasn’t so much a dream as being forced awake by her imagination. Unable to go back to sleep, she gave in, went to the computer, and began writing. Years later it still hasn’t stopped.

Allison’s historical romances are filled with kilted heroes. She lives near Hershey, Pennsylvania, and enjoys candy immensely, as well as long motorcycle rides, running and reading.

Website: https://allisonbhanson.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AllisonBHanson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Highland-Heir-Allison-B-Hanson- ebook/dp/B0CHSJ27WN/

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Sunday Post #97: Fluidart 8

 



Hello All !

Here is my latest fluidart.


🎨 4x12 canvas
🎨 Acrylic paint

Any Thoughts?

If you would like to see others please check out my deviantart profile or search @sea_rose_touk_art on Instagram.




Post Rewind 

πŸ“Œ 15th = TMST #23: August Tells
πŸ“Œ 21st = Book Blast: And Then I met You
πŸ“Œ Sept. 6th = WWBC #28: Combined Topics 2
πŸ“Œ 8th = Book Blast: Happiness Mountain 
πŸ“Œ 15th = Book Blast: Welcome to Wonderland
πŸ“Œ 20th = Book Blast: Voices of Cancer 
πŸ“Œ Oct. 10th = Book Blast: My Thoughts Are Colored Purple 

Goodreads

πŸ“š To Marry an Earl (by: Karen Thornell) = moved to read shelf 

πŸ“š An Accidental Romance (by: Karen Tuft) = moved to read shelf




Currently Listening

🎧 Drops of Gold (by: Sarah M. Eden)



*** If you don't have anything to say about this week's topic, you can comment on any other part of the post or just say "hi".


*** I am always having to edit many of my posts. If I made any grammar mistakes, I will eventually fix them.


*** The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer




Tuesday, October 10, 2023

Book Blast: My Thoughts Are Colored Purple


~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GENRE: Poetry 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 BLURB:

This is a book of poems on love. Love is a universal language. Love yourself, love your

neighbours, love your parents, love your siblings—even love your enemies. Most of the poems

are on romantic love. When you are in love, you get an awesome feeling. You walk on the

clouds. However, love can be unrequited, unanswered and can bring an awful feeling.

Love is in the movies, in songs, and in music. Love is in this book of poems, ever so strong and

powerful. It's there for you to enjoy.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

EXCERPT

When we get together

My heart can’t rest, fluttering when I see your memes,

My blood surges, spatters inside, and bounces; it steams.

I don’t know what these mean in my life, my friend,

It’s like a quest but don’t have to guess.

I think that only you can tame this heart of mine,

Stop my blood from rushing wildly, and make me fine.

From where you are, give me a sign

That it’s alright and that God will send you soon to be mine.

Right now, I am taking a step closer to be with you,

So, I am in constant elation as I think of you.

It’s not Coldplay, you are my universe,

Trust me, we will surmount these obstacles and be together someday.


AUTHOR:

When Marina left her home country she began to write her experiences living a life which was
completely different from what she was used to. She became a nomad, visiting several
countries where she never put down roots. My Thoughts Are Coloured Purple is the result of
staying stuck in North America during the pandemic. She picked up her love of poems.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

GIVEAWAY 






Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Book Blast: Voices of Cancer



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Lynda Wolters will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

"I don't know what to say" and "I don't know what to do" are common responses to a life- threatening diagnosis. Voices of Cancer is here to help.

Every cancer story is different, but there is one commonality: both patients and the people supporting them often struggle to properly articulate their wants and needs through particularly challenging and in many cases, uncharted territory. Lynda Wolters knows firsthand: she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal mantle cell lymphoma in August of 2016.

Voices of Cancer offers a candid look into the world of a cancer patient, informed by Lynda’s own story and conversations had with dozens of patients weighing in on their needs, wants, and dislikes as they navigate the complex world of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. With comprehensive and accessible insight from people who’ve been there, Voices of Cancer helps educate, dispel fears, and start positive conversations about what a cancer diagnosis truly means, while shining a light on how best to support a loved one on their own terms.


