tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33306223882711449482024-03-19T03:26:09.358-05:00Alicia Coleman | Romance Author BlogBlog of romance author, Alicia Coleman. Author of romantic fiction: Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense and Science Fiction.
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-90366357961507224792018-01-26T13:13:00.000-06:002018-01-26T13:13:44.800-06:00I've MovedHello. I've moved my blog to wordpress - <a href="http://aliciacoleman.wordpress.com/blog-3/">aliciacoleman.wordpress.com/blog-3/</a>. Be sure to meet me there to find out what I'm up to.<br />
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Bye for now!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-35905003923786922362017-06-09T00:00:00.000-05:002017-06-09T00:00:00.410-05:00Counting My Words #MFRWauthor #amwriting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Can you believe we are in week 23 of the MFRW 52 Week Blog Challenge? We're in the middle of 2017. Today's topic is Word Count.<br />
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As a writer, I don't write as often as I should and I'm slow. Some days I average about 300 words. Some days I sit in front of my computer and look at a blank word document because the words won't come. I'll usually give up then and do a little reading, research or play three-dimensional mahjong.<br />
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I promised myself I would change that this year after a friend of mine posted her end of year total. She had enough words for four novels or five novellas or ten short stories before editing. I have another author friend who writes 3k per day, five days per week no matter what. I've tried to find that kind of dedication for myself. I'm still looking.<br />
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I wanted my end of year total to be at least 120,000. Not a lot, but I wanted to start small. So I decided to just write and not count. Write without the pressure of making a goal and you know what? It's working. I still don't write every day, but I write a lot when I do. The year-end goal I set for myself may be reached this year. Maybe not. I won't sweat it. I'll just write.<br />
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What about you and word count? How do you handle it? Let's talk about it in the comments.<br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=278406" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-36779893912359270792017-05-26T19:37:00.000-05:002017-06-03T10:46:29.364-05:00My Best Childhood Memory -- Me and DadIt's Friday and another Marketing For Romance Writers blog challenge. This is week 21 of the 52-week challenge. Want more information about this venture? Click here.<br />
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This week's topic--"A Childhood Memory."<br />
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My earliest memory is of me as a four-year-old and my dad. That year, my mom worked at a summer camp run by a church. If fact, like the camp kids, she stayed there. So at home, it was me and dad until he went to work and then it was me and my aunt, his sister.<br />
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In the mornings, he cooked breakfast and we ate together. Sometimes he'd let me watch Bozo the Clown (I'm dating myself) while he braided my hair and got me ready to walk me to my aunt's house before leaving for work. When he returned home in the evenings, he would pick me up from my aunt's house and we'd go home. He would cook dinner. Again, we'd eat together, watched television and talked about our day. Then he'd get me ready for bed. I had him all to myself. Can you tell I was a daddy's girl?<br />
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On the weekends, we went to visit mom at the camp. Back in the day, before seat belts, I would stand on the front bench seat in the car with both my little arms hooked behind the backrest, talk to dad and point out cows and horses in pastures and other cars we passed as we whizzed down the highway.<br />
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At the camp, we'd hug mom really tight. I missed her and wished she was home, but we got to spend the entire weekend with her. I remember looking at all those kids running around laughing and screaming and I thought, I got to see my dad every day and my mom every weekend while they had to wait until the summer was over to see their parents.<br />
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That's about as much as I remembered myself. I had to get a little help from my mom. What about you. What is your fondest childhood memory? Tell me in the comment and don't forget to cruise by the other author blogs.<br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=277570" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-49888553627863234322017-05-19T11:30:00.000-05:002017-05-26T18:32:29.375-05:00My Favorite Books Made Into MoviesThis is week 20 of the Marketing For Romance Writers 52-week challenge. Today's topic is 'My Favorite Movies Inspired by Books.'<br />
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My all time favorite books are the <b><span style="color: red;">Harry Potter series</span></b>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of HarryPotter.wikia.com</span></div>
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In my opinion, the books are more structured, more action-packed, but the movies are remarkably beautiful and brilliant. The musical score is extremely eloquent and poignant. What's so great about the movies is that a large majority of the same children was used throughout and you get to see them grow into extraordinary men and women.</div>
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Next is <span style="color: red;"><b>The Lord of the Rings trilogy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo courtesy of playbuzz.com</span></div>
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The<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>books were long and ponderous. The first movie, The Fellowship of the Ring, was a set up of the trilogy--not dull, but not exciting either. The second, The Two Towers, got to be more interesting and the fight scenes with the Orcs was excellent. The third, The Return of the King, was way too emotional. I cried most of the day that I watched it.</div>
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There you have it. My favorite books to movies. Be sure to cruise by and check out the other author challengers.</div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=277570" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-54894742274717316852017-05-13T00:00:00.000-05:002017-05-13T00:00:09.847-05:00Happy Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> crosscards.com </span></div>
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Here's a wonderful Mother's Day post I wrote a few years ago. My best ever. The sentiments are still the same.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Just a few thoughts on Mother's Day. For most of us, when we were young, Mom was the single most important person in our lives. Let's face it, she knows everything there is to know about us. She let us have space in her body for a little over nine months, feeding us and keeping us warm and didn't even charge rent!...Wow! who else would do that?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Mom was the first person to see us naked...think about it. The first person to witness us drooling, eating & drinking like a pig, throwing up, smelling like pee and lighting up a room when we "break wind" and have bowel movements, and also when we have temper tantrums. All the really embarrassing stuff and here's the kicker--she still loves us for it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">She was there when we took our first steps and picked us up when we fell. She fought all of our battles until we could fight our own and helped us celebrate our first victories. Our very own cheering squad and fan club all rolled into one. She was the first person we told our secrets to...and she kept them!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">With all of that, she was also the first to set us straight when we got out of line--our judge, jury, and executor of punishments. Sometimes we got off light and sometimes we couldn't sit comfortably for a few days. Some of us would say, "Wait until I grow up, I won't treat my children this way." But one day we wake up and put our hands to our mouth and say "I've become my mother! Our punishments were executed with love and the knowledge that this would hopefully help us become well-adjusted people and follow in her footsteps to become good parents.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">So whether our moms have left this plain of existence for a better one or still here to give us love and advice, let's remember:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">The time we ate all of the jelly and denied it and everyone got punished, or...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">The time we came it after curfew and was grounded for a week, or...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">The time we ran that touchdown and we could hear mom screaming the loudest from </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">from the sidelines, or...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">We won an award and could hear mom clapping, screaming "That's my child!" and</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">thank heaven we were given the best mom in the entire world.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-85058345375957168642017-05-12T13:28:00.000-05:002017-05-12T13:28:20.778-05:00My Hero...sigh #MFRWAuthor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's week 19, ya'll, of the MFRW 52-week Blogging Challenge. This week's topic is "The Ideal Romance Hero." Any author can join in on the fun. <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html" target="_blank">Click here to find out how</a></span>.<br />
