The Confederate Flag......

Okay, I am going to share a rant that I posted on a friend's timeline....and if I lose friends for my rant...well, that's your opinion, just as I'm entitled to mine (and please "DO NOT turn this post into a warzone)...it's about the removal of the Confederate flag on the capital of South Carolina..
I think it's utter and complete ridiculousness! And now I've heard that somewhere in Tennessee, they want to exhume the bodies of a confederate general and his wife and move them o...ut of the county and I think take down a statue of him because he was a slave owner or something like that.....the Civil War was over 150+ years ago....Yes, blacks were enslaved at that time, they were treated horribly, but it is in the past...you can't change it!!!!

Also, many white people that came over from Europe as indentured servants were sometimes not treated any better than slaves.....Was it a dark time in the history of American, yes.....you can't change what our ancestors did.....
it's as ridiculous as Ben Afflack wanting to hide the fact that some of his ancestors were slave owners....if you're a fan of his, will it stop you from going to go and see his movies?.....
YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE PAST.....and also let's remember, there is good and bad in EVERY race!!!!
seriously people, there are more important things to be worrying about if the confederate flag offends you.....yes it was a representation of the confederate army during the Civil War...I get it (why not modify it?)...but taking down and removing a state flag is not going to end the killings of both blacks and whites...
it is not going to stop the hate and ignorance of white supremicists....it is not going to stop the violence...it is not going to stop the killing of innocent people....of EVERY color.....look at that poor woman in San Francisco shot and killed by an illegal and he's pleading not guilty because it was an 'accident'....and the gun he used to kill her had belonged to a federal agent!!! Take a look at that!!!!!
there is so much hate in this world that taking down one flag is not going to stop it....I think they need to be focusing on other issues; homeless veterans, the rich getting richer, education, I could go on and on...but I won't....
I think American and the world need to focus on positive changes and if you see the removal of the flag as a positive, that's fine....I am FAR from prejudice of any race, but it we all treat each other with a little kindness and love then mabye things might change a little...
okay, rant done

Great Things To Come????

Great Things To Come????


So I got a text from my cousin yesterday and she has a friend who is a reporter/writer for an online magazine....they got to talking about me and my cousin knows of my dreams of being a published author.....
Well, let's just say, I'm hoping that this great possibility will lead to great things!!!
I don't want to say too much right now, but my hopes of being published might be coming true....I promise to keep you all posted....like I said, I don't want to say too much, but just know that I am SUPER excited about this possible opportunity!!!!


Update 5/18/16.................
Well, this didn't pan out, but it doesn't mean I'm going to give up...going to keep on trucking with my writing so we'll see................

Smart Girls Read Romance: MY DEAREST LITERARY COMPANIONS – LAURA, DAPHNE, J...

Smart Girls Read Romance: MY DEAREST LITERARY COMPANIONS – LAURA, DAPHNE, J...: By: Ashley Kath-Bilsky For me, a good book always has a way of taking me on a wonderful journey where compelling characters come to life...

Why? Why? Why?.....

Dateline: June 20, 2013........

Well my friends, as I was looking over my lonely little blog here, I realize that I am not doing a very good job on keeping up with it! I really suck! LOL!!

So as I am sitting here realizing that, then my mind begins to wander about the world we live in.....and the world I live in......

It amazes me some of the things that happen in this world...and I ask myself, why?

......take for instance Kim and Kanye naming their little girl North West! Seriously?! I truly feel bad for that child.....do they realize the impact that it will have on that little girl? How people will make fun of her name? I won't make fun of it, I just think it is a ridiculous name! Just because you are famous for whatever reason, don't name your child something so asinine that you know damn well you will profit from........

......if you want to go on a pirate expedition, go to Somalia! Good grief! Here's the link....http://www.omg-facts.com/Other/If-You-Live-In-Somalia-You-Can-Invest-In/57615?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Facebook-231435026494&utm_content=FBPagePost  now if you know me, you know that I love anything to do with pirates...especially Mr. Johnny Depp...does that mean I want to go to Somalia? Hell no!! Isn't Somalia a dangerous place to go? 

.......pain in the butt drivers....I'm driving the speed limit or a little above and yet, you continuously ride my butt...do you feel that's necessary? Then you pass me and speed up, only to get caught by a red light.....why do you feel you need to do that...does it make you feel big? I just don't get it........case and point....there was one day when I was driving on a regular two lane road, minding my business and driving like a normal person would be doing and this idiot sped around me and passed me just to get ahead two blocks to turn!!! Oh how I wish I were a cop!!!

