Was Life Better In The 80's To Be A Kid?

     In my soon to be released novel, "Grandpa's Grapevine', the main character is Elizabeth Manciano. Elizabeth is a child of the 80's and, while facing the challenge to write Grandpa Frank's eulogy, often reflects on her childhood. My research to complete the novel (and some personal experiences) has me wondering- was life better in the 80's to be a kid?
    Audiences applauded when the boy's bikes rose in the air to save E.T. from the bad guys, children and adults were baffled by the rubrik cube and everyone watched the Cosby Show on Thursday night...or taped it with this new gadget called a VCR. Walkmans only played cassettes, but these things called CDs made their appearance- in 1982 no household had one, but by 1989, 150 million CDs were sold! In sports, a bunch of amateur hockey players kicked some Soviet butt and ladies were finally allowed to run the 26.2 marathon- before this, it was believed the distance would be harmful to women.
   Let's not forget Michael Jackson, the Boss and Billy Joel...the Rat Pack... the Big Chill...When Harry Met Sally...and most importantly- during the 80's- Saturday Night Live was really funny!  Brad Pitt was guest starring on Growing Pains, Drew Barrymore was in rehab and no one thought Rob Lowe could rebound his career. Last, but not least, is there anyone out there who doesn't walk onto a cruise ship without looking for Julie McCoy or Captain Steubing? 
   What do you think?                                                        

Building a Platform

I started a blog recently. I've been told it helps to build a platform during the beginning stage of publishing a book. Well, I am definitely in the beginning stage and my platform has a long way to go! Which is why my agent probably recommended the book by Hyatt, 'Building a Platform'...catchy title, yes? It seems like everyone has a book on how to become successful or master the true you in this life :-) I believe if you are doing what you love, you are successful. And mastering the true you? Doesn't that come with age and experience? Okay, I will continue to read the book. I will try to blog more and build a platform. My  blogs at times will be  book updates, random thoughts or a sneak-peek about the characters in my books. I hope you continue to come back to my site and see what's new...maybe even send a question or comment now and then. I'll let you know when I finish my platform!

Daily Inspirations

Every morning, I have a cup of coffee and check my email.  I subscribe to DailyInspirational.com  and it's always the first email I open! Isn't it funny how a great quote or photo puts you in a different 'frame of mind'? Sometimes, I find it serves as a gentle reminder to not 'sweat the small stuff', follow your heart, or to be true to yourself and surround yourself with forward thinkers. Favorite quote for today- 'We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give'. -Winston Churchill

Winter Blues

Anyone who lives in New England knows about the 'winter blues'.  The desire to sit outside in the evening on your porch swing and listen to the katy-dids is overwhelming.  You gaze out your kitchen window for hopes of seeing the daffodils starting to make their appearance. Will the snow ever melt? When is the last time I will use the snow blower and allow my snow shovel to collect cobwebs until next November? One can only hope the day will arrive soon....no matter what the Farmer's Almanac may say! Until then, happy thoughts and dreams of the best summer ever.

Update

Hello Everyone!
   The year 2013 will find 'Grandpa's Grapevine' with a contract from a book publisher, proposals for movie-rights and hopefully a contract for the second story in the trilogy- 'Mama's Bookends'. I will be writing the last story in the trilogy, 'Walking with Angels', this summer.
   Please stay in touch via my website for the latest news and information regarding book sales and how to purchase. I will be making a few changes to my website in the coming months and adding a facebook page, as well as some other 'goodies' to stay in touch and provide some give-aways!  Please do not purchase 'Grandpa's Grapevine' now, as this version is not the updated/revised edition from the present publisher. 'Grandpa's Grapevine' will be available in the spring. I will let you know as soon as I do when it is available for purchase.
    Happy New Year!

Acts of Kindness

Just a thought... make your New Year Resolution to complete one act of kindness every week!
Some suggestions:
   1. Call a family member or friend you haven't heard from in a while.
   2. Write someone a letter- not an e-mail or text, but a real hand-written letter!
   3. Help a neighbor with their yard work- shovel their walk or buy a plant for their yard.
   4. Say good morning to every co-worker...even the cranky one!
   5. Speak nicely to the telemarketer when they call during dinner.
   6. Leave a generous tip for the waiter/waitress and tell the manager about the great service!
   7. Compliment the mother who is brave enough to take three kids to the grocery store.
   8. If you notice a service member at a restaurant, pay for their meal.
   9. Surprise your family and come home early from work- they're worth it!
  

Favorite Quotes

It's often a quote that inspires a short story or creates a character. Here are some of my favorite quotes- Enjoy!

   'One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.' Lucille Ball

   'I keep my ideals, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.' Anne Frank

   'I'm a slow walker, but I never walk back.' Abraham Lincoln

   'Most folks are about as happy as the make up their minds to be.' Abraham Lincoln

   'Once you say you're going to settle for second, that's what happens to you in life, I find.'
John F. Kennedy

   'The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.' Saint Augustine of Hippo

   'Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindness.' Mark Twain

   'The writer must write what he has to say, not speak it.' Ernest Hemingway