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Cue the music <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI0mSEzttx8&spfreload=10" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">"I Need A Hero."</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=lyrics+to+i+need+a+hero&oq=lyrics+to+i+need+a+hero&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.5960j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">The Words</span></a><br />
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The ideal romance hero...whether fiction or real, to me embody the same qualities. My father who is the model of the man I'm looking for. My brothers and my son who followed in my dad's footsteps, and the uncles and cousins I'm visiting this week. They all have these qualities.<br />
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<u>Those qualities:</u><br />
<b>Genuinely good person</b>--calm, caring, patient, affectionate, friendly.<br />
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<b>A sense of humor</b>. A man who can laugh as well as laugh at himself.<br />
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<b>Gentleman</b>--chivalrous, a man of his word, a man of honor--willing to hold a door open or hold a chair.<br />
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<b>Attentive</b>--vigilant, interested, conscientious--willing to give his undivided attention.<br />
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<b>Intelligent</b>--well-read, observant, curious. Can converse on most subjects without being arrogant or egotistical.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLH8ea9HUrKKO8PSF_b9_p8h_-AVqFDokLVgzK3PgmTOTMtda1Y1mxLz2StN1Y3McLVW1K5w-vbnRGPnAQQF18MQFFnkGD2hHsYJH2cGv_6OUVpc1lu4gajdFeHYxIMiGoXhx-4_CdD8E/s1600/beauty-and-the-beast-beauty-and-the-beast-309492_1024_768__140221041543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLH8ea9HUrKKO8PSF_b9_p8h_-AVqFDokLVgzK3PgmTOTMtda1Y1mxLz2StN1Y3McLVW1K5w-vbnRGPnAQQF18MQFFnkGD2hHsYJH2cGv_6OUVpc1lu4gajdFeHYxIMiGoXhx-4_CdD8E/s200/beauty-and-the-beast-beauty-and-the-beast-309492_1024_768__140221041543.jpg" width="200" /></a>The above qualifications are from the inside of the hero. They shine outward for the world to observe. A man with the strength of character to stand on his convictions and conscience and not be swayed by the winds (opinions) that blow this way and that. Physical beauty or looks are fine, but not away important. My aunt had a saying, "<i>Beauty fades away, but ugly holds its own</i>." <b>Example</b>: Beauty and the Beast. A prince turned into a monstrous beast but learned the true meaning of being a hero and love. When he stopped being growly, he exhibited his true worth--the hero qualities listed above and was willing to let Belle so. But love prevailed and they lived happily ever after. (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo: Disney.com</span>)<br />
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These are just a small section of the qualities as demonstrated by my hero pictured above. This is a blog hop. Please be sure to check out the other authors/bloggers.<br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=277568" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script --><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-77612789668460382332017-05-05T00:30:00.000-05:002017-05-05T10:40:46.693-05:00Laugh Out Loud Funny #MFRWauthor #amwriting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is week 18 of the Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge. Today's topic--What Makes Me Laugh Out Loud. For more information or to join, <a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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I love humor. I sometimes laugh so hard and loud, I'm doubled over attempting to catch my breath while clutching my stomach and tears run from my eyes. What makes me laugh out loud? Quite a few things actually:<br />
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Slapstick Comedy Movies. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKQJZ93DhV8" target="_blank">Watch this video of sample slapstick</a>.<br />
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Romantic Comedy Movies like Pretty Woman, Bringing Down the House, The Bird Cage, Coming to America, Sweet Home Alabama and YA movies like What A Girl Wants and The Princess Diaries.<br />
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I'm showing my age, but I started with comedy by watching TV variety shows like Red Skelton and Carol Burnett as well as programs like I Love Lucy and the Beverly Hillbillies.<br />
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TV shows like <b><span style="color: red;">3rd Rock From the Sun</span></b>. A group of aliens sent to earth, disguised as a human family, to experience life and report back to their home planet. John Lithgow is a comedic genius. I giggle days later thinking about something he did or said. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYiq0oJyDUA" target="_blank">Watch him in action</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo: tvlistings.zap2it.com)</span><br />
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British comedies (remember <a href="http://aliciacoleman2.blogspot.com/2017/04/oh-places-id-go-mfrwauthor-amwriting.html" target="_blank">last Friday</a>, I admitted to being a secret Anglophile) like <b><span style="color: red;">Keeping Up Appearances</span></b> starring Patricia Routledge. A snobbish housewife is determined to climb the social ladder, in spite of her family's working class connection and the constant chagrin of her long-suffering husband. This program, at one time, was part of the comedy line-up on Saturday nights on PBS. I watch episodes on Youtube now. My mother and I have considered pooling our money together to buy the entire collection. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZGknK7w_6A" target="_blank">Watch this</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo: www.imdb.com)</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RHezTQ30mIZ5RF4ybmcj0PROCGORN5xwN2MxfMXj4Mx-K5d3P2WNOL2bkgfiWnCW0u94Hz-KZNcUFgV-exTae7yciI3RJZ-ycdnjV6-73O-XkrKqHlbsxYhHpFPDhKFjHUnejaThx-k/s1600/Coupling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RHezTQ30mIZ5RF4ybmcj0PROCGORN5xwN2MxfMXj4Mx-K5d3P2WNOL2bkgfiWnCW0u94Hz-KZNcUFgV-exTae7yciI3RJZ-ycdnjV6-73O-XkrKqHlbsxYhHpFPDhKFjHUnejaThx-k/s200/Coupling.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
My other favorite British comedy, <b><span style="color: red;">Coupling</span></b>. Six best friends talk about all aspects of sex and relationships on their never-ending quest to find true love. When a couple gets together, it's never just the two of them. They also bring baggage in the form of their friends and exes. I bought the DVD collection recently and watch them over and over again. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52771yKS3As" target="_blank">Watch here</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo: www.imdb.com)</span><br />
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Romance Novels and Novellas. The funniest so far being <b><a href="http://shellylaurenston.com/books/" target="_blank">Shelly Laurenston/G A Aiken's</a> </b>Magnus Pack & The Pride Series, Dragon Kin Series. <b><a href="http://www.kerrelynsparks.com/books-loveatstake.html" target="_blank">Kerrelyn Sparks's</a></b> The Love at Stake Series. <b><a href="http://www.lynsaysands.net/books/index.html#argeneau" target="_blank">Lynsay Sands's</a> </b>The Argeneau Series. <b><a href="http://katiemacalister.com/books/" target="_blank">Katie MacAlister's</a> </b>Aisling Gray Guardian, The Dark Ones Series, The Light Dragons Series, The Silver Dragons Series. Each line or scene that have me giggling, I bookmark and go back over them chuckling again and again.<br />
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There you have it. Some movies, books, and TV that have me roaring with laughter. What about you? What makes you laugh out loud? Tell me below in the comments.<br />