.......why can't New Zealand be closer so I can hug my best friend (Patty, http://morph-assist.blogspot.com/)  and go have sushi with her and hang out and be silly!!......

......why do I have to pay as much for gas as I do for a gallon of freakin' milk??? I live in the Dairy state!!!! why?????......

........I could go on and on and on.....but I won't......instead I will focus on the positive things that I know I can......

......getting my lazy ass in gear and WRITE!!!! I know I keep saying it, but this year, I swear on a stack of Bibles, is the time to change...I sure as heck ain't getting any younger and the books won't write themselves!....get off my lazy ass and work on my genealogy....Lord knows I won't be around forever! LOL!....

......have a fabulous summer! Stay safe!....

....signing off......one very behind writer.....

Michelle

Okay, need to focus....

In regards to my previous post....I am NOT awake, lol...I looked at the title and realized the mistake I made on the title of the post.....it is almost MARCH!! Not February....proceed with your day.....

 

January....Almost over already!!! Yikes!

Well, another month is nearly over......

Have I accomplished anything this month? The truthful answer.....not really....:-(....

I have however completed, or come close to completing lists of things that I need to do!

*WRITE!!! I have written on and off over the month of January, but not as much as I would've liked.....Starting today, even though the month isn't over, focus on writing a little bit EVERY DAY! Even if it is just a paragraph! I won't get published if I don't write!

*Exercise-made my workout plan, and I will stick with it!

*Genealogy-On this subject, I did make some great breakthroughs this month which makes me really happy!! Now I need to get that information inputed to the tree and clean up all of my notes...I have too many little notes on little pieces of paper!

*Focus on ME! I spend so much time taking care of others and not always take enough time to focus on myself! I think too many of us have a bad habit of this! While we can still take care of others, we also need to focus on ourselves! Take the time to breath, take the time to enjoy, and take time for yourself!!!!

Here is a quote that I've come across in the past week and LOVE it!

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Take the time to enjoy the day and life!
Hugs,
Michelle.....aspiring writer and forever reader..............

Pondering.....

As we are now two weeks into this new year of 2012....I have so many thoughts that I am pondering.....wondering what this new year will bring.  Yes, I've posted my 2012 goals....I look at them every day and wonder if I will accomplish them....

I have been very inspired to write lately, and I know I NEED to write....if I don't write, I won't get published....at times it seems like a very daunting task and other days, it seems like a piece of cake...I wish that I didn't worry about so many other things...I know I can lose myself in my writing as that is truly what I aspire to do....

I think of all of the things I wish to happen in this year.  One wish that I know will come true is the completion of our bankruptcy...it has been a long arduant task, but I am very proud that we did it.  It saved our house...probably saved our sanity, if it didn't at some times.....finishing that will let me heave one big sigh of relief.....

Back to the writing...I have decided to focus on two manuscripts this year...and of course I know I will probably have a million and one more ideas that pop up in my little pea brain...they usually do...those I will tuck away for the future.....

One thing that I've learned over the past few years is that you can't always control things....yes, you can have control over your future, your dreams and your wishes....but take each day as it comes....don't stress over things that you TRULY do not have control over....

Until next time....

Okay, I do this every year! LOL! But this year I PLAN on sticking with my 2012 goals!!!

My 2012 goals, not resolutions..;-)
*Be more healthy and lose some weight.
*Write every day and get at least one WIP (work in progress) finished.
*Keep my house cleaner (I can dream can't I?)
*Stay connected with family and friends and not always through Facebook or email. ;-)
*Make some more dents in my genealogy research.
*Find a better paying job.

What are your plans for the new year?

Promise!!!

As you can see, I have not updated in a very loooooooooooooong time and for that I do apologize....Sucks though when you are without internet at home!

Hope that everyone has had a great year as this one is now drawing to a close.  It amazes me how fast time does fly!!!

I am still working on my writing.  Slow but sure.  Rome wasn't built in a day people! But i do promise to try to update here more often!

Happy holidays, no matter what you celebrate!

Hugs,
Michelle

Handbook For 2010

I'm going to pass this along as it ties into my 2010 'to do list'.  My step dad sent this to me and I think it is also a good thing to follow!

Handbook For 2010



Health:


1. Drink plenty of water.


2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.


3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..


4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy


5. Make time to pray.


6. Play more games


7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .


8.. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day


9. Sleep for 7 hours.


10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.






Personality:


11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.


12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.


13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.


14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does...


15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.


16. Dream more while you are awake


17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..


18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.


19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.


20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.


21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.


22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.


23. Smile and laugh more.


24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...






