It never ceases to amaze me how these young Hollywood stars , upon reaching the ultimate height of Super Star become completely brain dead.
When is having it all not enough?
Apparently when you are Britney, Lindsay or Paris. Poor, poor babies. So much wealth, so much fame, so much privilege and they are so unhappy, still seeking.
Seeking what for God's sake? Money? Yeah right. They have enough money between them to run a country for a year. Love? So the love and adoration of their multitude of fans isn't enough for them? How about the love of their families? Or, as in Brit's case, the love of her children? Nope, still not enough.
So, if love, fame and fortune are not enough for these three young women, what would be? I venture to say nothing.
Britney lost custody of her children because of her stupidity, nothing more. If she was that torn up about it, if she loved her children even a tenth as much as she loves herself, she would have done whatever it took to get them back. Instead, what does she do? She gets overnight visitation with them and proceeds to get that taken away. And does that slap some sense into that empty head of hers?
Apparently not, because her next brilliant move is to run over a paparazzi.Got to keep that pudgy little mug of hers in the spotlight, no matter what it takes. But, at what cost, Brit? Your children? Is this insane ride your on worth the loss of your babies? And what, pray tell will you tell your sons when they are old enough to understand the crap you've been pulling? What kind of an example are you for them?
And Lindsay, what's your freaking problem? You are wildly popular. You have millions of young girls emulating you, who want to grow up to be just like you. Mother's beware. Your teen could grow up to be JUST like Lindsay. I don't know about you, but I sure as hell wouldn't want my child to pull the stunts this little girl has pulled. Where is her mother? Where is her father? Grown or not, her antics would net her one helluva tongue lashing at the very least, but better, she needs that backside warmed for her. She may be Miss High and Mighty movie star, but she is still someone's child, and her parents needs to get a grip on her before she becomes just another dead Hollywood Starlet. Dead from excess seems to be the preferred method of suicide for these young women.
And Miss Hilton. I don't know what to say about you. Good God girl, you have the freaking world at your feet. So tell me, how does someone with your background become such an airhead? I do hope your brain dead act is just that, an act. For your family's sake, if not your own. Your antics speak volumes about your parents abilities to raise billy goats, less alone children. Didn't they see the road you were heading down? Or was making that fortune you flaunt so outrageously more important than their child? One can only wonder.
So tell me girls, when is having it all not enough? Why these extremes?

Britney Spears
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Kevin Federline
Britney news
Celebrity Gossip
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It is once again time for the Nanowrimo! I haven't ever successfully completed the Nono, but I have tried a couple of times. This is going to be the year! I feel it. I will finish it this year.
Of course, I've said that every year, but hey, this could be the year. Really, it could.
Okay, I guess I'll just have to show you. Stay tuned. I may even post the work as it proceeds, but maybe I won't. Maybe you'll just have to wait until it's on the best seller lists to read it. We'll see.
My poor abandoned blog has been silent for far too long. Time to rev it up again.
New topics, new rants, new interviews.
Check back often y'all and for Pete's sake will ya order a copy of my book, "Dark Ridge"? I don't want to be another Grandma Moses. I don't want to become famous AFTER I'm dead!!


,Nanowrimo, contests, Linda Rucker, Iraq, Brittany Spears

Reading Rucker, Linda Rucker,
Nanowrimo

Bon Jour, mon ami. Bienvenir!

Ladies and gentlemen, c'ests mon grand plaisir to introduce, Monsieur Henri de Monmorency.

Hi Henry, welcome to Reading Rucker.

Henri: C'est un plaisir de grande d'être ici, Mademoiselle Linda!


Linda : So tell me Henri, how does a suave and debonair gentleman such as yourself wind up in the afterlife?

Henri: It was all in the name of love, Mademoiselle Linda. I was beheaded over a woman who meant the world to me. I hear she has been reincarnated in the 21st century and that is one reason why I am here. I need to find her. But, this is just my personal reason. The higher ups tell me I am on a mission to prove that the afterlife is alive and well. I have managed to do this through my blog at http://www.henritheghost.blogspot.com and through my book, The Search for the Million $$$ Ghost. However, my mission is still not complete until I find Annabelle, the love I was beheaded for.

Linda: As one of the dearly dead, do you find yourself annoyed because there are things you can no longer do? Such as kiss a woman, or hold her tightly?

Henri: Oh, mon cherie, such is the thinking of mortals. I can very much kiss a woman and hold her tightly. It happens to mortals every day and they don’t even realize it. Unless, of course, they are on the same communication level with the spirit world and then it’s like heaven has opened up its pearly gates…oh la la!