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Be sure to check out the blogs of the authors listed below. Have a great weekend.</div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=277567" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script --><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-82537095477005754852017-04-28T00:00:00.000-05:002017-04-28T00:00:09.512-05:00Oh, The Places I'd Go.... #mfrwauthor, #amwriting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUUTptOYgFerTzDtSNL087CesdmU7s1rnRHJFCydBvYivfahmLstqWE4a_DpCRaa49TwW1mp0j7GZbQvjn_MTpl6WMmiXGd8AuCW9ST-dk8eXe5lDnG_GNrqOOOBZJAsHbnsAwtTC6BI/s1600/travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUUTptOYgFerTzDtSNL087CesdmU7s1rnRHJFCydBvYivfahmLstqWE4a_DpCRaa49TwW1mp0j7GZbQvjn_MTpl6WMmiXGd8AuCW9ST-dk8eXe5lDnG_GNrqOOOBZJAsHbnsAwtTC6BI/s320/travel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;">Image: keepcalmandtravel.com</span></div>
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Welcome to week 17 of the MFRW 52-Week Blog Challenge. It's an opportunity for authors to tell a little bit more about themselves. Any author with a blog can participate. <a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here</b></a> to find out more. This week the topic is 'The Top 5 Places I'd Like to Visit.'</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5IjAfjuy33hyVq3R8CA-5CT_miOfp9a3Tn6ma4sQo7kVyuhTHbW3ddg-StUUGhWbFrDhddh3n1T-OFxwVM19_GXGcAkjeCU-p9YCvSM4IdGZGg3_kOV6A5fRInWrg07cABq85k1DKpc/s1600/New+Orleans%252C+LA-French+Quarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5IjAfjuy33hyVq3R8CA-5CT_miOfp9a3Tn6ma4sQo7kVyuhTHbW3ddg-StUUGhWbFrDhddh3n1T-OFxwVM19_GXGcAkjeCU-p9YCvSM4IdGZGg3_kOV6A5fRInWrg07cABq85k1DKpc/s320/New+Orleans%252C+LA-French+Quarter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>New Orleans, LA (French Quarter)</b></div>
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My all time favorite place to visit. Whenever we visit, which is every other summer, we stay in the Quarter. I love riding the trolley from one end of the French Quarter to the other and never tire of the sights. The French Market on N Peters St is a fun place to shop. My family and I never get tired of browsing the shop windows on various streets, touring old buildings such as the St Louis Cathedral on Pere Antoine Alley, U.S. Mint on Esplanade Ave and the above ground vaults of St. Louis cemetery no.1 on N Claiborne Ave. This is the cemetery where the famous voodoo queen, Marie Laveau is buried. (as of March 1, the cemetery is closed to free public access due to vandalism and assaults on visitors, however, you can take a guided tour). The food at little hole-in-the-wall restaurants is to die for as well as coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde. It's relaxing to sit at outdoor eateries and watch the sea of people stroll by. A lively place where people play musical instruments, sing, and dance on the street corners. </div>
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A few of my favorite paranormal authors have stories within their series situated in New Orleans: <a href="http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/" target="_blank">Sherrilyn Kenyon's</a> Dark Hunters, <a href="https://kresleycole.com/" target="_blank">Kresley Cole's</a> Immortals After Dark, and <a href="http://jeanienefrost.com/" target="_blank">Jeaniene Frost's</a> characters, Cat and Bones, visit New Orleans a few times.</div>
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<b>Hilton Head Island, SC</b></div>
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Another favorite location is Hilton Head Island. While the French Quarter is my lively place, Hilton Head Island is my quiet place number 1. It's relaxing to sit on the beach to watch the waves roll in and out, smell the ocean, listen to the waves crash and feel the sun and the wind on your skin. I usually like laying on the sofa and reading a good book, but for the next trip, I plan to visit a few museums like the Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum. I have a few story ideas about lighthouses.</div>
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<b>Gatlinburg, TN</b></div>
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Quiet place number 2 is Gatlinburg, TN. When asked if I wanted to accompany my parents to Gatlinburg in 2000. My mom had just retired and instead of a retirement party, she chose to invite her family to Tennessee to celebrate. I immediately said no. I'd just ended a long-term relationship and didn't want to go to a city where couples married in little wedding chapels interspersed throughout the city and walked hand in hand up and down the streets all starry eyed. My folks hounded me until I relented and agreed to travel with them. The Fall Festival was in play and I love it. The browns, oranges, reds and yellow colors of autumn were everywhere. We toured a small area in the mountains called Cade's Cove. It was peaceful, quiet, breath-taking and I vowed I'd return as many times as I could afford. We changed seasons from Fall to Christmas in 2011 and try to visit whenever there's a vacancy. (Since the fire in 2016 that destroyed much of the city, we've decided to choose a random destination for Christmas 2017.)</div>
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England is on my bucket list. I've always loved this place and secretly consider myself an Anglophile. I want to visit Trafalgar Square to see Nelson's Column and the National Gallery. Next, the Tower of London where Anne Boleyn was held and beheaded for treason and her daughter, Elizabeth I, was held because she posed a threat to her half-sister, Queen Mary. (Elizabeth I is my favorite British queen.) Stonehenge, because it's ancient and mysterious and Manchester because my cousin lives there and because of the football club, Manchester United.</div>
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The second location on my bucket list is Scotland. The land of breath-taking castles, wide sweeping landscapes that resemble the hills of Kentucky, William Wallace and of course, Nessie. The home of two of my favorite fictional drool-worthy heroes--Connor and Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. The home of distant ancestors on my maternal side. I feel the pull of Scotland calling to me. As much as I'd like to one day visit England, I yearn to live in Scotland, at least for a few months.</div>
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There are a few authors with Highlander series that I've enjoyed reading: <a href="https://karenmoning.com/highlander-series-2/" target="_blank">Karen Marie Moning</a>, <a href="http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/highlander-vows-entangled-hearts-series/" target="_blank">Julie Johnstone</a>, <a href="http://eknightauthor.com/books/#4" target="_blank">Eliza Knight</a> and <a href="http://hildiemcqueen.com/books.html" target="_blank">Hildie McQueen</a>.</div>
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So...out of my five dream locations, I'd live in French Quarter-New Orleans or Scotland. What places would you love to visit? Tell me in the comments. </div>
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Don't forget to cruise by the other author blogs listed below to find out the dream locations they'd like to visit.</div>
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=277296" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-74208172217612728612017-04-21T14:00:00.000-05:002017-04-27T22:49:48.736-05:00Living My Dream, #MFRWauthor, #amwriting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaknHgfek3QIJR1u7QLp4yDZbS1ZTPRP2wUKC20DcGHSwLyz-k5FYFdXYMHq004kH6nCWsfkji6DK1fuzWc1TLNMJzI3zLGXP0d_eUvpf0sUzoSWEPcPhbx8qiIiWN8lieeXM_HDYg3g/s1600/Connie+the+Wonnie+-+living+the+dream+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaknHgfek3QIJR1u7QLp4yDZbS1ZTPRP2wUKC20DcGHSwLyz-k5FYFdXYMHq004kH6nCWsfkji6DK1fuzWc1TLNMJzI3zLGXP0d_eUvpf0sUzoSWEPcPhbx8qiIiWN8lieeXM_HDYg3g/s320/Connie+the+Wonnie+-+living+the+dream+.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Week 16 - MFRW 52 Week Challenge. This week 'My Biggest Dream in Life.'</div>
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My dream is to be a full-time writer. I've made it! Almost.</div>
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In the above comic, Connie says, "Woo Hoo! Livin' the Dream!" and then she days "Not perfectly but I keep at it." This is me. </div>
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During my younger years, I wrote plays that family and friends acted in and wrote stories my parents and teachers liked. They saw potential and encouraged me to continue to write. But as time went by, life got in the way and writing had to take a back seat to everything else and some instances had to be hidden the back of a closet in a locked box.</div>
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After thirty years at my day job, I retired. Finally, I can write anytime and not worry about a story snippet scribbled hurriedly during lunch or breaks that may get lost in a paper shuffle. My son is an adult with his own young family. They're happy and healthy. I'm thankful. I'm not old enough for Social Security, though and I'm not published yet. But I persevere. I study craft books, write and one day soon, I'll be published. </div>
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What about you? What's your biggest dream? Tell me in the comments.</div>
