Bring back our America!

Watching the news every morning, it becomes increasingly clear that Americans are losing the battle to save our country, our way of life, our Constitutional rights.
How did we allow this to happen? By sheer blindness and stupidity, a fixed election, fraud, duplicity, lies, manipulation and let us not forget the complicity of the lame stream, alphabet media.
Every day we are bombarded by the ever more insidious antics of the man who calls himself POTUS.
WE have had more scandals in this administration than in any other in the history of this country.
We have a POTUS who continually violates the law, ignores the Constitution he has sworn to uphold and thumbs his nose at Congress while he takes his now famous "pen" and signs endless Executive orders that directly violates the law and surpasses his Executive powers.
And what happens? Nothing! There doesn't seem to be a Congressman or  Senator in DC that has the right to call themselves an American!
I'd like to know just what it is that these clowns are afraid of! Does Obama have pictures of them all in compromising positions? Is he making sizable deposits into their personal accounts, or is he holding their children hostage?
What is it that keeps these elected officials from impeaching Obama's

sorry, worthless ass?
How much more destruction does this idiot have to unleash on this country and her people before action to impeach and imprison him is taken?
But, an even better question is how much more does Obama have to do to we, the people, before WE rise up and take matters into our own hands?

Pelosi Urging Bailout of Auto Industry

Speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi is urging Congress and President Bush to bail out the ailing auto industry. She is quoted as saying:
"In order to prevent the failure of one or more of the major American automobile manufacturers, which would have a devastating impact on our economy, particularly on the men and women who work in that industry, Congress and the Bush Administration must take immediate action."
So, where does this stop? We, the American taxpayers are already shouldering the 700 plus billion dollar bailout of the financial institutions that through greed and stupidity very nearly bankrupted this country. We will be paying for that one for a very long time, but of course for the Democrats, it is simply business as usual. Tax the people, make them pay for the stupidity of the big guns in this country.
And then, let's bailout some other incompetents, greedy slugs, like the auto industry.
Come on folks, these guys have known for at least a decade, and likely much longer that our oil supply was going to dry up eventually, but did they make any effort to find alternative fuels? Did they make any effort to come up with more fuel efficient cars? No, they came up with Excursions, Suburbans, Hummers, huge tanks of vehicles that guzzled gas like a camel on it's monthly fill up of water.
They gave no thought to the future, not only of this country's energy supply, but to the thousands of people who work for them. Nope, their only thought was money, money and more money. Their only concern was for the huge, fat bonus and compensation packages they could hand over to their executives. There was no thought for the guy who bolts on those fenders, and his family.
And Pelosi and the Democrats are no better. NOW they want to cry about the plight of the American auto worker, now that GM is looking at failure, they are so concerned about the workers. Where was this phony concern when GM, Ford and Chrysler were churning out huge gas guzzling trucks and SUVs. They made no effort to slow down the manufacturers, gave no word of warning that if they didn't stop they would likely go under.
Why would they? The Democrats simply shake their heads, like a doting parent only slightly exasperated by a mischievous child, and look the other way.
No worries, hey the Feds can bail the auto industry out. The American taxpayer can foot the bill.
So when does this stop? We have bailed out the banks, we've bailed out the airlines, we're certainly going to bail out the auto industry,so what's next?
Hey, through my own carelessness, my credit cards are all over the limit, so does this mean I can count on the Feds to bail me out? Why not? Is my bad judgment any less deserving of a handout than Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or GM?
Let's see, we tossed the tea into that Boston Harbor for what reason? Oh yeah, to protest taxation. Maybe a better plan would have been to toss the politicians.


