Love is

I find it amazing how few people understand what true love is. It is all too often confused with obsession or lust. Is it possible to really define it? A biblical quote does do it justice.

The above is true, but can an analytical mind understand it’s true meaning?

Posted by here-it-is at 10:22 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

With a Song

There were no lyrics. The gentle pressing of the keys eased the pain in his heart. The snow, piled deep, could not chill the heat, the passion, this man felt. Even the roiling clouds, the horrendous wind, could not blur his vision. His ears, indeed all his senses were acutely aware of the moonlight. The serenade painted a vivid picture of him and the girl he lost. His heartbeat was rapid, the pains increased. Why, he asked himself constantly, must I go on? Why must I endure this agony?

The strings of summer sang like velvet. Vivaldi could bring the seasons to life. Why then could not the strings of his violin infuse life back into this man? Does not the warm thoughts of a sultry August night ease the hurt of lost love? Let the strings resonate yet they are unmoving. Love has done its damage. Will he recover?

Words, does he hear them? Does this hotel really exist? He’s walking the streets of loneliness. There is a room for him. He does not want to be there but it is where his heart dwells. What baggage will he carry in? How much more will he carry out? Does he really want to survive this?

He prays. Yes, there is peace in the valley. His life, his personal plague on this earth is beyond his comprehension. He begs God to call him home. Why, he asks, must he go on? He knows his mansion, his home in heaven is only available when he receives the call. It is not his decision to make. He understands the valley of peace.

Tissues dab his eyes. They have become misty. Resting now, his feelings sharpen. Thoughts of love lost pulls out his tears. A heart broken, a soul in torment yet his love remains true. A mellow voice and a quiet tune weakens him. Must he live to suffer?

A timepiece to measure that which has no boundaries. Never is indeed a long time. His love extends well beyond those limits. His love will last, til the twelfth of never.

Posted by here-it-is at 8:24 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

VBT Dotty’s Topsy Tale

1. Dotty’s Topsy Tale deals with discrimination. What was your primary inspiration?

In Topsy Turvy Land, I came up with a whole menagerie of animals, like green monkeys, singing snakes, and hot pink hippos. Kevin (the illustrator) suggested that I write stories about several of the animals. One day while brainstorming with my daughter for ideas, she asked, "Isn't Dotty pink? What if she wanted to play with purple hippos? Would that be a problem?" I decided, yes, it would, but not for Dotty - only those around her, and more specifically, the grownups.

1. You deal with how to handle being different. That almost begs the question of how do you define normal?

When my children were little and would complain about someone being weird or different, I always reminded them that we are all weird in our own way. Growing up with five brothers and sisters, I was the only left-handed child. My dad tried his best to make me use my right hand because he wanted me to be normal. Not until I entered school did I realize there were other people who functioned quite nicely being left-handed. And besides, aren't the so-called different people the ones who make life so interesting? If we all conformed to the same standard, we'd have a very boring, beige world.  

1. Kevin Scott Collier is the illustrator. How is he to work with?

Kevin has been a delight. He gets my sense of humor, and adds so much with his whimsical style. We have never met in person, but we both feel like we operate on a similar wavelength when we're working on a project.

1. You get your points across with green monkeys and singing snakes. I can understand the green monkeys, but how did you come up with singing snakes?

As a singer myself, it is only natural that I include a character that sings. I have written another book featuring the snake. His story was so much fun to write. I can't wait to see it in print one day!

1. Living Waters is the publisher. How are they to work with?

My experience has been good. Kevin and I subbed directly to the person who owned the company at the time after she posted a request for submissions on a Yahoo group, so I'm not familiar with their current submission guidelines. As a new company, they did offer several types of contracts, but with mine being a traditional contract, I have no experience with any other type. Since the Dotty's Topsy Tale has a lot to do with color, I was hoping the colors would be vibrant in the finished product, and are they ever! It turned out beautifully.

