Copyright Infringement and E-Books

Just some of my thoughts......  Please feel free to share your own.

Already the publishing industry has seen changed due to e-readers such as the Nook, Kindle and iPad.  A lot of people incorrectly assume that this has been bad for the publishing companies, but I have to disagree.  As an aspiring author that has extensively researched book publishing; as well as someone who regularly reviews books for publishing companies, I can attest to the fact that they have changed with the times in many ways.  Just because a book is published in an electronic capacity does not mean that it was not attached to a publishing company.  Publishing companies also have a hand in many e-books, and aide in processes such as editing.  Most major authors are publishing in multiple formats, hardback, paperback, audio and e-books.  The biggest take-away from publishing companies is the ease in self-publishing that has been brought about.  However, having read and reviewed books from many independent authors, I have found a lot lacking in many books that are not professionally produced.  The editing is atrocious and takes away from the story.  This results in a book being released that is in more of a draft format than a polished copy feel that readers want to see.  Self-publishing also does not provide for assistance in advertisement and the author must to their own marketing, which utilizes many social networking sites.  Self-publishing can be successful and profitable if done correctly.  There are also many ways to “print on demand” that allows an independent author to have physical copies of books made up without a publishing company.  In order for a publishing company to truly be affected it takes a knowledgeable driven author that has reliable editing and promotion help, otherwise the published books are a better read. 

Copyright issues will always be a problem as long as it is easy to copy the information and share it.  Many e-books are available at free at one time or another.  I personally only “purchase” amazon kindle books during “free” sales.  I am legally obtaining the books, and never having to pay.  Books, as with music sell based on reviews and word of mouth.  I have received many books for free in the past few months because the author or publishing company is giving them away for a free review.  Ripping off a story is illegal and should be punished, but sharing a story for the review and word of mouth it will generate is still in the best interest of the author, and can help obtain future fans and sales. 

When it comes to the reading of physical or e-books, I still will choose a physical book every time.  There is just something about being able to hold a book in my hands that makes me feel even more connected to the story.  I also love being able to put the book on my bookshelf.  One of my dreams in life has been to have a multiple story library in my house.  I think it was inspired by the Beauty and the Beast library, which was based off of a real castle in Germany.  E-readers are better for travel and for quick reading as they stay on the page that you last left off when you turn it back on.  It the best to have both for certain books that are only published in digital format.  

Dog Aliens

I was given the opportunity to review this book for free in anticipation of the release of the second book.  As a dog lover, I was intrigued by the title and couldn’t pass it up.  

The author Cherise Kelly was very imaginative in allowing the story to be written completely from inside of the dog’s mind.  You are introduced to Clem, the dog whose mind you will be a passenger of for the remainder of the story.  Clem is a reincarnated alien dog from outer space.  He is on his 99^th life and is a 6 month old puppy.  He is from the planet Kax and there is an interesting back story.  

Clem has a bit of a rough start in this life and find himself in possession of some abnormal abilities.  There are distinguishing alien races between the large and small dogs and the inability to effectively communicate with cats.  This was a fun and light read and I could relate to many of the dog/cat interactions.  

The Kaxians (alien dogs from Kax) have come to Earth to spend their lives mining Jax.   Jax is also needed for the Niques (the small dog breeds).  This results in them being at odds with one another.  

The cons for me: What in the heck is Jax?  Having no idea what this was or what it would do for the Kaxians was really annoying.  All you know when reading is that it is very important and their life’s work but by the end of the story you are none the wiser.   There was a bit of jumping around in the story without cohesive flow between ideas.  The wolves for example are telling a story and then it shifts back to Clem and later back to the wolves and to an almost exact same dialogue.  As I was reading on my kindle I had to shift back and forth a couple of times to be sure that I was actually reading a new passage and not getting shifted back to an earlier part within the story.  There were too many loose ends at the end of the story and things to wonder about.  It didn’t feel like anything really got resolved by the end of the story.  It was apparent that another story would follow, but it shouldn’t involve every single issue from the first book (in my humble opinion).  Give your reader a tiny bit of relief or you will lose them.

Pros: Very imaginative.  Quick and easy to read, very good for a light read.  If you are an animal owner (especially dog or cat) you should be able to see something of your own pet within these characters.  There is now a sequel so that hopefully some of the unanswered questions will bear fruition within the second installment.   It is very fun to read from inside the mind of an alien dog.  

All in all I recommend it for a filler book, I give it 3/5 starts.  It doesn’t have a lot of re-readability but the story is intriguing enough to want to continue on with the series.