GM bailout
Nancy Pelosi
federal bailout
auto industry bailout
readingrucker

"mutts like me." Three little, ordinary words that carried far more weight than President elect Obama might imagine.
I was a bit miffed when my favorite soap was interrupted by a press conference by our new President elect. We are definitely NOT going to get along well, I huffed as Vicki, Charile, Natalie, Jarrod and Tina were rudely preempted by this new kid on the block, just three short days after winning the single most historic election this country has ever seen. But, there he was, grinning from ear to ear, telling all and sundry about the puppy he was going to get for his girls.
Now, I can pretty much swallow those tiresome Presidential interruptions of my soaps when they are about , well, really just national security, but a puppy? Not a good start, my friends, not a good way to win this voters admiration, I can tell you.
But then he uttered those three little words, and my ears perked up and I began to really listen to the guy.
By the end of his conference, I was somewhat mollified by his interruption.
Here we have this tall, handsome, young man calling himself a mutt. I know he was referring to his racial heritage, but coming from Obama, the word mutt sounded almost complimentary.
This is the next President of United States of America and here he is, standing in front of dozens of cameras, calling himself a mutt in front of millions of people, indeed in front of the world, and I actually felt a lump, a tiny one mind you, but a lump nonetheless, of pride in this country and in this man.
And then I began to think about mutts. Mutts, as a rule are by far more intelligent, more loyal, more fiercely protective of their people than any purebred out there, and I got the message President Obama was trying, oh so subtly, to convey to the world.
We have a man in the White House now who will put America first; a man who will do whatever is necessary to protect his country and his people and one who is intelligent enough to understand that sometimes force is necessary to protect his own, but he will try reasoning first. He will try conversation, and will try to convince anyone who would think to undermine this country that it would be in their best interest to stop and re-think their position. Kind of like that old mutt, giving a warning growl before snapping at the would be intruder. Smart man, Obama. I wonder how many others came away from that press conference with the same notion that I did?
I think, most likely for the vast majority of folks out there, President Obama's reference to mutts was taken as a racial reference, and from the news reports I read this morning, I see I'm right.
Everyone has stayed on that old bi-racial bandwagon. Here is a man who had a white mother and an African father, a bi-racial man who is now President of the United States. And everyone is calling him the first African-American President, everyone but me apparently.
When I look at President Obama, I see a man, just a man and I have to wonder why he has to have that label. Why does he have to be either or? Why does he have to be labeled as half white or half black? Why can't he just be an American?
We have elected a mutt to the highest office in the country and for that we need to be applauded. We chose intelligence, loyalty, and a fierce protectiveness over the weakened bloodlines of a purebred. And just as most American's love and care for their mutts, let us love and support our new President, regardless of his lack of pedigree.
Oh, and for the record, I didn't vote for him. Did I make the wrong choice? Only time will tell.

President Obama
bi-racial
mutts
linda l rucker
President Obama

With the election only four short days away, I still haven't made up my mind.
As a member of the G.O.P., I am of course inclined to vote for my candidate, but I am not sure if that is the correct choice. Of course Dems so no, and Reps say of course it is, but I don't know.
I like and respect John Mccain. He has a proven track record, he is well versed in the ways of Washington and most of all, he has the experience to see this country through any threat to our security. But, on the other hand, I'm not sure I like his thoughts on the economy. And, I question his choice of running mates. I really like Sara Palin, she's quirky, cute and funny, but is she ready to lead this country if the worst should happen to Mccain? I don't think so.
Which brings me to Obama. I like him. I was almost as drawn into the Obama-mania as millions of others have been, but managed to stop just short of blind adoration. There is something just the least bit off about Obama. I don't know what it is, can't really put my finger on it. Perhaps it is his Jim Jones ability to work his followers up into a blind and rabid frenzy, or maybe it's his smooth, enticing speech that draws people in. But, one has to wonder if that smoothness hides something inherently evil? Is he the anti-Christ as has been said? Not being a believer in such nonsense, I doubt it very much. But, you have to admit there is something that has caused normally stoic and intelligent people to go absolutely ga-ga over this man. His rallies put me in mind of the Beattle's concerts back in the 60's, with the screaming and the swooning and the crying.
Question now is, do we want a president that is a rock star, and the target of hate mongering, redneck lunatics or do we want one that is subject to kicking off before the end of his term leaving us in the "capable" hands of a soccer mom?
Decisions, decisions.

