Two incidences this week, showed me staying calm helps defray a possible problem.
The first one happens at a gas station. As I reached for the pump a man walked up to the pump, he asked if he could pump my gas for a few dollars. I told him I didn’t have a few dollars to offer him but thank you any way. Instead of moving on, he decides to have conversation telling me he didn’t believe I didn’t have any money. I’m just like the rest of the people. They think he’s crazy and they don’t want to help a brother down on his luck.
My inner self wanted to yell, get away from me, however I remembered my kids were in the car, so I remained calm and pumped the gas, while listening to him jabber on. As I finished pumping, he said you look like a good Christian woman, you’re sure you don’t have some change, so I can help you out. I told him, I wish I did, but I don’t carry money on me. I assumed he finally accepted my refusal. I went inside the gas station because I wanted to get a car wash and the pump wasn’t acting right.
As I’m standing line, this woman comes in carrying an ax, yelling at the attendant, “call the police, I’m about to hurt somebody.” The man who was asking me for money comes in, yelling.” You going cut me B****” She told the attendant, “I asked him to get away from my car window and he wouldn’t. Then he started threatening me, call the police.”
The attendants asked the man to go, but he was too hyped up to think about leaving. For a few minutes I thought I was going to witness someone’s death, or maybe be chopped up in the process.
The lady’s friend came in and they were able to go back to their car. I paid for my car wash and exited.
As I sat in the car I thanked God, I’d remained calm with the man. No telling what would have happen if I hadn’t. I definitely didn’t want my children to witness something like that.
The second incident happens at the pharmacy. I was looking at some magazines when this man walks up and says, “You’re beautiful,” I look at him and say thank you. I return to the magazines, hoping Mr. Man will go on his way. Of course not. (For some reason, old men especially the one like him, with not one tooth in his head think I would be interested in them)
He decides to hold a conversation. I so want to yell, get away from me. However I remember the ding bat at the gas station and remain calm. I listen to him babble on until he finally realizes, I’m not interested. He goes on down the aisle and, I say Thank you Jesus.
I know it’s my nature to go off when I don’t want to be bothered, but I’m learning sometimes its best to remain calm.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Are You A House Fan
I’m a House fan. I just love that arrogant doctor. When I first watched the show I kept trying to figure out where I saw Hugh from. Last month I found out he was the daddy from the Stuart Little movies and he was in Sense and Sensibilities, one of my favorite movies.
He definitely didn’t fit the mold for House.
Tuesday night I watched and it was the first time I saw him ride his motorcycle. They named him one of the sexiest men on t.v. and I was wondering why. However after seeing him on the motorcycle, I could see a little sexy.
He kills me because he says what’s on his mind. Doesn’t worry about how it will affect others. I wonder what the world would be like if we all did that. CRAZY!
He definitely didn’t fit the mold for House.
Tuesday night I watched and it was the first time I saw him ride his motorcycle. They named him one of the sexiest men on t.v. and I was wondering why. However after seeing him on the motorcycle, I could see a little sexy.
He kills me because he says what’s on his mind. Doesn’t worry about how it will affect others. I wonder what the world would be like if we all did that. CRAZY!
SPRING BREAK
I had this bright idea to take a few days off to spend time with my children while they were on Spring Break. A friend of the family offered a hotel room for two days and we were off.
For a week my children asked, is today the day we go to the hotel. We packed the night before and my daughter said she was too excited. “Are you too excited Mama?” I said I was looking forward to it, I didn’t know about excited.
My husband drives us to the hotel, which is Earth City about thirty five minutes away from our home. We feel like we’re in another city. We arrive at the hotel, but the room isn’t ready and we have to wait for about fifteen minutes. Which means, we hear, “what’s taking so long?”
We did have a little entertainment from the many robins, talking to themselves beside the car. There were also men cleaning the hotel windows. The kids wanted to know why they didn’t go fast instead of slow as they pulled themselves up on the outside of the hotel.
Finally our room was ready. We went up and decided to take a tour after we put up our suitcases. To our horror, there was no swimming pool, Jacuzzi or game room. What kind of hotel was this? My kids wanted to know. “What are we going to do? This is boring.”
My husband and I tried to get them excited about ordering room services and watching King Kong. I think we had their attention until the movie was over.
“What are we going to do now?” Sleep I said, considering it was after 12.
Remind me next time I get my bright ideas to have a suite instead of a room with two beds. Those two blessings of mine were like little ants jumping on everything. I was thankful it was only two instead of the four I thought I would have when I was dreaming of having children.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my children, but being shut up in a one room with them can drive anyone crazy. Thank God for David and Busters. We had a blast burning off a little of their never ending energy. I’ve never been to D&B. It was fun, like a chucky cheese for grown ups.