Accelerated Reading Program

Earlier today I came across an article from a teacher's point of view about the Google funded accelerated reading program and the effect that it is having on students and libraries and general interest in books by youth.  Jen Marten's stance was against the accelerated reading program saying that it is segregating students based on reading level and locking them into that level in a way that it is becoming detrimental.  Some examples that she cited were children being forced to carry reading level cards and show it at the library, being only able to check out books within their reading level (which is tested for).  Also of teachers receiving reprimand for having books in their classroom that did not fit into the level of the students.  She also goes on to say that the money could have been better spent in actually purchasing books and funding libraries, librarians and book exchange programs, which is always a great idea in my opinion.  I feel very passionately about reading and about my son's interest in reading here is what I had to say:

Admittedly I am not completely up to speed on the Accelerated Reader program, but I am horrified of what I do know about it. Why are we trying to squelch the thirst for knowledge??? I read all kinds of book that may have been "above" or "below" my level, but I learned so much about myself, about life, about the world around me! Volumes of knowledge that a small town Montana girl might not have otherwise learned away from big city life or the travel to countries around the world. Reading something that interests us is such a BIG deal in SO much of the development of our minds and brains no matter what age! I am sad at anyone who does not find reading enjoyable because that have experienced something that sapped the joy out of it for them, something like a stupid forced leveling program. It is easy to gauge your own progress, if you can't read it try a little lower level but no one should be bound within those constraints. I hope no one EVER takes the joy of reading from my son, or they will know my wrath!

I got another take on it from a friend with a school age son: "Yep, is called AR and they do testing on the books they read, too. The more AR points they get, the higher their level and they get prizes at Ian's school. My son actually does really well with it, but I'm sure it'd like anything else education related where something might work great for one kid and not another. At school, he chooses books that are his level. At home, though, his bookcase has a huge variety and he can choose whatever he wants. It's one of those things where you can't fully leave it in the school's hands."  "
Though, my son is still very young and his reading level is low. I'm sure the challenge will be greater as he gets older and books get more difficult and longer and the time he has to invest in a book gets more significant."

She brought up a great point that parents need to take more responsibility and not rely on the school to do everything in the learning of their children so I said:
I agree with you that you need to provide them with books at home! Liam and I read at least 1 book a day but usually 3 (of course we are talking toddler size) but Liam LOVES reading (and licking various objects on the pages haha). I prefer the Book It! Where you got points per pages! So the level was more flexible! Except that I remember getting banned from anymore points. I seriously won soo many personal pan pizza I got sick of them.
I was picturing more of a middle school and up age, when kids really start to get labeled, separated and embarrassed by different knowledge levels. If you are higher or lower you are abnormal at school 

This brought up more about labeling from another friend with school age children:
"My son is in third grade and they get "labeled" now. I feel horrible for the kids that are struggling and are not encouraged to read. I'm fortunate to have a book worm. As a result, he has strong writing and grammar skills."

So I guess the key to combating as many negative effects of AR (Accelerated Reading) is to do what you can as a parent to instill a love of books in your children at an early age.  Books are a staple in my house and that will not change.  I wish I had more time to read "mommy" books as opposed to the majority of the time just getting into Liam books.  But I share a love of reading with my father and I love being able to talk about a book together and to trade books and discover new topics and authors and stories together.  I sincerely hope that I can share that with my son as well when he gets a little older!  

What is your take on the accelerated reading program?

If you would like to read the original article it can be found here:
Dear Google, You Should Have Talked to Me First  

Liam in a book nook

Reading at the library

  
 

 

Does Your Child Measure Up?

Today I came across a wonderful blog article that made me tear up a little at the innocence of youth and thinking of any and everything I can do to try to make Liam's the best that it can possibly be for him. I do what I can, and am not too far off on what this had to say, which is amazing that I can compliment myself on that. We are so hard on ourselves as parents, and I love reminders that our cooking and reading, and play doh and mud everywhere is important when I start to worry about whether or not Liam is where he should be in life. I always remember with speech and how boys talk slower what a friend on mine once said to me. As long as they can talk by the time kindergarten starts, they will be just fine haha. I know I sometimes measure Liam up to others and hear the eloquent speech of some girls in his class and wonder if he is behind. I have to step back and remember that Liam can convey whatever he wants in his shorter sentences and don't need to throw in extra words, and that I almost always know what it is that he wants or needs or wants to say and that is all that really matters, because he can create some amazing things and his intelligence DOES shine through already! 

This article was geared at 4 year olds and my son is only 3 but the sentiment is the same for any age child, especially this delicate toddler and approaching early primary school age years.  The premise of the piece is that parents are always trying to measure and size their parents up to other kids of the same age, younger and older to see if they own children are on track and where they need to be as far as intellectual and physical developmental level.  I know that I have found myself doing it with Liam as well.  And I have had had other parents grill me about Liam's ability to see where to place their children in regards to my child.  Now I am not saying that having pride in your child is a bad thing.  This is a wonderful thing.  You SHOULD be proud of your child no matter where they fall within this spectrum.  I know that there are certain things that the pediatrician will want to know about where your child is so that they can determine if they need to look into any learning, mental, speech disabilities, but otherwise your child could be on any level.  Traditionally, girls learn to do a lot of things much faster than boys.  I have to constantly remind myself of this when I find myself measuring Liam up to girls in his class that are almost a full year older than him.  As a toddler a year is a HUGE difference, and the majority of girls become much better speakers so much faster than boys.  

