Saturday, October 26, 2013
Writing, Writing, Writing
I am currently working on the third book of my "Testosterone Poisoning" series. Each book will have a sub-title and follow in a sequence. If you want to know what Testosterone poisoning is, don't miss the books when they come out.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Interview with Mike Zimmerman
Recently, I was interviewed by Mike Zimmerman. To read the interview go to:
http://tinyurl.com/nvr6mwb
My thanks to Mike for the great opportunity and the good questions.
http://tinyurl.com/nvr6mwb
My thanks to Mike for the great opportunity and the good questions.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Now I will have my say
I try very hard to stay away from controversial issues, but sometimes....well sometimes I just have to say something. This is about stricter gun control laws.
Now before the NRA starts having fits, let me have my say. Honestly, NRA members act like hysterical old biddies every time someone says those words. Okay, SO....NRA MEMBERS...absolutely nobody--NOBODY--wants to take your guns away from you. Not in any way, shape or form. You can keep them, take them hunting, cuddle with them at night, or whatever it is you do with them.
Now....there just has to be some sort of law or regulation to keep crazies from arming themselves. Police forces and the military do background checks and administer psychological tests so that they can weed out those who are not fit or psychologically sound enough to carry a weapon. So why shouldn't that apply to civilians?
Let's make it personal, shall we? Suppose you decide you're going hunting with your new rifle, and the man three doors down, who also has a new rifle, wants to go with you. You know him pretty well, and he's a regular guy , and heck, he has a gun, too. So away you go. There you are out in the woods when suddenly, your neighbor starts hearing voices. They say, "Don't shoot Bambi, shoot the man with the gun." And there you are, staring down the long barrel of this man's rifle. After they bury you, your wife is informed that the neighbor three doors down had been in therapy once for mental problems. He quit therapy because he didn't hear the voices anymore--so he said.
Well, that doesn't matter now to you, or your wife, who is now a widow raising your children alone. She also learns that the man who killed you bought his gun with no background check or psychological testing. That matters. Your death could have been prevented.
On the lighter side, I notice that my crazy idiot neighbor has a NRA sticker on his truck. Oh boy! I'm getting myself a Kevlar.
Now before the NRA starts having fits, let me have my say. Honestly, NRA members act like hysterical old biddies every time someone says those words. Okay, SO....NRA MEMBERS...absolutely nobody--NOBODY--wants to take your guns away from you. Not in any way, shape or form. You can keep them, take them hunting, cuddle with them at night, or whatever it is you do with them.
Now....there just has to be some sort of law or regulation to keep crazies from arming themselves. Police forces and the military do background checks and administer psychological tests so that they can weed out those who are not fit or psychologically sound enough to carry a weapon. So why shouldn't that apply to civilians?
Let's make it personal, shall we? Suppose you decide you're going hunting with your new rifle, and the man three doors down, who also has a new rifle, wants to go with you. You know him pretty well, and he's a regular guy , and heck, he has a gun, too. So away you go. There you are out in the woods when suddenly, your neighbor starts hearing voices. They say, "Don't shoot Bambi, shoot the man with the gun." And there you are, staring down the long barrel of this man's rifle. After they bury you, your wife is informed that the neighbor three doors down had been in therapy once for mental problems. He quit therapy because he didn't hear the voices anymore--so he said.
Well, that doesn't matter now to you, or your wife, who is now a widow raising your children alone. She also learns that the man who killed you bought his gun with no background check or psychological testing. That matters. Your death could have been prevented.
On the lighter side, I notice that my crazy idiot neighbor has a NRA sticker on his truck. Oh boy! I'm getting myself a Kevlar.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Hello Again
Once again, I want to thank all of those who offered their condolences and kind words concerning my mother's passing. I traveled to Pittsburgh for the funeral. As far as funerals go, it was lovely. To me it was a way to celebrate her life and to send her into an afterlife where she was once again united with my father. Not to mention she is with my son as well.
Meanwhile, life goes on. Both of my parents can rest in peace knowing that they raised strong people who have high ethical standards and a sense of good values.
Rest in peace Mom and Dad. You did your job well.
Meanwhile, life goes on. Both of my parents can rest in peace knowing that they raised strong people who have high ethical standards and a sense of good values.
Rest in peace Mom and Dad. You did your job well.