Read an Excerpt

Voices on Thoughtless Words

There is no perfect thing to say to someone with a devastating disease, but honest conversation and true statements are better than fluffy words that are best suited for use as a slogan. It’s okay to let the patient know you don’t know what to say. It’s okay to let them know you are afraid of offending them or making them feel sad with your words or your personal fear of what they are going through. And it’s okay to just sit with them, cry with them, listen to them vent, or just share space.

Some of my most comforting times were when people just shared space with me. Every time I was hospitalized, my dear friend Michelle would bring all her “gadgets”—cell phone, laptop, etc.—and work from my hospital room. Sometimes staying an hour or more, often not speaking but just sitting with me and working on her laptop, she shared space and her love.

About the Author:
Lynda was born and raised in a tiny farming community of 400 in northern Idaho. She worked on the family farm, with her first job being picking rocks out of the fields and ultimately graduating up the ladder to driving a grain truck and combine during harvest. Following high school, Lynda continued her education in Las Vegas before she moved back home to Idaho to raise her three sons.

Lynda still resides in Idaho with her husband and their peekapoo, Max.

Lynda has worked in the legal field for 30+ years and enjoys ballroom and swing dancing, horseback riding, kayaking, and river rafting. She has a heart for people and enjoys regularly volunteering. She spends the bulk of her spare time reading and writing.

Lynda was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in August 2016. She touts herself as being a thriving warrior of the disease.

Lynda has completed two books of nonfiction: Voices of Cancer, released in October 2019, and Voices of LGBTQ+, released in August 2020.

The Placeholder, Lynda’s debut novel, was released in November 2022.

Lynda has published the following articles: Navigating the Workplace with Chemo Brain, February 23, 2020, Elephants and Tea. and When Masks Weren’t Popular, March 24, 2020, Patient Power. She has spoken on several podcasts, been a guest on a local talk show regarding Voices of Cancer, and given interviews for other outlets and print.

Jane Brody wrote up Voices of Cancer in the New York Times, her article entitled What to Say to Someone with Cancer, on January 13, 2020, with a follow-up on January 20, 2020, entitled, When Life Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynda.wolters24< br> Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lyndawolters1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyndawolters/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Wolters_Lynda

Amazon links:

KINDLE: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Cancer-What-Really-Want- ebook/dp/B07YLZKSTX/
HARD COPY: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Cancer-What-Really- Want/dp/1645430391/
AUDIBLE: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Cancer-What-Really- Want/dp/B0839PK3GJ/

a Rafflecopter giveaway Throws You a Curveball, Embrace the New Normal.

The Chinese translation rights of Voices of Cancer have been purchased by a grant to offer the book to medical students in Tawain.

Lynda donates Voices of Cancer books and a portion of its proceeds to Epic Experience, a nonprofit camp for adult survivors and thrivers of cancer located in Colorado.

WEBSITE: https://www.lyndawolters.com/

Friday, September 15, 2023

Book Blast: Welcome to Wonderland

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Bobbie Candas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.











 

A recently fired biologist with mommy issues, a successful entrepreneur with a dead wife, and an immigrant hiding from gang violence…These three have only one thing in common.

They’re all screwed up

Biology researcher, Violet Hill, was just let go and is devastated. She found the solitary lab and long hours the ideal respite for her anxiety issues--doing meaningful work while avoiding people and conversation. Now unemployed, with diminishing finances, Violet is forced to face the enemy, her mother.

For years, Turner Cooper was consumed with building his company’s client roster, until the sudden death of his wife throws him totally off kilter. Now, instead of work, Turner’s guilt and alcohol issues Living a reclusive life in Dallas, Rosario Guzman is hiding from a Mexican cartel while working in the shadows at three part-time jobs. Finally, the item she covets the most, a Green Card, arrives in her mailbox. But Rosario quickly realizes the paper card doesn’t solve all her problems.

While navigating social issues, private demons, and nightmare memories, these three lives collide as they find each other at a place none of them ever imagined they’d be working at. As their mutual relationship evolves, Violet, Turner and Rosario lean into each other and unexpectedly find their lives unfurling in remarkable and magical ways.


