Sally the Travelin' Artist (Book) - 3/24/2018 8:34:06 AM
Looks like a fun adventure for children. Bet it was also fun to draw and write.
An example page(s) would be nice.
Ron
Sally the Travelin' Saddle (Book) - 11/24/2017 4:08:20 PM
A cute concept written in verse. Sally definitely has a lot of spirit.
That being said, I found it difficult to follow the text at times and the meter was off in certain places.
Pink Hope (Short Story) - 12/9/2018 11:39:21 AM
So Sorry for your Loss. I feel your pain. I cried for a year when my dog Prissy had to be put down. We only had her 6 years. My Best friend
Pink Hope (Short Story) - 8/8/2017 8:19:15 AM
Well written and most powerful! I love the use of pink hope. I cry easily. Keep writing. It's extremely therapeutic.
Bravo!
Mary Lynn
Pink Hope (Short Story) - 8/4/2017 10:05:05 AM
powerful compelling read
I am sorry for your loss,
eva said tears do not diminish the woman you are.... I agree
Pink Hope (Short Story) - 8/3/2017 12:38:48 AM
Although I don't consider myself a crier, on such heart wrenching occasions, I weep. It's a form of purging and release. From all you've suffered, you've become stronger than you may realize. Tears do not diminish the woman you are.
Pink Hope (Short Story) - 8/2/2017 5:56:41 AM
You state this is memoir. But it is written in the best literary style with great emotion. And, it focuses on loss rather than the many years of happiness that may or may not have occurred in life lived. I sense a bit of dysfunction that made it hard to be happy, and an overriding appearance of cancer taking loved ones away, including a beloved companion, your dog.
There is some evidence that we have cancer in our bodies all the time and it is our immune system that keeps those cancers from taking over. However, if we are under a lot of stress, say, emotionally, we become more susceptible to those cancers.
Keep writing like this. It will help you release a lot of the memories that are haunting your life.
Ron
The Last Gift (Short Story) - 12/19/2015 1:23:37 AM
A lovely story to poignantly remind us that the best gifts are homemade, designed from the heart.
The Last Gift (Short Story) - 12/26/2014 5:29:01 AM
You make the child-adult language link live. Touching.
The Last Gift (Short Story) - 12/25/2014 8:35:49 AM
Brought a tear to my eye… Priceless.
My partner was very excited this morning. She wanted to know the difference between "award" and "reward." (She's Vietnamese and English as second language). I asked her why, and she explained. She was going to collect all the boxes from the several devices I bought for her, iPods, iPhones, and iPads, that she routinely recycles and sends to Vietnam to poor relatives and friends. And then she was going to put numbers on the boxes and rewards inside of $1 to $10 and then number them on the outside, 1 to 10.
At a family party this afternoon, she was going to bring out all the boxes and lay them out, and then ask all the kids to draw a number. And then she would ask them all to go pick out the gift (unwrapped with product names on the sides of the boxes) with their number and not open it. Once they all got their gifts, she would ask them to open them all at once. She expected great laughter when everyone found there was only money in the boxes. She doesn't want me to go there… She says it's all the noise… But she really doesn't want to dress me and have me sit around listening to a lot of Vietnamese chatter. She's just that way. I really enjoy those kids and they speak English very well… Much better than she does. ;-)
Anyway it's going to be a very Merry Christmas at that party with her joke presents.
Merry Christmas to you, to yours, and your wonderful stories.
Ron
Fancy's Tale (Short Story) - 12/6/2014 5:21:03 AM
Clever write. My son is such a cat lover, but I've finally thrown off the burden. Still stop for dogs, though. Fancy that.
The Tiger Ate My Goats (Short Story) - 8/21/2014 6:58:01 AM
Thanks, Ron! I'm trying to do good things for young people, but not getting much support for the project. That's okay. I don't give up easily! Have a nice weekend.