Friday, July 5, 2013
After the 4th
I hope everybody had a fun-filled safe 4th of July celebration. I believe it was John Adams who said that the day should be filled with fun and fireworks every year. I spent the day at our Homeowner's Association cookout at our clubhouse and had a very nice time. Good, fun people and great food! My day started out with a very trying phone conversation. Have you ever met someone who is always right but yet so wrong? Here is the conversation I had with my neighbor:
Neighbor: "Is there a mail delivery today?"
Me: "No."
Neighbor: "Why not? Is this one of those 17 plus paid days off the post office gets?"
Me: "It's a holiday."
Neighbor: "Since when?"
Me: "Since 1776."
Neighbor: "What makes it a holiday?"
Me: "It's Independence Day, Jack. It's been a holiday since 1776."
Neighbor (Getting frustrated with my stupidity): Carole, it's only a holiday if someone says it is."
Me: "Well, I believe George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Q. Adams, Ben Franklin and many more declared it a holiday back in 1776."
Neighbor: "Well, I have had 53 jobs and I never got the day off, so it's not a big holiday."
Me: "Some industries can't shut down for the day but almost all will compensate a worker by paying holiday pay."
Neighbor: "I never got holiday pay. What kind of holiday pay are you talking about?"
Me: "Most companies pay their workers double-time for working that day."
Neighbor: "Well, I never got it, so how can it be a big holiday?"
Me: "It's a national holiday."
Neighbor: "There is no such thing. It's not like Christmas or Thanksgiving."
Me: "It's a government holiday."
Neighbor: "Who said?"
Me: "Our forefathers. Washington, Adams, Franklin, Jefferson....those guys."
Neighbor: "You don't know what you're talking about. I gotta go put my trash out."
Me: "There's no trash pick-up today."
Neighbor: "Why not?"
Me: "Same reason. It's a holiday."
Neighbor: "You're going to start this again?"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!!!
Neighbor: "Is there a mail delivery today?"
Me: "No."
Neighbor: "Why not? Is this one of those 17 plus paid days off the post office gets?"
Me: "It's a holiday."
Neighbor: "Since when?"
Me: "Since 1776."
Neighbor: "What makes it a holiday?"
Me: "It's Independence Day, Jack. It's been a holiday since 1776."
Neighbor (Getting frustrated with my stupidity): Carole, it's only a holiday if someone says it is."
Me: "Well, I believe George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Q. Adams, Ben Franklin and many more declared it a holiday back in 1776."
Neighbor: "Well, I have had 53 jobs and I never got the day off, so it's not a big holiday."
Me: "Some industries can't shut down for the day but almost all will compensate a worker by paying holiday pay."
Neighbor: "I never got holiday pay. What kind of holiday pay are you talking about?"
Me: "Most companies pay their workers double-time for working that day."
Neighbor: "Well, I never got it, so how can it be a big holiday?"
Me: "It's a national holiday."
Neighbor: "There is no such thing. It's not like Christmas or Thanksgiving."
Me: "It's a government holiday."
Neighbor: "Who said?"
Me: "Our forefathers. Washington, Adams, Franklin, Jefferson....those guys."
Neighbor: "You don't know what you're talking about. I gotta go put my trash out."
Me: "There's no trash pick-up today."
Neighbor: "Why not?"
Me: "Same reason. It's a holiday."
Neighbor: "You're going to start this again?"
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Interview with Winsome
Today I am interviewed by the lovely and charming Winsome Campbell-Green. it certainly was an enjoyable question-answer interview. Please visit and enjoy!!
http://womenbeautypurposeandempowerment.blogspot.com/2013/06/women-of-purpose-spotlight-sucessful.html
http://womenbeautypurposeandempowerment.blogspot.com/2013/06/women-of-purpose-spotlight-sucessful.html
Monday, June 10, 2013
The curious question mark.
By now, everyone is aware that I read many books. I choose books written by Indie Authors and always do a review when I'm finished with the book.
Something has been bothering me lately..................
? ? ?
So many authors are using many, many question marks a the end of their dialogue sentences, and I'm not understanding why. There are times when the writer wants a declarative sentence to sound like a question; and I get that. But try as I might, I can't see the question in many of the sentences with question marks.
Can anyone come up with an explanation for me?
Something has been bothering me lately..................
? ? ?