What was the meat of the message and the most important thing that we ALL need to remember as parents is that the most important things that we will teach our children are things like love.  Ways to adapt to life in the world, how to stand up for themselves, how to find compassion and appreciation for life.  How to be gentle and kind to creatures and people who may not be as strong or as able as them.  They should know how to give and receive love.  They should know that they are safe when they are with you and that you love them whether they are right or wrong.  They should know independence and curiosity in the world around them. They should know balance and limits and how to push past limits in a positive way.  They should know that there are both good and bad consequences to anything that they do.  They should know how to handle themselves in an emergency situation, how to contact help or go to someone safe for help.  They should know how to trust their own intuition and how to listen to and trust their judgement.  They should know when to walk away from a situation that does not feel safe.  They should know what would not be acceptable, how to say no when something is not right.  They should know how to experiment and enjoy the world around them.  They should know the grandeur of storytelling and learning the beauty that is a storybook.  They should learn how valuable books really are.  They should know how to create and destroy and recreate something.  

I could really go on forever, but I think you get the point.  The most important thing we need to teach our children is how to be who they are in the most extravagant, beautiful and magical way no matter what that means. They should know that they are loved and supported and safe.  The speech will come when the time is right, just like the math and the reading on one's own and writing.  EVERY child is a beautiful and unique snowflake.  They will ALL learn differently from one another and they are each their own individual.  We should embrace that in them and help them blossom into the most beautiful flowers that the world has ever seen.  This is really the best way to make a difference in the world...  By being the best parents we can be, by not sweating the small stuff, leading by example and most importantly by teaching them that only in love will there be peace.  

If you would like to find the original article it can be found at: What should a 4 year old know?

Weird Things For Sale on Amazon Part 5

With the end of the year coming up I thought it was time to fit in one last Weird Amazon product article!  Not all of the things in this edition are necessarily weird, but they all have great reviews :)  Enjoy!


UFO-02 Detector

This gem of a product is described as a magnetometer interfaced with micro controller for detecting magnetic anomalies.  There is a small percentage of UFO sightings that can't be explained by any known aircraft or natural phenomena. It is this small percentage of UFO sightings that create an exciting possibility. Over the years real UFO sightings have reported simultaneous electromagnetic disturbances. The UFO Detector is designed to sense these electromagnetic disturbances and signal their detection flashing 16 LED's simultaneously and beeping. The elegantly designed transparent plastic case is a handsome sculptured conversation piece that's allows one to see the electronics inside the case.

Top Reviews:
"I purchased this gizmo to play a prank on my husband Brad, who still prattles on about his "fourth-kind" encounter when he was just thirteen. (The 4th kind involves a probe, if you're wondering. I keep saying it was likely his redneck neighbor dressed as ET, but that possibility is too dreadful for him to truly accept.)
On the anniversary of Brad's alleged abduction, I placed the device by our bedside, then set-up an electromagnetic wave generator under the bed, with a timer to go off right at midnight. (If you're wondering where to get one, I recommend the Skymall Catalog. I also picked up some Motivational posters and fake garden rock speakers to save on shipping. You're welcome.)
But back to my prank. It was all set to go, and I was as giddy as a six year old waiting for Santa. But like a typical six year old, I fell asleep before the damn thing went off. I awoke to the flashing of multiple LEDs from the UFO-02 Detector, and bolted up, eager to see Brad's petrified face. Aha!
But Brad wasn't there.
In fact, I wasn't even in our bedroom any more. Instead, I stood face-to-face with Leonardo da Vinci. Or perhaps it was Professor Dumbledore, I'm not really certain. In either event, It was a manifestation that the being I shall call the "Intelligence" had determined my brain would most easily accept for deliverance of The Message.
You see, the Intelligence had come to convey to us humans that the Imperative was nigh, that what we loosely dub the Singularity was only the beginning of a limitless existence unbounded by physical space and time, and that sugar-free alternatives are actually WORSE for us than the real deal. He made sure that last point was clear by making me repeat it twice.
When I came to, Brad was sound asleep in his tin foil hat, the UFO-02 detector was gone, and, sure enough, all of my Splenda had been replaced with little, brown raw sugar packets. When I tried to tell Brad about Leonardo/Dumbledore and The Message, he rolled over away from me, grumbling that I shouldn't eat so much ice cream or any dairy product before bed." -George Takei
*Ice cream will do it every time ;)