The Tiger Ate My Goats (Short Story) - 8/21/2014 6:43:24 AM
A wonderful story that may be drawn from your own experience. It struck home to me. I was 11th in my class, so had no worries about the scary proposition of being valedictorian. Like the girl in the story, I filled my senior year with extracurricular activities and work (setting pins at a bowling alley) so that I had little free time and had to manage my time very well. It was at times like that, fully occupied, that I got my best grades.
Anyway, one day over the intercom, the principal announced that I had received the Kiwanis scholarship for the first two years of college. I had been college-bound and taking college prep courses since the 10th grade, so I looked at the scholarship as a big help along with the summer work that my twin brother and I got at a mobile home factory. We were well prepared for college and our financially strapped parents have to pay for two guys to go to college.
I was a bit embarrassed to be called out like that over the intercom when everyone in the whole school could hear of my good fortune. While I was graduated, I'm sure there was some jealousy around from those it didn't get scholarships.
You work helping young people is to be commended… Thank you!
Ron
More (Short Story) - 7/21/2009 7:59:39 PM
A fine story, Gean. You had my attention right from the start and you held it. Love, success, and peace to you,
Regis
More (Short Story) - 7/12/2009 3:01:40 AM
This story is simply superb! This is my own life! But the lady in this story got everything after twenty years but i didnt get it yet!
The Funeral in My Backyard (Short Story) - 4/6/2009 4:48:18 AM
Thanks, for sharing. I enjoyed this one.
Mariann
The Funeral in My Backyard (Short Story) - 3/22/2009 12:38:14 PM
Very cleverly concocted, Gean. Thanks for sharing. Love and best wishes,
Regis
The Boycott of Amazon? (Article) - 8/30/2018 1:16:18 PM
My publisher, BookLocker.com, sued Amazon back about 2007 and won when Amazon tried to buy up all POD publishers. Your self-publishing effort wouldn't even exist and Amazon hasn't able to continue what they were doing. I have to pay a yearly fee to keep my books current and available through Lightning Source (the printer) and not through Ingram. As far as I know, none of the 10 books I have published since 1999 are unavailable or have been listed as unavailable by Amazon. I would prefer that buyers buy from some other source though because of Amazon's monopolistic ways.
That's the rub. Amazon is trying to monopolize everything by way of Internet purchasing. It would behoove everyone not to buy from Amazon if they can avoid it. Unfortunately, I recently tried to buy a clothes dryer locally to give them the business. When the retailer started jacking up the price for insurance, delivery, installation and other sundry add-ons, I went on Amazon and found the same dryer at over $100 less, delivered and installed. In fact, delivered and installed in two days!
A boycott might be a good thing. But everybody would have to opt in, and I'm not sure that most people are willing to give up something they think is low-cost and very convenient.
Ron
Goodbye Bullies (Article) - 6/21/2017 1:09:29 AM
You've honed your points in such a personal way that it hits home for those who need this advice. I have always been an independent loner, wary of groups and circles of friends. Your conclusion is spot on about being comfortable in one's own skin, a strong defense against bullying of any kind.
Goodbye Bullies (Article) - 6/19/2017 5:59:17 AM
As I read, it seemed like I was reading a personal story, but in the end you drove home your points very well about how each of us must remain independent of what others think or do and act in positive ways when it comes to relationships. Very good.
I have always been a rather friendly loner and not developed a circle of acquaintances and friends around me for support. Being a loner means being independent of the need for financial or psychological support from anyone else. That gives one strength to resist all kinds of codependent relationships that tend to spiral downward.
I realize that not everyone is strong enough to live alone without close relationships. But telling others that you will not text them or read their continual texts or tweets anymore, and that you want them to call you only when they have something significant that they need to tell you, will put you on the road to independence.