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=277295" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-36398650923185472842017-04-14T00:00:00.000-05:002017-04-14T00:18:22.390-05:00My Social Media Meeting Places #MFRWauthor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi y'all, it's week 15 of the Marketing For Romance Writer's 52-Week Blog Challenge. I've missed a couple of weeks by being caught up in other things, but now I'm back.<br />
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The subject of this week's challenge is 'Social Media Hangouts'.<br />
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This challenge is an opportunity for authors to connect with readers and each other. An opportunity to learn a little more about each other besides what's in our bios. Any author can join the challenge. Click <b><a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html" target="_blank">here</a></b> to find out more.<br />
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Two of my 2017 intentions is to <a href="http://aliciacoleman2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>blog</b></a> more and keep my <a href="http://www.aliciacoleman.com/" target="_blank"><b>website</b></a> updated. One of the ways I'm blogging more is taking part in this challenge. <br />
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I have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AliciaColemanauthor/?hc_location=ufi" target="_blank"><b>Facebook Author Page</b></a>. While I should be using it to promote my writing, I primarily post positive quotes to keep me psyched and share posts about other authors releases. One of my 2017 intentions is to post more about my own writings on all of my social media. I've only done it once or twice this year. Of course, I have my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alicia.coleman3" target="_blank"><b>profile</b></a> page where I hang out with family and friends, and on various FB groups.<br />
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Next is <a href="https://twitter.com/AliciaColeman" target="_blank"><b>Twitter</b></a>. Again, I schedule positive quotes through Hootsuite to appear on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday--the same ones posted on my FB author page. I tweet about craft blog posts and retweet promotion from other authors. I not very good at thinking of things to tweet on my own.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/aliciaacoleman/" target="_blank"><b>Instagram</b></a>. Most all of my social media reflect the same things. I'm consistent that way. Positive quotes again, but I love the notion of posting photos and enjoy cruising through other pages getting ideas for posts and, one day, my own book promotion. In recent months, this account has been converted to a business account.<br />
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/aliciacoleman1/" target="_blank"><b>Pinterest</b></a> is my favorite. I'd rather be on Pinterest than anywhere else. 29 boards of things/places/people I find fun and interesting plus 12 secret boards representing ideas for my future books. One of my boards is for the blogs I own and participate on. I save my posts for each blog there.<br />
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The four above are my main meeting places. There's <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+AliciaColeman1" target="_blank"><b>Google Plus</b></a>, Snapchat (I have no idea what to do with this one.), a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Aliciaa1155" target="_blank"><b>YouTube</b></a> channel where I watch snippets of my favorite movie scenes and music videos. Also, there's <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2848295-alicia" target="_blank"><b>Goodreads</b></a> (just a regular page since I'm not published yet, I log in books I've read and hang out in groups) and <a href="https://www.wattpad.com/user/AliciaColeman1/about" target="_blank"><b>WattPad</b></a> (I haven't published the short story I'm working on yet).<br />
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Well, there you have it. This is where you will find me. Where do you hang out? Let's talk about it in the comments.<br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=277294" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-61143489866665835332017-03-17T19:39:00.000-05:002017-03-17T19:39:17.796-05:00Plot Away...My Writing ProcessWelcome to week 11 of the MFRW's 52-Week Blog Challenge. Today's post is about my writing process. This a blog hop for writers to learn more about each other. Anyone can join at any point in the challenge. Learn more about the challenge by following this <b><a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">link</span></a></b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15j0AiT_UKQk_G3dHRJ8TJeQqDeqQH0NQ9uG7M-CVnmKD5D9yba8LFMWFCiYwjbirGrcMj0nfXZjUWXl9QogKYTXzR2OdlWgDEMFl1EedgZQKgNtlPw-MUU48X-FHwXmRnmCyJnQFSy0/s1600/planster2--Angela+Cavanaugh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi15j0AiT_UKQk_G3dHRJ8TJeQqDeqQH0NQ9uG7M-CVnmKD5D9yba8LFMWFCiYwjbirGrcMj0nfXZjUWXl9QogKYTXzR2OdlWgDEMFl1EedgZQKgNtlPw-MUU48X-FHwXmRnmCyJnQFSy0/s320/planster2--Angela+Cavanaugh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">angelacavanaugh.com</span></div>
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P<b>lanners (Plotters)</b>--Plotters like to know where is the story is going from beginning to end mapping it out to the last scene and detail. My brain doesn't work like that. I've tried plotting with no success. I'll attempt an outline and quickly loose interest.<br />
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<span class="">P</span><b class="">antsers</b>--Those who "write by the seat of their pants" make the story up as they go along. Pantsing is easier for me. I'm not bound by an outline. I'm free to create a story from a blank page.<br />
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<b class="">Plantsers</b>--Writers who like both methods. That's me. A hybrid. While I can't rigidly outline, I do write 20 to 30 pages describing what happens in the story. For me, it's a guide giving a general idea of how the story may progress, but still allowing for detours from the script as needed.<br />
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Plotter, Pantser or Plantser? Which one are you? Let's discuss them in the comments.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-70428316089306383942017-03-10T00:00:00.000-06:002017-03-10T00:00:19.827-06:00My Guilty Pleasures #MFRWIt's week 10 of the MFRW's blog challenge. This weeks prompt is "Seven Guilty Pleasures."<br />
Anyone can join at any point in the challenge. <a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html">Follow this link to learn more</a>.<br />
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<b>My Pleasures:</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BvzrJWgpU1mJRFLPSGdkwFmaJWKEsWhO6kVgMJ4WKhQ4N5EJCJPFIcMZY-CQWG7slZZwD3gu1dkg7ovkY3Ibe3LR5_t2cvc47vC1cJ47qkPoFs-unlLnvugGvrRQn52eGrf7Il-G2NU/s1600/English+Breakfast+Tea.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BvzrJWgpU1mJRFLPSGdkwFmaJWKEsWhO6kVgMJ4WKhQ4N5EJCJPFIcMZY-CQWG7slZZwD3gu1dkg7ovkY3Ibe3LR5_t2cvc47vC1cJ47qkPoFs-unlLnvugGvrRQn52eGrf7Il-G2NU/s200/English+Breakfast+Tea.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
1. <b>English Breakfast Tea</b>. Nothing like starting the day with a cup of tea. Both hot and cold tea is my favorite beverage. There is something about it that's soothing. allows it to drains away the day's stress. As I write this post, it's cold, thundering and raining outside. I have a cup beside me. The robust scent, coppery-red color, and hint of lime added in a beautiful, delicate bone china cup and saucer is warm and comforting on a day like today.<br />
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2. <b>Reading</b>. As I mentioned above, it's raining. Curling up on the couch with a good book, a cup of hot tea, pillow and matching fleece throw over the lower body is heaven. I've never physically been to Europe or traveled through time, but reading carries the reader to faraway and exotic places past, present and future creating tender and adventurous moments to be relived again and again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4In2QlNhZUIJEuAtLQhPdoTKMDqg0y5tgg6_GNnN3rbV_Sz4t1MAkvKntdx054fyCb8sOILXoYubbkuFhcG6oRzkoo_swHJdE5jq1qkehHCmrVUYSH1QFQQ9UZ_4yk4TIM8tX1x38Bmw/s1600/star-trek-Franchise.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4In2QlNhZUIJEuAtLQhPdoTKMDqg0y5tgg6_GNnN3rbV_Sz4t1MAkvKntdx054fyCb8sOILXoYubbkuFhcG6oRzkoo_swHJdE5jq1qkehHCmrVUYSH1QFQQ9UZ_4yk4TIM8tX1x38Bmw/s200/star-trek-Franchise.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
3. <b>Star Trek</b>. I looove this franchise. At present, Star Trek (TOG) and The Next Generation (TNG) are the ones I've been able to find and watch on TV plus the movies with the Chris Pine crew. My plan is to buy all of the movies and the series for Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise. TV/Movie Marathon!<br />
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I have ideas for world/universe building and a science fiction romance series percolating.<br />
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4. <b>Dilled Cucumber and Tomato Salad</b>. This year I decided to make a life change. I've started the Mediterranean Diet. So far, other than a greek salad, this cucumber and tomato salad is my favorite.<br />