Linda: What is the funniest thing you have done in your spectral state?

Henri: What a great question, Mademoiselle Linda. I think the funniest thing so far was when I went into town to join Juicy – that’s my ghost friend who does not give sex to Henri – and I met the vampire author Caridad Pineiro. I thought for sure she was a vampire and as Henri is scared of vampires, I was afraid she was going to sink her teeth into Henri’s ectoplasm any minute; but truth be known, she was a very lovely lady who helped me with my fear of vampires. However, I still bring my garlic with me whenever I know a vampire is out. Just in case, of course.

Linda: Do you enjoy messing with those who claim not to believe in spirits? Ahhh, ghosts I should say. Lots of folks believe in spirits; vodka, whiskey, Tequila.

Henri: LOL, you make Henri chuckle. I have not been in 21st century very long and I am trying to learn 21st century customs so as not to startle anyone. Some people can see me and some cannot. The animal kingdom is another story. If you go to my blog at www.henritheghost.blogspot.com, you will read funny blog post about how animals reacted to Henri. There is one funny picture of a little boy…this makes Henri chuckle…I’m afraid he is not ready for Henri because I think I damaged him for life. I try not to do that because I want 21st century mortals to understand that all there is is a communication gap between the two worlds. Once we learn how to break that barrier, we can learn so much from each other. The spirit world knows everything. We know how mortals first appeared and we know where mortals will end up when their physical being has expired. If the mortals would just learn to communicate, we can tell them all they need to know and that is the problem with the mortal world – they do not trust us. So, it is I, Henri de Montmorency, who is put on mortal turf to help bring the two worlds together.

Linda: Tell me Henri, in life, what was your ideal woman?

Henri: You mean in my last past life? I have had eight incarnations. The last past life I was Grand Marshal of France and Governor of Languedoc. I was beheaded on the day before All Hallow’s Eve in 1632 by the order of Richelieu, a wicked man who did not agree with Henri on religious beliefs, but also because I was in love with his wife. He found out and Henri lost a head. I did not have ideal woman image in mind when I fell in love with Annabelle. I was not a pretty sight for women back in the 1600s. I was a hump back. But, Annabelle saw through my horrid physical state and saw the man inside.

In this life, I have no ideal woman because Annabelle taught me to look inside a person to see if the energy between the two connected. If it does, then there’s your intended mate. If it doesn’t, it may be for another reason woman come into Henri’s life. Take Juicy, for example. Juicy wants Henri all to herself and I try to explain to her that it’s just not going to happen in this life. The energy between the two of us are on a friendly basis, but Juicy does not see it.

Linda: So then in death, all you'd require is some skin? LOL! Seriously, don't you miss not being able to court lovely young women, without them running, screaming into the night?

Henri: Oh, no, 21st century woman love Henri no matter what. I have too many women now after Henri since the book deal. I’m quite popular with the ladies…LOL.

Linda: How long will you be staying around before you head off into the light?

Henri: Until my mission is accomplished. I have to prove that ghosts exist, promote my book so that my co-authors, Dorothy Thompson, Heide AW Kaminski and Pamela Lawniczak, will be proud of me; but most of all, I must find Annabelle before the higher forces decide it’s time for me to go.

Linda: Do you miss life?

Henri: Oh, Mademoiselle Linda, you make Henri laugh. Mortals are so ill-informed. When you pass from this life to another, the higher up you go, the better your life is. What state you are in now will be even better the next state. You climb until you find higher self. Henri is still climbing, still learning, and having a helluva lot of fun doing it.

Linda: Well, Henri, this has been most enjoyable. I do wish you much success in your hauntings and hope you find a suitable lady ghost to walk to the light with.
Thank you so much for stopping by.

Henri: Thank you for having me, Mademoiselle Linda.

Ladies and Gentlemen, if you want to learn more about Henri and the Search for the Million Dollar Ghost, please go to www.milliondollarghost.homestead.com or Henri’s blog at www.henritheghost.blogspot.com.
Make sure you order your copy of this fascinating, and humorous book at Amazon.com, or at the publisher's website at: www.mardigraspublishgin.com

Tags:
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Vicki Taylor has tagged me for the MeMe thingy, so here goes.

1.I am a gypsy! Okay, not in the literal sense and maybe Nomad would be a better fit. But, for the last twenty plus years, I have had the Devil's own time finding 'home'. I have wandered, or rather, dragged my husband and kids from Florida to Georgia to Tennessee and back again a dozen times. Which leads me to ...