"I must have been thinking "what the hell?" when I bought it on one of my drunk internet shopping sprees. Usually those are bad decisions which I end up returning. I'm not sure how I even came across this device.
When it came to my doorstep I scratched my head, asking myself, "Oh, good lord, what did I buy now?" When I cracked it open I had a good laugh. I couldn't resist testing it out.
The strangest thing happened. It went off. Like, it REALLY went off. There was no one around. My cat was in the far back room. So I shut it off and waited for my fiance to come home. I was with him when he turned it on and sure enough it acted possessed again. He was about to tinker with it to see where the problem was when I went outside to check our mailbox.
The moment I left the front door, it stopped. When I came back in, it lit up like the fourth of July.
Like any concerned person, I was wondering if there was something wrong with me. After several doctor appointments, cat scans, and psychological exams, I could think of no one else to turn to. Except the church.
The Church of Scientology, that is.
I found out I'm not alone. There are about 8 million of us thetans out there waiting to find our way back home, to each other.
My life is forever changed. Now when I look into the sky, I don't ask "are we alone?" Instead I look at the stars and see my long-lost home, from which I and my people were exiled.
Earth is a prison. Xenu be damned. If I ever find his wretched soul I will kill him." -Paige Turner
*Perhaps we are all just here looking for home.

You can purchase the product here: UFO-02

AMSCAN Face Paint

This isn't just ANY face paint, it's insanely HAPPY face paint.  Just look at the man selling the product.  AMSCAN-Cream Make-up Face Paint. Easy on and easy off cream paint for parties; sports event and Halloween. This package contains one 1oz/28.3g tube. Available in a variety of colors. Recommended for ages 8 and up.  Nothing strange in the product description, but just wait until you read the reviews ;)




Top Reviews
"I have to say I had my doubts, I mean look how happy that guy is on the packaging - surely a simple face paint couldn't bring that much joy?
Within minutes of whiting up I was laughing like a lunatic - it's that good.
I've now purchased some of the other colours too and they're just as good. A word of warning though people seem to get really mad when you go out with the brown one on."  -T. Elliot
*It seems like this product is well worth the purchase

"I ordered this product last Tuesday, and after it was delivered to me by the usual delivery falcons, I immediately began applying it to my face and neck. However, something was wrong. No matter how much I applied, or no matter where I applied it, I just wasn't as happy as the gentleman on the box. I bought several more packages of it, just in case I'd received a defective batch, but alas, I couldn't recreate the male model's sheer sense of happiness and general well being. Then I began to think "What if it's not a problem with the product? What if it's a problem with ME?!"
I realized that it was indeed my own problems that prevented me from achieving inner peace and true joy, so I began selling all my possessions. In fact, the only thing I didn't sell was the face paint, because I keep the packaging so I can look at that man's face every day and swear that one day, I will be as content with life as he is.
But I must cut this review short, as the manager of this internet cafe doesn't take kindly to people sitting naked in their seats and attempting to pay with positive thoughts. I'll just wrap up with this: Thank you, AMSCAN. Thank you. When I bought your product, I didn't just receive one ounce of white face paint. I received one ounce of truth." -Derry W
*This doesn't make you just happy on the outside, but also on the inside :)

You can find the product here: AMSCAN Face Paint

How To Avoid Huge Ships

Yes this is a real book.  Sadly there is not a lot to be said about it in the amazon descriptions, luckily that's what the reviews are for.   This book does however come in paperback and starts at only $142 so you definitely want to get one for your collection, and of course your own safety in avoiding such a nasty threat before the price goes up.







Top Reviews
"As the father of two teenagers, I found this book invaluable. I'm sure other parents here can empathize when I say I shudder at the thought of the increasing presence of huge ships in the lives my children. I certainly remember the strain I caused so long ago for my own parents when I began experimenting with huge ships. The long inter-continental voyages that kept my mom and dad up all night with worry. Don't even get me started on the international protocols when transporting perishable cargo. To think, I was even younger than my kids are now! huge ships are everywhere and it doesn't help that the tv and movies make huge ships seem glamorous and cool. This book helped me really approach the subject of huge ships with my kids in an honest and non judgmental way. Because of the insights this book provided, I can sleep a little better and cope with the reality that I can't always be there to protect my kids from huge ships, especially as they become adults. I'm confident that my teens, when confronted by a huge ship, are much better prepared to make wiser decisions than I did. At the very least my children certainly know that they can always come to me if they have any concerns, questions or just need my support when it comes to the topic of huge ships." -Noel D. Hill
*Who would have known what an amazing parental tool this book could be used for.  I am sure that the author had no idea the depths that this book would reach in societal upbringing.