Read an Excerpt

The Gladiator
Turner Cooper

The landline was ringing again but I didn’t bother to pick up. Letting it go to voicemail, I listened to my wife’s warm Texas accent roll softly through the office over the speaker of an antiquated answering machine.

Hi, there. It’s Allie. Turner and I aren’t here. You know what to do; bye now.

Sighing, I ruffled the soft shiny fur of our Irish Setter, Blaze. Leaning back on my leather sectional, I stretched my legs out over the ottoman, closed my eyes, and wondered how many more hours it would be before I could go back to bed without seeming too pitiful. Perhaps a half-tumbler of Dewar’s Scotch and a movie would help pass the time. I silenced my cell and closed the office door so there would be no interruptions. Amazing how many solicitations there were after you signed up for the no-solicitation list. I never realized before… because I rarely was home to hear them. I smiled, recalling a recent conversation with Allie.

‘I swear, Turner, we need to get rid of that phone. Unless you’re in the market for a time share or extended car warranty, it’s useless. No one we know has a landline anymore.’

consume him.

‘But Allie, what about missing out on the all-expense-paid cruise of our dreams, or lending my social security number to a Nigerian prince?’

‘Uh, those guys don’t call much anymore.’

‘I promise, babe… I’ll get around to it.’ But there it was, still ringing.

Petting Blaze’s head again, I said, “Yeah bud, you get what they say about old dogs and new tricks, don’t you Blaze?”

Hearing his name, my dog looked over at me expectantly, and then laid his head down on the thick rug. Back to a movie choice. I could punch up something on Netflix, but lately, most of those movies were lame. Either stupid rom-coms or crazy fantasy. How about an old favorite instead?

I got up and perused our shelves of old DVDs on either side of the six-foot screen. “Here’s a good one, Blaze. Haven’t watched this in years. You’ll love it.” I popped in Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, sat back down, put my feet up and took a deep sip of Scotch. It was a long film; maybe it would require a full tumbler. Or two.

Three hours later, I’d surprised myself, managing to remain awake through the entire film, and on this viewing I saw the story so differently. That happens sometimes when rewatching a film. My previous memory of it was all about warring strategies, power struggles, and grisly scenes of bodies being torn apart. But this afternoon, I realized the gladiator’s greatest desire was to leave all power and politics behind him and return home to his wife and farm. Somehow before I’d totally missed that aspect.

I got up and stretched, checking my watch. “Well, boy…time for that walk now, right? Let’s go.” Blaze was ready. Hearing the word walk, he began looking anxiously about. “Come on, downstairs. She’s not here today.” I walked through the utility room, switched from bare feet to slip-on tennis shoes, attached his leash, and left through the garage.

The sun was still thirty minutes away from sizzling into the lake, with the air feeling less humid than usual. Even in September, Dallas weather could be brutal. “So, what are you up for? Long one or short one?” I looked at the dog’s inquisitive golden-brown eyes. “That’s what I thought too.”

We headed down our street, turned at the corner and walked down to the bike trail. Under the shade of trees, wearing a loose tee-shirt and shorts, it actually felt good to be out. We walked the half-mile to the large dog park by the lake. I unleashed Blaze, sat down on a bench, and watched him run, dodge, and scamper with joy among the wide range of large breeds released for play by their work-a-day parents.

Eventually, another guy came and sat down next to me and, like a proud papa, pointed. “Mine’s the Goldendoodle. Which one’s yours?”

“The Irish Setter with all the pent-up energy. He’s used to getting out more.”

“Oh, yeah. He’s a beauty. Wait…is that Blaze? Man, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize…your Allie’s husband, right? She was up here with Blaze all the time. Great lady. I’m so sorry, dude. I’m Kevin. Kevin Wells. My wife and I live nearby.”

I nodded, smiled stiffly, and stood up. “Good to meet you, Kevin. Thanks. I’m heading out now.”

I walked toward my dog, knowing he’d hate being pulled out so soon, but it was time for us to leave. Kevin got up and called out after me, “Hey, if you ever need to talk or anything, I’m here most evenings. Allie, she was awesome. Really gonna miss her around here.”

