MoreStories

Holidays are Past...Welcome 2010

2010-01-02T12:47:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The tree was taken down this morning and put by the curb for pick-up; I felt sad that we had to toss it, because it was part of us for a few weeks, and we were part of "it."

The ornaments are all wrapped snuggly, and packed away now,-- the ornaments that we have carried over from year to year: old fashioned balls, special Christmas trinkets, dated items we picked up over the decades from craft fairs, and special handmade ornaments that my granddaughter made especially for "MeMa," dotted the delicate branches.

We would carefully place all the bells on the bottom row so when our cat was batting at the tree, trying to get the ornaments off, we would be warned when we heard the tinkling of the bells. He is now in kitty heaven, but we still put up one of the bells to remember him.

Just a few moments ago I heard a "tinkling" of a bell, as the back door opened. That was one of the jingle bells that was overlooked. It reminded me of two things: was my cat's spirit in and around the house today, and the bell was his way of saying "I am here," as well as the jingling coming from Santa's sleigh.

The house is empty now, and the living room seems bland. How nice it would be to keep the Christmas spirit, and all it entails, each and every day of the year. The catchy Christmas tunes no longer play on the radio. The Christmas cd's and dvd's are packed up until next Christmas. No more Christmas cards will come in the mail..... the holidays are past.

We are in the infancy of 2o10. There is nothing wrong in keeping those Christmas thoughts, tunes, and the spirit of Christmas within your heart. The ornaments and all may be packed away and out of site, but the spirit of the season is always with you...if it wasn't, then why do we have "Christmas in July" sometimes. I know I play some Christmas music then, and every single day I try to do my Christmas duty.

Keep "Christ" in Christmas... keep Christ in your life, and do His work. That's what the spirit is all about.

The holidays may be past, but the spirit should always be present....Welcome 2010!

New Year New Attitude

2009-12-28T02:04:00.000-08:00

Seems like we just were anticipating the "turning of the century" with the year 2000, and now we are just about completing it's first decade.

When we look back, do we feel as if we have accomplished some goals, tried to better ourselves, gave to others as we should, and did good deeds?

As we raise our glass of wine at 12 midnight on January 1, 2010 and greet the new year, we should also greet a new attitude toward many things; only you know what those "things" are.
I don't mean "resolutions," as we should make new resolutions every day, learning from yesterday's mistakes, and doing better each new day to become a better person, but to make each moment really count in our lives.

Have we shown total appreciation for family members? Do we give "quality" time to our small children, and elderly family and friends, or do we take them for granted, have wispy thoughts and good intentions, then we are back at square one---putting our needs first.

Maybe in 2010 you can take an hour out of your schedule and visit a lonely person at a nursing home. These residents are not necessarily older people, but could be young and have the misfortune of now living in a home long term. It could be YOU!

We all know people who are needy and not necessarily in a nursing home. Reach out to them. If you find it difficult, and not sure of how to go about it, pray to the Holy Spirit, and to Jesus, to "guide your thoughts " on how you can make a difference.

Are we watching how we spend our money? People spend --not because they need, but because they WANT. Why do they "want?" Are they feeling a sense of loss in their life, and buying something they cannot afford to make them happy? It might make them happy for a little while, but the sad gap is still there. This also goes for overeating--comfort food. That which is habit, soon becomes necessity. New Year New Attitude-- make changes to overcome these sad gaps...no, it won't be easy! NO, IT WON'T BE EASY! But only we can make our own happiness.

Has someone done a good deed for you: allowed you to cross a busy street, let you make the turn on a busy road, let you go ahead in line at the food store, dug out a few pennies to give to that stranger at the register when the cashier needed "just 2 cents more." Has someone sent over a container of soup, or made you a dishful of food and sent it over when you were out of work or when you were sick?

Think about all this. When you take with your left hand, give something with your right hand. Pass it forward. It is better to give.....unasked.

2010 NEW YEAR NEW ATTITUDE Make a difference. Go the extra mile. Put your needs and wants aside and Pass it forward. Pray

Then when 2010 passes, and we are entering 2011, we can look back and be proud of accomplishing new goals, and that we gave to others, put our own needs aside, and know that we have bettered ourselves......and bettered others.

