We've all been there. That certain age with those certain thoughts. You know...when you tell someone about your 'life plan'. The person you tell is usually older, smiling and nodding their head slowly. They let you talk and talk...and then they say something like 'best of luck to you' or 'sounds like you got it figured out'. What you don't see is them walking away with a huge grin on their face....that is, until you become of a certain age, when you realize 'what a fool I was to think someone could actually make a life plan'.
Planning isn't all bad. I think there is a time and place to have a plan....taking a vacation, saving to buy a home, preparing for retirement. However, it's also healthy to realize your plans are written in sand and it's okay if, from time to time, a wave washes your plan away. I've found the most rewarding experiences and favorite memories when my 'plans' dissolved. It's also during these times when a person finds their true character or sees it in someone else.
'You make the plans and God will make the choice.' It's a quote from the book I am currently writing, Mama's Bookends. The main character, Elizabeth, has her life totally changed from her 'plan' of what life was supposed to be. In the end, she wonders how she would have been happy any other way!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
'Grandpa 's Grapevine': It's a Do-Over
I loved being a kid! Now, being around a lot of kids everyday, is just as fun. Today, I like to hear from kids those things that remind me of my childhood. My favorite- the do-over! There is nothing better than getting the chance to do something over. Just one more chance and you know you can get it, or do it better!
As a child, the do-over is reserved for the important things in life: kickball games, bike wheelies, or who can eat a Three Musketeer the fastest. As an adult, you don't hear many bosses giving a do-over. I'm not sure why people expect perfection when we reach adulthood. I like to believe we are all life-long learners. This is probably why I like writing so much. It is no big deal to do it over.
And so, 'Grandpa's Grapevine' has been given a do-over. No worries to anyone who has read the self-published version a few years ago. Grandpa Frank and Elizabeth will still be there! The plot has remained the same, it has just been revised/edited a bit :-) When it is published, you will also notice the title has changed. Presently, it is to be called 'Legacy of Grandpa's Grapevine'. It is Book One of 'The Manciano Family Saga'.
This new direction will allow me to continue writing a few books about the Manciano family. I am presently working on Book Two, 'Mama's Bookends'. This story will combine with another story I was outlining- 'Walking With Angels'. I know you will enjoy the adventures Elizabeth has in Book Two and fall in love with some new characters too!
I will keep you posted on my Facebook and my blog as to when 'Legacy of Grandpa's Grapevine' will be ready for purchase, and any bumps in the road during the process. I look forward to the coming months and will always be very thankful I was given a do-over!
As a child, the do-over is reserved for the important things in life: kickball games, bike wheelies, or who can eat a Three Musketeer the fastest. As an adult, you don't hear many bosses giving a do-over. I'm not sure why people expect perfection when we reach adulthood. I like to believe we are all life-long learners. This is probably why I like writing so much. It is no big deal to do it over.
And so, 'Grandpa's Grapevine' has been given a do-over. No worries to anyone who has read the self-published version a few years ago. Grandpa Frank and Elizabeth will still be there! The plot has remained the same, it has just been revised/edited a bit :-) When it is published, you will also notice the title has changed. Presently, it is to be called 'Legacy of Grandpa's Grapevine'. It is Book One of 'The Manciano Family Saga'.
This new direction will allow me to continue writing a few books about the Manciano family. I am presently working on Book Two, 'Mama's Bookends'. This story will combine with another story I was outlining- 'Walking With Angels'. I know you will enjoy the adventures Elizabeth has in Book Two and fall in love with some new characters too!
I will keep you posted on my Facebook and my blog as to when 'Legacy of Grandpa's Grapevine' will be ready for purchase, and any bumps in the road during the process. I look forward to the coming months and will always be very thankful I was given a do-over!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Are You the Best You?
Recently, I was sorting through my books (yes, some people still have books) and discovered my large collection of self-help/motivational books. The titles on the book store shelves always catch my eye- 'Your Best Life Now' or 'Become a Better You'.