I nodded, putting the leash back on the setter. “Sure, thanks man.” We weren’t ready for those conversations yet. Blaze and I were damaged goods.

About the Author:



















Bobbie Candas lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Mehmet Candas, a stray gray cat, and a jealous tabby who does not enjoy sharing affection with the interloper. Bobbie attended The University of Texas in Austin, earning her degree in journalism. She took a detour with a career in retail management, and found her happy place when she returned to writing fiction about nine years ago.

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/auth or/B00MNS6KV0
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bobbiecandasautho r
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.co m/author/show/8292457.Bobbie_Candas
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobbiecandas

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGYSJL4P
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Thursday, September 14, 2023

Book Blast: An Eye for the Highest and Best

 



by Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 GENRE: Memoir/Self-Help

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

BLURB: 

Living in this world of such disruption and uncertainty can result in us facing despair.

How can we attune to the rainbow after a storm, and create hope and happiness? How do we

develop an eye for the Highest and Best, when faced with what appears to be the worst? What

steps should we take to reconnect with our ability to be resilient?

In this book, Dr. Doetzel shares some important insights gained from her own experiences of

teaching university, battling cancer, being a journalist, travelling worldwide, dealing with grief,

and facing the global pandemic. Along the way, she introduces her readers to fresh ways of

viewing their lives, by applying an Appreciative Inquiry lens that inspires the practice of a more

conscious way of living, resulting in discovering serenity.

Readers may start to re-examine their own challenges, while discovering their own gems that

warrant gratitude. The reflective questions and stories suggest ways of removing blocks to

happiness and constructing healthier relationships.

The book is also an ideal tool for educators to apply to teaching Appreciative Inquiry as a

qualitative research methodology.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 




EXCERPT:


As she was eating, a young aboriginal child suddenly came running towards her to offer her a

candy. Perhaps the child sensed she had been upset. Angel learned that he and his parents,

who were all travelling together to take this young boy to a hospital for special care, had also

missed the plane.

Angel’s perspective was already starting to shift as she re-visited her own circumstances

through the heart -centered eyes of a child.

What’s your name? she asked him.

“My name is Sunny”, he replied. “I’m going to the hospital to have an operation. I might be going

to live with the Angels soon. I have a hole in my heart, and mommy says I’m very sick, and

says I may need a heart transplant soon, to stay alive.”

 As Angel stared into the dark-skinned child’s piercing brown eyes, she became mesmerized by

the light and joyfulness that they exuded. He was very happy and fearless. Then he lifted his

shirt and showed Angel a jagged scar from a recent heart surgery.



Author Bio:

Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel has been teaching in the Sociology Faculty of Mount Royal University

since 2006, and as a seasonal sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education at the University

of Calgary since 2005.

An award-winning scholar, journalist, and musician, she won a Distinguished Dissertation Award

for her doctorate dissertation, leading to the publication of her two books: Cultivating Spirituality

in Education: Synergizing Heart and Mind and Old Heart Child's Eyes: A Diary of Miracles.

In 2017, her students at Mount Royal University honoured her with a Teaching Excellence

Award. In 2018 her students also acknowledged her for promoting wellbeing and good health

within the classroom, and for being a good mentor. She received her MA, HBA, HBSW, and BA

degrees from Lakehead University.

She received her PhD from the University of Calgary in 2004. She studied Intuitive Medicine in

Vancouver and received a professional certification (I.C.A.D.C) from the Canadian Council of

Professional Certification. She also was awarded a Broadcasting Radio and Television diploma

from Confederation College. She encourages her students to examine the world through

different lenses, exercising altruism, promoting social justice, and learning to be a good

sociologist.

Her Mount Royal University blog is titled, Debunking Deceptive Myths. In addition to her recently

published books, she has also authored and published eight scholarly articles in her field.

In February 2020, the Calgary Herald, rated one of her books (a pre-amble to this one) as a

local best seller. She is currently conducting research about complementary medicine and

continuing to teach at Mount Royal University.