For those of you who have turned 50 years old, you have to realize that half your life has passed, and in looking back, can you say you accomplished what you wanted, so far, learned, grew, taught, shared when you had to? By the time you are 50, you should be taking all that you have learned all your life and start applying it; you will NOT get back those years again. It is also "never to late to begin."

God has given us borrowed time here on earth to do for others in need. He will look down upon you, and when you least expect it, He will bless you in ways that you would never believe is possible.
HAPPY NEW YEAR..... HAPPY NEW ATTITUDE!

Certain People Are Put In Our Path.....

2009-12-22T03:59:00.000-08:00

Life...it's all about people. People we work with, people we call, people we live with, people who pass us by in a car, or walking, or in a store. Some people are labeled "friend," some are labeled "family," some....are unlabled.

"Treat people as you want to be treated," so the saying goes. Do you find it difficult to do the right thing, and then you are treated badly? Do the right thing anyway.

Put aside your material things in life, and give more time to those "people" who are in need, whether they are nice to you or not. God is watching, and maybe testing you! Make a difference in someone's life; you will be blessed. God will reward you, one day. He actually may send a special person to you...put them in your path. Make 2010 a giving year.

Certain people are put in our path; some come and go, and some walk beside us. What are we without each other?

From the Heart

2009-12-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

As we head for the end of December, and the end of 2009, we should reflect back over those 52 weeks, and ask ourselves, "Did I accomplish everything I set my heart on doing last year at this time ? Did I discipline myself to follow my heart on decisions, and most of all, did I learn anything that I have a special place for in my heart?"

Life has changed so drastically over the last year. The world has not changed, the people have changed, and we are now facing many adversities with politicians, criminals, and many others. They have no heart. You cannot serve money and God, so I ask you to "follow your heart," and pray for peace: peace in the world, peace with others, and peace...in your heart.

Have a heart this Christmas season, keeping God FIRST. Warm someone's heart, someone who may annoy you, scrape at you, or someone you have weeded out of your life, and do something wonderful for them--give them something from your heart. This is the true meaning of giving in God's eyes.

Thank you for this "Heart-to- Heart." MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR

Let the leaves FALL where they may...

2009-10-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

It seemed like yesterday when I said, "It is already September, where did the summer go?" Now I will say, "Here we are in October; another month, as well as another season is here."

If you are in the northeast, you will experience some of nature's most beautiful gifts. What comes to mind initially, for me, are the fall colors. I actually found a fall leaf on July 1 at a local park nearby. Reaching to pick it up, it was so hard to believe that on July 1, there was already a colorful leaf on the ground. "Were there more?" I asked myself.

Now I am noticing that more squirrels are scampering quickly everywhere. My driveway, as well as the stairs that go to my back porch and my front porch, have remnants of acorn shells and walnut and chestnut shells that the little critters broke open, and "somewhere" cleverly hid their food for the winter. Don't ask me "how," but we found a pear in the driveway with "little nibbles" all over it. I wonder how the the little critter carried that darn thing!

Back in the mid 1980's I wrote a children's story, which included thoughts of what I am sharing today, so far. I am working with a literary agent on my book, and it is in the process of being accepted by a publishing company. I won't share what is in the book about the squirrels, but I will assure you that they have a good part in the book. So, you will just have to get the book when it is on the book shelves. It is entitled, "NOW I WANT A HORSE."

Actually, it is a bunny story! Yes, you read that correctly....a bunny story for children 3 years old and up. The story takes place in Naugatuck, CT., and is a true experience. The story took place over two seasons, and a little bit about the fall season, which makes for a special blend.

I invite you to visit the website, still in progress at: http://seriogirlstories.com

The first week in October is just about behind us, and the leaves on the trees are colorfully gathered hugging the sides of the roads, dotting the yards, and flittering down upon us as we walk or drive. Enjoy each moment of the season....and let the leaves FALL where they may..

Where did the summer go?

2009-09-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

September is here and we are at the end of the summer; hopefully, we are at the end of the heat and humidity, as well. This is such a beautiful time of the year--I actually saw a "fall" leaf on July 1 !
Whether it is a new month, or a new day, we should face each one with the thought, "new attitude." I often say, "new day, new attitude," and try to learn from yesterday's mistakes, getting another chance with the new day, not to make those mistakes again. Life is a great teacher.