Society:


25. Call your family often.


26. Each day give something good to others.


27. Forgive everyone for everything..


28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.


29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.


30. What other people think of you is none of your business.


31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.






Life:


32. Do the right thing!


33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.


34. GOD heals everything.


35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..


36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.


37. The best is yet to come..


38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.


39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Another New Year.....

Well, here it is...another New Year....

When a person thinks of New Year's, most think about the parties, the toasting, and of course, the resolutions.  Well, not for me this year! I am NOT making any resolutions.  I am making a to do list.  To me, a to do list is more of things that I NEED to get accomplished.  A resolution is something that you think you will work on, but a lot of times don't accomplish it.

I thought long and hard about my to do list.  It is not an easy thing to do.  But here is the list that I came up with!  Not in any particular order! LOL!

*Believe in myself and the dreams I hope to accomplish
*Be healthy
*Lose 75 pounds, while staying healthy
*Write something EVERYDAY (starting today! LOL)
*Try to get 1-2 manuscripts finished
*Stay in touch with friends, no matter how far away they are!
*Continue pushing forward with my genealogy research
*Organize the many pictures I have in boxes and get them into albums
*Work on my scrapbooks
*Be a better person
*Believe in myself and the dreams I hope to acomplish

I put the first one on twice because I believe that is something that we can all strive to do!!!!

So as I sit here, thinking back over the past year.  Thinking about the good and bad things.  I pray, I hope that 2010 will be better.  Not only financially for everyone, but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.  Better not only your financial situation, but your heart situation as well.  Believe in yourself.  Strive to make yourself a better person.  Even if only in small ways.  Tell those close to you how much you love them and care about them.  They could be having the crappiest day in the world, and a phone call, a card could help to make their week!!!

Believe in yourself and make yourself happy.  A very good friend of mine has told me that we are so busy taking care of others, we very rarely take the time to take care of ourselves.  Make sure you do that!!!

Hugs,
Michelle

Smile at the thought of every

new sunrise!

Fan Fiction...

Fan fiction............

Fan fiction is something that I started writing waaaaay back in the day. Although I didn't realize it! LOL!

When I became a fan of the Backstreet Boys, I started to write. I wrote short stories and long stories. Then came along Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean movies. Well, let's just say things really took off from there.

I've always loved writing, but never really took it anywhere. Of course the World Wide Web has increased that tenfold.

I think it is fun to take characters that you love and put them in your own world. Your own ideas. What you think should have happend. What you would like them to do. I think that is the freedom that comes with writing fan fiction. But I get very angry when others take what you and published authors have worked so hard on and claim it as their own. Or copy what you and others have written and just erase your name on it and put theirs. That is soooooo wrong!!!! And also very illegal.

Fan fiction has enabled me to pursue my passion and my dream of having my own books published. They have been the stepping stone to the possibility of having my own books out there for everyone to buy and read.

I may not be the best writer in the world. But I am a writer. I have an imagination and I plan on being around for a long time. Whether it be in book form or putting my stories out there on the web.

Here is a link to my stories on Fan Fiction.net. It will take you to my profile and from there you can scroll down to the links for my stories. Enjoy!

http://www.fanfiction.net/~spunkysparrow

Rainbow Bridge......

"When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who has been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remembered them in our dreams of days and times gone by.







The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.






They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyus reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.






Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together....................................."






~Anonymous

Lucky

July 27, 2008-June 30, 2009

Coco

Died 2007

I had been wanting to post this for a while now.  We have lost two beloved members of our family.  And anyone who says an animal is just an animal, then they have never had the chance to love and be loved by something so precious as a pet.

Our cat Coco, who was part Siamese, was a character all of her own choosing.  She could be very loveable and then five seconds later, it was leave me alone! LOL!!! She was a California cat and when we moved back to Wisconsin, I don't think that her body adjusted very well to the colder weather.  We were so lucky to have her in our lives for as long as we did.  We don't know exactly when she was born, but we guessed about 1991 or 1992.  So she wasn't a spring chicken.  Towards the end of her life, her arthritis prooved to be too much for her and we had to have her put to sleep.  And then of course at the end is when she put up a fight.  But she went quietly and we were there with her.

Lucky, our little Jack Russel was a bit of a different story.  She was an early birthday present for our daughter in September of last year.  She was a hyper, fun loving, and such a loveable puppy.  She loved going for rides in the car and would get to go to school just about every morning when I took my daughter.  She was the 'unofficial' mascot of the school.  One time getting away from one of the secretaries while the principal was doing the morning announcements.  The whole school loved her.  But to us, she was much more than a family pet.  She was like another child, if that makes any sense.  After I would take my daughter to school, Lucky and I would come home and we would take our nap.  I work 3rd shift.  She would snuggle under the covers and that would be 'our time'.  And I'm a person that doesn't even like dogs! LOL!! But there was just something special about her. 