So many authors are using many, many question marks a the end of their dialogue sentences, and I'm not understanding why. There are times when the writer wants a declarative sentence to sound like a question; and I get that. But try as I might, I can't see the question in many of the sentences with question marks.
Can anyone come up with an explanation for me?
Monday, May 27, 2013
Memorial Day
Although Memorial Day is traditionally a day of remembrance of our deceased loved ones, lost to us while serving in the military, we also remember those civilians who passed away. Memorial Day is a day of remembering, reflecting, and reminiscing as we honor those who served our country and those we loved.
I remember and honor my father, a WWII Veteran. He served in Europe and came home with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, leaving the military as a decorated Master Sergeant. He came home alive, and married my mom. They had me first, and then they were blessed with four sons.
Eddie Mack deserves to be honored on this day.
My son, while never serving in he military, was destined for great things before losing his life to that terrible illness.
Eric McKee deserves to be remembered on this day.
But, Folks, just take a moment and remember those who are still living. Say "hello" and "How are ya doing?" while you still can. Don't wait until it's too late. Visit the grave sites of those who are gone, and then pick up the phone or get into your car and connect with those you love while you still can.
Life is precious.
I remember and honor my father, a WWII Veteran. He served in Europe and came home with a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, leaving the military as a decorated Master Sergeant. He came home alive, and married my mom. They had me first, and then they were blessed with four sons.
Eddie Mack deserves to be honored on this day.
My son, while never serving in he military, was destined for great things before losing his life to that terrible illness.
Eric McKee deserves to be remembered on this day.
But, Folks, just take a moment and remember those who are still living. Say "hello" and "How are ya doing?" while you still can. Don't wait until it's too late. Visit the grave sites of those who are gone, and then pick up the phone or get into your car and connect with those you love while you still can.
Life is precious.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Terra's Turn
A very happy birthday to my daughter, Terra. She is 43 today. I hope the day is beautiful for her.
I love you, Terra.
I love you, Terra.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Eric's Birthday
I like to keep my posts upbeat, and informative, whenever possible. I'll try to keep it that way today.
On May 30th, eleven years ago, the world lost a great human being. He was intelligent, talented, athletic, spiritual, kind, and one of the best people I ever knew. He was my son. He passed away at the age of 31, way before he should have. An autoimmune disease dubbed PNH, for lack of a better term, claimed his life. PNH is a bone-marrow affliction where the marrow cannot produce viable blood cells. The platelet cells are the clotting cells, but instead of clotting in a PNH patient, they clump, thus getting hung up in the liver; and consequently destroying the liver. Enough said.
Today is Eric's birthday. He would have been 42 today. He's gone but not forgotten.......so............
Happy Birthday, Eric. I love you now just as I always have, and I will always love you.
On May 30th, eleven years ago, the world lost a great human being. He was intelligent, talented, athletic, spiritual, kind, and one of the best people I ever knew. He was my son. He passed away at the age of 31, way before he should have. An autoimmune disease dubbed PNH, for lack of a better term, claimed his life. PNH is a bone-marrow affliction where the marrow cannot produce viable blood cells. The platelet cells are the clotting cells, but instead of clotting in a PNH patient, they clump, thus getting hung up in the liver; and consequently destroying the liver. Enough said.
Today is Eric's birthday. He would have been 42 today. He's gone but not forgotten.......so............
Happy Birthday, Eric. I love you now just as I always have, and I will always love you.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Consequences...........Finally!!
I'm proud to announce the long-awaited and long-overdue completion of "Consequences" the final book of the "Choices" series. Yes, the series started with Lindy and Ricky falling in love in high school and the choices that not only they made, but the choices of those around them. Consequences is the finale--the end result of how the choices affected everyone. It's only fitting to end the series this way, because choices always lead to consequences.
In paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-Choices-Volume-Carole-McKee/dp/1482734370/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1367686812&sr=8-6&keywords=carole+Mckee
For the Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-Choices-Series-ebook/dp/B00CLY267I/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367686936&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=carole+Mckee+consequences+kindle
In paperback:
http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-Choices-Volume-Carole-McKee/dp/1482734370/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1367686812&sr=8-6&keywords=carole+Mckee
For the Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Consequences-Choices-Series-ebook/dp/B00CLY267I/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1367686936&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=carole+Mckee+consequences+kindle
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Boston Marathon
Yesterday's Boston Marathon ended in tragedy; I'm sure everyone agrees. Lives lost and bodies maimed because of the senseless act of someone placing bombs at key locations. My heart goes out to all those who suffered an injury and to those who lost a loved one. I'll pray for all of you, hoping that you will heal mentally and physically.