What does September bring for you? Do you ever ask, "How can I make a difference today?" How can YOU make a difference today? We get more bonus points if we do something for someone we don't like; what good is there in doing something for someone who is not in need...just because they are a friend? You might think, "I do for those who do for me." Well, there is nothing wrong in that, but why not reach out and help someone in whatever way is needed, for someone who is less fortunate? Now, that is one way you can make a difference!

God may bless you, so take it with your left hand, and give it away with your right hand. And if a good deed was done for you...... pass it forward. YOU can make a difference.... little by little.

"Now I Want a Horse" Yes, it's a bunny story!

2009-08-11T04:43:00.000-07:00

That sure is a silly name for a bunny story! Writer's are strange in their thinking sometime....have you ever noticed that?
In this story, which is a true experience, Marie worked from the second half of the book first.....again...aren't writers strange in their thinking! This is a book that was written in the late 1980s, as well as many other books that are sitting there to be published. If you want to write, your best bet is to write about "what you know."

I invite you to visit my website, still in progress about my bunny story. Please go to: http://seriogirlstories.com

Once you are there, please scroll down to where it says:
To get on the mailing list, and there you can click on
MoreStories107@aol.com

and list the e mail addresses for my mailing list....if you know 20,000 people, I need 20,000 e mail addresses! That, my agent requests...its not another strange way of thinking from this writer!

On my blog that you are reading today, I ask that you please click on
FOLLOWERS
and register as one of my followers --pass the word!

"Now I Want a Horse" should be out on the bookshelves by mid-2010

So, hop to it!

Charity run for Leukemia

2009-08-10T04:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, people come into our path by fate, and this is exactly what happened to me. A couple weeks ago I ventured back to a beautiful town in Ct. to take a unique picture on someone's property. My heart was set on getting that photo, but little did I know that my heart would be touched by the owner and his son.
At first glance, and first meeting, Bob and Robyn, his son, are very ordinary, down-to-earth people. They shared some thoughts with (my) Bob and I about this unique photo I was taking; they didn't pull out the gun to shoo us off the property!
On the other hand, we found out that Robyn goes to LA every year in the fall to do a charity run of 26 miles for research and the cure of Leukemia. When they shared that, I totally forgot about what we were there for to begin with, and became engrossed with such a great deed!
I ask that you please check out the website, and make a donation to this great cause.

Pages.teamintraining.Org/ct/nikesf09/rheller

It might mean you give up a pack of cigarettes, a six pack of beer, or maybe disciplining yourself to "do a good deed" today for this great cause. Remember... "It is better to give...unasked."

Although I am only an advocate for Robyn and Team in Training, I thank you for taking the time to read this blog; ask yourself, 'How can I make a difference?' Robyn and Team in Training thanks you as well.

And... as far as that mystery photo you are wondering about... I will be using it as a postcard, so if you would like me to send it along, please e mail me and let me know! I will send it right after I make that donation to Team in Training.... the Leukemia fund!

My Newsletter out soon....

2009-08-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting my blog! As a writer, I am always thinking, and one of the things I thought about was to write a newsletter, and share it with you! It will be short and sweet, as we all know that nobody wants to spend a lot of time reading a long and dragged out e mail or newsletter. The only thing that you will spend a lot of time on, is how I made you feel, what I made you think about, and how you actually related.

If you would like to register for my "free" newsletter, please e mail me at MoreStories107@aol.com. Please do not send me jokes or funny e mails. The newsletter is strictly my thoughts, as a writer, to share with you. If you feel you need to ask me a question on a personal basis, and I can help you, please feel free to send a separate e mail, and it will be kept in strict confidence.

Well, I thanked you for visiting my blog, and now I will thank you for taking the time to read the blog; hopefully, I will hear from you. Communication is everything!

Enjoy your day -- make every moment count, don't count every moment.

JOY IS NOT IN THINGS... IT IS IN US

2009-08-08T04:55:00.000-07:00

Where does your joy come from? Think about that for a moment....

