I am unable to sleep tonight. No clue as to the why of that, but I was trying to come up with something productive and QUIET to do and a thought struck me (no it did not hurt, in case you were wondering).
Does the new year ever change a person's attitude? I don't think it does. It has never changed mine. Turning over a new calendar is not life altering enough to change much more than the scenery.
If the new year doesn't bring a change in attitude, what does? I think only a change in attitude can provide that. It has to come from a desire to change, not from simply waking up in a new year.
Will I change my attitude this year? I certainly hope I have a reason to feel more optimistic about life and our nation's economy and our position in the world. I'm thrilled with the way the national election turned out. I have great hopes for what President-elect Obama can bring to this nation, IF he is given the chance to do so. For the first time in a long time, I can say I support my President and feel good about it.
There may be fair seas ahead, but I fear the turmoil will come from inside the boat! I want to be proven wrong on that count. Please?
Time will tell I guess.
Wishing you and yours a very happy and prosperous 2009!
Laine...if this doesn't make any sense, just chalk it up to lack of sleep and the writer being decaffeinated.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Monday, December 29, 2008
My Review of FRESH FROZEN by Darden North, MD
FRESH FROZEN by Darden North, MD is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. The twists are expertly crafted, the characters are believable and the plot is enthralling! I love a book where the author takes me to uncharted territory—Dr. North does just that! In FRESH FROZEN, the reader is taken into the territory surrounding infertility and the measures some people will take to end a painful chapter in their lives.
Dr. North explains procedures the reader needs to understand, but not in so much detail as to be superfluously boring. If anything I was intrigued by his descriptions!
There were a few times in reading this novel where I wondered how these aspects of the story were going to come together. Dr. North did not let me down. When he brought them together, it all seemed flawless—a masterful job!!
This story had it all! I cried sometimes, laughed out loud sometimes, scratched my head in wonder a few times and then got an ending I did NOT see coming! It was a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.
One word of warning though: Do not get cocky reading this one. Just when you THINK you have it all figured out, you find out you couldn’t have been more wrong!A great story told by a master storyteller! Thank you Dr. North and I look forward to future books!
Dr. North explains procedures the reader needs to understand, but not in so much detail as to be superfluously boring. If anything I was intrigued by his descriptions!
There were a few times in reading this novel where I wondered how these aspects of the story were going to come together. Dr. North did not let me down. When he brought them together, it all seemed flawless—a masterful job!!
This story had it all! I cried sometimes, laughed out loud sometimes, scratched my head in wonder a few times and then got an ending I did NOT see coming! It was a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.
One word of warning though: Do not get cocky reading this one. Just when you THINK you have it all figured out, you find out you couldn’t have been more wrong!A great story told by a master storyteller! Thank you Dr. North and I look forward to future books!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Wow, it's been a while since I've updated this! I'm so sorry for that! Life keeps getting in the way I guess.
I just wanted to take a minute to wish you and yours a very happy and joyous holiday season--whichever holiday you choose to celebrate this time of year! I pray you are able to be with the people you love and if not, that you will be very soon!
Happy Holidays!!
Laine
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Happy Fall, Y'all!
Fall has always been my favorite season of the year. Growing up in the SC mountains, I always looked forward to the time of year when the temperatures got a little cooler, the leaves changed colors and football season started--because in the South, football isn't just a sport, it is a religion!
I have since moved from my childhood home and find myself in a beach community where the seasons change from cool and sandy to hot and sandy and back again. There really isn't much of a change in season or scenery here. I miss those vibrant color changes I grew up taking for granted.
Fall is still my favorite season, even if I don't get the thrill that came with it anymore. There's still Halloween (my kid unit's favorite holiday) and Thanksgiving (my favorite) and Christmas is looming just around the corner. Fall marks the beginning of that special 'family' time of year for me.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Help Relieve The Effects of TFPS! It COULD happen to someone you love!
I was talking to a friend recently about all the problems afflicting a group we are both involved with in our area. Seems a few folks have decided they can't be happy with the well-oiled machine others have worked so hard to provide to them. Instead of enjoying the fruits of the labors of love of those who came before, they have decided it is better to revert back to a time in the past when the machine was dying of rust corrosion and decay from neglect. We were wondering in our conversation, WHY these people would not expand on a good thing, but instead try to tear it apart.
After my conversation with my friend, I thought to myself: I think I know what their deal is. It's just another case of Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome.