Posted by here-it-is at 9:40 AM EDT

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Mood:  surprised

This award was presented to my by Joyce A. Anthony. There are many nice people in this world. But there is no one, anywhere like her. She is a brilliant writer, and a more wonderful person. Please visit her blog, and the ones below for more great writers.

 http://danisworldontheweb.tripod.com/danisblogontheweb/

Daniel Calhoun is a writer of poetry. Many of her poems deal with veterans and friends of veterans. Some of her poems are sad, but there are many that are very uplifting. 

http://joycescarbrough.blogspot.com/ 

Joyce is a brilliant author. Her two books, True Blue Forever, and Different Roads are true winners. Her insight and visions of the high school years and beyond are unequaled. 

http://bosalittlebitcountry.blogspot.com/ 

Elizabeth Bo Drury writes from the heart of Texas. Visit her and read some wonderful stories.  

http://www.warpeacetolerance.blogspot.com/

This is only one of many sites for The Frugal Book Promoter. If you write, you’ll want this book. She is always open for questions and is willing to help all writers. 

http://catsnovelchallenge.blogspot.com/  

Cathy Brownfield is a writer’s writer. She has, on her blog, writing prompts. So if you ever get stuck, stop by to see what she has to offer. 

The rules for the above recipients are as follow:Rules for next recipients of the Brillante Weblog Premio are as follows:

1. The award may be displayed on a winner's blog.

2. Add a link to the person you received the award from.

3. Nominate up to seven other blogs.

4. Add their links to your blog.

5. Add a message to each person that you have passed the award on in the comments section of their blog. 

Posted by here-it-is at 12:28 PM EDT

Updated: Tuesday, 26 August 2008 9:51 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

 Coming Tuesday! An interview with Donna Shephard.

Posted by here-it-is at 4:36 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Where’s CeCe

Another alley and more of those big green monsters. Don’t they ever empty those things? As the wild bunch wandered down the alleyway, they could see trash everywhere. At least this might make the food search easier and safer.

“Humans really go through this pizza stuff.”

“How do you know that?”

“Look at all the boxes that have that on top.”

Alex was right. There were piles of pizza boxes all over the place. But there was too much activity to check them out. They searched for, and found a safe haven. Just to ensure their safety, they took turns sleeping. After CeCe’s troubles with the dumpsters, Alex and Amanda decided to let her have the first nap.

While CeCe slept, Alex slipped out to scout around. That would make the food run faster and safer. He was gone for quite awhile. Amanda was starting to get worried. She was getting ready to wake up CeCe when he finally made it back.

“What took so long?”

“I was on my way back when another kitty from someplace around here, started coming towards me. I went quite a ways in the other direction just in case I was seen.”

“Ok. Did he follow you?”

“No, he didn’t see me and I watched him leave in a different direction.”

“Good. At least you’re safely back.”

By this time CeCe was awake. That allowed Amanda and Alex to get some much-needed rest. The two kitties curled up next to each other and were sound asleep in no time. They knew they could keep both eyes closed because CeCe was on lookout.

“Where’s CeCe?!?”

“I don’t know. She was just laying in front of us, wasn’t she?”

“I thought so. Alex, we have to go find her!”

Alex had scouted around the area so he had some ideas of where to look. At first he wanted to go alone, but Amanda wouldn’t let him. They would work as a team. Alex led Amanda over to the large pile of boxes. There were signs CeCe had been there but she wasn’t in sight. They followed her scent as far as they could but soon the scent of other kitties made that impossible. It was dangerous but the decided to call for her. Soon…

“Mandy?”

“CeCe?”

They found her hiding between some garbage bags.

“Where did you go?”

“I thought I could be like Alex and get something to eat.”

“CeCe, Alex has a lot of experience. He knows the signs. If you want to go on these adventures with us, you stay with us, understand?”

“Yes, I promise.”

CeCe was safe. They went back to their hiding place. After a good rest, they were ready for their next adventure.

Posted by here-it-is at 9:19 AM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Stubbornness

I am the first to admit that I am extremely stubborn. I also admit that being stubborn is bad for my emotional health. I’ve made a lot of errors in my life. Many of these involved me being too stubborn to listen to others. At the time I had no clue about my emotional issues. It wouldn’t have mattered since I was too stubborn to realize I had a problem.

Even when the mental health issues were pointed out, I was too stubborn to listen. I’ve been this way all my life, how could it suddenly be emotional problems? No one ever told me that before. But wait, yes they did. I was too stubborn to listen.

Being stubborn, a need to be in control, must be related. I don’t consciously want to be a control type. I know now that although I don’t want to be in control, I acted like I do. it will not be easy, but I refuse to allow myself to be stubborn. I have promised myself I will not be stubborn. I shall listen to those that are trying to help. I have emotional issues. I shall permit me to change. I fully expect to be rebuked when I do not listen. My future, my happiness, depends on this.