Do you rely on "things" to bring you joy, maybe material things. In my life, I have to say that material things are part of my joy, but while people have become so wanting and needy for "things," and now suffering because of the economy, I have been experiencing my own recession since the 1980s, and have learned to live without depending on material things to bring me joy.

As we grow older, we may tend to weed out "material" things, and realize that we really do not need them, especially to be joyful. Those who "ratpack" and just cannot part with items collected over the years, are keeping themselves in bondage--bondage from freedom, bondage from letting go, to feel joy. There is a deeper meaning to the "ratpack syndrome."

We all want joy, but do we give joy? Do we smile at that stranger passing us by? Do we make life easier for others? Do we share what the good Lord has given us? Try to keep in your heart the phrase, "It is better to give....unasked!"

"Joy is not in things.....it is in us"

A New Day... A New Attitude

2009-08-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

A new day is here, and we know not what it will bring, but what we should bring to this new day is a new attitude; yesterday is gone and we should forget about negative things that happened, except what we have learned from it. "If you lose, don't lose the lesson"

I try to take on the brand new day with a clean, crisp attitude, learn from yesterday's mistakes, and make every moment count, as well as trying harder every day to do better. The day is wasted if you haven't learned something new...or smiled.

Speaking from a writer's point of view, my work is out there, all around me, each and every moment; sometimes I have to stop everything to jot down thoughts inspired by something in that day. Sometimes, the thoughts come in the middle of the night, and I have learned to keep a notepad and pencil next to my bed.

Lately, I have been inspired to write poetry. It seems I haven't had the chance to continue to do that since I was so busy with working on my children's book, and a non-fiction. But, I disciplined myself to grab a notepad; within ten minutes I have anywhere from 5 to 10 stanzas down on paper. It's done. It's written. It felt good to now 'see' it, and maybe share it with someone soon.

To date, I have over 2000 poems. Maybe I will be inspired to write a book of poetry; my first book of poetry was published in 1991..... "And So... My Thoughts." What inspires you? See what this new day brings for you, besides that "new attitude."

An Author's Work Is Never Done

2009-08-06T16:10:00.000-07:00

You get out of the day what you put into it.....an author's work is never done, but you do what you can for that day, walk away from it, and the next day will be here soon enough to get back to your.

I have a bagful of addressed envelopes to be stamped and sent out....it is a brown bag with handles from the food store, filled to the tippity top that I have sat day and night and night and day addressing to the public -- I take advantage of sending my publicity letter everywhere and anywhere; they are e mailed around the world, as well, and I have made some good friends in Austrailia, London, and so many other places. Over the last two months, I have given out, and sent out a total of 1000 publicity letters. You have to be creative when it comes to publicity. You have to be open-minded when it comes to publicity. You have to persevere in your workday of writing. You have to be patient. Anyone can write.... but not everyone can author.

You get out of the day what you put into it....an author's work is never done. A good writer knows when to stop writing.

50 Years Celebration

2009-08-05T17:40:00.000-07:00

I am celebrating my 50th year of doing creative writing; I began when I was only eight years old... ok... now you know my age! Poetry flowed from my heart out onto my paper, but I didn't know what I was doing. I wrote little poems for the grammar school newsletter, and wrote often, but one day, I tossed them all away...until I was in my late teens, then I began saving them; to date, I have over 2,000 poems, and still writing. Maybe it is time to start submitting them to the New Yorker Magazine.
My writing has brought me to many other capacities of the craft: publicity articles, poetry column, feature stories, notecards, classroom work, adult books (non-fiction), and now working with my literary agent, Jan Kardys, on one of my children's books. EVERY day, stories, titles of new books to write, opening lines, closing lines go through my head, and I have to stop everything and write them down. My folder of "to do" books is bulging out all over. But, for now, I am concentrating on "Now I Want a Horse" which I wrote in the mid-1980s. Soon it will be published - better late than never! http://seriogirlstories.com

If You Really Want Anything, The Wait Is Worth It

2009-08-05T17:26:00.000-07:00

Nobody realizes how hard a writer actually works, but when they have something to share and give back to the world, they put all they've got to get it out there. Yes, there are adversities. Yes, there is rejection. But, you have to keep a vision in your mind, and your mind on the prize. I know that if there are negative thoughts out there from others, it only makes me want to work harder to achieve my goal.
I waited 25 years to get my children's book published, and it was fate that that I found a great lady who is now my agent -- Jan Kardys. God works in mysterious ways...well, that will be the subject of another book... for now, Check out my children's book "Now I Want a Horse" http://seriogirlstories.com a bunny story for children ages 3+ years old

Now I Want a Horse....are you sure this is a bunny story for children?