2. I am a very old soul. I've been reborn at least eight times over the last few centuries. Perhaps that is why I keep searching for home. I firmly believe in re-incarnation.

3.I adore chocolate, but I have to have it with something salty, like popcorn or chips. So, I have some peculiar eating habits. One that comes to mind is: Banana and Mayo sammiches with dill pickles and cheddar cheese. NOT on the sammich, I'm not that odd!!

4.My kids drive me to distraction. Yeah, they're all grown, but I still worry about them to the point of obsessing. Is that healthy? I don't think so.

5.I love to dance.I used to be able to dance, really well. Had the whole rhythm thing down and had some sleek moves. Now, I just shift left, and everything follows. It's a lot easier now, but, it doesn't look the same. And I embarrass my grand daughters ( both 12) when we are in the car, the radio blasting and Shakira's "My Hips Don't Lie"comes on and I start dancing. Wonder why that is?

6.I do not own a bathing suit. I would not be caught dead in a bathing suit. A person can only take so much humiliation.Tides are suppose to go out naturally, not be chased out.

7.I have a Shih Tsu. I hate small dogs. Why did I get a Shih Tsu? I have an insane cat. I don't like cats. Why do I have a cat?

8.I like everybody, except the ones I hate. I never get mad, till I'm pissed off. I'm always right, unless I'm wrong, but I'm never wrong, so I'm always right.

People I am tagging: Marilyn Celeste Morris, Mike Morris, Jennifer Ertner, Kim Robinson, Dorothy Thompson, Jamieson Villeneuve,Sandy Lender, Karen Magill

Reading Rucker
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linda l rucker

She's finally here!!! Today Sandy Lender, author of "Choices Meant for Gods" is my very special guest on Reading Rucker.
Sandy is one of those extremely rare people. She is a first time author, who has written an spectacular and wonderful novel, and garnered the attention of the world in just a few short weeks.
I am thrilled beyond words to have her with us today on reading Rucker, but even more so, I am honored to be able to call her my friend!

“Choices Meant for Gods” is the absolute best new fantasy novel to come down the pike since JK turned Harry and gang loose on us, and forever changed the genre!
Sandy, welcome.

Sandy: Good morning, Linda. Thank you for letting me appear on your blog today, and thank you for all the great things you've been saying about my book. Nigel keeps me apprised when I've been working too much to visit all the sites…

Linda: Okay, you have to know what my first question to you is going to be, right?

Sandy: Is this about the title? I'm laughing…

Linda: You know I absolutely love that title, and I have to know where you got it.

Sandy: You'll die when I tell you this. And I almost hate to admit this, but it was one of those spur-of-the-moment, I-need-something-for-this-so-I-can-send-a-query-letter-to-an-agent kinds of titles a few years ago. It was a "working title" to use just to get the query letter off to the first agent I wanted to work with. I figured that it fit the book because the decisions (choices) Chariss is forced to make are choices she feels are better made by the gods of her society; not herself. They're choices meant for gods. So, pow, that stuck for that night and I printed off the letter, mailed it to an agent who had no interest (SURPRISE!) and the title has just never changed. It grew on me. (Oh, I never got an agent, by the way, until after I had the contract from the publisher.)

Linda: Can I get your phone number? I need a title for my new novel! LOL!

Sandy: Let me post my ex-husband's number on this public forum… But, seriously, you should let your visitors know that I'm very open to helping people out with stuff like that. You posted a question in our writers' group the other day about a title for a project you're working on and I know I was only one of several folks who wrote back to you. People are welcome to reach me at sandy_lender at yahoo.com.

Linda: Amanda Chariss is a very unique character. Knowing you, is she modeled after anyone you know; yourself, perhaps?

Sandy: You know, Chariss's experience moving from benefactor to benefactor, place to place all her life is modeled after my childhood (although I didn't realize this until I was answering one of the questions for an interview on this Online Book Tour just a few days ago) as a military child and member of a family with the "moving bug." I see more of my sister in Chariss than anyone else I know. There's also a hint of Jane Eyre in her just because there's that stoic orphan figure in her. I think Chariss is just…Chariss. I guess it's peculiar because she's such a strong and central character. What you may find intriguing is that very few of the characters in the novel contain characteristics of "real people." Each is his own person.

Linda: From reading so many emails from you over the last year or so, I think it’s safe to say that Nigel’s character wasn’t taken from anyone you know so intimately, so I’m assuming that maybe he is your fantasy mate?