Posted by here-it-is at 7:33 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

CeCe Makes a Discovery

Amanda, Alex and CeCe said goodbye to Mama and family then headed out. This time they went in the opposite direction. At the end of the block the wild bunch, as Mama called them, turned left and headed towards the older part of town.

“Mandy, I’ve been this far before but was too nervous to go farther.”

“Why”

“It all looks the same. I was afraid I would get lost.”

“I’ll help you not get lost.”

Amanda was good at directions and remembering landmarks. They were headed towards the older part of town. They had no idea of what they would find but it looked exciting. They left early so crossing the street was safer. This part of town was mostly apartments. Heading down the first alley, Alex’s nose picked up the scent of food. He could get lost turning around twice but he could smell food a mile away. These trashcans were different. They weren’t round but were big green square things. It was the day before trash pickup so the dumpsters were full to overflowing.

“Mandy, we are going to have a feast!”

“Alex, where’s CeCe?”

“She was right here.”

Suddenly there was a loud cry heard from the dumpster. Alex immediately jumped up to see what was going on. He didn’t laugh but it was tempting. CeCe found a little catnip ball that someone had discarded. Unfortunately, in her haste to get to it, her claws punctured one of the garbage bags. It was right after she had the ball in her mouth that she slipped on the plastic bag. First her paws, then her nose landed in a pile of potato salad.

Alex helped CeCe get unstuck. Then after helping her get out of the dumpster, both Amanda and Alex helped to clean her up. It was hard to do as they were laughing so hard. CeCe managed to save the catnip ball.

They soon discovered this was a very busy area for humans. They decided to find a safe place to rest til the nighttime hours. Once Alex had Amanda and CeCe safely tucked away, he went back to the dumpster and found enough food for all three of them. When darkness set in and the kitties were well rested, they headed out for the next part of their journey.

Posted by here-it-is at 3:39 PM EDT

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Mood:  happy

Tag Along

Amanda saw Mama turn the corner towards home. Although she had only been gone a few days it seemed like a lifetime. As the wanderers crossed the street, Alex told Amanda he wanted to take a quick detour to see his old neighborhood. He went on to say he wasn’t staying there long and would join Amanda at home.

These two had been through a lot. Amanda knew Alex was just doing that to allow her some alone time with Mama. As Alex headed towards his old stomping grounds, Amanda followed Mama towards home. CeCe, Amanda’s youngest sister, saw her first. She almost ram mom over trying to reach her sister.

“Mandy!”

“CeCe!”

“Amanda, remember me? I’m your mother?”

“Hee hee. Hi Mama, CeCe reached me first.”

“So what brings you home? And where is your travel buddy?”

“Alex will be here pretty soon. He wanted to see what his old neighborhood looks like.”

“Hey guys, look who decided to show his mug around here.”

“Well, well, if it isn’t Alex, the famous traveler. Your girlfriend dump you so you think you can just waltz back here like nothin’s changed?”

“No, I just wanted to see the old neighborhood since I was close.”

“Ok, you saw it. It ain’t changed. Now scram!”

it was the same neighborhood alright. It was unfriendly before which is why he left. He headed back to Amanda and her family. But he made one stop first. He had one food source he had kept to himself. If it was still there, he could show Mama. If it were still there, it would be a steady supply for the family. It was still there.

It wasn’t long before Alex joined the family. At that point all of Amanda’s siblings begged for an update on their travels. Amanda deferred to Alex to catch everyone up on their travels. He did a very good job as all of the other kitties were paying very close attention to every word. Amanda just sat next to him smiling.

Alex did manage to find a good food source close by and told Mama about it. Everybody followed Alex. After a good meal, the whole crew headed home. Once there, Mama asked what their plans were. Amanda looked at Alex and together they said there was a lot they had not seen yet. Mama said she hoped they would at least wait until morning. As the sun rose, Alex and Amanda got ready to leave.

“Can I come too?”

“Let’s ask Mama and Alex first, CeCe.”

Mama said it was ok, but only for a little while. She then asked Amanda to watch out for her little sister. Mama knew Amanda and Alex always stopped back at home between adventures. With that assurance, all three kitties headed out to see something new.

Posted by here-it-is at 12:20 PM EDT

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