I will say I’m looking forward to Spring Break next year. I think we’ve started a new family tradition. Next year I will be getting a suite.
For a week my children asked, is today the day we go to the hotel. We packed the night before and my daughter said she was too excited. “Are you too excited Mama?” I said I was looking forward to it, I didn’t know about excited.
My husband drives us to the hotel, which is Earth City about thirty five minutes away from our home. We feel like we’re in another city. We arrive at the hotel, but the room isn’t ready and we have to wait for about fifteen minutes. Which means, we hear, “what’s taking so long?”
We did have a little entertainment from the many robins, talking to themselves beside the car. There were also men cleaning the hotel windows. The kids wanted to know why they didn’t go fast instead of slow as they pulled themselves up on the outside of the hotel.
Finally our room was ready. We went up and decided to take a tour after we put up our suitcases. To our horror, there was no swimming pool, Jacuzzi or game room. What kind of hotel was this? My kids wanted to know. “What are we going to do? This is boring.”
My husband and I tried to get them excited about ordering room services and watching King Kong. I think we had their attention until the movie was over.
“What are we going to do now?” Sleep I said, considering it was after 12.
Remind me next time I get my bright ideas to have a suite instead of a room with two beds. Those two blessings of mine were like little ants jumping on everything. I was thankful it was only two instead of the four I thought I would have when I was dreaming of having children.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my children, but being shut up in a one room with them can drive anyone crazy. Thank God for David and Busters. We had a blast burning off a little of their never ending energy. I’ve never been to D&B. It was fun, like a chucky cheese for grown ups.
I will say I’m looking forward to Spring Break next year. I think we’ve started a new family tradition. Next year I will be getting a suite.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Author Intro - Deborah Piccurelli
Each Monday See Ya On The Net will introduce you to some of the hottest authors in Christian fiction and non fiction. Our guest today is Deborah Piccurelli.
SYOTN: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Deborah Piccurelli: I'm married with two grown sons. In my spare time, I like to read (of course), and spend time with my family. I belong to a nondenominational church where I love to attend our ladies Bible Study.
As a writer, I am a first-time novelist, and now working on a new series that I'm very excited about. I've also had an article published in my local newspaper on the uncertainties of embryonic stem cell research.
My goal through my books is to impact readers' lives for Christ.
SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?
PICCURELLI: In In the Midst of Deceit, following a near-fatal skydiving disaster, a driven financial expert enlists the aid of a spiritually grounded woman to determine who wants him dead. It was released by Jireh Publishing Company in March 2004.
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
PICCURELLI: What I learned about myself, I guess, was that writing novels is an integral part of who I am. Also, I learned that I could really do it - finish a book and have it published.
What I learned about God is that He is working through me in my writing. I'm really just an instrument, and he equips me with whatever I need to get his message across.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
PICCURELLI: That he loves all of us, no matter who we are, or our position in life. That we all have a chance to enter His kingdom. That without Him we can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible. And that no matter what our circumstances, we can live the abundant life He intends for us.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
PICCURELLI: Well, of course I originally got numerous rejections, just as all writers do. But after a few years, I finally got that call two weeks after submitting my manuscript. After that, it seemed like forever before the book was actually released, with lots of work in between. Of course, you have new projects to keep your mind off of it, though. But when you actually hold that book in your hands, it all seems worth it. Then the hard part comes: marketing. The amount an author has to do varies depending on which publisher you've contracted with. Some of us have more to do than others.
But I love all of it, and don't see myself quitting for a long, long time. Maybe never.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: Well, I'm a newer writer myself, so I don't know if I'm in a position to answer that. I guess I could say that there may be some beginning writers out there who need to understand that they should study the market and pay attention to what publishers want. Some writers think they can still write the manuscript and send the entire thing out to about twenty publishers and assume they'll get an offer.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: How long and slow the process is from beginning a story until it gets published.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
PICCURELLI: One would be to get interviewed on blogs like this one. LOL! Another would be to get reviews from websites that receive a lot of hits, or publications with a large circulation. There is really so much more, and lots of stuff I haven't even thought of myself. It would be a good idea to purchase books on marketing by experts. There are lots of them out there. I've just gotten one myself called You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
PICCURELLI: Actually, I 'm reading one now by Brandilyn Collins called Web of Lies. It's a real ride!
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
PICCURELLI: I belong to several writer's groups, which are always a great resource. They always offer members a plethora of benefits, services, and information.