Ron
Sally the Kid Friendly! (Article) - 6/11/2017 1:52:37 AM
what a dandy resource you are providing, I love geography, taught beginning geography to K 1 students for years, am saddened that in our modern day the subject is not more taught, so many can locate states, or nations on a map, set out across our country relying on outside help to guide their travel and do not even own a map of their own state. sigh
well done!!
never stop writing!
m
Sally the Kid Friendly! (Article) - 6/6/2017 6:25:55 AM
I traveled to Bryan to see my 92-year-old World War II veteran uncle and his wife on Sunday. I'm pretty good with geography but there's a lot I need to learn about Texas.
Geography has almost disappeared from schools these days and GPS allows people to go mindlessly from one location to another without paying any attention the route they took or what they passed. Soon, automated driving will take even driving away.
I think your website is wonderful for children to learn about the state of Texas. Actually, Google maps and Wikipedia have opened up a wealth of information about location worldwide. Interactive sites like yours can provide children the way to learn geography they won't get in schools.
Ron
Being Transparent (Article) - 8/4/2016 7:41:57 AM
While reading my first impression was that the woman thought you were a store clerk and she was telling you he wanted to buy the States book. After your revelation, I didn't go back and see where I was wrong.
For children I think important thing about the illustration is that they can understand what it is and that is all that is necessary. As for marketing, I have not even started on the book 99 Ways to Market Yourself, but I should one of these days. Realizing peoples' aversion to salesmen, I generally approach people as an author that nobody knows or even believes is an author and give them a book. I believe that's much more cost-effective than hiring people to pump up your ego but failed to get your books read.
Ron
Being Transparent (Article) - 8/4/2016 4:43:20 AM
Interesting observations - it must take a special skill to split the arts up - creative diversity in both craft and sales - either one is a career.
Brainwrecked (Article) - 7/19/2015 1:34:06 AM
A beautiful revelation encapsulating the emotions sprung from a successful first book signing. This precipitated memories of my first and only book signing following the publication of my first novel. Doors are reluctant to open for writers independently published, but independent thinkers find other ways to have their voices heard. Best wishes to you in maintaining the joy and begetting more success.
Being a Children's Book Author in Today's Market (Article) - 5/21/2015 7:16:07 AM
I've only written two children's stories and I am told they are "too old for most children."
Congratulations on your first place in the contest and this well-written and well thought out article. It seems like most everyone with children thinks that they can write and market a children's book. I don't think that is so. I recall my first and second grade experience being introduced to Dr. Seuss by our teacher taking us to the library and the children's books section.
In my mind, since a picture is worth 1000 words, unless a children's book is brilliantly illustrated in a child's way of looking at things, words mean little. That's why Dr. Seuss's books were so successful, his illustrations.
Good luck with your efforts to teach other children's authors the route to success. I'm still trying to figure out how to get teenyboppers to buy my latest YouTube hit… ;-)
Ron
Brainwrecked (Article) - 4/15/2015 6:18:14 AM
"Brainwrecked" caught my attention, because I'd never heard that term before. But I was pleasantly surprised while reading to find that that "grueling drive" you had mentioned I had taken many times and know exactly what you mean. Mostly, it was from Houston to McAllen. I have only been to South Padre Island three times and find it hard to imagine that place being anything like Greenwich Village, a place I've also been. But I think it probably was for you, metaphorically speaking.
I must congratulate you on securing a book signing. I only tried once and was unsuccessful. I have had some bookselling sessions and found that while my audience was a bit inattentive, those that did stop and talk were quite wonderful to share my books with. Because I have great difficulty signing my name, I actually fear having to sign many copies before a long line of fans… It is so physically difficult. If that happens, I may just have to get a stamp of my signature.
My only children stories are few, two or three. Brian Bushytail and the Urban Forest was written about a squirrel living on the 288 forested corridor just south of downtown Houston. It is posted here and published in my first short story book.
Ron
Brainwrecked (Article) - 4/15/2015 4:07:34 AM
Congratulations! A most touching entry. May the glow last a lifetime!