2009-07-14T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well, if you or anyone enjoys bunnies, then this will be a story that will warm your heart. A little girl longs for a real bunny of her own, but through trial and error, and lots of patience, one ay an unexpected event puts a great smile on her face, as well as her brother and Mom.
"Now I Want a Horse" is a children's story that I am working on with my literary agent, and it should be out by next year, so I invite you and yours to visit my website. The website is still in progress. Please bring your e mail addresses and leave them at the e mail address listed in the site...we want you on our mailing list when the time comes!
http://seriogirlstories.com
Now... go check it out... quick..like a bunny!

Bunny story for children

2009-06-10T04:26:00.000-07:00

I am working with a literary agent on a children's book I wrote called "NOW I WANT A HORSE" a bunny story. Please take a moment to view my website, which is still in progress.

http://seriogirlstories.com
I am in need of 20,000 e mail addresses, so please leave e mail addresses !
The setting of the book: Naugatuck, Ct. - a true experience

Now I Want a Horse....a bunny story

2009-05-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

A rainy Sunday....but, we need the rain. A good day to sit with a book and relax. In months from now, my own children's book will be out there for you to read to a child, maybe on a rainy day when you want to bond, and have special time together...Now I Want a Horse, a bunny story is a true experience. It is in the process of getting published.....I ask that you visit my website, which I am still working on.... http://Seriogirlstories.com Please send me an email with your thoughts...or better yet...with your e mail address for my marketing list! I ask that you pass on my website for the book to friends, family, co workers, or whomever so they, too, can e mail me their addresses for my marketing list...all is appreciated. For now... it's time to kick back on this rainy Sunday, with my own book....and like the old saying goes, "if the rain keeps up...it won't come down!" Don't forget ...pass the word! Enjoy your day...make it a good one

Iced tea anyone?

2009-04-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

Another day of premature summer weather...iced tea anyone? A good day to get the errands and chores done early, then sit with a good book and your iced tea; for me, I will pour a tall one, and keep it by my side to sip on as I edit my children's book, "Now I Want a Horse," a bunny story. In the later part of the year after the heat has subsided, I will pour a cup of brewed hot tea, keep it by my side to sip, as I read my "published" children's book...maybe you would like to join me....if you are interested in being on my mailing list to purchase, just let me know..."Tea for two!"

Nice day for a bike ride.....

2009-04-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

I grabbed my helmet and hopped on the back of my fiance's VStar...it was a beautiful day to ride through back country roads, up and around the rolling hills of CT, and savor the aromas of spring flowers, green grass, and hear the sounds of nature--something you cannot do while driving in a car. No two bikes are alike...we stopped at Danbury where there was a pig roast at Buel Harley-Davidson...from there...wherever the front wheel took us...

Fundraiser - Lou Colella - Oakville, CT

2009-04-22T05:00:00.001-07:00

A Fundraiser for Mr. Lou Colella from Oakville, Ct will be held on June 7. He was taken very sick about 9 months ago, and now he can no longer work. His wife, Beth, and their children are asking if you could help to defer expenses and contribute to this fundraiser. Lou is a great guy! Hope you can help out....

Children's bunny story

2009-04-22T04:47:00.000-07:00

I have been a writer for 50 years, and now am in the process of having a children's book published. This book is a playful and clever story, with a positive message to give to young children...and adults! I wrote it 24 years ago; it was a true experience. I lost my job last year, and decided to go into my "archives" to edit and finally share this book....

If you or anyone loves bunnies, then my book is a must read! In marketing this book, I have learned a lot about organizations that save bunnies, care for bunnies, etc. So, it was a learning experience for me.... Can I add your e mail to my marketing list?