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
PICCURELLI: They can contact me at debwrites@netcarrier.com . If they'd like to know about me or my book they can go to http://www.roadtoromance.ca/first_timers/deborahpiccurelli.htm .
I want to thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, LaShaunda. It's been a real pleasure!
SYOTN: Deborah, thanks for taking time to introduce yourself and your book. I wish you many blessings with your new career.
SYOTN: Please give the readers a brief bio on you the person and the writer.
Deborah Piccurelli: I'm married with two grown sons. In my spare time, I like to read (of course), and spend time with my family. I belong to a nondenominational church where I love to attend our ladies Bible Study.
As a writer, I am a first-time novelist, and now working on a new series that I'm very excited about. I've also had an article published in my local newspaper on the uncertainties of embryonic stem cell research.
My goal through my books is to impact readers' lives for Christ.
SYOTN: Tell us about your current book?
PICCURELLI: In In the Midst of Deceit, following a near-fatal skydiving disaster, a driven financial expert enlists the aid of a spiritually grounded woman to determine who wants him dead. It was released by Jireh Publishing Company in March 2004.
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
PICCURELLI: What I learned about myself, I guess, was that writing novels is an integral part of who I am. Also, I learned that I could really do it - finish a book and have it published.
What I learned about God is that He is working through me in my writing. I'm really just an instrument, and he equips me with whatever I need to get his message across.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
PICCURELLI: That he loves all of us, no matter who we are, or our position in life. That we all have a chance to enter His kingdom. That without Him we can do nothing, but with Him all things are possible. And that no matter what our circumstances, we can live the abundant life He intends for us.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
PICCURELLI: Well, of course I originally got numerous rejections, just as all writers do. But after a few years, I finally got that call two weeks after submitting my manuscript. After that, it seemed like forever before the book was actually released, with lots of work in between. Of course, you have new projects to keep your mind off of it, though. But when you actually hold that book in your hands, it all seems worth it. Then the hard part comes: marketing. The amount an author has to do varies depending on which publisher you've contracted with. Some of us have more to do than others.
But I love all of it, and don't see myself quitting for a long, long time. Maybe never.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: Well, I'm a newer writer myself, so I don't know if I'm in a position to answer that. I guess I could say that there may be some beginning writers out there who need to understand that they should study the market and pay attention to what publishers want. Some writers think they can still write the manuscript and send the entire thing out to about twenty publishers and assume they'll get an offer.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
PICCURELLI: How long and slow the process is from beginning a story until it gets published.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
PICCURELLI: One would be to get interviewed on blogs like this one. LOL! Another would be to get reviews from websites that receive a lot of hits, or publications with a large circulation. There is really so much more, and lots of stuff I haven't even thought of myself. It would be a good idea to purchase books on marketing by experts. There are lots of them out there. I've just gotten one myself called You Can Market Your Book by Carmen Leal.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
PICCURELLI: Actually, I 'm reading one now by Brandilyn Collins called Web of Lies. It's a real ride!
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
PICCURELLI: I belong to several writer's groups, which are always a great resource. They always offer members a plethora of benefits, services, and information.
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
PICCURELLI: They can contact me at debwrites@netcarrier.com . If they'd like to know about me or my book they can go to http://www.roadtoromance.ca/first_timers/deborahpiccurelli.htm .
I want to thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, LaShaunda. It's been a real pleasure!
SYOTN: Deborah, thanks for taking time to introduce yourself and your book. I wish you many blessings with your new career.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Author Intro - Pamela J. Hudson
Each Monday See Ya On The Net will introduce you to some of the hottest authors in Christian fiction and non fiction. Our first guest is Pamela J. Hudson.
See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?
Pamela J. Hudson: HELP! for Your Leadership
(Healing, Encouragement and Loving Perspective for Overwhelmed Leaders) with accompanying Leader’s Self-Care Workbook
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
HUDSON: I learned I could write best when I allowed the Spirit of God to lead me. I found that the presence of the Spirit makes the difference, it was not me.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
HUDSON: He is a God who wants you to be effective, efficient and empowered in all that you do. You can be a leader with characteristics liken to Jesus and make a difference in others.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
HUDSON: It was so new to me and sometimes stressful as you know it involves more than money, it’s your time, emotions and energy.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
HUDSON: Writers write, it is their passion and you need to discipline yourself to make this a natural habit and extension to who you are.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
HUDSON: Although, laborious it is a part of your personality and represents the essence of your soul.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
HUDSON: Consider joining associations and organizations that promote writing and books along with enthusiasm when talking about your work.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
HUDSON: Mary Higgins Clark, any of her books will keep me reading all night. Lori Wick is another author who is exciting, The Mill Pond was one I read while in Africa.