Terror in My Own Backyard (Article) - 12/23/2014 10:35:50 AM
I'm glad that you are able to write us about this unfortunate situation. Coincidentally, I just sent friends and family the latest article from David Waldman, GunFAIL LXXXII, recounting the last 100 gun incidents with injury of many kinds including 17 fatalities. Like you, I grew up with guns and hunting, and often found that many that when hunting used guns very irresponsibly. Now with so many pistols in the home for protection, many more incidents and accidents are happening.
I understand how you feel about Nemo because my own dog, Jazz, was killed by a large dog. This was the year after a previous attack by the same dog had injured him severely and I told the owner to keep that dog under control. I posted the story here called, Jazz's Death.
Ron
Terror in My Own Backyard (Article) - 12/23/2014 5:46:31 AM
So sorry Nemo's injury. Doesn't sound as if it was malicious (like 911) and with your calm and care I'm sure he will recover 'without knowing what hit him' ... you are the leader of his pack and your courage will see him through, just as it will in your neighborhood and nation. FDR was right about fear. Take a deep breath and have a wonderful holiday. Best, Jan
Free Stuff: Does it Really Work? (Article) - 7/17/2009 7:48:26 PM
Fascinating article, Gean. Whether fact or fiction, it kept my attention and kept me reading. And gave me something new to seriously consider.
I'm a sucker for self-help information. I'd even try filling my own dental cavities if I thought I could do it without pain. (Okay. I'm just kidding.)
Now, let me go check out your bookmarks.
Richard
Little Esther (Poetry) - 2/28/2018 4:23:52 PM
I had fun reading this, but I felt sorry for this poor bird. I've felt like Esther many times in my life. Touching write
Little Esther (Poetry) - 1/23/2018 8:36:14 PM
Poor Esther the eagle. She has to keep trying.
Little Esther (Poetry) - 1/22/2018 12:42:11 PM
One of the long line of encouraging books for children who feel that they are a bit inadequate some way. Good luck with having it published and accepted by children and mothers everywhere.
Ron
Little Esther (Poetry) - 1/22/2018 2:36:55 AM
good luck on the book
Little Esther (Poetry) - 1/21/2018 12:31:28 PM
I hope the book soars right along with Esther!
Nice poem.
Something New (Poetry) - 1/14/2018 1:46:42 PM
Go for it next time. Make some new traditions.
Beneath (Poetry) - 9/29/2016 1:38:59 AM
Well one thing for sure, no matter how high any of us attain to in this life , we all end up below the surface in the end. Using a well known pun , at that point we end up in a literal level playing "field".
Dan
Beneath (Poetry) - 9/25/2016 9:36:40 AM
thought provoking write!!
The Lonely Chair (Poetry) - 9/23/2016 3:19:06 PM
sounds like a dandy book!
enjoyed the read
m
Beneath (Poetry) - 9/22/2016 8:01:53 AM
I see great angst in this rant about the invisible class that seems to rank everyone. A couple of times in my career I have been cautioned by my superiors not to loiter with the staff. I have a doctor's degree but don't consider myself higher or lower than anyone else. Probably why I never rose to high office.
Ron
Media Fat (Poetry) - 7/23/2016 10:44:47 AM
They sure won't. Over 5 billion people out there on the inter-damn-net and nobody notices. Sounds just like life. ;-)
Ron
Media Fat (Poetry) - 7/22/2016 6:00:34 AM
No, no! We need to stick together more now than ever ...
Something New (Poetry) - 11/27/2015 7:46:35 AM
I guess, when our best laid plans fail, we can always fall back on tradition.
Ron
Something New (Poetry) - 11/27/2015 7:01:39 AM
P.G.,
A poem of reflection on your life. I hope you enjoyed your turkey and had a blessed Thanksgiving.
Love and blessings,
Linda
Something New (Poetry) - 11/26/2015 9:13:52 PM
Interesting poem, hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving! Amen!