 "This book really is one of the best huge ship avoidance references I've come across, not just for the effective methods it teaches as to avoiding huge ships, but also for exploding some of the huge ship avoidance myths that many of us take for granted.
For example:
- Do not charge the huge ship at full speed in an attempt to scare it off. This may work with coyotes, but it is less effective with huge ships.
- Similarly, do not roll your boat over and play dead. Unless the huge ship is captained by a grizzly bear, this will not work.
- Do not attempt to go under the huge ship. This is typically not successful.
- Do not attempt to jump over the huge ship.
Captain Trimmer presents a rather novel technique for avoiding huge ships - move your boat out of the path of the huge ship. I know what you're thinking, this goes against conventional wisdom, but Trimmer presents significant empirical evidence to support his theory. Indeed, over the long run, moving out of the way will dramatically decrease the number of huge ship collisions you will have to endure in your daily life." -Cap'N Crunch
*I was so pleased that someone added some excerpts from the book as this one tragically was missing the see inside selection on Amazon.  I also feel much more informed thanks to this wealth of knowledge! 

If you would like to save yourself or your loved ones from large ships you will definitely want to learn how to avoid them by purchasing this book: Avoid Huge Ships

Hutzler 571 Banana Slicer

This is one of those products that is so fabulously simple and fantastic that I have been saving it for awhile.  It is one of amazon's greatest things for sale that actually helped to inspire this topic to begin with.  So here it is, my Christmas present to you to start your New Year off right.  Enjoy!  Product description is quite generic: Slice an entire banana in one quick motion. Fun for children and safer than a knife. Dishwasher safe.

Top Reviews
"What can I say about the 571B Banana Slicer that hasn't already been said about the wheel, penicillin, or the iPhone.... this is one of the greatest inventions of all time. My husband and I would argue constantly over who had to cut the day's banana slices. It's one of those chores NO ONE wants to do! You know, the old "I spent the entire day rearing OUR children, maybe YOU can pitch in a little and cut these bananas?" and of course, "You think I have the energy to slave over your damn bananas? I worked a 12 hour shift just to come home to THIS?!" These are the things that can destroy an entire relationship. It got to the point where our children could sense the tension. The minute I heard our 6-year-old girl in her bedroom, re-enacting our daily banana fight with her Barbie dolls, I knew we had to make a change. That's when I found the 571B Banana Slicer. Our marriage has never been healthier, AND we've even incorporated it into our lovemaking. THANKS 571B BANANA SLICER!"-Mrs. Toledo
* Not only a time saver, but a marriage saver.  Who know something so simple could impact so much.

"I tried the banana slicer and found it unacceptable. As shown in the picture, the slices is curved from left to right. All of my bananas are bent the other way." -J. Anderson
*Proof that you can give someone an amazing product but if they don't use it properly it can never be a lifesaving tool. 

 If you want to save your marriage or maybe just time, go purchase one now: Banana Slicer

Bic Crystal For Her Pens

BIC Cristal For Her has an elegant design - just for Her! It features a thin barrel designed to fit a women's hand. It has a diamond engraved barrel for an elegant and unique feminine style.  These could possibly be a sexist pen ;) 







Top Reviews
"Someone has answered my gentle prayers and FINALLY designed a pen that I can use all month long! I use it when I'm swimming, riding a horse, walking on the beach and doing yoga. It's comfortable, leak-proof, non-slip and it makes me feel so feminine and pretty! Since I've begun using these pens, men have found me more attractive and approchable. It has given me soft skin and manageable hair and it has really given me the self-esteem I needed to start a book club and flirt with the bag-boy at my local market. My drawings of kittens and ponies have improved, and now that I'm writing my last name hyphenated with the Robert Pattinson's last name, I really believe he may some day marry me! I'm positively giddy. Those smart men in marketing have come up with a pen that my lady parts can really identify with.
Where has this pen been all my life???"  -Tracy Hamilton

"I see this comes in a sleek design. But as a "full-figured" woman, do these pens come in "curvy and carefree"?" -Courtney
*I have to agree that these pens could come in more designs for ALL woman.

If you want to make your life better as a woman, you should get yourself some:  BIC Pens

*In case you have missed any of the previous Amazon reviews You can find them here

Part 4

Part 3

Part 2

Part 1

Thankful

I have spent a lot of time this year, and especially today thinking about all of the things in my life that I am thankful for.  I wanted to share some of those precious things with you and let you know all that I am in gratitude for that have made an big impact on my 2013.

First and foremost Liam, my son, my #1 man, my rock, my heart, my world.  I never knew what love was until he came into my life.  I never knew for sure what my purpose was until I became his mother.  To love something completely before you even get to see it is amazing.  Watching him grow up into such a character with so much personality, and energy  but also compassion for others.  I am so proud to be Liam's mommy, and very blessed to have him brought into my life.

Then we come to my mother.  I am so happy that you were a young mother, that you were such an unselfish mother the whole time I was growing up even to your own detriment at times.  That you taught me kindness and love and showed me how to be a good mother.  That you have been able to be the type of mother that I consider to be my best friend, that we have been blessed to be such a big part of one anothers' lives.  I regret that we do not live closer, because I hate not being able to see you all of the time.  I am so happy that I get to see you next week, because we are too close to not see one another, and I want Liam to know his grandmother.