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
HUDSON: Because I am a researcher, I use multiple resources and locate so many more. My bookmark is so full!
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
HUDSON: Email: wrapword02@yahoo.com or www.advancewithpam.org or
19785 W. 12 Mile Rd., Suite 242, Southfield, MI 48076
See Ya On The Net: Tell us about your current book?
Pamela J. Hudson: HELP! for Your Leadership
(Healing, Encouragement and Loving Perspective for Overwhelmed Leaders) with accompanying Leader’s Self-Care Workbook
SYOTN: Writing this book, what did you learn about yourself and God?
HUDSON: I learned I could write best when I allowed the Spirit of God to lead me. I found that the presence of the Spirit makes the difference, it was not me.
SYOTN: What aspect of God do you most hope readers will take away after reading your book?
HUDSON: He is a God who wants you to be effective, efficient and empowered in all that you do. You can be a leader with characteristics liken to Jesus and make a difference in others.
SYOTN: Tell us about your publishing experience?
HUDSON: It was so new to me and sometimes stressful as you know it involves more than money, it’s your time, emotions and energy.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other writers would understand?
HUDSON: Writers write, it is their passion and you need to discipline yourself to make this a natural habit and extension to who you are.
SYOTN: What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?
HUDSON: Although, laborious it is a part of your personality and represents the essence of your soul.
SYOTN: Do you have any promotional tips for writers?
HUDSON: Consider joining associations and organizations that promote writing and books along with enthusiasm when talking about your work.
SYOTN: What was the last book to keep you up at night reading it?
HUDSON: Mary Higgins Clark, any of her books will keep me reading all night. Lori Wick is another author who is exciting, The Mill Pond was one I read while in Africa.
SYOTN: What resources do you use on the net?
HUDSON: Because I am a researcher, I use multiple resources and locate so many more. My bookmark is so full!
SYOTN: How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)
HUDSON: Email: wrapword02@yahoo.com or www.advancewithpam.org or
19785 W. 12 Mile Rd., Suite 242, Southfield, MI 48076
Friday, March 03, 2006
Are you being a blessing to others?
Last night at bible study, my Pastor asked “are you being a blessing to others?”
My daily prayer is how I can be a blessing to someone else. I know it’s hard to bless someone else, but I know I have a better life when I do. I also know that my life on this earth means something, than a person who goes to work everyday.
I thought about a message I received from someone saying how much they appreciated my ministry. I never thought of what I did as a ministry. However as I looked over what I do for other writers, I realized that I in my own small way, I am blessing others.
I know I feel blessed meeting all these writers who share my love of writing. It gives me joy being able to tell others about their books. I know what books means to me and how they have touched my life. I want to give someone else that warm fuzzy feeling I get when I read a good book.
In the coming months, I will be introducing you to these writers I’ve met and hope their books are a blessing to you. Stop by on Mondays and meet the authors who are spreading the word of our Lord.
My daily prayer is how I can be a blessing to someone else. I know it’s hard to bless someone else, but I know I have a better life when I do. I also know that my life on this earth means something, than a person who goes to work everyday.
I thought about a message I received from someone saying how much they appreciated my ministry. I never thought of what I did as a ministry. However as I looked over what I do for other writers, I realized that I in my own small way, I am blessing others.
I know I feel blessed meeting all these writers who share my love of writing. It gives me joy being able to tell others about their books. I know what books means to me and how they have touched my life. I want to give someone else that warm fuzzy feeling I get when I read a good book.
In the coming months, I will be introducing you to these writers I’ve met and hope their books are a blessing to you. Stop by on Mondays and meet the authors who are spreading the word of our Lord.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
2006 Goals
MARCH
100 pages to finish manuscript (4 pages a day)
Make sure 3 chapters are ready for submission
Revise query letter
Write two articles - Wrote article on Online Presence
Submit two articles - Submitted article (OP) to MORWA Newsletter
FEB
I would like to reach 300 pages at the end of the month. I currently have 176. - Reached 210
I'm also working on a query letter to submit in March. - Did not do.
* Found out I needed to use Times New Roman on manuscripts and WORD word count. Which means my manuscript isn't ready for submission.
100 pages to finish manuscript (4 pages a day)
Make sure 3 chapters are ready for submission
Revise query letter
Write two articles - Wrote article on Online Presence
Submit two articles - Submitted article (OP) to MORWA Newsletter
FEB
I would like to reach 300 pages at the end of the month. I currently have 176. - Reached 210
I'm also working on a query letter to submit in March. - Did not do.
* Found out I needed to use Times New Roman on manuscripts and WORD word count. Which means my manuscript isn't ready for submission.
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