Say you don't know what Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome is? Well, TFPS is a detrimental disease that afflicts mostly those with low self esteem issues. It manifests itself in many ways, but is most often seen in small groups within a larger framework of people. For example, fundraiser committees within the local PTA, selection groups for a book club, and yes even scout troops and church groups may find they have a member who is afflicted by TFPS. In fact, the smaller the group, the easier TFPS is to diagnose. TFPS patients are sometimes confused with micro-managers and know-it-alls, but where those conditions can be cured or treated by calmly discussing the difference of opinion with the person, TFPS patients deny they are the ones with the issue.
Unfortunately, there is only one treatment for those afflicted with TFPS at this time. It's called the GET OVER YOURSELF pill (generic name is Shut The Hell Up). This pill is so bitter and hard to swallow that it is often refused by the TFPS patient. Because of this unfortunate side effect, TFPS patients are most often subsequently ejected from the group and left to their own devices. This is a sad event for all involved because those doing the ejecting tend to feel at least somewhat responsible and those being ejected tend to spit venom in the direction of those who did the ejecting because they fail to see their ejection was totally of their own design.
Can't you see how important it is to raise awareness for TFPS and now rather than later? Please, find it in your heart to give to the TFPS Foundation. All proceeds are guaranteed to benefit those affected most by TFPS--those left to clean up after the TFPS patients. A simple donation of only $10 will buy at least one margarita and maybe even put a smile back on the face of a well deserving victim of a TFPS patient's vindictive nature. Can you give today? Make checks payable to CASH and mail it to me. I promise to see to it that all funds are spent on those most deserving of your generosity.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who may be dealing with someone afflicted with TFPS. Do it today before it spreads! Thank you for your time!! Remember only YOU can prevent the spread of TFPS! Give till it hurts, before someone you know and love catches this dreaded disease!
Ok...so I'm bored...does it show that much??
Disclaimer: The TFPS Foundation is a figment of this author's imagination and should in no way be confused by legitimate services or charities. This is an attempt at humor. No actually funds are being solicited, but none will be refused or refunded. Hey, if you want to send me $10 for margaritas, then who am I to turn it down?
After my conversation with my friend, I thought to myself: I think I know what their deal is. It's just another case of Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome.
Say you don't know what Tiny Fish Pond Syndrome is? Well, TFPS is a detrimental disease that afflicts mostly those with low self esteem issues. It manifests itself in many ways, but is most often seen in small groups within a larger framework of people. For example, fundraiser committees within the local PTA, selection groups for a book club, and yes even scout troops and church groups may find they have a member who is afflicted by TFPS. In fact, the smaller the group, the easier TFPS is to diagnose. TFPS patients are sometimes confused with micro-managers and know-it-alls, but where those conditions can be cured or treated by calmly discussing the difference of opinion with the person, TFPS patients deny they are the ones with the issue.
Unfortunately, there is only one treatment for those afflicted with TFPS at this time. It's called the GET OVER YOURSELF pill (generic name is Shut The Hell Up). This pill is so bitter and hard to swallow that it is often refused by the TFPS patient. Because of this unfortunate side effect, TFPS patients are most often subsequently ejected from the group and left to their own devices. This is a sad event for all involved because those doing the ejecting tend to feel at least somewhat responsible and those being ejected tend to spit venom in the direction of those who did the ejecting because they fail to see their ejection was totally of their own design.
Can't you see how important it is to raise awareness for TFPS and now rather than later? Please, find it in your heart to give to the TFPS Foundation. All proceeds are guaranteed to benefit those affected most by TFPS--those left to clean up after the TFPS patients. A simple donation of only $10 will buy at least one margarita and maybe even put a smile back on the face of a well deserving victim of a TFPS patient's vindictive nature. Can you give today? Make checks payable to CASH and mail it to me. I promise to see to it that all funds are spent on those most deserving of your generosity.
Please feel free to forward this message to anyone you know who may be dealing with someone afflicted with TFPS. Do it today before it spreads! Thank you for your time!! Remember only YOU can prevent the spread of TFPS! Give till it hurts, before someone you know and love catches this dreaded disease!
Ok...so I'm bored...does it show that much??
Disclaimer: The TFPS Foundation is a figment of this author's imagination and should in no way be confused by legitimate services or charities. This is an attempt at humor. No actually funds are being solicited, but none will be refused or refunded. Hey, if you want to send me $10 for margaritas, then who am I to turn it down?