Aside from teaching and conducting research, Dr. Doetzel has hosted a radio show "From the

Heart," airing on AM 1140 High River, for the past 10 years. She has recorded four albums of

her own original songs.

Website

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 


GIVEAWAY 

Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner during the tour.

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Friday, September 8, 2023

Book Blast: Happiness Mountain

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Amal Indi will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.











 

Happiness is the most important experience that we as human beings seek throughout our entire lives. Yet there is no one clear definition of happiness in the world today.

How, then, can we expect to be happy to our fullest if we do not know what happiness is?

Everyone has happy moments in life. Suppose you are awake sixteen hours a day after eight hours of sleep—how much time are you truly happy in these sixteen hours?
If you are happy only 20 percent of your day, you will not feel truly happy in life.
If you are happy 50 percent of your day, you will feel like you have an OK life.
If you are happy 60 percent or above, you are living a happy life.
If you are happy 80 percent and above, you’re living a phenomenally happy life.
What if you could change the times that you are not happy to happy moments?

If you want to get better at something, you must study and become proficient in that subject. You do not know what you are missing if you do not learn. The same principle applies to happiness. If you want to be happier, study what happiness is. If happiness is important to you, master it.

By knowing happiness, you can consciously live a happier life. You can minimize the external factors impacting your happiness. You can get happiness under your control.

Irrespective of where you are in life today, by reading this book and following the happiness definition, philosophy, and methodology, you or anyone can live a happier life.


Read an Excerpt

Living with a higher vibration is a blessing. You feel inner peace. You are resilient to what is happening around you, especially since the world is attracting a lot of negative energies. You must protect your inner peace with your higher vibration. You can only be at your higher vibration with your Higher Self. You can activate your Higher Self by establishing:

Higher Self beliefs
Higher Self values
Higher Self purpose

Oftentimes people do not have clarity of their beliefs, values, and purposes for happiness, which causes their Lower Self to take control of their life. Let’s change that for you. Let set up a great set of beliefs, values, and purposes for Inner Happiness. You can always add more or make some adjustments. Please note that these are not religious beliefs, and they are not intended to conflict with any religious, cultural, or political views. These beliefs, values, and purposes are purely defined for your happiness and wellbeing.

Higher Self Beliefs

The following are nine Inner Happiness beliefs will take you to your higher vibration. You have to believe in them and then practice them.

1. Take care of your mind and body first.
2. Objectively experience life’s duality.
3. Accept impermanence.
4. Be in service to others.
5. Be yourself, be authentic.
6. Surround yourself with quality people.
7. Stop energy drops and create.
8. Maintain a higher consciousness with mindfulness.
9. Believe in yourself and your higher power.

This chapter will give you foundational knowledge. Then you need to apply your new knowledge to your day-to-day life. After practice, these become new patterns in your mind, and you can enjoy Inner Happiness for your whole life.

About the Author:
















With over 20 years of experience working for financial institutions as a Solutions Architect, Amal set out on a mission to find true happiness. After researching happiness for many years, he is ready to share a definition, philosophy, and methodology for happiness so that anyone can follow and find true happiness with inner peace, joy, and fulfillment. He has written an incredible book called “Happiness Mountain – Make every experience a happy experience”. Amal is also a father of two kids and lives in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. Amal’s mission is to heal the world and allow everyone to enjoy true happiness.

Find out more on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBSXPNHM< br />
Or visit

http://www.happinessmountain.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amal-indi- 6874064/
https://www.facebook.com/happinessmo untain.inc/
https://www.spreaker.com/show/happiness-mountain
https://www.instagram.com/happiness_mo untain/

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Wednesday, September 6, 2023

WWBC #28: Combined Topics 2


 Hello.

It has been a while for me. There were a couple of topics that I missed. So I will answer each one this week.


May 3rd = My Thoughts on Small Talk.

Answer:  I prefer to not talk at all if small talk is my only other choice.