But I have to say this:
There is one silver lining that comes out of every tragic, senseless attack on the United States. It is simply this: We come together. We are not Democrats or Republicans, Black or White, Gay or Straight. Oh no! WE ARE AMERICANS! Americans standing strong--together. With every violent act of terror aginst our country, heroes emerge. People like you and me--going out of their way to help each other--save each other. It's times like these that I am so proud to be an American.
KUDOS to all of the heroes, and KUDOS to those who stood next to them--all for one and one for all.
AND GOD BLESS THE USA!!
But I have to say this:
There is one silver lining that comes out of every tragic, senseless attack on the United States. It is simply this: We come together. We are not Democrats or Republicans, Black or White, Gay or Straight. Oh no! WE ARE AMERICANS! Americans standing strong--together. With every violent act of terror aginst our country, heroes emerge. People like you and me--going out of their way to help each other--save each other. It's times like these that I am so proud to be an American.
KUDOS to all of the heroes, and KUDOS to those who stood next to them--all for one and one for all.
AND GOD BLESS THE USA!!
Monday, April 8, 2013
Writers and Speakers...Please!
Here is something I hear and see in print quite a lot, and it drives me up a wall and across the ceiling!!
This is not a word.>>>>> Irregardless.
I see it used so many times and I hear people say it.
**The word to use is------Regardless.
Please stop using the other non-word.
Sorry for the tirade, but when I see that non-word, that non-word begins to pulsate and reverberate, and flashes neon red in my otherwise calm mind; and I get heart palpitations. Well, maybe not quite all that, but it does bug me. Again, I refer you to The Dictionary of Disagreeable English written by Robert Hartwell Fiske.
This is not a word.>>>>> Irregardless.
I see it used so many times and I hear people say it.
**The word to use is------Regardless.
Please stop using the other non-word.
Sorry for the tirade, but when I see that non-word, that non-word begins to pulsate and reverberate, and flashes neon red in my otherwise calm mind; and I get heart palpitations. Well, maybe not quite all that, but it does bug me. Again, I refer you to The Dictionary of Disagreeable English written by Robert Hartwell Fiske.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Now it is time to think Spring!!!!!!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!
Wishing everyone a Happy St. Patrick's day, and may you all have the luck of the Irish!
Be sure to check out the interview with Florence Osmund this week.
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!florence-osmund/ct1q
Ms. Osmund's book "The Coach House" is beautifully written and has an intriguing story line. I've read it and I totally enjoyed it.
Be sure to check out the interview with Florence Osmund this week.
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!florence-osmund/ct1q
Ms. Osmund's book "The Coach House" is beautifully written and has an intriguing story line. I've read it and I totally enjoyed it.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Interview with Author Jim Reilly
Kimberly Shursen has done another great interview. This time the author is Jim Reilly, author of "Evolution." check it out.
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!jim-reilly/c1bea
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!jim-reilly/c1bea
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The NFL and Spelling
I find this really amusing. You all have seen those cheering fans at football games. The ones where one person holds up a big cardboard "D" and the person next to him holds up a cardboard cutout of a picket fence?
I believe this is the reason why so many people are spelling Defense and Offense incorrectly these days. Although Defense sounds like D-Fence it isn't spelled like that. So when you see the big cardboard "D" and the cardboard cutout of a picket fence, go ahead and yell, "Defense! Defense!"
Offense is also spelled with the 's'....not a 'c.'
An easy way to remember this is to remember that it makes good sense to write the words as defense and Offense.
I believe this is the reason why so many people are spelling Defense and Offense incorrectly these days. Although Defense sounds like D-Fence it isn't spelled like that. So when you see the big cardboard "D" and the cardboard cutout of a picket fence, go ahead and yell, "Defense! Defense!"
Offense is also spelled with the 's'....not a 'c.'