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5. <b>Pearls</b>. In my opinion, pearls represent refinement, beauty, and class. In the book, "Grits (Girls Raised In The South) Guide to life" by Deborah Ford, the sign of a true southern woman is pearls, a cast iron skillet, and a magnolia tree in the front yard.<br />
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Imagine: Seated on a wide veranda a victorian bed and breakfast dressed in cool spring flirty tea length dress, pearls clasped around your neck, a mint julep in hand conversing with the Ladies Garden Club. I've got the pearls, the flirty dress, and the skillet. To complete my qualifications to be a full-fledged GRITS girl, I just need the tree.<br />
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6. <b>Tiny House Living</b>. Tiny House Living is an HGTV program showcasing various sizes of tiny homes and the person/families making the decision to free themselves of "stuff" and living tiny. The homes can be stationary or mobile. As small as 96 sq. ft. or as large as 500 sq. ft., wood or metal, single or modular. They can be one story or have a loft or two. I would love to attempt living in a tiny house for about a week, maybe longer to see if it's something I could do long-term. Travel across the country taking my home with me--no hotels, no restaurant food just paying for utility hook ups and taking to the road again. If that doesn't work, I could use it as a writing retreat or a guest house for visiting family or friends.<br />
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7. <b>Jamocha Shake</b>. The best thing Arby's ever created is the Jamocha Shake. Smooth, creamy, chocolatey coffee flavored drink.<br />
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What about you? What are your guilty pleasures? Tell me in the comments.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-10601926242891032322017-03-03T00:00:00.000-06:002017-03-03T08:59:59.696-06:00Icky Words #MFRWIt's week 9 of the #MFRW blog hop. This week's prompt, words that make me go ick or eww.<br />
<a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Follow this link to learn more</span></a>. Anyone can join at any point in the challenge.<br />
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There are just a few words that make me shudder.<br />
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Snot/mucus comes to mind. It conjures a child's runny nose with mucus laying between the nostril and top lip and the color is usually whitish or green. *shudder*<br />
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Vomit. Witnessing or thinking about it makes me want to hurl too. My stomach and throat ache from my dry heaves.<br />
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Words of a sexual nature:<br />
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<li>pussy</li>
<li>moist</li>
<li>dick</li>
<li>cum </li>
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They make me uncomfortable and I can't force myself write those words in a love scene. What about you? What words make you go ick?<br />
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Be sure to check out other posts in this blog hop.<br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=276249" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-29285067744156769592017-02-24T00:00:00.000-06:002017-02-24T00:03:32.706-06:00Book Titles: How I Choose #MFRWWelcome to week eight of the MFRW 52-Week Blog Challenge. Any author can join in at any point in the challenge. <a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html"><span style="color: magenta;">FOLLOW THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHALLENGE</span></a>.<br />
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Dozens and dozens of story ideas are all around and I usually record them in a handy notebook in my purse or in a notepad on my nightstand. I have no problems meeting characters who introduce themselves to me asking that I tell their story. But titles for their stories--not so much. There's where my difficulties start.<br />
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Sometimes family and friends will make suggestions if they've read an excerpt or my plot notes. It's like I have some sort of block when it comes to naming the book. As a result, I usually give tentative titles like Mariah's story or write a short sentence for the title until I can think of one which I'm embarrassed to say takes months.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWh0pA9ucYho2EVS4p6JqBWRnHHrPeUlk0kS12PDLcKdKswU9AwsjZQcr3znDqtF6dGaIEW3dCMgETgEiG7XyrWvIIUxk0TF05-lQBOJpHkaCn_N5dp7f3fjw-kUZ381a8VtNR4aGUSY/s1600/badge-52+Week+Blog+Challenge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWh0pA9ucYho2EVS4p6JqBWRnHHrPeUlk0kS12PDLcKdKswU9AwsjZQcr3znDqtF6dGaIEW3dCMgETgEiG7XyrWvIIUxk0TF05-lQBOJpHkaCn_N5dp7f3fjw-kUZ381a8VtNR4aGUSY/s200/badge-52+Week+Blog+Challenge.png" width="200" /></a><br />
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Do you have trouble coming up with titles? What is your process for naming your books? Tell me in the comments.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-22653961795966055082017-02-17T00:00:00.000-06:002017-02-17T00:00:00.167-06:00Me, Music And Writing, Oh My!--#MFRWauthor <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's week 7 of the 52-week writing prompt challenge. Today's topic: Music to write by.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "neuton"; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/01/2017blogchallenge.html" target="_blank">FOLLOW THIS LINK TO LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE CHALLENGE</a>.</span><br />
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Music. The great ice breaker. There are no words to describe how much I love it. It plays a huge part in my daily existence. A chilled glass of wine and music are a great stress reliever, a way to soothe anger, slow a galloping pulse when something monumental happens, and calm frayed nerves after a long day at the evil day job or when stuck in 5 o'clock p.m. traffic.<br />
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Depending on the song, music helps me to write scenes, sometimes whole chapters. At times a particular song may be the music theme for the entire story. I listen to the chosen song a few times to get a bead on my character's emotions and then proceed to write. For example, the song <i>Hello</i> by Adele (click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQHsXMglC9A" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a> to watch the video) was perfect for creating a scene in my WIP where my female character meets the man she never stopped loving years later after a painful break-up.<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(College.USAToday.com)</span><br />
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As for listening to music while I write... it has to be classical played softly. My favorite is <i>Fur Elise</i> (click <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KN3v7cJiDg" target="_blank">here</a></b> to listen) by Beethoven. If it's classical, I don't run the risk of singing and dancing and then no writing is done.<br />
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What about you? Can you write and listen to music at the same time?<br />
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<!-- start LinkyTools script --><script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=276247" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end LinkyTools script -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-78382703621379678502017-02-14T00:30:00.000-06:002017-02-14T11:44:55.586-06:003 Romantic Couples of the Ages #ValentinesDay #RomancefortheagesHappy Valentine's Day!<br />
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Today let's talk about love. Boy meets girl. Love at first sight. Enemies to lovers. Broken-heartedness and devastation at love lost. Celebrate with me the giddy highs and pulse pumping excitement of love found, the joy and gladness of enduring love, and the ravaged, depressing lows of love lost of three couples of the ages.<br />
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<b>Cleopatra and Marc Antony </b><br />
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The true love story of Egyptian pharaoh Cleopatra and Roman general Marc Antony is one of the most intriguing and memorable of all times.<br />
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Cleopatra began her reign of Egypt when Julius Caesar put her in power over her husband (and brother) Ptolemy. She charmed him and their affair continued until his death three years later. Caesar's death caused a civil war in Rome between Octavian, his grandnephew, and Antony, his cousin.<br />
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Antony suspected Cleopatra was involved in his Caesar's murder and demanded she appear before him to explain herself. They fell in love at first sight. He spent the winter with her instead of fighting and ruling his empire. Their affair outraged the Romans who were wary of the growing power of Egypt.<br />
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The couple was defeated in battle by Octavian (named later changed to Augustus) and they each committed suicide, Antony, by falling on his sword and Cleopatra, by putting an asp to her chest. Theirs was a tragedy immortalized by William Shakespeare.<br />
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<b>Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal</b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (photo: museyon.com)</span></i><br />
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Shah Jahan, 15-year-old ruler of the Mughal Empire married Arjumand Banu, a teenage girl in 1612. She was renamed Mumtaz Mahal and became Shah Jahan's favorite wife.<br />
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She died in 1629 while giving birth to their 14th child. He was devastated. His grief affected him both emotionally and physically but inspired him to create a fitting final resting place for the love of his life - Taj Mahal (<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo: Wikipedia</span></i>).<br />
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Shah Jahan became ill and was overthrown by his eldest son. He lived the rest of his life under house arrest in the Red Fort of Agra.<br />
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Legend has it he planned to build a replica of the Taj Mahal in black marble for himself on the opposite bank of the river Yamuna but construction never commence. He was laid to rest beside his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.<br />
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<b>King Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari </b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo: martingracephotography.com)</span></i><br />
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King Ramesses II, also known as "Ramesses the Great," was the third Egyptian pharaoh of the 19th dynasty. He reigned from 1279 B.C. to 1213 B.C. At age 14, he was appointed prince regent by his father Seti I. Ramesses ruled Egypt for 66 years and 2 months. He was reported to have lived to 99 years old.<br />
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He led military expeditions into the Levant, reasserting control over Canaan and also led expeditions into Nubia. Inscriptions commemorate these deeds at the temples at Beit el-Wali and Gerf Hussein.<br />
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One of many great Nubian queens, Nefertari reigned from 1292 B.C. to 1225 B.C. She is heralded as the queen who married for peace. Her marriage to Ramesses II began as a political move, a sharing of power between two powerful leaders. No only did it grow into one of the greatest royal love affairs in history but it brought the hundred year war between Nubia and Egypt to an end.</div>
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Their story was an armistice that lasted over a hundred years. Even today, a monument stands in Queen Nefertari’s honor. If fact, the temple which Ramesses built for her at Abu Simbel (<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo: Delange.org</span></i>) is one of the largest and most beautiful structures ever built to honor a wife.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Please check out my other Valentine's Day posts. Great gift ideas (<i><a href="http://aliciacoleman2.blogspot.com/2017/02/4-gifts-ideas-for-valentines-day.html" target="_blank">here</a></i>) and romantic destinations (<i><a href="http://aliciacoleman2.blogspot.com/2017/02/3-romantic-locations-to-celebrate-love.html" target="_blank">here</a></i>).</div>
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Welcome to week 6 of MFRW 52-week blog hop. This is my first post. </div>
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What other things do I like to do when I’m not writing? I love science fiction shows so my favorite to watch is the Star Trek franchise—all of them: the original series, the next generation, deep space nine, voyager, enterprise. Plus, I like watching the movies. I plan to write science fiction romance one day.</div>
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Next, I love genealogy. Searching for family, the known and the lost, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and researching the period of time they lived in and hopefully finding that some played a small part in the happenings in their area like a couple of two times great grandfathers involved in a battle involving their town just after the Civil War ended. A two times great grandfather of mine, a minister, was a founding member of ministers’ conference in an area of the state where he lived. Also a three times great grandfather who was a founding member a city in my state.</div>
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I love curling up with a book in my favorite chair with a hot cup of tea and read. Rainy days are best for getting comfortable and reading.</div>
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Thanks for reading about my hobbies. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please be sure to check out the list of blogs below to find out what other authors do when not writing.</div>
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Please stop by again!<br />
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Click <a href="http://mfrw.blogspot.com/2017/02/mfrwauthor-52-week-blog-challenge-week.html" target="_blank">here </a>to check out other blogs</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-29981515426243156842017-02-08T00:00:00.000-06:002017-02-14T11:45:18.023-06:003 Romantic Destinations to Celebrate LoveHoneymoons, anniversaries and just because romantic destinations to celebrate love and togetherness. Any one of these locations can start a couple on the road to initiating life together or renewing relationships.<br />
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<b>Camino Real Acapulco Diamante (Mexico)</b><br />
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Acapulco is still a popular place for newlyweds to celebrate their new life together. The warm water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling as the temperature hovers in the 80s throughout the year. The prices are affordable as well and are good for couples on a tight budget.<br />
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Camino Real offers rooms overlooking the private Pichilingue Beach, fine dining, as well as a variety of activities.<br />
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The hotel is convenient to clubs of Acapulco by night and beautiful beaches by day.<br />
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This hotel was once the honeymoon destination of John and Jackie Kennedy. <a href="http://www.caminoreal.com/english/index.php" target="_blank">Camino Real's website</a>.<br />
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<b>Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Canada)</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: "facit_reg" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Situated on the edge of Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau offers great winter sports creating a honeymoon haven for snow bunnies. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: "facit_reg" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Winter activities include downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as ice skating and dog sledding.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #303030; font-family: "facit_reg" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Guests can set off for a romantic sleigh ride into the wilderness or get pampered in the hotel's spa. The lake setting makes the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise a popular honeymoon or anniversary spot in warmer months as well. Guest can take advantage of such activities as horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting. <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/lake-louise/" target="_blank">Fairmont Chateau's website.</a></span><br />
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<b>Four Seasons Resort - Hualalai (United States)</b><br />
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The ultimate honeymoon page, Four Seasons resort offers a rental car, a romantic private dinner on the beach (one night only) and daily breakfast. First-floor rooms have a private outdoor shower. </div>
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Guests can indulge their senses during the day lounging by the adult-only Palm Grove Pool or exploring the King's Pond pool before heading to the spa for a couple's massage. Or, unwind at sunset at the Beach Tree Bar enjoying a mai tai and then going to the second-floor Makai Terrace for an intimate dinner overlooking the ocean. </div>
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<a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/hualalai/" target="_blank">Four Seasons-Hualalai's website</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-79513923356462747622017-02-01T14:19:00.001-06:002017-02-01T14:19:18.615-06:004 Gifts Ideas for Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Image from travel.jumia.com)</span><br />
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It's always stressful to pick the perfect gift you think your man or your lady might accept with joy and excitement for those special days like birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. So much thought goes into your choice. Will they love it? Will they tolerate it? Will they hate it?<br />
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Here are four gift suggestions to consider for the one you love on Valentine's Day:<br />
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<b>Couple Love Hug Mugs</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Super-Marts-Birthday-Valentines-Novelty/dp/B01JIE3H0S/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1485975927&sr=8-15&keywords=valentines+day+couples+gift">Amazon.com</a>). For those days or nights, you share a cup of coffee, tea, milk or apple cider for breakfast, lunch, picnic or cuddled before a crackling fire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKb-FKpW-h23lcTlDjdIm7tXy0lGQUGpRuDrM3F2sq5pWymU2JbTosEZJ8gcrd70RRMnAQAE7K2om0IVG9-jX_cCsH7qfgm4BnNm6JdPDoQVUg0BL_WO1APc03jBB88BfxQmAdWRAwXM/s1600/I+Love+You%253A+Love+You+More+PillowCases.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKb-FKpW-h23lcTlDjdIm7tXy0lGQUGpRuDrM3F2sq5pWymU2JbTosEZJ8gcrd70RRMnAQAE7K2om0IVG9-jX_cCsH7qfgm4BnNm6JdPDoQVUg0BL_WO1APc03jBB88BfxQmAdWRAwXM/s200/I+Love+You%253A+Love+You+More+PillowCases.jpg" width="167" /></a></div>
<b> I Love You and Love You More Pillowcase Pair</b> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-You-More-Pillowcases-V-day/dp/B00AW3P0WI/ref=sr_1_56?ie=UTF8&qid=1485977191&sr=8-56&keywords=valentines+day+couples+gift">Amazon.com</a>). For making a day of it in bed or wrapped around each other snuggled under the covers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA861qatFboIDRfjoBb586okp8IDzjxxPbPGMkwrSQRgwNeNuC0I7N-eevCCM3OHB9i1os9OYoUUc_ITNeXxoKrvkZ0-_e56nfCxBbguoY7b4CvANeEqr7vwDzgcZ_DMAzE3Ol5tFaTiI/s1600/His+%2526+Hers+Matching+Set+Titanium+Stainless+Steel+Pendants.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA861qatFboIDRfjoBb586okp8IDzjxxPbPGMkwrSQRgwNeNuC0I7N-eevCCM3OHB9i1os9OYoUUc_ITNeXxoKrvkZ0-_e56nfCxBbguoY7b4CvANeEqr7vwDzgcZ_DMAzE3Ol5tFaTiI/s1600/His+%2526+Hers+Matching+Set+Titanium+Stainless+Steel+Pendants.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>His & Her Matching Set. Titanium Stainless Steel Pendants </b>(<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Matching-Titanium-Stainless-Pendant-Necklace/dp/B00DG7FSDI/ref=sr_1_63?ie=UTF8&qid=1485976536&sr=8-63&keywords=valentines+day+couples+gift">Amazon.com</a>) Engraved around the rim of each pendant is the phrase, "<i>The World Looks Wonderful When I Am With You</i>."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsG3a4bfLNIWDqaazKxnrnulckT8O1BKfWDdByvxWwhrFHQlU81R7qMI59XMQyMBdTX_OlbPHjb46-xM3Sb9WN1b1VCOHOHqkRSP4aw-Fk_qoW0lrHMaHV8mN3wDNjhUsROqmddICREg/s1600/Kisses+4+Us+-+A+Box+of+Fun+from+Amazon.com.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsG3a4bfLNIWDqaazKxnrnulckT8O1BKfWDdByvxWwhrFHQlU81R7qMI59XMQyMBdTX_OlbPHjb46-xM3Sb9WN1b1VCOHOHqkRSP4aw-Fk_qoW0lrHMaHV8mN3wDNjhUsROqmddICREg/s200/Kisses+4+Us+-+A+Box+of+Fun+from+Amazon.com.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Kisses 4 Us- A Box of Fun</b>, Flirty, Romantic Kisses for Making Kissing Fun (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kisses-Us-Romantic-Enhancing-Relationship/dp/B01GET480I/ref=sr_1_31?ie=UTF8&qid=1485976864&sr=8-31&keywords=valentines+day+couples+gift">Amazon.com</a>). Perfect for Date Night, Anniversaries, Romantic Game Playing, Enhancing your Relationship.<br />
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Whether you privately express your love and affection to your significant other or proudly show the world, I hope these four suggestions will help prompt a few more romantic ideas for you.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-52421835899569343902016-11-11T00:00:00.000-06:002016-11-11T00:00:42.503-06:00Veterans Day--Things to Do to Celebrate #VeteransDay, #defendingliberty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8sNSRAoeaNXoVn3wCNAVoAOg-CWzlJ4_Je3GGxrVrrZTYAywYMEzXqLOyYCOMh1VCGcFROKE02_kkJYuJl-KFxRgeEKOKT1A4YfpZ9j7JKH2OII92I9Gb-gJ7h3UvV64B3T2XGtqyAY/s1600/Veterans+Day2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge8sNSRAoeaNXoVn3wCNAVoAOg-CWzlJ4_Je3GGxrVrrZTYAywYMEzXqLOyYCOMh1VCGcFROKE02_kkJYuJl-KFxRgeEKOKT1A4YfpZ9j7JKH2OII92I9Gb-gJ7h3UvV64B3T2XGtqyAY/s320/Veterans+Day2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today is the day set aside to honor all who have served in our nation's military. <br />
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Here are a few things to do to help celebrate and to show appreciation to our veterans.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Take a veteran to lunch. Several restaurants <a href="http://militarybenefits.info/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/" target="_blank"><b>offer discounts and freebies</b></a> to honor American heroes. </li>
<li>Send the name of your Veteran family, friend or stranger to <a href="http://www.amillionthanks.org/send_a_letter.php" target="_blank"><b>Operation Gratitude</b></a> and they will receive letters from strangers who want to thank them for their service.</li>
<li>Attend a Veteran's Day parade.</li>
<li>Connect with groups like <a href="https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/" target="_blank"><b>Wounded Warrior Project</b></a> on Facebook and Twitter to show your year-round support.</li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-17816631787831873132016-10-31T00:00:00.000-05:002016-10-31T00:00:04.355-05:00BOO!! #Trick or treat #Halloween #Be safe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPHbNcZbVrQFtphbBju2DXJii8DmmmE0TEn8tXeLup9jjOtxOvkKN27Fk-nEu18UuB6851byqmDUuBi47OqlhtIiWQB6Z50bR5PLHrA2dIWPZKCTSppw3qhuRPAN92yfMxABg9xRUbaU/s1600/happy+halloween-pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPHbNcZbVrQFtphbBju2DXJii8DmmmE0TEn8tXeLup9jjOtxOvkKN27Fk-nEu18UuB6851byqmDUuBi47OqlhtIiWQB6Z50bR5PLHrA2dIWPZKCTSppw3qhuRPAN92yfMxABg9xRUbaU/s320/happy+halloween-pictures.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Trick or treat?!! Have a safe and happy Halloween!</b></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-69285872135607906122016-10-17T01:00:00.000-05:002016-10-17T01:00:22.787-05:00Are You Up to the Challenge? #NaNoWriMo #amwriting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've never won the NaNoWriMo challenge. Oh, I try every year, but someway, somehow complications occur and before I know it, the deadline has passed.<br />
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A few of the years I've been a hundred words from achieving my objective and at other times when every obstacle imaginable have presented themselves--chauffeuring my grandson to and from work, car repair, picking up those last minute grocery items from the market, and I've missed the target by a few thousand words.<br />
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The important thing about this challenge is trying. Never giving up. Persevering. Striving for that obtainable goal because it really is reachable. 50,000 words. And someday I'll be victorious. I'll proudly display my triumphant banner on this blog, my website, and social media.<br />
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November 1, the challenge begins anew. My notepad, pen, pencils and laptop are primed. On your mark. Get ready...<br />
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Are you up to the challenge?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-31683564378856998812016-09-25T00:00:00.000-05:002016-09-25T00:00:09.320-05:00Banned Books Week #challengedbooks #bannedbooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTvVFDN8xFU3BBxQuRZWZ6WboDe9jaQcCmhwXsxqIH5_nf0xcB6yFj3_M9VGZQBD7ERUNHLScGUh15Sr5Vr3KExTPIjIdZkSs4MFPE6PfYj0oZcEjRi0SPN25BocXjga9ejPybKT7DrI/s1600/Banned+Books+Week.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTvVFDN8xFU3BBxQuRZWZ6WboDe9jaQcCmhwXsxqIH5_nf0xcB6yFj3_M9VGZQBD7ERUNHLScGUh15Sr5Vr3KExTPIjIdZkSs4MFPE6PfYj0oZcEjRi0SPN25BocXjga9ejPybKT7DrI/s320/Banned+Books+Week.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Banned Books Week is a national alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness of the annual celebration of the freedom to read. Launched in 1982 in response to an increase in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries, the BBW Coalition seeks to engage communities and inspire participation in Banned Book Week through education, advocacy, and to create programs about the problem of book censorship.<br />
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This year the celebration will be held September 25 - October 1.<br />
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Just a few of the books that have been banned:<br />
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<ul>
<li>The Holy Bible </li>
<li>Looking for Alaska, by John Green</li>
<li>The Color Purple, by Alice Walker</li>
<li>Beloved, by Toni Morrison</li>
<li>A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess</li>