May 24th = Favorite YouTube Video

Mine: https://youtu.be/kyV_nE0b7Gs?si=Joc7h4Dpuo1VPNNn


This week's: Misheard Song Lyrics

Answer:   The Power of Love (by Huey Lewis and the News)

"Change a hawk into a little white dove"

I used to think it was "change a heart...."

*** Wednesday Weekly Blogging Challenge is a weekly meme hosted by: Long and Short Reviews



Monday, August 21, 2023

Book Blast: And Then I met You

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.



 

Have you ever wondered whether your beloved watches over you from their heavenly post? Have you often had the feeling that your loved one has remained right by your side, even after the final goodbyes? And Then I Met You is the true story of a love so enduring and eternal, it transcends the barriers of time, space, and life itself.

In these pages, you will meet two people whose love is challenged at every turn. The countless barriers that stand between them and true togetherness seem endless. And then the unthinkable happens--and all the barriers vanish in the most unexpected and miraculous of ways.

This epic love story will linger in your thoughts long after the last page, and remain as a twinkle in the sky and a smile in your heart. Who knows? You may even look at life, love, and death in a whole new light.


Read an Excerpt

In the weeks and months after finding out that he had passed, I could hardly function. I had so many hopes and dreams for us. When they went out the window, so did all my motivation.

I curled up in a ball and cried, day and night. I wailed aloud, overwhelmed by the vastness of the grief and the endless stream of tears. I shook all over, wrapped in a blanket, staring blankly at the T.V. I was adrift in an abyss, completely unmoored. I had a huge hole in my gut.

That was the first time in my life that I had experienced the physical side of grief. The weight of it made it hard to breathe. I was grateful that I didn’t have to go to work at the time. I don’t think I could have pulled it off. It was everything I could do to get out of bed in the mornings.

I let my grief over Mike impact my health for a while. I overate and stopped taking optimal care of myself. Now, I’m trying to bring myself back to life, and get out from under all the damage I did to my body. Little by little, in baby steps, I’m fighting my way back to my best self.

Mike had been my anchor, my rock, my heart, my right hand—my everything. I didn’t know what to hold onto anymore. Whether I was physically near him or not, I had always felt a physical pull in my heart whenever I thought of him. What was going to happen to me now that my rock was gone? How was I going to talk to him?

About the Author: Mackenzie Lee is an aspiring author known for her ability to weave heartwarming tales that touch the soul. Her book, "And Then I Met You," is a poignant and uplifting true story that explores the depths of enduring love and its ability to transcend the boundaries of time and space.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Then-Met-You-Unbelievable- Story/dp/0228887739

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Tuesday, August 15, 2023

TMST #23: August Tells

 




8/8 = Which book world would you like to visit (real and/or fictional)?


This was probably a common answer, but I have to go with Hogwarts.


At the start of one of the movies, there seemed to be an Olympic-ish Quidditch competition between the nations. This said to me that in this fantasy world, there was an American version of Hogwarts.



8/15 = Do you DNF books? When do you decide to stop?


So far, I do not have a DNF shelf. For the one book that I considered for a DNF shelf, I just ended up finishing it. After I decided not to read any more books from that particular series.


*** Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by That's What I'm Talking About


Sunday, August 13, 2023

Sunday Post #96: Fluidart 7




Hello all! I hope this post finds you well.

The following photos are of my latest art pieces 






Any Thoughts? feelings?


Post Rewind 

πŸ“Œ July 18th = TMST #22: TBR Pile

πŸ“Œ Aug. 7 = VBT: A Voice Out of Poverty

πŸ“Œ 9th = Book Blast: Shoebox Baby 



Goodreads

πŸ“š The Earl’s Betrothal (by: Karen Tuft) = moved to read shelf

πŸ“š The Gentleman's Deception (by: Karen Tuft) = move to "read" shelf


Currently Reading 

πŸ“– To Marry an Earl (by: Karen Thornell) = page 125


Currently Listening

🎧 An Accidental Romance (by: Karen Tuft)




*** If you don't have anything to say about this week's topic, you can comment on any other part of the post or just say "hi".



*** I am always having to edit many of my posts. If I made any grammar mistakes, I will eventually fix them.



*** The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer