Life in the Slow Lane

I'm sure wishing life was moving in the slow lane. Homecoming was last Friday night. The opposing team audience came in droves and wore orange shirts because it is the favorite color of the young girl who was being bullied. They also had banners signed by the entire school they represented. Two other area schools sent representatives to show support, also. The stands were packed and there was pretty much standing room only.

My daughter came home for the first time in 17 years to attend. The hostility from locals was so bad she went to sit with the opposing team audience. I was met with hostility as well. While not all the kids are bad and we never said they were, the senior class of 2012 voted a young man with Downs Syndrome as their King. No it was not a joke. The young man is popular and well loved by his classmates. We left at half-time.

While the big bullying issue has made media attention all over the world. My daughter is still working to get her non-profit set up. She is working on a video montage of people who have been bullied and some photo shoots.

I on the other hand am off to Cleveland for Bouchercon 2012. A conference I have been looking forward to for a long time. I have misgivings about going, but I will make the most of it.

I am working on book three in the Macy McVannel series. While I've dealt with a cold case murder in book one, bullying in book two, book three will tackle abuse. All things you find in small towns as well as big cities. I've been a bit remiss at writing and keeping up with my hubpages on what happens behind the scenes of a novel. Too much life going on, I guess. I will use my time in Cleveland to network and work on that novel.

I am about half way through my semester at the University. While I'm going to miss it when I'm done, I'm going to be glad to have my time back so I can get ready for my winter trek south. It's already too cold here for me.

I am ready for long walks on the beach and the sound of the ocean 24/7. I am ready to immerse myself in writing and just relaxing. I am ready.

My second book in the Macy McVannel series is due out the end of November and I am looking forward to that. I am looking forward to the three book signings in Georgia, and South Carolina. I still have much to do for that.

Meantime, curl up with a good book, have some cocoa and immerse yourself in something outside of life.
TTFN

WOW

I have not blogged in days. I am not even sure where to start. I've been living in a whirlwind for the past week and it's not over yet.

I'll try to make some sense of it. On Friday, Sept. 14th my daughter called me, not anything unusual in that. However she needed me to stop at the bank and see if an account could be set up to take donations. It seems the sophomore class at the high school in town, same high school my daughter had attended, voted a young girl to be the class representative at homecoming. All well and good you say. Not exactly. It was done as a joke. Pick the unpopular girl to make fun of her. To say the least, the young lady was devastated. My daughter who has children who have been bullied and who was horribly teased in high school was enraged. She set up https://www.facebook.com/SupportWhitneyKropp this page on Facebook.

Little did she know what would happen. For starters she does no know the young lady this happened to. The town was so enraged they rallied around the young lady. Her hair, nails, and make-up have been donated by one of the beauty shops, as well as dinner before the dance on Saturday night. A bridal shop in town donated her dress, shoes, and tiara. This will be a homecoming she will never forget. She has been overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.

My daughter is completely overwhelmed  by the out-pouring of support and the stories being shared by adults who were bullied as children and still bear the scars. She is looking into opening a non-profit to raise awareness of bullying and bring programs to schools. She has talked to more national media people than she ever planned to in her life. Even questioning Ryan Seacrest when he called her. Like REALLY, Ryan Seacrest would call me?

All of this comes as the release of my newest book Crossing the Line nears. A book in which bullying to the extreme is dealt with. My publisher and I have talked about linking my book to the site my daughter will have for her non-profit and giving 10% of the book price to the non-profit.

We as adults need to set an example for our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Bullying is not acceptable. More teens commit suicide because of bullying than any other thing. It's why we have Columbines to remember and regret. We can stop it, if we start at home, in our neighborhoods, in our communities, and in our schools. This is bigger than one girl at homecoming. This is an epidemic in our nation. It's part of what drives inner city kids to gangs. They are bullied into joining, they are bullied in school so join because in joining someone will defend them. Many bullies are bullied and this is what they do to defend themselves.

Okay off my soapbox and on to other things.
TTFN

Frustrated

I have waited several years to read a book about the growth of the county I live in. That it happens to be a murder mystery just adds to my wanting to read it. Tonight while watching Alabama run over U of M, I picked up the book and began reading.

I had to put the book down and know that I will never finish reading it. I cannot get past the grammatical errors. If you are writing a book for publication, get an editor. In fact, have several people read it who know something about grammar. The really sad thing, is the book is written the way people here speak. It is not a dialect it is just poor grammar. It is generations of poor grammar and has become accepted.

I truly believe this might have been a best seller outside of this county had someone taken the time to edit the work. This is what happens when people self-publish. I have self-published. I had at least two editors for every book I wrote and then went through the proof copy for final errors. I want people to get my best work and to take me seriously as a writer.

Now I will head to my book shelf to find something suitable to read. Ugh. I was so looking forward to this.
TTFN

First Day of Class

Yesterday was back to the books for college students and instructors. I'd like to say it went off without a hitch. I'd be lying. I was on campus by noon. I had a wonderful meeting with my mentor for English 104. I walked across campus to the security office to get my keys. I have no parking permit yet so feared my car would be ticketed. I was lucky and it was not.

I learned at 4:15pm that my class was in a different building from where I believed it would be. Ugh. I had to scramble to get the testing material I needed so I could have the students take the Nelson-Denny Reading Test. This is a non-graded test that helps me to know where they are. We will take it again to know how far they have come. I managed to get all that and arrived at my classroom at 4:50pm. I was surprised to see most of the students already there. Class begins at 5pm. I had three who had already taken the test and sent them to the library to do some reading. An hour later we were done with the test and those who had already taken it were back. We went over the syllabus, introduced ourselves. They seem to be a good bunch. I am looking forward to Wednesday's class. On Wednesday we meet in the lab in a different building. If you don't think that's confusing....ugh. Ten minutes before my class was over I had students from the next class entering. How rude. It's a good thing we were about done.

Then I had to scramble as I had ten minutes to get back to the other building for my 7pm class. I gathered all the testing materials to take to that class. I had four students who had already taken the test. They were dispatched to the library. One student showed up an hour late as he had been waiting outside the lab. *shakes head* The class went well again we did introductions, and went over the syllabus. This class is currently at 14 instead of the 25 it could have.

Things in both classes went well. I think the make up of the classes is great. Not sure how I got so lucky. Unfortunately because of heat I chose to wear my sandals and not put on nylons. My right foot blistered, broke open, and bled. I am having trouble walking today. I have soaked it in epsom salts, put neosporin cream on it, and bandages. I've taken a couple motrins and I am keeping off it as much as possible. I still have Wednesday night to teach this week. Then I have a week off.

Aside from injuring myself. Things went well and I am looking forward to more time with the students.  All in all not a bad first day.

TTFN

Saying Good-Bye

Yesterday I did one of the hardest things a person ever has to do. That is to bid a last farewell to a friend. I had not seen Tony in more years than I care to count. Not since his youngest daughter got married. While the funeral was like old home week, as many of my former neighbors and friends were also there.

Life it too short to lose touch with friends. We have lost two from the old neighborhood in the past two month. Both were good men and good fathers and grandfathers. Both were a part of my life at that time. Both died suddenly. Diagnosed with an illness and gone before anyone could even comprehend the diagnosis. No time to prepare.

It was wonderful to see the children my daughter grew up with as adults. It was nice to meet their children. It's a sad day that we are that estranged. I'd love to see them more often and to be there  for them. I loved them as little girls, I admire them as young adults.

If you have family and friends you've not seen in a while, take the time to see them. Don't let another moment go by without making an effort to see them, talk to them and let them know you care.

R.I.P Tony Toth my old friend.

TTFN

Back in the Saddle Again

The above photo is Pioneer Hall on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University where I will begin the fall semester as an adjunct faculty member in the English department. I taught developmental reading and writing for eight years at Kirtland Community College. I am excited to be teaching again. I have wanted to teach at the university level, so I will be putting my best foot forward here.

While the commitment is only for the fall term I would be delighted to return in the summer or fall of 2013 if they have a need. I am excited to look at the curriculum and begin looking at the texts so that I know what I will be teaching. I know it will be English 103 and 104. That is reading strategies and study skills. Very similar to what I taught at Kirtland twelve years ago. I am excited to be back in the classroom.

Monday I go down to fill out the obligatory paperwork, get my photo taken for an ID, a parking pass, and whatever else is needed. I will have to have training on the computer program used for grades, and posting the syllabus. I also need to be brought up to speed on what happened during the August 2nd in service that was held for the staff teaching the courses I will be teaching.

Why you ask did I retire from teaching only to go back part-time? I retired from teaching because it was time for me to move on to other things. One being writing, the other being to possibly teach part-time at the college level. I am working on both. Looking forward to the release of the second novel in the Macy McVannel series, working on a co-authored book, and starting book three in the Macy series. I am also looking forward to enabling students to succeed in college.

TTFN

Liebster Blog Award

On August 5, 2012 Awakenings nominated RamblingsbyRebecka for the Liebster Award. I honored to receive this award.

 What is the Liebster Blog Award? 

“The Liebster Blog Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. The Meaning: Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.” Wow! What a mouthful! Thank you Awakenings for honoring me in this way!

As with all blog awards, there are 'rules' so I will proceed with the 11 questions Awakenings left for me to answer:

1. Who do you admire most and why?

     Loaded question, I admire strong women. My family is full of them.

2. What is the best book you have read this year and why would you recommend it to others?

      Heaven is for Real. I think it answered a lot of questions for me and helped me to understand some things about myself.

3. Where do you get your inspiration?

    From life. Everything in life can be turned into a mystery. 

4. What is your favorite part of nature?

      Anywhere near water. I love the babbling of a brook or the pounding of the ocean surf.

5. Would you rather be a bumble bee or a butterfly?

       I think I'd prefer being a butterfly.

6. When did you first begin to write?

     I first began writing at age 10 or 11 when a teacher I had told me one day I would be in print.

7. What is your favorite sport?

      To watch, women's gymnastics. To participate in: swimming.

8. If you had a choice for a pet, would you rather have a gerbil or an iguana?

     Neither, I missed the animal gene in the family.

9. If you could be reincarnated, who would you like to be?

      I don't have an answer for this one.

10. Which would best describe you, a cool cucumber salad or a hot tamale?

       I'm most likely a hot tamale...just ask my friends.

11. What is the best food you ever ate and where?

        You know the best food is at potlucks prepared by family or friends. 

My five nominees for this award are:

1) http://savannah-gordon.blogspot.com

2) http://ajksrant.blogspot.com

3) http://andybeau365.blogspot.com

4) http://dreamsofalostgirl.blogspot.com

5) http://wilsonjennings2013.blogspot.com

Here are your questions to answer:

1) What is your biggest dream?

2) Do you have a plan for making it happen?

3) What keeps you going when you want to give up?

4)Who are your favorite musicians and why?

5) If you could invite anyone at all to dinner who would it be and why?

6) What's one thing you'd like to change about the world?

7)What is one small thing you can change?

8) Where do you see yourself in five years?

9) Who do you most admire and why?

10) What one thing about yourself would you share?

11) Which is more important making millions or making a change?

Gold With Grace

Her journey started before this photo, but this is when I first met her. Actually it was about a year before this photo was taken. I have seen her workout in the gym with her leg in a cast. The dedication is phenomenal. This was at the banquet standing in the photo are an eight year old Jordyn Wieber, her coach John Gedderdt, and  my six year old granddaughter, Megan Leesa Kline. Megan competed for Twistars from age five to age 10. She quit when it was no longer fun. She was spending 17 hours a week in the gym. Jordyn was already spending more time than that in the gym.

This week in London, Jordyn has seen her chances for all around gold  be dashed. However even though heartbroken, she handled it with poise, grace, and well wishes for her two teammates who would go on. Today in London, Jordyn helped lead Team USA to the gold medal.