During the last weekend in June is when she became very ill.  She was diagnosed with something called pancreatitis.  Here is a link to the definition.  http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1580&aid=335  It all happened so quickly and she was gone within ten hours time.  My daughter was devastated.  We buried our little peanut in the backyard, so she is still close by. 

Not a day goes by that I don't think or even look for Lucky and for Coco.

Inspirational Quote

I get a daily inspirational quote in my email every day and I wanted to share this one...Have a great Sunday!

"Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."– Steve Jobs

Generations Past...........

As I have been working on my family tree again, I have been rereading obituaries. I know, something super exciting. And as I sit and read through them, I am struck by how something so simple can bring you closer to someone from your family. Even though you may not have known them very well, they can help give you a better understanding of who they were and what they did in their lifetime.

As I read through my grandmother's obituary, I had forgotten that in her youth, she had worked as a ticket taker at the movie theaters here in Sheboygan. It brought back a memory of a conversation that she and I had at one time. She had told me that she had to remember in her head how many tickets she had sold and for what price. If it was a matinee or a regular evening show. They didn't have calculators back then. Now all but one of the theaters she worked at is still in existence.

She is gone nine years now this past July and I miss her terribly. When she passed away from complications of a stroke, the nurses at the nursing home could not get her eyes to stay shut after she passed away. I arrived about half an hour after she was gone and when I went into her room, I was sad, but at the same time, she looked so at peace. I bent down next to her body and told her I loved her and reached up to close her eyes. They stayed closed. She was my rock and I wish she was still here. The picture is of her when she was about 16 years old. She decided one day to stop at a photographer's studio and have her picture taken.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, she was so excited, and it was 'her' baby, not mine and we all had to laugh.

As I continue on with my family history, I love to look at the old pictures that I have and reflect on how things were or appeared to be much simpler back in the 'olden days'. But at the same time, I wonder how they did things without modern technology like we have. We have become truly spoiled with all of the gadgets that we have.

My end message I guess, treasure the memories from the past. Learn all you can about your families and the history that they bring. No matter how uneventful it may seem. Teach your children about who they are and where they come from....

Writing!

Well, what can I say about writing a book! It's hard!!!!!!

Not that I figured it would be easy by any means, but it sucks when you have a million and one blot bunnies running rampant in your head!!!!!!

My first WIP is taking a different turn. Changing the location and some of the circumstances, but still keeping to my main story line!

My second WIP began as a fan fiction piece I had started. Now I'm starting to change names, etc. And I'm hoping that one of these days I can really get to getting the words down. The second WIP is going to take a little more time I think. But I know that I can do it!

I have a great support team. Well, a small support team of my daughter and my beautiful sister Ashley who is pushing and inspiring me everyday!!!!

I know the inspirations that I have and I know that this is my dream and that I can and I WILL achieve it! No matter how long it takes!!!!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year.

May you have a happy and safe new year.
2008 was not the best year for many of us for many different reasons.

So here is my message to you for the coming year;

Do not stress yourself out, at least try not to, about the things that happen in your life that you truly have no control over. There are just certain things that you cannot control. No matter how much we'd like to be able to.

Believe in yourself and believe in your dreams and goals. I also know that is something easier said than done. But believe that you have the power to achieve things in your life. Believe that there are things you CAN change and don't let anyone stand in your way! There will be ups and Lord knows there will be downs along the way.

It may sound corny and cliche, but set goals and hold true to your resolutions for the new year.

Only you can make things happen for yourself. No one is going to hold your hand. They may stand next to you and they may stand behind you, but they won't do it for you.

Stay safe in the coming new year. Live your life everyday to the fullest potential that it can be. One thing I've learned in 2008 is that life is to damn short and don't take anything for granted. Hug and kiss those closest to you. Tell them that you love them each and every single day. Don't lose touch with those you love!

Remember; BELIEVE!
Hugs & Love,
Michelle

Life...........

Life....sometimes I wonder why things happen....such as with my sister in law passing away at the very young age of 39.....why did it happen? what was the reason it happened?...I know that I will never receive the answers to these questions until I myself pass on...

So that is why I say, live life to the fullest because you truly do not know what tomorrow will bring and when something happens unexpectedly, you suddenly realize how short life is.....So hug those closest to you just a little tighter, kiss them a few extra times, give them a call just to say hello....and don't put it off.....