Obama
Macain

Nice looking couple, huh? My oldest daughter and her husband, a match made in Hell and finally she sees that.
After five long, painful years of beatings, betrayals, isolation, control and emotional torment, she has finally seen the light, but at what price did this eureka moment come?
Three years ago, he came home one night drunker than Cooter Brown after spending the weekend with his "kids" in South Georgia, leaving my daughter and her children alone. He brought a hand made hickory club with him and my daughter was awakened by him beating her with the club. He nearly killed her. Thankfully, my granddaughter called 911 while hiding in her closet, terrified.
He was arrested, tried and placed on three years felony probation, with a warning from the judge that if he ever came before his bench again for beating my daughter, he would spend five years in prison.
Why do women insist that their love and understanding will change a violent, abusive controll freak?
Over the last three years, my daughter has been repeatedly beaten, slapped, kicked, punched, been tossed around like a rag doll and held a virtual prisoner in her home- make that HIS home, as he is so quick to remind her daily.
She began drinking to ease her pain and to endure the isolation from her family and friends. Not a good choice. She is now a raging alcoholic, and still a punching bag for him.
A few months ago he moved his son down to their house, and after a fight he started, my daughter left, drunk, got arrested for a DUI and he left her sitting in jail. Her friend bailed out after three days. She came to my house, stayed a few days, moved in with her brother for a couple of weeks, and in the meantime, he kicked my daughter's oldest son (19) out of his house because my grandson dared to call him on bringing his girlfriends home and laying up with them in his mother's bed.
Two weeks after that, she went back to him. I don't get it. But, it gets better. Over the next month, she was beaten a total of fifteen times, in front of her kids, and his. My grandchildren are so selfish that they begged their mother not to leave this animal just so they could stay around their friends. Never mind the lessons those kids were learning, never mind the beatings their mother was taking.
A month later, he moves his ex wife into their home. Supposedly, she and their son would be moving into their own place in a couple of weeks.
Oh, but the insanity gets better. He began hitting the bar every night, most nights not even bothering to come home. He quit buying groceries, telling my daughter those were her kids and her responsibility, not his. Nice guy, huh?
Last Friday night it all came to a head. He'd been gone for about a week straight, staying with his ex and their son. His ex came to the house, told my daughter that she needed to get out for awhile and took her to a bar. Yeah, an alcoholic in a bar, smart move, but she went.
After all this time my daughter has zero self-respect, self esteem or the will to do the right thing.
The ex introduced her to a 'friend' of hers and then after a few hours of drinking, took my daughter and the 'friend' back to my daughter's house.
Now, one thing my daughter isn't is promiscuous. She doesn't sleep around; fear of AIDS stops that, and hopefully she still has at least a shred of self-respect.
So her and the 'friend sat in the den with two of my grandkids and their friends and listened to music.
Not suprising to me at least, the husband comes raging in and pounds on the 'friend' runnning him off and then starts on my daughter.
He beats her savagely, then leaves after my grand daughter THREATENS to call the cops.
Forty-five minutes later he comes back and starts in on her again. When he is through, she has two cracked ribs, two black eyes, multiple contusions and a handful of her hair is lying on the carpet.
And my granddaughter, finally calls the cops. Unbeknownst to him, his ex or even my daughter, my granddaughter has videoed the second beating and when the cops arrive, she shows it to them.
Mr. Mister now has a warrant for his arrest for felony domestic battery, violation of probation and he's staring hard at five years in prison, which to me isn't nearly long enough.
Am I happy that finally she will be away from him? I wish I could be, but I know that if my grand daughter hadn't videoed that last beating, my daughter would go back to that bastard.
I don't understand. I will never understand. Do you?


readingrucker
domestic violence
spousal abuse

Should Fox News Apologize?