Sandy: Nigel is every woman's fantasy mate. I don't think I can express it in words…other than he has physical characteristics of someone I do not know intimately. He has elements of Edward Rochester in his makeup, a little touch of Heathcliff once in a while, a bit of John Taylor (obviously), and a lot of Nigel Taiman. He's just himself. And, if I may say so, he's amazing. I love this guy.

Linda: Tell me, Sandy, was it difficult to come up with all the names and places you created for “Choices”? How did you ever keep them straight, and who provided the ‘map’ of Onweald for the book?

Sandy: Oh my gosh…Okay, I'll try not to rehash my entire History of the English Language class and bore your visitors to death here…A lot of the fantasy words you see in Choices Meant for Gods stem from Old English/Anglo-Saxon literature and themes. Read Beowulf (in the original OE) and you'll see a bunch of CMFG words in there. Oh, wait, no one can read OE these days… So! If your visitors check out my blog at www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com, they'll see that the Word of the Day column each day features the fantasy words I created or morphed for the novel. I decided that for the duration of the Online Book Tour, I'd define the fantasy words, give their etymology (how I created them) and give an example of how they're used in the novel for folks.

Now, as to how I kept all that stuff straight: I've got a recipe file box with 3X5 cards in it with the words alphabetized in it. There are also notebooks full of scenes and words and legends and backstory and characters and names… In fact, the Ungol in Tiurlang have their own language, which the reader will learn a bit more of in Book II.

Then I've got the map you mention, which the incredible Megan Kissinger (an artist who worked for me at the university) created on her home computer after I gave her this crude drawing on 8 ½ by 11 notebook paper. You should see the pathetic chicken-scratch I gave her compared to the masterpiece she gave back to me. It's amazing what she was able to do; how she was able to take what was in my mind and display it electronically. She's simply stunning and she deserves so much more credit than what she's received to date. I had her on my blog for a week to celebrate her and she was able to offer advice and inspiration to other artists. She's even offered to do a joint book signing with me here in our hometown in the near future, so I'm going to talk to Barnes & Noble about arranging that. She's just incredible.

Anyway, her map appeared in color, ghosted behind the testimonial blurbs on the back cover of the novel, and in black and white on an interior page of the novel. I'm disappointed that the print quality obscured her name, which is on the map, down by the compass rose, but that will be corrected in a second plate creation.

Linda: I’m thinking that some of Drake’s more diabolical traits are taken from past relationships. He certainly has traits like an ex-husband of mine. So, when you created him, did you by chance have a ‘model’ of sorts, close at hand?

Sandy: This may surprise you, but Drake's behavior isn't modeled on anyone in particular. Like the other characters in the book, he's got his own personality and doesn't reflect anyone out here in the real world. To be brutally honest, anyone in my life dastardly enough to be manifested in Drake wouldn't deserve the recognition or the immortality.
But his name comes from a TV/movie star from the '80s. I love Jameson Parker from Simon & Simon (he played the blonde brother—A.J.), so, back when Drake first showed me Chariss, I wanted to know what his name was, and I took a good look at him. He looked a lot like Jameson Parker (come on, I was 13) and I heard the name "Jameson" come back to me. Fine. But, as I looked at scenes with him in the future, I realized A) he wasn't the good guy and B) his name wasn't quite right. So I watched his nature and name morph over the years. By the time I was ready to sit down and make my dream of writing "happen," he was an evil son of a gun and his name was Jamieson Drake.

Linda: When you delve into Chariss’s back story, how long did it take you to create the history?

Sandy: YEARS. She knew it all, but I didn't. It took her forever to tell me everything. I'm not always a good listener. As I mentioned, the first time I saw her was 1982 or 83. I didn't sit down to write until 2000. So that's a long long time to have ideas and thoughts popping in and out of my head. But it wasn't just her backstory I was creating all that time. When ideas came to me to jot down in a notebook, I might be writing down something about one of her ancestors or about one of the gods of the society she lives in. There's a lot of history and legend necessary for the telling of what happens to the god she's meant to protect.

Linda: I saw on GMA the other day that there is a woman spearheading an effort to get all of the Harry Potter books removed from school libraries because in her opinion, the books glorify and teach children about witch craft. Are you concerned that parents might take a dim view of the sorcery, magic, and the Gods and Goddesses that dwell in the world you created?

