Archive for January, 2010

Scraps in Cooking

Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 10:55 pm  
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With a title like “Scraps in Cooking” a person would think oh she’s taking a little bit of this and a little bit of that to create a meal. Not really!

“Scraps in Cooking is my idea of a scrapbook with recipes. The book will have random pictures of my family and a recipe for a dish that I have either made or a family member has made and I love it. This idea came to last year, close to Christmastime, when I realized that we would not be giving out any Christmas presents, due to our financial situation. I figured why not do a quick recipe book with vegetables, entrees, and of course desserts. But with my 13yo helping me there were too many recipes she liked and time ran out.
So instead of gifting the book, I am now going to create this book with my children and pass down to them. Here is what I hope to accomplish:
  1. My children will have memories to share with future generations.
  2. They will also have old recipes from their childhood that they enjoyed.
  3. A family tradition.

If I can get them to see how fun this can be, maybe they will continue to do the same thing with their children. I’m going to try to do one with each one of my 3 kids. But since my daughter is already 13yo, I need to hurry up with hers because before I know it she will be out of the house.

If you could do this project, what recipe would you add? If you want you can put the recipe here for others to possibly try.

Written Words

Friday, January 29th, 2010 at 6:09 am  
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Me and words or words and I have always had a relationship. We don’t always get along, but our connection to each other has always been tight. Everyone with a love for the written has their own specific reason as to why.

The written word for as far back as I could remember has provided me with an escape from my life. I’ve been all over the world, while sitting in my house. It’s so freeing from the every day hustle and bustle.

I remember in the summers when I was growing, how I would walk to the library. I would get there early and I recall times where it was very dark when I came out due to me losing track of time. But when I left it was with a arm full of books and excitement. That’s what I am trying to instill in my children; excitement for books and reading.

I’m trying to get my children to love the written word almost as much as I do. My 13yo, used to love it and would read as fast she could everything she got from the library. Now she is a teenager who wants to be on the phone and IMing. Sometimes her favorite author gets her attention for a little while. My 9yo, is a challenge, but after speaking with his reading teacher today, I’m succeeding. He gives me a very hard time with reading, but she can see how much his reading skills has changed over the past 6 months. When she was ready to exit him from the program, she told us he begged to please stay. And she said she couldn’t say no. She loved his dedication, and I love the fact that our school has these amazing people in place to help us. Then my 5yo, will make us all nuts with his I can’t go to bed yet. You forgot to read me a story. Yes, he comes with a book waiting for his story. So maybe all my effort I put into the other two has seeped into his blood and he will love the written word as much as I do.
He goes with me to the library and helps to pick his own books. He was so excited to have his own library card. Seeing the gleam in his eyes makes me appreciate the written word more and more every day.

When Life Becomes Overwhelming

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010 at 12:32 pm  
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Since late October my life has become very overwhelming. That’s not to say that I haven’t had my share of stressful situations on a regular basis. However, I think my stress level is at an all time high.

My cake topper happened this morning, when I was fussing at my 9yo son to come on because he was going to miss the bus. No I was not the reason he was not ready, but he was (because of his on going issue, that is another one of my stress factor). Not only would he miss his bus, but so would his 5yo brother. Then my 5yo will address every thing, whether it needs to be addressed or not. First thing in the morning is not a good thing when I’m already yelling at the other child, and I have to listen to commentary from the youngest person in the family.
Oh, back to my cake topper… As I reversed out of my garage, I ripped my left rear view mirror right off. Because instead of paying attention to what I was doing, I was trying to make sure one, my 9yo come out the house and two, make sure the bus wasn’t coming. I’m not thrilled with myself at all.
My financial status at the moment cannot handle the cost of repair to my mirror, and I cannot drive my car like that. This has put a serious black cloud over my head. I’m so disappointed with myself right not I could scream.
What could I have done differently to avoid this situation?
  1. Let them miss the bus and then drive them to school myself.
  2. Took a deep breath before putting my car in reverse.
  3. Ask for help.

I want to address #3. When life becomes overwhelming we should ask for help. Truth be told we should ask for help way before life becomes overwhelming. That would save many lives. I know for me, when I’m upset I tend to lose all sight of everything around me (ie. speed limit, sounds, garage wall, etc.).

The other part of asking for help is to know who you’re asking for help. That person has to be willing to do whatever it takes (within reasonable limits, of course) to give you the help needed to help alleviate the stress. Unfortunately, there isn’t always someone, so what can a person do?
  1. Pray!!!
  2. Make sure that every day you take time for yourself. It doesn’t matter the amount of time, just take time.
  3. Remember not to sweat the small stuff.
  4. There is no sense in worrying about the things you cannot control or change.

Well, I can’t change the fact that I broke off my mirror, but I can find out how much it will cost to fix it. And get it fixed when I can. That may cause another issue for me, but what can I do? Nothing, but not sweat the small stuff. I will pray for a solution.

When life becomes overwhelming, take a step back.

Ramblings of Sorts

Thursday, January 21st, 2010 at 12:50 am  
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Earlier this week, I read a blog post by Amy called “On Being Offended.” Read her blog and the comments to understand why I felt for her and could relate in a sense.

What I didn’t realize until I read Amy’s post was that yet another book with a person of color as the main character, was draped in a cover with a white person on it. Why are we still enduring this madness? I think people of color and other races and nationality are just as beautiful as white people.



The author, Jaclyn Dolamore, herself states in her trailer of the book that her main character is really a person of color.


