Doing the Right Thing in a Pile of Poop!

   How do you know what the right choice is? The world is filled with many greedy & egocentric people who will lead you down the wrong path, just to fulfill their needs.  As an adult, one may rely on mentors, life-experiences or-if fortunate enough-parents to help us through life's challenges. In 'Grandpa's Grapevine', Elizabeth had her Grandpa Frank to confide in and seek guidance.

    If you are not blessed with these options, keep reading.......

          The year was 1989 and the month was June. I was sitting in my theology class at Saint Paul Catholic High School. The classroom was filled with seniors awaiting graduation night. How could Father Mark possible keep our attention? And then, he told us a story....
  
'I know you are all excited about leaving high school, but I wanted to share something
with all of you. This world is filled with many types of people and sometimes life  may
be cruel. I pray you are blessed with meeting people who share your willingness to do
what's right, but sometimes these people are dressed like a sheep, but their souls are  a   
wolf. Listen to my  story-

Once there was a litle bird who lived in New England. Every year, he and his feathered friends flew south for the winter. One fall, this little bird decided not to fly south, he wanted to see what winter was like. He was doing all right until January came along. It became so cold and the little bird knew he just wouldn't survive. So, he began to fly south. As he was flying, the air became so cold that the bird's wings became frozen. The bird propelled to the ground like a helicopter with engine failure. He landed in a large field with no one around for miles. The bird knew he would die...it was hopeless. And then, just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, a cow came over and pooped on him! The little bird thought to himself- 'great, now I am going to die all alone and with poop on me....can life get any worse!' Then, something happened....the warm poop actually began to thaw the bird's wings! The little bird became so excited he started to chirp loud and proud! In the distance, a cat heard this chirping. The cat followed the noise and found the pile of poop. The cat thought to himself- 'there is a bird under that pile of poop....what a great lunch he would be!'  So, the cat licked off the poop and ate the bird!

     Then, Father Mark paused for a moment and looked at our expressions before he spoke. There are three morals to this story and I hope you remember each one as you make life choices. First, the people in this world who poop on you aren't always your enemies. Second, the people who help clean off the poop aren't always your friends. Third, if you're ever in a pile of poop- keep your mouth shut!



My nomination for 'No Acronym Day'

    Last night, while watching the ABC World News, David Muir mentioned an upcoming story about the world's greatest obit. I thought to myself, 'obit...what's an obit...' and naturally, I stayed tuned and waited for this segment. In a few short moments, I learned obit was the shortened version for obituary.

   Really? Is there so much news to share within thirty minutes, that even an educated journalist/public speaker needs to use the same 'shorthand english language' as a high school student? Have we evolved into such egocentric citizens as to think that no one is worth one hundred percent of our time to have a complete conversation?

   Can we have a day where no one can say app? Just one day when it's illegal to say BTW or BFF? Can I be so forward as to ask that everyone, for just one day, check their email for spelling mistakes before they send it? Please, let me think your message to me is worth your time :-)

   I recently completed a novel, 'Grandpa's Grapevine'. The main characters are Grandpa Frank and Elizabeth. In the story, Elizabeth talks about her love and admiration for her Grandpa Frank, because he was always there to listen and provide guidance. Life moved a little slower when you were with Grandpa Frank and everyone he spoke with felt special. 

   What do your written and oral words say about you?
  

Blogging, Facebook and Stuff

     Recently, I started a Facebook page. Although I am probably a little late with starting a page...
 I'm happy to join the club. I find it interesting what other people find interesting! It's also a great way to stay in touch with people I don't get to visit very often.
    
     In addition to the Facebook page, I started another page on Facebook titled 'Writings of Linda Massucci'. After some discussion with my agent, I decided the main theme of this page would be faith and family. These topics follow my style of writing. I will also post updates on the progress of my books on this page.

     My weekly blog will also pertain to faith and family. Occasionaly, I may venture off to another topic, most likely about my dog or a current event that I just need to comment on! I appreciate any comments or thoughts from readers :-)
                                                                             

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.