I am so very thankful for my daddy.  You can be a hard man to live with, but I would not choose any single other person in this world to call my father.  You have been in my life from the beginning.  You are an amazing and honorable man to love me as your own and to continue to love me regardless of divorce from mom.  You have always been my hero in life, from fireman, to green beret to grandfather.  You have made the 20+ hour trek to Texas at least once a year to spend time with us and it does not go unnoticed.  I have always had you to look up to, and many of my major decisions in life I have made based off of your intelligence and your example.  I remember you being worried that I wouldn't love you anymore when you and mom got divorced and I could not fathom how you could even ask me that question.  You are the only father my heart ever has and ever will love.  I always loved you and appreciated all that you have done for me, but it wasn't until becoming a single mother and dating and seeing the way men would interact with Liam or tell me their stance on "someone else's child" that I truly found appreciation in the selfless love that you and all of that side of the family has always shown me.  I have NEVER felt like I didn't belong with you all and I am so thankful for the closeness and love that I have known because I have had you in my life.  I will not EVER get married unless I can find someone who can love Liam and I the way that  you loved us.  

Of course my dear sister.  The only person that can drive my emotions onto a roller-coaster in mere seconds.  The friend I always wanted to be closer to, the sister I always worried about.  The person who has pushed every single limit and boundary I have and then tested them again.  I am thankful that we find a way to live close to one another even if we are far from home.  I am thankful for you being there for me and helping me with Liam when I was all alone.  I honestly don't know how I would have survived those first few months without you.  You have taught me so many lessons about life and I only ever hope to see you happy.  I know I am overprotective at times and worry too much and get constantly told to quit acting like your mother, but you are my dear sister and I would not be who I am in life without you to push me past my comfort zone.  You are my polar opposite in life, and I would not chose you to be another way.  I am thankful that no matter how mad you can make me, that I still love you.  Sometimes I wish that I could live life as freely as you do, but ultimately I am thankful for the moments when we can laugh and protect one another and I miss spending time together, the fleeting moments in recent times makes me miss my sister even when we live in the same city.  

My dog Kiri, I named you aptly for in many a dark time, you have been the sunlight that has shown through.  Before Liam, you helped me through very dark times in life.  You gave me purpose and reason.  Your ability to accommodate and become the 2nd best in life, is amazing.  I am thankful for your loyalty and your intelligence and that you are more bear than dog.  You make me smile and give me love all the time, unconditionally, and I am happy to be able to come home and always be loved no matter what has happened in life.  

My grandma Shirley, YOU ARE MY SALVATION.  Truly I cannot say anything deeper than that.  You have rescued me when I was drowning.  When I was at my lowest low, you were my anchor to help me come back to the surface.  You are the most selfless person I have and probably ever will meet in this life.  I live my life always hoping to repay you for all that you have done for me.  You are my example of what a true saint in life really is.  There truly are no words that can express the gratitude I feel in my heart, and I am so blessed to have you in my life, I love you so much.

My mentor, Bunny.  You have always shown me what a true example of self power can be.  The calm that is felt just in entering your house.  The way that a short talk with you can seem to solve so many unresolved issues is amazing.  You are so talented and gifted and caring.  I have learned so many amazing things from you, and I am sad that I do not get to feel the peace that I find in your presence more often.  I miss your energy in person and wish that I was closer to do more things like bring you flowers and drink tea and soak in the sunlight and bask in your wisdom.  You are such an amazing being.  

My cousins Savannah & Marie, I am so thankful that we are so close in age and got to grow up knowing one another.  I have recently been very sad that Liam does not have that, and does not know people in the family and be close like we were.  We have experienced things in life that no one ever will.  I don't think I have ever laughed as hard as I have in the presence of you both.  You have both taught me what being the short non-artistic cousin is like and how I can excel in other ways ;)  I will never know another driver quite like Marie, and never will I know another laugh as full of happiness as yours either.  With Savannah I will never be able to share a quirky humor that could be understand outside of us, or the love of dogs, and I am so thankful that we live within driving distance.  You have helped me escape and have been a wonderful :auntie: to Liam :)

I am so thankful for each and every family member in one way or another, I could write an entire book.  But I will be here all night.... to be continued...

My job, I am so thankful to have been lucky enough to stay within the same line of work for over 11 years now.  I have somehow escaped my degree thus far, but I do hope to return to school in 2014.  Even when I have a hard time going, it gives me the security that helps me to be the best mother that I can to Liam.  I am also very thankful for an amazing boss who has stood by me and fought for me when he didn't have to.  Who has helped me more than he will ever know and is a truly good person.  I am thankful for the timing of this job when I needed quickly out of a desperate situation and that I had a quick and easy transition to the other side of my office :)

I am thankful for the military for giving me skills and experiences that I would not have otherwise ever encountered in any other way.  And for life-changing people who have taught me many lessons in life good and bad.  I would not be me without those people.