This is the epitome of grace, confidence, and beauty and she is a wonderful representation not only of the USA but also of Michigan and her hometown of DeWitt.  Congratulations, Jordyn! You more than earned this.

TTFN

PS This is Megan Leesa today.

She will start ninth grade in the fall along with her academics she will run cross-country, do high school gymnastics, and run track. 

Best of luck to you both in your futures.

Author Blog Hop

Authors supporting Authors. Please enjoy this interview with my guest author.

Author: Diana Hockley

                                                                                           

What title are you highlighting in this blog hop?

The Naked Room                                                             

Synopsis:

When classical pianist, Ally Carpenter, goes missing after a night out with friends, the implications stretch far beyond her disappearance.

Veteran detective, Senior Sergeant Susan Prescott believes that sexual predators may have abducted Ally. However, after two women with connections to the Carpenters are murdered, she realises there may be more to the crime than at first thought.

While Prescott puts all her efforts into solving the crime, those close to Ally battle their own turmoil. Friendships become strained and secrets come to light, as Ally’s terrified mother, Eloise, is forced to confront the lie she has perpetuated over 26 years. Cellist, Briece Mochrie – determined to discover what has happened to the girl he loves – is swept into a dangerous undertow of murder and revenge.

The kidnappers have their own agenda; Ally’s life is on the line.

What gave you the idea for the book?

I produce & present a weekly classical radio program and one night, I started wondering what would happen if the pianist didn’t show up for the performance. There would have to be a very good reason, so I set out to create one.

Who are your main characters?

Detective Senior Sergeant Susan Prescott, Ally & Eloise Carpenter, Briece Mochrie, Pamela Miller and Jessica Rallison.

Who is your favorite character and why?
DSS Susan Prescott because she has a lot of me in her!

Share one quirky trait of your characters.
Licentious thoughts!!

What was your biggest challenge writing this book?

Getting it finished.

  

Where do you live?
Boonah, a small rural town in southeast Queensland, Australia.

What's a cool, unknown spot? 

The Scenic Rim Mountains.

Tell us a little about an interesting landmark in your country.
Well, I guess the Opera House in Sydney, New South Wales, would have to be the most famous one.

What's the most well known city in your country and why?
Again. Sydney – or perhaps Melbourne because they’re big and can bully everyone if they don’t get all the entertainers and entertainment which comes to Australia. Brisbane – my nearest capital city, frequently misses out on top class entertainers.

What's a little known fact about where you live?

We live in the Valleys of the Scenic Rim  which is actually – and hopefully - dead  volcanoes.

Name two famous people who've been sighted in your corner of the world.

 The Duke and Duchess of York in the 1920s before he became King of England and Agatha Christie, the most famous crime writer of the lot!

What is the one thing tourists must do?

 Go to a Rugby League match in the city.

What's your favourite thing to do?

 Read and play with my rats.

What's your favourite restaurant and what type of food do they serve?

 The Dugandan Pub, around the corner from us. Everything from seafood to steaks.

What are you giving away on your blog?

 An e-book copy of The Naked Room and also will send someone a very small very Australian gift by snail mail.

Who is the author you are highlighting on your blog? Clarissa Draper, author of The Sholes Key

Where can readers connect with you?

http://www.dianahockley.webs.com/

cadfael88@gmail.com

Twitter: Cadfael18

Facebook: Diana Hockley

 http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/35845012
http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=155132

Boy Some People Have Been Busy

My dear friend Wilson Jennings has been busy this week-end putting together a blog. Not an easy task when you are two people. But please do check them out http://www.wilsonjennings2013.blogspot.com. It's in it's infancy as a blog but I suspect there will be some awesome things there soon.
Best of luck, Wilson Jennings.
TTFN

It's Official

I now have a new website. You can access my blog from there. Check out
http://www.rebeckavigus.wix.com/penadream

You can buy my books from there, access my blog, my publisher's website, and go directly to Tanner's Totes the charity I sponsor.

TTFN