Sandy: Ugh. Yeah, when those books were getting popular a few years back, everybody was up in arms over the sorcery in them. Here's my take on that. Yes, the Bible teaches that sorcery comes from an evil source. Does that mean books that talk about sorcery are bad books? No. Fiction is the key thing to remember here. The Harry Potter books are fictional stories made up in J.K. Rowling's mind. She's a writer with a story she made up. I wish people would cut her a break.
Now, I did something different with Choices Meant for Gods, and I'm glad your question gives me a chance to talk about this. There's no mistaking that sorcery is bad in my novel. In the Harry Potter novels (and I've not read them, so you'll have to correct me if I mess this up), I believe that Harry and his friends are taught how to use their witchcraft and sorcery skills. Now, I don't think they're taught naughty uses. I think they're taught skills in general and they are good kids so they use their skills to do good things. That's where kids who aren't guided by a parent can get confused, in my personal opinion. In Choices Meant for Gods, Nigel, who is an adult, is taught how to use something called the geasa. It's not sorcery. It's not witchcraft. Heck, it's not even magic. It's a power that I created. I made it up for my fantasy realm because I didn't want my good characters to have their power derived from a negative source. I didn't want there to be any confusion.
Choices Meant for Gods has drawn a very clear line between the characters that derive their power from evil (the sorcerers) and the characters that derive their power from good (the Geasa'n).
As for the multiple-god thing, my hope is that any teens (and my book is not intended for children—it has a PG rating) who have questions about the polytheistic society will ask their parents or a guardian or teacher or someone who can say "no, in the real world, there's only one god."

Linda: What advice would you have for the parents of children who pick up your book?

Sandy: First of all, don't freak out. There are no sex scenes—romance is there and incredibly tense but the characters aren’t married so there's no "falling into bed," if you catch my drift; the violence is mostly implied; the creatures might produce a few nightmares; but, to be honest, this is not a children's book (it's rated PG). I had a friend buy the book for his son, and his ex-wife said she wouldn't let the boy read the book because "the devil is in that book." You could have knocked me over with a feather. The devil? In my book? Probably not! I'm a Southern Baptist. I'm not going to put the devil in my book. What I think she may have picked up on is the bad guy's partner, Julette, who is referred to as The Dragon, The Betrayer, and The Devil. She has other names, too, but those are the ones mentioned. The deal is this: if you're going to have a showdown between good and evil, you have to have a good guy and a bad guy.
For a parent concerned about letting her teen read Choices Meant for Gods, I would suggest she just keep in mind that the differences between Christianity, Judaism, and any other faith-based religion out here in the real world, and the made-up religion in CMFG are so blatant (on purpose) that teens shouldn't draw any parallels. There are multiple gods set on a hierarchal level that interact with the mortals in a corporeal fashion, and these gods are not always portrayed in a positive light. They are flawed (well, except for Parrin Aeschere, but he's got a purpose that's going to blow everyone away in Book III) and imperfect. Not like the Savior I know…

Linda: Well, time will tell if “Chariss and company" become the new HP and gang. But, I have no doubt that Sandy Lender will become as much of a household name as JK.

Sandy: You know, I'm not interested in fame for me. I want Nigel and Chariss to be mentioned when people talk about Romeo and Juliet, Anthony and Cleopatra, Abelarde and Heloise. One of these days, I'm going to be watching some TV show, and the host will say, "Like Nigel and Chariss," and I'm going to either burst into tears or die of a coronary event. If I die of the coronary event quickly enough, I won't have to hear the guest say, "Who?"

Linda: Speaking of time, do you have a completed itinerary for your book tour yet? Any concrete dates on where and when your fans can meet you and get their copies of “Choices” signed?

Sandy: The itinerary keeps getting stuff added to it, which is cool! I have a couple more online chats scheduled where people can "meet" me in the virtual sort of way. There's www.cassidymckay.com on Thursday, June 28 from 8 to 9 p.m. eastern time; then http://willifordblog.com on Monday, July 16 from 9 to 10 p.m. eastern time; then www.authorisland.com chat room on Wednesday, July 18 from 8 to 9 p.m. eastern time. Note that these are all on different nights of the week so folks who have different nightly commitments can pick and choose when to check in and chat.
If someone lives in the Southwest Florida area, he or she can meet me and enter a contest to win a replica of Jorin Taiman's training sword at my first official book signing two days from now, Saturday, June 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Barnes & Noble in Naples, Fla. It's the one in the Waterside Shops at the corner of Pine Ridge (Seagate) and 41 (Tamiami). I tried to get into a book store for a signing in New York for next weekend while I'm up there for the Duran concert, but, a brick wall called "we-don't-need-new-authors-helping-us-sell-books" kept going up when I'd call around. Sigh. I'm extremely grateful to the folks at this B&N in Naples. They were excited when I called. I took them four-color flyers to put in shoppers' bags ahead of time. I gave them cloth bags with my book's cover and my blog's URL and my slogan "Some days, I just want the dragon to win," on them to hand out to anyone who bought my book ahead of time. They were thrilled. I gave them bookmarks to hand out. They said people love those things. So…the stores in New York lost out on a great opportunity.
Anyway, the itinerary for each week gets listed on my site and Nigel's each weekend. Folks can check that out at www.todaythedragonwins.blogspot.com and http://sandylender.blogspot.com.

