Authors, Kai Strand & LA Dragoni

I recently had to abandon a book, but I gave it a good solid effort. I wouldn't normally talk about why I didn't like a book, but I don't think I have to worry about ruining Leo Tolstoy's reputation by sharing my humble opinions on why Anna Karenina didn't work for me. First because the book is a classic, I was conditioned to think I'd like it. That I had to like it or they'd revoke my avid reader card or something. Because it's a classic, I downloaded the audiobook. I do so much better with stories from the likes of Jane Austen, William Shakespeare--heck--even the bible, if a good reader presents it to me instead of making my mind wrap around the old-fashioned use of language. Tolstoy has a bazillion Russian names in his stories, so I'm really glad I chose the audio version. My husband and I started listening to it on a car trip. He has listened to War and Peace previously, so I'm super impressed he didn't insist I choose a different bo...

My children are old enough that if I were to tell them to, “Use your words,” they would most likely pull out a few I had to look up in the dictionary, or maybe even one or two that would make me blush. However, “Use your words” is a popular way for today’s parents to help their young children focus when they are too excited or upset to express themselves well. Do you suppose Nancy Lincoln said, “Use thee words, Abraham.” Or, Alberta King had to scold, “Your words, Martin! Use your words, son.” Regardless of whether their mothers had to correct their youthful correspondence or not, the two men grew to become two of my favorite orators. Funny thing about public speaking. You can be well-spoken, engaging and confident, but if your audience isn’t passionate about your subject, you won’t connect. Both men spoke on timely topics that people felt very passionate about—whether for or against. In Lincoln’s first inaugural address, 1861 he said: In your hands, my dissatisfie...

When I was but a lass ·         I was enthusiastic about learning. ·         Eager for guidance and advice. ·         Bursting with energy and vitality. As I transitioned into my teen and young adult years ·         My open-minded attitude for input waned. ·         I found myself more sensitive to criticism. ·         I discovered that the world revolved around me, and I could do no wrong. It was truly amazing – as was I. The next stage of adulthood was more humbling ·         I learned that I did make mistakes. ·         I was expected to clean up after myself when such a thing happened. ·         I experienced disappointment; both the effect of and ...

March According to dictionary.com march means: §          to walk with regular measured tread §          or a tract of land along a border of a country §          or the third month of the year §          or a sir name Oh my goodness, no wonder English is offered as a major in college. How random is that list of meanings? For this blog post, we will focus on the definition, “the third month of the year.”   31 days long and many of them ‘noteable.’ In 1995 Congress designated March National Irish American Heritage month. Very fitting since the 17 th is St. Patrick’s Day. March is National Peanut Month, which is sad for my sister and the bazillions of people in this country allergic to nuts. The 2 nd week of the month is National Bubble Week. I didn’t know that, but no that I do I’m making big plans. Who doesn’t love b...

The Writer’s Prayer On this, another day of writing, please inspire my word choices and guide my grammar. On this, another day of promotion, please help me to whisper promoting thoughts into the ears of media specialists, classroom teachers, book store owners, parents and grandparents alike. On this, another day of manuscript submissions, please spit polish the query so that the sparkle attracts the attention of the right editor or agent. On this, another day of social media, please limit me to productive online time only. On this, another day of email obsessing, please distract me with my first request. With this prayer, I remain ever-so-faithfully a writer. Amen.

I’m straying far from the topic of writing for this post.   But who am I to not use this skill that I’m working so hard to develop to call attention this issue. So, this is a “Call to Action” if you will for my fellow countrymen. I have figured out the core problem in this country and Yahoo – with all their investigative talents – were the ones to reveal it.   Our problem is Charlie Sheen.   Sure, you will argue that Charlie has his own problems, why would I want to dump the country’s on him as well.   I’m not really trying to point a finger and say, “He did it!” Let me back up a ways. Back in the 50’s we had Ozzie and Harriet and Father Knows Best.   Women vacuumed in heels and pearls and men wore hats they could tip in a friendly greeting to a passing stranger. In the 60’s we graduated to My Three Sons. Very liberated, a single father raising his sons with only help of the crusty ole male housekeeper.   But the boys wore button down shirts with slacks ...