Something New (Poetry) - 11/26/2015 9:38:28 AM
Ahhh . . . I'm trying something new . . . I cooked Thanksgiving dinner . . . red beans and rice . . . just me and my mutt . . . that'll work just fine . . . eh, that luau sounds interesting though . . .
Something New (Poetry) - 11/26/2015 9:33:10 AM
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU, PG, AND MAY THE GOOD LORD BLESS YOU WITH THE MIRACULOUSNESS(NEW WORD, SMILE)OF HIS TOTAL 'PEACE AND JOY' IN THE MIDST OF...SOMETHING NEW! THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...JOYCE * HIS INSPIRATIONS
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 1/11/2015 8:00:46 AM
Such a wise and poignant poem. Much enjoyed.
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/23/2014 6:22:44 PM
Waiting if out for someone is very hard, it always doesn't even happen. Hopefully it will happen for you. Take care.
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/22/2014 3:31:21 AM
poignant read
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/21/2014 2:59:47 PM
the spirit of giving is the only true gift one would need ...
well written sentiment
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/20/2014 4:58:51 PM
If you will allow me, I will give you my empathy because I can relate. I wish for your wishes to be true. Love and all the best to you,
Regis
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/20/2014 3:30:05 AM
Hopeful poetry. Thoughtful as well, but to endure such a wait must be a private hell. Praying for you to have that Christmas that you have waited for so long.
Peace, love and blessings,
John Michael Domino
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/19/2014 12:25:21 PM
I sense a sadness In your poem that cannot be denied.
Ron
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/19/2014 10:43:57 AM
Maybe, maybe this year, but don't give up. Nice and thoughtful.
Christmas Waits (Poetry) - 12/19/2014 7:12:37 AM
We all are still waiting for the message of Christmas to penetrate the hearts of humanity. Once again, we must wait another year. A skillfully told tale.
Instead (Poetry) - 12/17/2014 5:59:05 AM
I love this. Sad and melancholy though it is. It is REAL. And I don't agree with with Ron and Reg on this one. Don't go looking. It back fires and is not worth it.
Instead (Poetry) - 11/16/2014 10:48:08 AM
You share a timeless and universal theme through your verses. Bittersweetly harsh and real; and I do have to agree with Ron for the most part. Thank you for sharing. Love and best wishes,
Regis
Instead (Poetry) - 11/16/2014 10:28:45 AM
Love starts out like a burning fire, and over time it burns down down to embers, the hottest part of love.
Michael D.
Instead (Poetry) - 11/15/2014 9:36:34 AM
Love, inspiration, hope, and romance. You have covered a lot of ground. And so darned well. Perfect ending. Loved this!
Instead (Poetry) - 11/15/2014 9:10:30 AM
Every love goes through stages. You are writing about wanting to return that "hot" time when your love was young. Unfortunately, we grow older and circumstances change. There are tons of literature out there (and videos) on how to return that spark to your relationship. It's all money grabbing baloney.
But I prefer to suggest something much more drastic. We are not monogamous by nature. I suggest you seek out romance and let this boring guy know so that he won't be blindsided by the revelation. And then go out and find romance with other men. You don't have to marry them and declare undying vows of togetherness… Just have fun and let them know that that's all you're after.
You will be surprised how your attitude will change. But then again, if you are uptight about being with only "your love," you will continue to suffer as both of your lives continue to change in your codependent lifestyle of misery.
Ron
Instead (Poetry) - 11/14/2014 11:30:30 AM
I'd love it to be this way with someone in my life- supposedly i'll just wait and grow old waiting.
My Tears (Poetry) - 1/8/2012 9:53:43 AM
Very beautiful and heart felt Gean! Wonderful thoughts of the loved ones that has moved on but those memories will last a life time! Thanks for sharing and many blessings to you and yours this new year!
Debbie
My Tears (Poetry) - 2/16/2010 3:21:53 AM
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva
My Tears (Poetry) - 2/13/2010 6:51:00 AM
A truly beautiful write, Gean...touching and tender words. Very well penned, my friend.