I am thankful for my friends far and wide and never fully realized just HOW amazing and special my friends in life have been and how blessed I was until I moved here.  I wish I lived closer to at least one of you, because life is lonely without my amazing bonds.

I am thankful for the internet and social media to allow me to easily continue friendships from afar and to make new ones.

I am thankful for a car that gets me to work and where I need to go, and for the ability to have a roof over my head.  

I am thankful for music, that my music tastes are so wide and that I can listen to a vast amount of different things and not be so limited by a narrow mind.

I am thankful for books, that help me escape and teach me so many things, and give me things to look forward to.  

My sense of humor and the ability to find humor in SO many different things, and those few friend that I can share the worst of jokes with and know that you will laugh with me.

Netflix, which has been a savior in many ways.  

Movies: My love and obsession.

But most of all, I am thankful for the little things in life, I could be here all night.  But let me close with saying that I am thankful for opportunities that can somehow appear to be horrible disasters that are life changing and eye opening and really ways of saving yourself in a way that you would have never encountered before.  But really I am just THANKFUL to be alive and to have this opportunity at life.

Bedtime Stories Going Away?

Not in my house they aren't!

This evening I came across an article about an immense decline in the reading of bedtime stories to today's youth.  This is a HUGE travesty to me.  This is why vocabulary and grammar has taken such a huge decline in recent years.  The article I found lists an alarming rate of only 13 percent of British mom's who say that they read their child a bedtime story every night to their children (with children under the age of 7).  Americans weren't much better with a rate of 33 percent saying that they read to their children every night. 





The last part of the bedtime ritual (besides looking out the window to see the moon and stars) is bedtime stories.  We even read them before nap time.  2 books for nap time and 3 books for night time.  Although Liam is always trying to bargain for more books or reading a book half way through deciding he wants a different book and then wanting to exchange it. 

Reading is so ritualistic that I may even miss it more than Liam if it were to end.  It is our time to snuggle in together, sometimes he reads to me, and sometimes I read to him.  Some books we take turns reading different parts, or pointing out what we see in the book.  Liam loves to find books that have the same sort of picture or topic so that he can match them up.  If he has a book about a firetruck he is always running to get his firetruck so show me that they are both firetrucks.  This is a precious time that is devoted to just focusing on Liam and winding down before he goes to sleep.  I value this time greatly and am sorry to anyone that does not take this time to share with their children.  It is a part of my nightly schedule and it is something that NEVER gets cut out.

I think that missing out on story time is missing out on such a huge time of bonding with your child.  I urge any parent that does not already read to their children to take even 5-10 minutes a day to read a book to their child.  You are doing SO much more than just reading to them.  You are showing them attention, teaching them so many things, passing on so many valuable things that will shape them forever in their life.  How many of us can remember being read or not being read to and feeling left out because of it.  I was fortunate enough to definitely have had stories read to me that helped establish my love for books that never left me and I will be forever grateful for the quality time that was spent on bedtime stories.  



Link to the story: Sweet Dreams, Bedtime Stories

Wizard's First Rule: Sword Of Truth Series Book Review

When Terry Goodkind decided to finally add to the amazing world and story of Richard and Kahlan from his Sword of Truth series I was so overcome with glee.  His last book was recently released and I had not read the Sword of Truth series in about 7 years.  Although the basis of the story will never leave my mind, I wanted to have all of the little details brought to the forefront, I wanted to be sucked back into the epic world that Goodkind created with the life adventure he takes you on in this series and then add to it the 2 recent books.

With that being said I have started over with book 1: Wizard's First Rule...  Now before I get too far ahead of myself I want to give you some background knowledge on what a truly gifted writer Terry Goodkind is.
Terry Goodkind wrote Wizard's First Rule in 1994.  He was previously a painter and had no interest in writing due to being dyslexic.  He has been influenced greatly by the objectivism in the books written by Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged).  This is apparent in many of his novels.  Wizard's First Rule was the first novel that Terry Goodkind has ever written and it was auctioned off to the record price of $275,000.  The most money ever paid at that time for a first time author fantasy novel.  

Now back to the book Wizard's First Rule.   The first time that I read this book in 2006, or 2007 I remember speeding through the first three books in the series, I was SO into them in fact that for Christmas I got the remaining 8 books and was thrilled and didn't need anything else.  I can't even tell you what else I got for Christmas, because this ruled my mind at the time.  I have since shared this book with so many people.  To date, not a one who has taken the chance to pick this series up has been disappointed and everyone I know has always felt like they have been connected with this world. 