Monday, May 26, 2008
SAY GOODBYE--wild ride!!
In SAY GOODBYE, the story begins with a car accident and sets in motion a thrilling ride for anyone lucky enough to pick up a copy of this book. Gary Kemmerman has spent the last year recovering from his wife’s death and isn’t quite ready to head back into the dating world, much to the dismay of some of his neighborhood friends. When one neighbor is killed in a car accident one snowy morning, Gary is pushed into the middle of an investigation when the grieving widow insists her husband’s death was no accident and asks Gary to look into it.
The only witness to the car accident may know more than she realizes. This puts her life in danger and in trying to protect her, Gary realizes maybe he is ready for the dating scene again. When people who seem to know too much begin dying in random accidents, Gary uses all his skills as a crisis consultant and races the clock to save Becca’s life and prove his neighbor’s death was no accident.
E J Rand tells a story that is entertaining, engaging and completely engrossing! He weaves his tale one tiny thread at a time and leaves his readers no choice but to hold on and enjoy the ride. SAY GOODBYE is the first in the “Reluctant Sleuth” series, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
The only witness to the car accident may know more than she realizes. This puts her life in danger and in trying to protect her, Gary realizes maybe he is ready for the dating scene again. When people who seem to know too much begin dying in random accidents, Gary uses all his skills as a crisis consultant and races the clock to save Becca’s life and prove his neighbor’s death was no accident.
E J Rand tells a story that is entertaining, engaging and completely engrossing! He weaves his tale one tiny thread at a time and leaves his readers no choice but to hold on and enjoy the ride. SAY GOODBYE is the first in the “Reluctant Sleuth” series, and I can’t wait for the next installment.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Next review will be: SAY GOODBYE by E J Rand
The next review I'll be doing will be for E J Rand's first book in the Reluctant Sleuth series, SAY GOODBYE. Here is a teaser from Mr. Rand's website, www.reluctantsleuth.com :
In SAY GOODBYE (published by Deadly Ink Press, February 21, 2008), a second chance at love is the last thing on Gary Kemmerman's mind — he wears his wedding ring to preserve memories. We meet him the morning he's forced to become an amateur sleuth, when the widow of a friend asks for his help. The police say her husband's fatal car crash was an accident, but she knows its murder.
The sole witness to the crash is a divorcée who also wears a wedding ring, but for protection. Becca has stopped dating. Yet they're attracted to one another. As Gary digs into his friend's murder, he uncovers a multi-million dollar corporate scam protected by a killer who hums a Disney tune. Those who get in the way wind up underground behind an abandoned building in the New Jersey Meadowlands.
Falling for Becca lets Gary say goodbye to his late wife. When his police lieutenant friend brings Becca to him despite the danger, the couple discover the depth of their passion. But because of that, Gary is faced with a dilemma: will he risk his life for the woman he's come to love, or say goodbye again.
I am REALLY looking forward to this book. It sounds like 'my alley' and hopefully the book is in the mail as I type. Be sure to check back soon. I'll let you know what I really think; you know I will! Don't I always?
Till next time,
Happy Reading!
Laine
In SAY GOODBYE (published by Deadly Ink Press, February 21, 2008), a second chance at love is the last thing on Gary Kemmerman's mind — he wears his wedding ring to preserve memories. We meet him the morning he's forced to become an amateur sleuth, when the widow of a friend asks for his help. The police say her husband's fatal car crash was an accident, but she knows its murder.
The sole witness to the crash is a divorcée who also wears a wedding ring, but for protection. Becca has stopped dating. Yet they're attracted to one another. As Gary digs into his friend's murder, he uncovers a multi-million dollar corporate scam protected by a killer who hums a Disney tune. Those who get in the way wind up underground behind an abandoned building in the New Jersey Meadowlands.
Falling for Becca lets Gary say goodbye to his late wife. When his police lieutenant friend brings Becca to him despite the danger, the couple discover the depth of their passion. But because of that, Gary is faced with a dilemma: will he risk his life for the woman he's come to love, or say goodbye again.
I am REALLY looking forward to this book. It sounds like 'my alley' and hopefully the book is in the mail as I type. Be sure to check back soon. I'll let you know what I really think; you know I will! Don't I always?
Till next time,
Happy Reading!
Laine
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