Anna
My Tears (Poetry) - 2/12/2010 4:36:03 PM
"My tears are jut memories of a past, a present, a future event, of joy of death of life of pain of pride." Very moving indeed. Great work.
AM
My Tears (Poetry) - 2/12/2010 2:33:50 PM
You poem's sentiments reach deeply into my soul and echo there, Gean. Sad, true, and very compelling are your verses. Love, peace, and best wishes to you,
Regis
A Hair (Poetry) - 8/11/2009 9:49:54 AM
Very interesting. I agree that it's amazing what can trigger inspiration to write. Good job, Gean, nicely crafted poem.
Anna
A Hair (Poetry) - 7/22/2009 10:56:09 AM
Isn't it amazing what can trigger inspiration? Thank you for sharing this interesting perspective, Gean. Love and best wishes,
Regis
How Do You Say I Love You? (Poetry) - 7/18/2009 7:52:11 AM
This is a wonderful and insightful revelation of a grandmother's love. Of course, I'll never be a "grandma." But one thing I get to experience every day is being a great-grandfather. If and when that day comes, my friends, you'll find it a startling event. It makes you want to grab the newspaper and check the obituary column for surely you must be listed there somewhere.
Thank you for sharing "How Do You Say I Love You?" This is great!
Richard
The Lonely Chair (Poetry) - 5/8/2009 8:54:15 AM
Fabulous! The lyrical flow of your work is wonderful. I am a big fan of lyrical poetry and that is the style I write. Very nicely done indeed!
How Do You Say I Love You? (Poetry) - 5/8/2009 8:52:57 AM
LOVE it! I am the grandmother of a glorious 3-year old grandson. The questions! giggle...he is the light of my life! I really enjoyed this poem. I think every grandmother would.
Free Me (Poetry) - 5/8/2009 8:51:27 AM
Very nicely penned, Gean. I agree that most of us spend a lifetime searching for that place we fit. I believe true happiness and fulfillment come if we look hard enough and have the courage to keep on looking. Great job!
The Lonely Chair (Poetry) - 4/27/2009 2:18:39 PM
This is a great write you rhyme like I do. I will have to check but it reminds me of one of mine "The Old Rocking Chair" I will post it if it is not up yet. Check some of mine and let me know what you think. I will also be tracking you. Don
Free Me (Poetry) - 4/6/2009 5:43:18 AM
I love the way you have expressed your words.
Mariann
The Lonely Chair (Poetry) - 3/22/2009 12:31:41 PM
A very fine and heartwarming story, Gean. There are some things that have a host of memories. Thank you. Love and peace to you,
Regis
Mariah Said (Poetry) - 3/22/2009 12:28:27 PM
In my humble opinion, your poetry is very good, Gean. Thank you for sharing your gift. Love and blessings,
Regis
How Do You Say I Love You? (Poetry) - 3/22/2009 12:26:01 PM
A lovely expression of love for your grandmother, Gean. Since my parents moved to Canada from France before I was born, I never did meet any of my grandparents. Thank you for sharing. Love and best wishes,
Regis
Free Me (Poetry) - 3/22/2009 12:23:58 PM
Everybody busy or down.
My world so cold, so lonely,
Happiness rarely around,
Somebody set me free.
Embrace me with your warmth,
Love me as I am,
You express very powerful and meaningful sentiments via your verses in this poem, Gean. Thank you for sharing. Love and peace to you oh, and freedom too,
Regis
The Lonely Chair (Poetry) - 8/24/2008 4:41:46 PM
What a sweet sweet dear story, so much it brought the happy tears, thanks for sharing this beaute, Take care Valerie
The Lonely Chair (Poetry) - 8/23/2008 9:19:43 AM
What a beautiful story. I hope that chair will be protected and I wish it would never be destroyed. You know things that mean a lot to us are usually those things that perhaps have no monetary value but emotionally a price tag could not be placed on them. This obviously is one of those. This is a powerful write.