Linda: Well, just remember to give me a call when you have the dates for your Orlando stops. I plan to be the first in line.

Sandy: You and I are doing a joint signing, Baby.

Linda: I’m so happy you stopped by here today. You know you’re my new hero, don’t you? If “Choices” doesn’t sell a million copies, it certainly won’t be for my lack of trying. I think I have talked CMfG up on every community page I belong to. And I know it won’t be for your own lack either. I have watched you and followed this blog tour with fascination. It is wonderful to see you in action. Arche Books should count themselves fortunate to have landed such a talented and truly determined author.
Can you tell our readers where they can get their copies of “Choices Meant for Gods”, and where they can go to read an excerpt?

Sandy: First of all, thank you. That's incredible to read…
This Online Book Tour has been mentally exhausting. I'm grateful to all the folks who've been willing to let me appear on their blogs or in their chat rooms. I'm actually on the ArcheBooks blog tomorrow…if Bob doesn't forget…I better go jog his memory…hmmm…

To get a copy of Choices Meant for Gods, folks can visit their local book stores and beg. ;) Or they can order it from the comfort of home at http://www.amazon.com/Choices-Meant-Gods-Sandy-Lender/dp/1595071652/ref=dp_return_1/104-9089752-5140754?ie=UTF8&n=283155&s=books&qid=1175821346&sr=8-1. There's a free shipping option there at Amazon. Now, if folks have a Barnes & Noble membership, I think they get a discount at http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?z=y&EAN=9781595071651&itm=1. My publisher also offers a discount if you order it direct from ArcheBooks, but you have to pay shipping. There's also a huge excerpt of the first three chapters at this link: http://www.archebooks.com/BookIDX/Indexes/Fantasy/CMG/CMGDesc.htm
Now, if you go to http://www.authorisland.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=195&category_id=12&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=43 you can read four short excerpts from the book. If the link fails, it's basically a page buried on www.authorisland.com, where I have a presence under the "Fantasy" link.

Linda: Again, a million thanks for stopping by Sandy. I wish you all the success in the world with “Choices” as well as the rest of the books in the trilogy.

Sandy: Thanks for having me here! I've enjoyed it! I'll check in shortly to see what questions I can answer from your visitors…

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So, what do these women all have in common?