An easy way to remember this is to remember that it makes good sense to write the words as defense and Offense.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Spotlight on Katie French
Kimberly Shursen has spotlighted Katie French and her book "The Breeders" published in October 2012. This book has 68 5-Star reviews! Nice going, Katie!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Carole Di Tosti's Page
"The Fat and the Skinny" shows some delicious looking foods. How did she keep from gaining a ton of weight? Check out her page:
http://www.thefatandtheskinnyonwellness.com/2013/01/why-i-defied-my-own-tips-and-gained.html
http://www.thefatandtheskinnyonwellness.com/2013/01/why-i-defied-my-own-tips-and-gained.html
Monday, January 28, 2013
Author Micki Peluso
Check out another great interview by Kimberly Shursen. Kimberly interviewed Micki Peluso this week. Read all about it!
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!micki-peluso/c17fn
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!micki-peluso/c17fn
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Past vs. Passed
These are words that have been badly misused, confused, and tossed around.
When referring to someone's demise, the word is passed, as in passed away.
He or she may live past 90, but when the time comes, they pass away, and if it happened yesterday, last week, or last year, or any time before right now, they have passed away.
For writers, a really good tool to purchase is "The Dictionary of Disagreeable English" written by Robert Hartwell Fiske. The information in this book is invaluable.
Unfortunately, many people rely on their own ability and memory rather than to verify something they aren't sure of. Bad idea!
When I'm composing anything, whether it is a letter, a novel, or a comment, I have at my fingertips a dictionary, a Thesaurus, and Robert H. Fiske's book.
I still haven't found a cure for typos, but I'm looking!
When referring to someone's demise, the word is passed, as in passed away.
He or she may live past 90, but when the time comes, they pass away, and if it happened yesterday, last week, or last year, or any time before right now, they have passed away.
For writers, a really good tool to purchase is "The Dictionary of Disagreeable English" written by Robert Hartwell Fiske. The information in this book is invaluable.
Unfortunately, many people rely on their own ability and memory rather than to verify something they aren't sure of. Bad idea!
When I'm composing anything, whether it is a letter, a novel, or a comment, I have at my fingertips a dictionary, a Thesaurus, and Robert H. Fiske's book.
I still haven't found a cure for typos, but I'm looking!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
7-Line Challenge
Sharla Shults http://catnipoflife.wordpress.com/ has tagged me in the 7-line challenge. So here is line 7 of page 7 of "Maddie's Garden."
“I appreciate that these two are fine, but wouldn’t common sense tell you that somebody had to be very worried about these two being gone so long? You could have tried to make contact with their parents.”
And now it is my turn. Here are my 7:
Winsome Campbell-Green
http://irecasblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/ten-life-changing-lessons-by-winsome-campbell-green/
Sandra Bellamy
http://quirkybooks.wordpress.com/
Boyd Lemon
http://bloggers.com/boydlemon
Lisa April Smith
http://lisaaprilsmith.com/
Jay Rankin
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3279811.Jay_Rankin
Barbara Ann Derkson
http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Ann-Derksen/e/B006V4JD5M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Ronnie Dauber
http://ronniedauberauthor.com/
“I appreciate that these two are fine, but wouldn’t common sense tell you that somebody had to be very worried about these two being gone so long? You could have tried to make contact with their parents.”
“They told me they lived far away, and I
had no idea how to contact anybody. They didn’t know their telephone number or
their address.”
“Well, did you even volunteer to walk them
home? Or maybe call the police?”
Maddie’s back began to bristle. “You
have a lot of nerve. I have just spent the past five And now it is my turn. Here are my 7:
Winsome Campbell-Green
http://irecasblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/ten-life-changing-lessons-by-winsome-campbell-green/
Sandra Bellamy
http://quirkybooks.wordpress.com/
Boyd Lemon
http://bloggers.com/boydlemon
Lisa April Smith
http://lisaaprilsmith.com/
Jay Rankin
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3279811.Jay_Rankin
Barbara Ann Derkson
http://www.amazon.com/Barbara-Ann-Derksen/e/B006V4JD5M/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Ronnie Dauber
http://ronniedauberauthor.com/
Monday, January 14, 2013
Featured Author on "People Like Us"
Massimo Marino
Kimberly Shursen asks interesting questions and Massimo gives good interesting answers.
Check it out!
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#!massimo-marino/c1v9x
Monday, January 7, 2013
Richard Sharp! See His Interview!!
Please click on the link below to see the wonderful interview with Richard Sharp. The award-winning author answered some good, interesting questions asked by Kimberly Shursen on her blog. Check it out!
http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/#
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
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