Last year, it was Liar by Justine Larbalestier. These publishers are doing a grave injustice to these authors. When you start off readers with a bad taste in their mouth because so many of us still judge a book by it’s cover. The problem is authors, unless they are self-published, really have no say in the covers of their books.

Here is what these two books have in common, their publishing house. Maybe someone over there still believes that people of any other race besides white, don’t read. Well newsflash, I read all sorts of books, by all sorts of different authors. And it really doesn’t matter to me who wrote the book. All I’m looking for is a good book.
Well if there is anyone looking for some great authors let me know, better yet, I’ll let you know. I will try to open your eyes to different authors with a natural gift for crafting words. You can share some with me as well. I’m sure I don’t know them all.
Namaste

Black History Month

Monday, January 18th, 2010 at 6:42 am  
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In 2009, for Black History Month I showcased 28 different African Americans that made a different in history.

I know I still have just about two weeks left before the first of February, but I’m trying to figure out do I want to do the same thing or something totally different. One of my ideas is to write a short story that continues from the 1st day to the 28th day. Another is to bring to light books in the historical genre that deals with people of color. Or do what I did last year.

Please share your thoughts with what I should do. Your opinions matter here.

Namaste

Encourage Writing

Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 7:37 am  
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I have tried to find a writing group that I fit in. I have only found one, but the problem is that one I don’t only write Christian fiction. I would never want to insult anyone with my writing that maybe a little worldly (for lack of a better word or description). The other reason, they meet on Saturday and I am usually meeting with my learning team, part of the requirements of the college I attend.

I find myself looking for encouragement where ever I can find it. I also look for others who are sharing their struggles, triumphs, and any other lessons they wish to share regarding the writing/publishing experiences.
One of my favorite authors, Marilynn Griffith, has a blog. Her post on January 1, 2010, waters my writing flowers. She spoke of her word for 2010, “bloom.” Read her post to understand more and why I really liked and needed this blog.
If you want to be a part of a word challenge, where you are sure to find a place where you fit in. Whether you want to write a 1000, 500, or 250 words a day go over to Inkygirl to find out about each challenge.
Lastly, I have Google Wave and I’m using it to connect with 3 other writers. I’ve never met any of them, but we all have a common goal: to write good stories. And we’ve thrown in some friendships as well.
Find a place where you fit, even if it’s online or possibly alone. And remember most of your writing is done alone unless you’re like Virginia DeBerry & Donna Grant.
Namaste

I’m Praying…

Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 6:36 am  
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On Tuesday evening, Haiti experienced a 7.0 earthquake. Can we say massive destruction?

I married into a Haitian family. And though I don’t speak the language, I love my family, respect their culture, and love their food.
We’re missing some members of our family. Not a day goes by that I’m not wondering have they found the nun (my husband’s aunt). I worry for my father-in-law because she is one of his sisters. Who wants to bury one of their siblings ever? I know I wouldn’t want to do it.
I pray continuously. I can’t offer nothing else, but I can offer my prayers. I’m praying those I know and those I don’t know. I’m praying for the people that are able to help and those who are helping. I’m praying the people too selfish to find it within themselves to offer a few minutes of their time or some old clothes in their closet. It doesn’t matter I’m praying.
I sit and listen to the horrible things being said about why this terrible natural disaster occurred, and I’m appalled by the ignorance and audacity at a time like this. It seems like every time something horrendous like this happens, stupid people open their mouth to gain some sort of attention. Guess what? I’m praying for them too. God doesn’t like ugly. And only a person with an ugly heart would spew such hatred. The same garbage coming out their mouths may mark their graves.
I’m praying and I hope you are too.
Namaste

You’ve Been Doing What!?

Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 5:03 pm  
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Aside from reconnecting with people from my past, I’ve been going to school trying to do the best that I can do.

But I have been working diligently on having my first full length novel done and ready to be published. I am done. The cover is designed, and it’s beautiful. I owe that artwork to Chad, Onika Pascal’s brother (she’s a poet/author, friend). The editing is also completed, and soon as I can pay for it the typesetting and other such things will be done as well.
One thing I have learned over the last few years is that everything needs to be done correctly or why bother wasting the reader’s time. So I am taking it slow. My goal is to have this book out before the year is over.
The other thing I’ve been up to is trying my hand at script writing. In the next coming weeks, I will follow the instructions of the first two steps into this new arena. I’m a bit nervous, but I want to have more than one card in my bag.
My goal for this year is to finish the script and to create another full length novel. I’ll be doing this while still being a full-time student, mother, and wife.
Namaste

Dream Come True!!!

Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 6:24 am  
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I remembered when I realized that I could write poetry. I was in junior high and my english teacher at the time (Mr. Doyle) took my notebook filled with my poems and read them all. He put checks next to the ones that he really liked. He was my first fan.

Now many years later, I have met Angelia Menchan, who has become a mentor to me. Not only is she a mentor, but also the person who has made my dream come true. Because of her I can now add published author on my resume.
I want to encourage everyone to go out there to hold fast to their dreams because no matter how old you are, it’s possible to achieve.
Thanks you, Angelia, for believing in my stories.
Now if you haven’t ordered your yet you have no clue what you’ll be missing. Women’s Writes can be found on Barnes & Noble or Amazon.com. Click on either link and you can order it for yourself and/or someone else.
“WOMEN WRITES: A M.A.M.M PRODUCTIONS COLLABORITIVE EFFORT IS THE UNCUT, TRUE VOICE OF WOMEN WRITERS…whose words define and illuminate separate but collaborative lives~”

http://womenwrites.blogspot.com/

Namaste
  
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