While perusing through my collection, I begin to wonder why I bought the books. The lessons or advice provided seemed pretty common: be a life-long learner, don't join the negative co-workers, always be willing to help, etc. I decided to donate the books to my local library, as I didn't see the need to keep any of them. Then, I stumbled across the book that contained every message all the other books were trying to teach. It is, in my opinion, the only book that should be passed along to every new employee and become the rules of every company. The book is by Robert Fulghum.
'All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten' was first published in 1986. The rules Fulghum posted can, and should, be followed today to be the best you.
1. Share everything.
2. Play fair.
3. Don't hit people.
4. Put things back where you found them.
5. Clean up your own mess.
6. Don't take things that aren't yours.
7. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
8. Wash your hands before you eat.
9. Flush.
10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
11. Live a balanced life- learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance
and play and work every day some.
12. Take a nap every afternoon.
13. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
14. Be aware of wonder.
15. Remember that everything/everyone will die one day; enjoy them now.
I paraphrased a few of Fulghum's rules, but I think they are all important. I will try to remember them daily. Will you?
While perusing through my collection, I begin to wonder why I bought the books. The lessons or advice provided seemed pretty common: be a life-long learner, don't join the negative co-workers, always be willing to help, etc. I decided to donate the books to my local library, as I didn't see the need to keep any of them. Then, I stumbled across the book that contained every message all the other books were trying to teach. It is, in my opinion, the only book that should be passed along to every new employee and become the rules of every company. The book is by Robert Fulghum.
'All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten' was first published in 1986. The rules Fulghum posted can, and should, be followed today to be the best you.
1. Share everything.
2. Play fair.
3. Don't hit people.
4. Put things back where you found them.
5. Clean up your own mess.
6. Don't take things that aren't yours.
7. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
8. Wash your hands before you eat.
9. Flush.
10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
11. Live a balanced life- learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance
and play and work every day some.
12. Take a nap every afternoon.
13. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
14. Be aware of wonder.
15. Remember that everything/everyone will die one day; enjoy them now.
I paraphrased a few of Fulghum's rules, but I think they are all important. I will try to remember them daily. Will you?
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
'Glimpses of Heaven': A Book Review
'Glimpses of Heaven' by Trudy Harris is a great read for anyone who is dealing with the loss of a loved one or helping someone to pass with dignity and peace. The book is written as a collection of experiences Trudy, a Hospice nurse, has with her patients.
The following quote from the book summarizes the message well:
'Glimpses of Heaven' is a quick read, but the myriad of stories from those who passed will linger in your thoughts. Dying is really just the beginning of the journey home.
The following quote from the book summarizes the message well:
'All of life is a journey from the day we are born until the day we die. We are learning every
minute we are alive. No one, except the God who made us, knows what He put into each of our baskets of learning when we were conceived in our mother's womb. Only He knows the process by which we will grow to spiritual maturity and how easy or how hard the lessons will be for us. He will provide all the nourishment required to complete the journey well, but we have to be willing to learn from each and every person He puts on the path to teach us,whether or not we think the person is worthy of that role. In so doing, the underneath-threads, subtly woven by Him, will complete the tapestry of our lives, unseen by us.' (Harris, 177-178)
minute we are alive. No one, except the God who made us, knows what He put into each of our baskets of learning when we were conceived in our mother's womb. Only He knows the process by which we will grow to spiritual maturity and how easy or how hard the lessons will be for us. He will provide all the nourishment required to complete the journey well, but we have to be willing to learn from each and every person He puts on the path to teach us,whether or not we think the person is worthy of that role. In so doing, the underneath-threads, subtly woven by Him, will complete the tapestry of our lives, unseen by us.' (Harris, 177-178)
'Glimpses of Heaven' is a quick read, but the myriad of stories from those who passed will linger in your thoughts. Dying is really just the beginning of the journey home.
Monday, July 1, 2013
'Did You Know?' Video...I Didn't
It's always nice to reflect on the 'good old days' and take pride in how much we have achieved as a society. It can also be a little scary when reminded of how quickly those changes happened, and continue to happen at an ever increasing rate of speed.
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