Come on, take a guess.Give up?
All three of these women are married to philandering husbands, or husbands who have 'philandered' at one time or another.
So, what is it that makes reasonably intelligent,successful, beautiful, ( with the possible exception of Hilary Clinton that is) women swallow their pride and stay with a cheating man?
Glad you asked that question. Personally, I think it has a lot to do with money, or in at least one case, power.
Take Vanessa Bryant, for instance. Kobe was accused of raping a young woman in his hotel room a few years ago. Went to trial, went on national TV, admitted to having sex with the young woman and tearfully begged Vanessa for forgiveness. And she did. Big surprise there, considering the pleas for forgiveness were accompanied by a four million dollar ring. Apparently, forgiveness can be purchased, if you have enough bucks. And Kobe certainly has enough of those.
Then we have A Rod's loving wife, Cynthia, who has been bombarded with pix of her loving hubby, A Rod prancing all over town with a big boobed bimbo stripper. Obviously the two of them are a bit more than drinking buddies, but, Cynthia had forgiven A Rod his indiscretions. And why do you suppose that is?
Apparently over the last few months, she has been rewarded for her blind loyalty to a cheating slug by lavish gifts of jewelry.
Again, apparently, forgiveness can be purchased with the right amount, and just as apparently A Rod has the right amount.
And now we come to the Clinton. The whole world knows of her philandering hubby's peccadilloes, um not so discreet indiscretions, and she has portrayed herself as the long suffering, loving and forgiving wife, who stands staunchly by her man.
But, we all know for Hilary Clinton the motives were far less apparent than a brightly shining bauble. For her, apparently the cost of her forgiveness was the ultimate in power. The White House.
I dare say that forgiveness, was bought and paid for by the promise of at least four years more in the White House.
Did you ever notice that Hilary was one of the very few First Lady's that didn't go in and immediately begin to re-decorate the White House? Why was that do you suppose? Likely because her sights were set on the Oval office, not the gardens or formal dining room of the White House.
Anyone who cared to open their eyes during the Clinton years could see very plainly who ran that Presidency, and it wasn't slick Willy.
There is a new book coming out in June, Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton, by Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta Jr. This book details Billy boy and Hilary's twenty year plan to reach the White House and even talks about their plan to ultimately change the current restrictions on length and number of terms a President can serve, in order to ensure that one or both of them remain as President for life.
Now, I haven't read this book, yet, and likely won't because quite frankly, I find anything to do with the Clinton's boring and wouldn't pay a plug nickel to read anything published about either one of them, However, this book might be worth looking into. If the guys who wrote it can prove their allegations, wouldn't that be an eye opener for those who are so staunchly supporting putting that woman in the ultimate seat of power.
I found Nancy Pelosi's behavior during her swearing in as completely less than professional, letting her grandchildren run around the Senate floor like they were on a playdate.
How much worse will things be if this country actually elects that woman as President?
Me, I'm a registered republican, but my vote this election will be cast for the best man and for me that man is, Barack Obama.
Of course, given the mentality of this country, if Barack is elected, I wouldn't give odds on him actually living to take the oath of office, and that is the sad truth .

hilary rodham clinton
alex rodriguez
kobe bryant
Kobe Bryant presidential race A Rod Alex Rodriguez Hilary Rodham Clinton presidential race cheating spouses Presidential Election Presidential Election Barack Obama a rod

Since May is National Lupus Month,

Today, I am honored to host author Marilyn Celeste Morris on her blog tour promoting her book, "Diagnosis: Lupus: The Personal Journal of a Lupus Patient'"

Marilyn is a multi published author whose books, "Sabbath's Room" and "Once A Brat" are quickly climbing the best seller lists.

"Diagnosis: Lupus: The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient" is Marilyn's account of her personal battle with Lupus.

Marilyn, welcome to Reading Rucker.

Marilyn: Thanks for inviting me.

1.. Marilyn, I know very little about Lupus. I wonder if you could explain the disease and it’s symptoms for our readers.

Marilyn: There are two types of lupus: discoid and systemic. The discoid lupus kind affects the skin, causing dark splotches along the hairline and over the face and body. A familiar sign of both types of lupus is a “butterfly” pattern across the bridge of the nose and under the eyes. A person with lupus does not necessarily have to have the butterfly rash. In the systemic kind, it’s an autoimmune disease where the immune system is overactive. The immune system sees vital organs of the body as invaders, and attacks them as if they were foreign bodies. Lupus has nothing to do with AIDS, I must point out. I like the ‘short’, understandable description of what lupus is: Think of the body as a fort, like in the Wild West Days. Every now and then, Indians would attack the fort, and the soldiers inside the fort (white blood cells) would repel the Indians (the infection). Then the fort (body) would settle down and go back to its usual routine, until the next Indian attack.
Only with lupus, there are no Indians. The soldiers inside the fort are ever ready for an attack, but the Indians don’t arrive, so the soldiers (stressed) turn on each other, fighting among themselves, eventually destroying the fort itself: lungs, kidneys, central nervous system, etc.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, Lupus is more common than Leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis and Multiple Sclerosis. And yet, the average person rarely knows about lupus and is generally misinformed, vaguely believing it to be “kind of like arthritis, isn’t it?” While my symptoms first presented themselves as “kind of like arthritis,” and I was thus diagnosed and treated for two years for RA, other symptoms soon presented themselves, until, after three emotionally charged and pain-filled years from the onset of symptoms, laboratory tests confirmed the presence of SLE, or Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
There is no known cause for any person contracting lupus. However, research has found that women of childbearing years are most susceptible, as are African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. Men can have lupus, but it is not as prevalent in males.
A family can have the tendency to develop lupus, as in a family with diabetes; certain family members would be more susceptible.
There is no definitive lab test, but if you show a positive ANA

(Anti-Nuclear Antibody factor, you most likely have lupus.
A rheumatologist should treat lupus patients.
Usually, lupus patients will be treated with steroids. Plaquenil, an anti-malarial, which was found by accident to prevent flares.
Persons with lupus should stay out of the sun, wear Sunscreen, avoid stress, and take your medicines as prescribed.