During my wandering down the information super highway yesterday, I came across the entire 'sermon' by Jeremiah Wright that has created a firestorm of controversy around Barack Obama and scored a damaging( but not fatal) hit to his campaign.
What I read was not only shocking, but infuriating and once again places the media in a bad light.
While Fox News was quick to bring us the 'news' of Jeremiah Wrights' apparent racist remarks, what they failed to do, and I can only assume it was by design, (whose though is another question) was to report the ENTIRE sermon, portions of which came directly from the Bible.
The quotes that caused the most ire with the voting public : "God Bless America, no God DAMN America" and "America's Chicken's have come home to roost" were not even Jeremiah Wright's but those of US Ambassador Edward Peck, a white man who served as US Ambassador to Iraq under Jimmy Carter. Peck spent 32 years in the US Foreign Service.
Another part of the sermon that was not reported: "I heard Ambassador Peck on an interview yesterday," Wright declared. "He was on Fox News. This is a white man and he was upsetting the Fox News commentators to no end. He pointed out, a white man, an ambassador, that what Malcolm X said when he got silenced by Elijah Muhammad was in fact true: America's chickens are coming home to roost."
Wright went on to list other American endeavors that he found particularly unsettling, namely the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
On further investigation, I discovered that many PROMINENT Americans: Dwight Eisenhower, Herbert Hoover, and Albert Einstien to name a few, were horrified by the idea that American's would result to such drastic measures to end a war that by all reports was already won.
The surrender of Japan was all but a fait accompli when the decision to drop the bombs was made.
Wright's commented that the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki "killed far more people than the few thousand that died on 9-11, and we never batted an eye", and in that he was correct.
Wright went on to say: " Violence begets violence; hatred begets hatred, and terrorism begets terrorism." And he ended his 'faith footnote" by attributing his comments to the man who made them, Edward Peck, "A white ambassador said that yall, not a black militant, not a reverend who preaches about racism, an ambassador whose eyes are wide open and is trying to get us to wake up and move away from this dangerous precipice... the ambassador said that the people we have wounded don't have the military capability we have, but they do have individuals who are willing to die and take thousands with them... let me stop my faith footnote right there."
Now taken out of context as these quotes most certainly were by Fox News, it is easy to see how Jeremiah Wright's words have inspired such passion and aroused such anger in the American public. But, when you take the time to read the entire sermon, then the 'clear' cut picture of Wright as a racist and anti-American becomes a bit cloudy.
Fox News knew the entire truth, they had the whole sermon and yet they chose to present only the most damaging portions and failed to attribute those quotes to the man who actually made them, a white man no less.
As to the other comment about the US of KKKA, still digging around on that one. But given the sin of omission committed by Fox News, nothing would surprise me there.
This biased reporting against Obama had one Fox News anchor man get up and walk off the set. Brian Kilmeade walked off the set after a dispute with co-hosts Gretchen Carlson and Steve Doocy. and "Fox News Sunday" host CHris Wallace railed against "Fox and Friends" for what he termed "Obama Bashing." This was reported on the Huffington Post.
One has to wonder who's pocket Fox has snuggled down in. If you're going to report the news, report it accurately, and without bias. Let the American public make their own decisions about controversial reports, don't make it for us.
We want factual reporting, not sensational journalism. We don't care about your ratings and we certainly don't care about your personal political preferences. You are supposed to be un-biased, but Fox has proven themselves to be anything but.
Does Fox owe Wright and Obama an apology? I don't know and it's not my decision to make, but I do think they owe the rest of America one. Stop lying, and start doing your job, which is to report the news accurately and truthfully, with the emphasis on 'fully'.

