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Do you have family dinners?

6/8/2016

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Today’s family lifestyles of longer work hours for moms and dads and excessive after school activities for children have given way to the drive-thru meals eaten in the car between one place and another. Significant conversation is minimal while eye contact is nil as many continue to live their lives on the go. The mandatory dinner presence so many of us experienced from our own childhood remains only a memory and rarely practiced as part of contemporary lifestyles.

Is the family dinner time old fashioned? Personally, I tend to think not. My boys are grown, now. They are either in school, or have jobs of their own. At this point of our lives, we are not always together for dinner. However, since my boys have grown up in a household where everyone was sitting at the kitchen table by 6pm, they have come to value such gatherings when the opportunity comes about now that they are older and not around as much. In fact, there is an obvious contentment when we manage such a family dinner. It feels right, feels like home. As they anxiously dig into whatever the chow may be, someone will often comment, “Hey, we’re all together,” which brings a profound smile of acknowledgment by all before conversation is in full gear as everyone catches up with each other.

Finding time to eat as a family when chasing to dance class or basketball practice after school gives the family a chance to slow down and take a breather from a hectic afternoon. Consistent family dinnertime will create a routine for children. Such stability is important for kids. Whether it is hot dogs, pizza, or filet mignon being served, the food on the table has no importance in comparison to the shared conversation about the school day, friends, work, etc. At the same time, an interest and concern for other family members is naturally developed. We all wish our children to grow up with good family memories and values which can be passed down to their own children. And, it is the good memories which will turn a house into a home.

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Music & Memories

6/8/2016

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​When you hear a song on the radio that was a favorite tune during your teen years, or perhaps early 20's, does your heart flutter at the memory of your life back then? Did you play that song over and over again on your phonograph? Or, were you falling in love at the time a tune was most popular? As a teen or young adult, storing the memory of songs which spark our attention when hearing it on the radio is known as the ‘reminiscent bump’. Besides music, this psychological analysis for our response to certain songs also holds true for books and movies. At the age of 10 until 25, our minds absorbed the repetitive sounds of our favorite tunes, and what was going on in our lives at the time. The age from 16 until 20 is the peak period of this ‘reminiscent bump’ period. So, the next time you hear an oldie, but goodie, there is a reason behind your nostalgic emotions. Enjoy the memories!

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The Soul of a Fiction Writer

6/8/2016

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​How is a work of fiction inspired? Where does that first sentence come from? When does the writer realize the premise of the imaginary tale? As the creator begins developing the work of fiction, the foundation of the story, including the characters, the plot, and the setting, is often unknown until the fingers begin dabbling away on the keyboard. Then again, creative thoughts are often a story which has consumed the mind of the writer for weeks, months, and sometimes even years. However it comes about, the power of the imagination brings the author’s ideas to life. The location, surroundings, and scenery are authentically visualized. Word by word, the characters become genuine individuals with distinct personalities and traits, which leads to the story behind the fictitious people miraculously launched into existence.  As the creative project continues to be developed, it begins to consume the writer as it gets under the skin, and into the soul - every part of the author’s being.  The imagination is permeated with ideas for the story’s progression and conclusion. When the three letter word  -end- is added at the finale, the writer will take a long deep breath, exhale, and realize the story he or she gave birth to was a labor of love for the gift of writing a work of fiction.

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Writing & Cooking

6/8/2016

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Writing and cooking are two of my favorite activities whenever time permits.  I’ve come to realize that each have similar elements. Whether creating a recipe or writing an article, blog, or even a book, each necessitates the proper ingredients for an optimal outcome. Preparing a special entrée takes just the right ingredients which will complement each other in flavor. Too much of one spice and not enough of another can change the whole dynamic of the dish being prepared. When writing, the words are my ingredients that come together for my intended audience. That audience of prepared dishes or writings will differ, so recipes or words will also vary. For instance, a romance story wouldn't be written with the intention of children reading the material. Just like chicken nuggets and boxed macaroni and cheese wouldn't be prepared for an adult dinner party.
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Just as writers find pleasure in the art of writing, those who take pride in cooking are doing so for the art and pleasure it brings, and the joy of sharing their prize creation. Each are done with a labor of love, and often come with critique of others which will be used to polish future endeavors.
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Are Audiobooks for You?

6/8/2016

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There’s nothing more relaxing than curling up with a good book on a rainy day when there’s nothing else to do, nowhere to be. This thought may be true for many. Some will prefer an actual print book with ability to turn pages, while others count on their digital means of reading, whether it’d be a computer, tablet, or phone.  Where do audio books fall in popularity when it comes to a different method of reading a novel?
 
Although as far back as the 1930s there’s been audio capabilities from spoken albums, it was about the 1980s and later when publishers and book sellers began to put videocassettes, DVDs, and compact discs on their shelves. Nowadays, we’ve gone a step further by hearing the words of the author in a downloadable format. Is all this audio stuff taking away from words that would once be read with our eyes? 
 
Many who support today’s newest method of reading would think not. Here are a few benefits of audiobooks for young and old:


  • Listening to a narrator tell a story allows one to create a visual of a story. Audio books enhance writing, vocabulary, speaking and listening skills. Hearing the spoken words of a novel will open minds up to the historical tradition of storytelling.
  • The spoken words of a novel can be amusing as many narrators are actors projecting their own unique tone of voices for different characters in the book.
  • There are many folks who would love to read, but find it difficult to keep focus of a 300 page novel. Hence, their books pile up only half read if even that.
  • The several hours of a road trip can pass by much quicker when listening to an audio book. In fact, I know of many who listen to book after book simply during their drive to work every day.
  • Books can be listened to in a group, as a family. All will hear the same thing, but may have different thoughts and interpretations which may be opened for discussion. Audio books could also be a new way of participating in a book club.
  • Audio books are perfect for busy lifestyles while working out, taking a walk, riding a bike, mowing the lawn, cleaning the house and more. That audio book will make your undesired chores not seem so bad!

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A Circle of Writers

6/8/2016

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After my third novel, Gracie Mae, was published, I began utilizing social media sites at a whole new level. While my intentions have been to connect with readers, I've also been connecting with other writers who are on similar paths. The support between fellow indie authors and writers is an amazing phenomenon. I must say, I am proud to be among the social media circle of these creative individuals who take the time to help, advise, and promote each other.  A comment by Paul Anthony Shortt which I came across earlier today says, “I find there are two kinds of family, the one you’re born with and the one you choose for yourself. The one you choose, regardless of blood relation, will always support you.” How fortunate I am to have chosen a family of wonderful writers.
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