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More information on banned and challenged books can be found on the <a href="http://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks" target="_blank">American Library Association website</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-20975763316270337852016-09-19T00:00:00.000-05:002016-09-19T00:00:05.809-05:00Tempting Jo #NewRelease #Paranormal #ParanormalRomanceHi All, I'm doing a happy dance for my friend Nancee Cain, who is celebrating the release of her second novel, <i>TEMPTING JO </i>on September 15, 2016.<br />
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I posted a cover reveal on July 28, 2016. Here's the <a href="http://aliciacoleman2.blogspot.com/2016/07/cover-reveal-tempting-jo-by-nancee-cain.html" target="_blank">link</a> if you'd care to review the post.<br />
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<i>Forbidden love is hell...</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Confident and quirky, Jo Sanford thinks her boss is God's gift to women--and she couldn't be further from the truth. Devilishly handsome, Luc DeVille will stop at nothing to lure his administrative assistant right into his arms--and bed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Over Rafe Goodman's dead body...</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Rafe, Jo's best friend, refuses to sit by and watch as Luc tries to win the heart of the woman he's always protected. After all, Rafe is her guardian angel. Suddenly, Jo's caught in the middle of a battle between good and evil. But the closer she gets to the fire, the hotter it burns. Now, Jo's going to learn that when love battles lust, Heaven and Hell collide.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To my surprise, Mr. DeVille scratches Atticus behind the ears instead of pushing him away. “Since we’re stuck here, what should we do?” Finished with his sandwich, he wipes his mouth with his thumb. I’d have been more than willing to lick it clean for him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A pounding on the door interrupts us. Dadgumit, just when things are about to get interesting with Mr., er, Luc. I scurry to the door, intent on getting rid of whoever it is. I find Rafe holding a bag of food and two cups of coffee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Hey, I figured your power was still out, so I brought you some coffee and breakfast.” His eyes scan my small apartment, narrowing when he spies Luc.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. DeVille smirks. “What impeccable timing. Goodman, is it?” He casually swings his legs over the side of the bed and steps into his pants. </div>
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“Yes, sir.” Although polite, Rafe’s voice has an edge to it. The tension in the air snaps like an impending storm. “The roads are clear, although Mrs. Cabot called and said not to come to work today since schools are still closed and the power remains off for much of the area. Here included, I see.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“How astute of you to notice. No wonder I pay you the big bucks. Of course Mrs. Cabot said to stay home. It isn’t her losing money, is it?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. DeVille pulls off my sweatshirt, revealing those cut abs. I stare unabashedly, and Rafe snaps his fingers in front of my face. Luc buttons his shirt, glaring at Rafe the entire time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Well, Friday. Thank you for the hospitality. I’m sure since Goodman flew here on the icy roads to check on you, I’ll have no problems getting home. I suggest you take today to study for your classes, and remember I’ll be more than happy to help with your homework assignments.” His eyes flash with desire, and my cheeks heat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rafe snarls, looking positively feral.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“A-Are you sure the roads are okay? Would you like a cup of this coffee before you go?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“I only brought two cups,” Rafe protests.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shocked by his rudeness—and to our boss, no less—I quickly offer, “Mr. DeVille can have my cup.” What has gotten into him?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ignoring Rafe, Mr. DeVille turns to me as he shrugs into his coat. “That’s quite all right. Thank you, Friday.” He gives me a conspiratorial wink and a smile. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ2ngtxB7d6yl6Ub-3rlKPMSCR2swlGP3wZ7G9HnT0DdGZSy6zhRRDJLxyNo2WChSillEnxWI8mbqHw6K6cjiIm9mdhdmi5PcUhKuM4f3OvQbil7dmofpMDzgYBuDpqfXmxkHDdPwLM8/s1600/FullSpreadCover-Draft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJ2ngtxB7d6yl6Ub-3rlKPMSCR2swlGP3wZ7G9HnT0DdGZSy6zhRRDJLxyNo2WChSillEnxWI8mbqHw6K6cjiIm9mdhdmi5PcUhKuM4f3OvQbil7dmofpMDzgYBuDpqfXmxkHDdPwLM8/s320/FullSpreadCover-Draft.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rafe, in comparison, receives a cool nod. The hair on my arms stands on end when Mr. DeVille stops and turns to face my friend. I must be having some sort of low blood sugar event because I swear it looks like the rims of his blue eyes have turned the color of a hot stove eye. I blink and find him glaring at Rafe, and the look is returned in kind. Good thing we aren’t living in a century past. If we were, I’m quite certain there would be a duel at fifty paces. He leaves without saying another word.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rafe slams the door with a muttered, “Good riddance.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I cross my arms in front of my chest. “Thanks a lot.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“You’re welcome.” He ignores my sarcasm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I sigh and gratefully accept the warm to-go cup. I can’t stay mad at him for long; he’s my best friend.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And he has coffee.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To add <b>Tempting Jo</b> to your TBR list, go to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31118752-tempting-jo?from_search=true" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>!</div>
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<o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHHyGfsJGbQnN9-rZ8wuwIPtogt3RavS-ul8STu9NabdWsaZ_ZB_dAbMA-1_BxfRvmlM1f-ZuBLactBzWViYCKPOaaRG2oH0aOpLt4AtJXIRgW-rIMJ0vXyNAHcE8C1cXK-Pm9tLbwrw/s1600/TJRafeabs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHHyGfsJGbQnN9-rZ8wuwIPtogt3RavS-ul8STu9NabdWsaZ_ZB_dAbMA-1_BxfRvmlM1f-ZuBLactBzWViYCKPOaaRG2oH0aOpLt4AtJXIRgW-rIMJ0vXyNAHcE8C1cXK-Pm9tLbwrw/s320/TJRafeabs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Author Bio:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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During the day, Nancee works as a nurse in the field of addiction to support her coffee and reading habit. Nights are spent writing paranormal and contemporary romances with a serrated edge. Authors are her rock stars, and she’s been known to stalk a few for an autograph, but not in a scary, Stephen King way. Her husband swears her To-Be-Read list on her e-reader qualifies her as a certifiable book hoarder. Always looking to try something new, she dreams of being an extra in a Bollywood film, or a tattoo artist. (Her lack of rhythm and artistic ability may put a damper on both of these dreams.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.nanceecain.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> <a href="http://nanceecain.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/Nancee_Cain" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> <a href="http://eepurl.com/bhFMtX" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NanceeCainAuthor/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/nanceecain" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Giveaway</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br />
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<b>Enter to win a tempting mystery prize including signed books by Nancee & others!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/03bad0a3179/" target="_blank"><b>Click Here</b></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3330622388271144948.post-63980395858658593762016-09-08T07:00:00.000-05:002016-09-08T07:00:16.039-05:00International Literacy Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD_ZKEy0CsLY2Mp58MdR2ZyPcvtPM8yQY_KgWlfVnIJvez4NC0VstZAfvEoOUoSWfdMuTLakX7dYa-AXXwTWrYWav0xxvcFnOaEQCJWrAaFFC3b67x-IwfMREV3A8wZ7J1_LNwTZKg1U/s1600/International+Literacy+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcD_ZKEy0CsLY2Mp58MdR2ZyPcvtPM8yQY_KgWlfVnIJvez4NC0VstZAfvEoOUoSWfdMuTLakX7dYa-AXXwTWrYWav0xxvcFnOaEQCJWrAaFFC3b67x-IwfMREV3A8wZ7J1_LNwTZKg1U/s320/International+Literacy+Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In 1965 UNESCO declared September 8 to be International Literacy Day. Since that time, organizations, communities, and schools have united around the world to raise awareness in the hope that it will increase accessibility to education in developing countries.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02717810019325010046noreply@blogger.com0