Tags: FoxNews

Tags: Barack Obama

Tags: Jeremiah Wright\'s Sermon

Clinton v. Obama

This race is getting tighter and more exciting every day. I love reading all the excuses and nonsense Clinton and her core group keep coming up with for why she is beginning to fall behind in the race.
She's waiting for Texas and Ohio to bail her out. Question is, will they?
Personally, I can't see either Texas or Ohio being drawn in by the 'promises' Hillary is making.
She really won't be able to deliver on her promise of National Healthcare now any more than she could the last time she was in the White House. She has all these grand ideas. Okay, so why didn't she implement them eight or ten years ago? All of these arguments would have been moot by now if she had.
Trouble is, any one of the candidates can promise National Healthcare, but none of them will be able to deliver, and personally, I don't think it's something we really need to get involved with.
Health care in this country isn't the best in the world by any stretch, but it is far superior to that in a lot of other countries, but how would it fare if we had a National Health Care Plan? It would take a lot of tax dollars to get that going, not to mention the drug companies would go ballistic if they were forced into a strict pricing guideline. And how about the doctors? Surely no one in this country is naive enough to honestly beleive that people are spending hundreds of thousands of dolllars for medcial school just to be paid a pittance by the feds for thier knowledge and expertise. Face it, money is the bottom line for most of these doctors, so getting them to go along with this plan is going to be tricky at best, impossible actually if you think about it.
But, the promise of health care for everyone aside, when is this country going to wake up and realize that letting the same politicains with the same greed, corrupt morals and dirty dealings keep runnning the country from different seats is never going to work?
Clinton is so busy slinging mud at Obama for his past misdeeds, she seems to have forgotten hers, but we haven't.
America does not need any more of the Clinton's bullying of the delegates, threats, coercion or empty promises. Hillary is tired and it shows, her politics are worn and outdated and it shows.
Obama is fresh and new and brings a bright ray of hope to this political weary nation.
As a registered Republican I have to say this: If Obama wins the nomination, as he by rights should do, then he will get my vote in Nov. If Clinton gets it, then McCain's my go to guy, and I think a lot of Democrats feel the same way.
Maybe they are as sick of the bullying Clintons as I am. Maybe they are as ready for a change as I am. Let's hope so. And let's hope that Texas and Ohio grow a pair and show Clinton that they are ready for a new direction like the rest of the country.

Hillary Clinton Obama
Barrack Obama election 2008
politics John McCain National Healthcare Plan

Ted Kennedy finally got something right! After years of watching him sit on his fat tookus, eyes bleary, jowls sagging, I was beginning to wonder if the last of the Kennedy wunderkinds was ever going to do something to draw attention to himself.
Looks like he did, when he endorsed Senator Barrack Obama over that Clinton woman.
For Obama, that was quite a coup, for Clinton, mostly a slap in the face.
While Obama is young,and may even be lacking in experience, he is far from lacking in fresh, new ideas. His stance on health care and the economy is a bright star of hope on an other wise dismal horizon for Americans.
While Clinton's on the other hand is more of the same tired old B.S. the Clintons and other hard line Dems have been espousing for years, and doing nothing about.
America is definitely ready for a change. Why elect a woman to the office of President if all she can do is repeat the same failed policies that she tried to implement ten years ago? Electing Clinton simply because she is a woman would be a disaster for this country.
If we, as Americans really want change; want a fresh new approach to politics as usual, then why elect someone who's basically already been there, done that?
A fresh, new appraoch to politics in D.C. really rests on the shoulders of Barrack Obama.
Yes, he is a black man, and yes we still, even in the 21st century still have a lot of idiots out there who are appalled at the very idea of a black man sitting in the oval office.
To them I say, get over it. Your brand of patriotism is, to quote Margaret Mitchell, "gone with the wind" or should be.
If we are entertaning the idea of electing a woman as President, then it makes equal sense to entertain the idea of electing the first blck man as President. Given a choice between the two, I'll take Obama any day.
He is basically untried, so he brings new ideas to the table, unlike Clinton who apparently hasn't a single original idea in her head, but rather is riding her husbands coat tails to the White House.
I think Mitt Romney said it best when he said, "you can't effect change if you keep putting the same people in Washington in different chairs."
Am I an Obama supporter? Certainly. Will I vote for him? Depends on who the Republican candidate turns out to be. I am, after all, a registered Republican, but even I am ready for a change.

Politics
current affairs
news
current events

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
Kfed
Kevin Federline
Britney news
Celebrity Gossip
Lindsay Lohan
Paris Hilton

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:
Dorothy Thompson
ghosts
paranormal
supernatural
ghost stories

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
readingrucker
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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