The Sword of Truth starts out introducing you to Richard Cypher, the woodsman and guide.  He is in a distraught state of mind as his father was killed violently with no real clue as to who the killer may have been.  While out in the woods clearing his mind and on a constant search to clues for the killer he spots Kahlan Amnell on a mountain pass being followed by 4 men.  He decides that she appears to be in danger and due to his huge heart he goes after her to try to help.  From the very first chapter Goodkind sucks you in with his incredible attention to detail and with giving you the feeling that you are actually there watching and taking part in the adventure.  He does an amazing job of telling the story from the point of view of almost every character that has any sort of significant role at all.  He makes you feel like you are in that person's mind.  From man to woman from child to elder, wizard to Seeker to Confessor, from "good" guy to "bad" guy.  He makes you really CARE about his characters throughout the story.  He humanizes them all.  He does not present a formidable foe without showing you glimpses into what made them who they are.  Richard as a man is able to objectively look at situations and people from more than one side by the end of the story to really show the entirety of things. 

The title Wizard's First Rule actually comes from the first rule of being a wizard as taught by Richard's mentor and friend the wizard Zedd:
"Wizard's First Rule: people are stupid." Richard and Kahlan frowned even more. "People are stupid; given proper motivation, almost anyone will believe almost anything. Because people are stupid, they will believe a lie because they want to believe it's true, or because they are afraid it might be true. People's heads are full of knowledge, facts, and beliefs, and most of it is false, yet they think it all true. People are stupid; they can only rarely tell the difference between a lie and the truth, and yet they are confident they can, and so are all the easier to fool.
"Because of Wizards First Rule, the old wizards created Confessors, and Seekers, as a means of helping find the truth, when the truth is important enough. Darken Rahl knows the Wizard's Rules. He is using the first one. People need an enemy to feel a sense of purpose. It's easy to lead people when they have a sense of purpose. Sense of purpose is more important by far than the truth. In fact, truth has no bearing in this. Darken Rahl is providing them with an enemy, other than himself, a sense of purpose. People are stupid; they want to believe, so they do."
—Chapter 36, p.560, U.S. paperback edition
*The truth in this philosophy can be applied in every day in watching the news and what is reported and the way that people react to it.  

This and all of Terry Goodkind's books go beyond just the simple art of story telling.  They are also philosophical and make you think.  You find yourself looking forward to the next time that you can be in the world of the series no matter how bleak things may be.  I at times would get to anxious for what was to come that I would find myself momentarily skipping through some of the descriptions to see what was about to happen to one of the many beloved characters.   This book does a wonderful job showing that everyone is good or bad in their own way.  And that we are all humans working towards the purpose that seems to be right in our own eyes based on our own world views and our culture and values.  We all have different backstories and no two purposes are exactly the same.  Although some may lead us on a path together or may make us seem more "right" or "wrong" to someone else. 

I realized that no, I have not given a very detailed explanation of this book and I do that on purpose.  Wizard's First Rule is your initial glimpse into this atmosphere and this world and this way of thinking and living and the fantasy.  So many small parts within the story constantly play upon one another and adapt and grow into a much larger picture in this and in the following books.  It is for that reason that I merely invite you in to explore for yourself.  I do not want to ruin the start of your journey for you.  Within you will see through the eyes of  Richard Cypher, a TRUE seeker, Kahlan Amnell the Mother Confessor, Zeddicus Z'ul Zorander a wizard of the first order, Darken Rahl, a powerful wizard with a powerful agenda and much vengeance in his heart, Rachel, a Princess's plaything.  These are merely the characters whose eyes we see through and dosn't even come close to covering the many unforgettable characters that you will meet along the way.  Take a chance and dive into this amazing world, or revisit it if you have been away for too long like I have.  I can guarantee that you won't regret the time spent there. 

 Terry Goodkind's Official Site

Opposites according to Liam

A glass being full or empty according to Liam.

Let me start by showing a picture of part of one of Liam's (my 2 and a half year old son for those of you who don't know) books that prompted this blog thought:

 

 As you can see on this page it is showing opposite of a glass full and empty and a girl being happy and sad.  I have always laughed at Liam when he reads this page because to him the glass is "drink" and "need more drink."  As he is learning more about emotions he is able to point them out in people around us.  So as he used to say that this girl was crying, this evening he said "happy" and "sad need more drink."  

Now you could go in many different directions with this.  Initially I thought about a glass being "half empty" or "half full" and how a child doesn't even see it that way at all.  My son views this glass as either having something that he wants in it, or needing to have something that he wants in it refilled.  Or "more drink."  If only the rest of us thought this way as this doesn't really have to be a glass "half empty" but just an opportunity to add more "drink" to it. 

You could also take this as my son is a future alcoholic haha.  He either has drink or needs more drink and you are sad when you need more drink haha.  I didn't really think about it that way until I was writing this blog and it popped into my head haha. 

Ultimately if we are only viewing something by what it needs (ie the solution) and the way that we can feel if we get it, than we are able to more easily overcome obstacles instead of just seeing emptiness.  Defining that emptiness and the "drink" that it needs more of can simplify our problems and make life run a lot more smoothly.   I don't know maybe I am just reaching here, but it makes sense in my head haha.  I would love to hear your take on it.