Symptoms of lupus include these fourteen factors:

Fatigue, overwhelming fatigue not caused by activity.

Do you have/ever had/been told you have:

Achy, painful and/or swollen joints for more than three months;

Fingers and/or toes becoming pale, numb or uncomfortable in the cold;

Sores in the mouth for more than two weeks;

Been told you have a low blood count, anemia, low white cell count or a low platelet count;

Ever had a prominent redness or color change in the shape of a butterfly across the bridge of your nose and cheeks;

An unexplained fever over 100 degrees for more than a few days;

A sensitivity to the sun where the skin breaks out after being in the sun (not a sunburn);

Had chest pain with breathing for more than a few days (pleurisy);

Been told you had protein in your urine;

Experienced persistent, extreme fatigue and weakness for days or weeks at a time even after 6-8 hours of restful nighttime sleep.

If you have 3 or more symptoms, you should see your doctor. As of today, there is no cure, but it is treatable.

2. How old were you when you were diagnosed with Lupus, and what kind of reaction did you have when the doctor told you that you had it?

Marilyn: I was 50 years old when I was finally diagnosed with lupus. Lupus generally strikes young women in their childbearing years, and since I was not typical, most doctors assumed it was rheumatoid arthritis. Until one doctor finally "connected the dots" and confirmed I did have lupus. My reaction was, "Thank God. We know what it is. Now we can treat it." He has told me that is a typical reaction, as we are exhausted from going from doctor to doctor with no relief for the unrelenting pain and fatigue.

3. Did your family and friends treat you any differently when you were diagnosed, or did they know about Lupus?

Marilyn: My children kind of panicked, but when I told them my prognosis was good, they began to relax a little and learned that lupus is a disease process, and I would most likely not die suddenly from lupus. Other systems may break down due to lupus, but so far, so good.

My parents alternately hovered and tried to avoid talking about it. They felt helpless, as a lot of relatives do. My friends were a huge support, since I live alone and they voiced their concerns and check on me often. A support system is essential for living with lupus. Family, friends, church – learn to lean on them for a change. I know, I know, we have always been the ones to comfort, rather than be comforted. To give, rather than receive, care, compassion and chicken soup to those in need. This is your turn.

4. I understand that people with Lupus can’t consume alcohol or seafood because of the adverse effects of the disease. Is this true?

Marilyn: I have not heard of that, but I do know a good diet is essential to my health, even without having lupus. I've never been one to drink, except maybe wine with a great dinner, but I have never been advised not to drink alcohol or avoid seafood.

5. Finally, were your experiences with Lupus what prompted you to write your book, Diagnosis: Lupus

Marilyn: I kept a daily journal recording my frustrations, anger and progress over the years, both before and after the diagnosis. I decided to take portions of this journal and put it in a book form so others wouldn’t feel so alone in their disease. I wanted to tell others that they weren’t the only persons whose families and society in general didn’t understand what was going on with them, physically and psychologically. I wrote this book to encourage anyone with a chronic illness to seek the best possible treatment, to be assertive with your doctors, and to spread awareness of lupus in general.

Linda:

Where and when can we get a copy of your book?

ISBN: 1-4137-6789-3: Diagnosis: Lupus – The Intimate Journal of a Lupus Patient
The publisher is PublishAmerica http://www.publishamerica.com/Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble – most bookstores have websites, or you can have your favorite bookstore order it for you.

For more information about lupus and support groups: Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. - http://www.lupus.org/

Thanks, Linda, for helping spread awareness of this baffling disease.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to drop by. I hope our readers have gained some insight into this disease. I wish you continued success with your books and with controlling your Lupus.
If any of you have any questions you'd like to ask Marilyn, please leave a comment and she'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Again, Marliyn, thanks for coming.

Lupus Foundation, lupus, Marilyn Celeste Morris, living with lupus, ReadingRucker

Lupus FoundationMarilyn Celeste Morriss Reading Rucker

Just a quick note to remind everyone that I will be hosting Author Marilyn Celeste Morris tomorrow on Reading Rucker.
Be sure to stop by and visit with us and leave Marilyn a comment or two.
We will be discussing Lupus, and its effects on families and friends of those suffering with the disease.
And remember that May is National Lupus Awareness Month.
Thanks.

Lupus Foundation, Lupus, Marilyn Celeste Morris, lupus books, Lupus Awareness