Dear Santa, Define Good Book Review

Dear Santa, Define Good Rie Anders I received an ARC copy of the book by the author This is the first I’ve read of this author. Dear Santa, Define Good is a stand-alone novella, which is number two in the Cabin Christmas Stories, which is a Contemporary Romance. It’s told in the first person POV. Chapter One: “Jacob! Wake up!’ I pounded on my brother’s bedroom door as I ran down the hall, frantically tying the belt on my bathrobe on my way to the kitchen. Mumbling to myself about how late we were, I put on a pot of coffee and pulled two microwavable egg sandwiches from the freezer.” Pg.1 From this beginning excerpt, who is Jacob? Who is running down the hallway, and just what are they late for? These types of questions pull you directly into the story; which it did for me. A pair of family members own a winter store, and they just celebrated their birthday the previous night. One of the duos goes on to lead an adventure party outdoors. In addition, Dear Santa, Define Good was a fast-paced, entertaining, smexy, naughty read with a twist. It pulled out all the feels – love, hate, naughty, nice, etc. This story is rich with relatable characters, and storylines. The story focuses on Mia, her brother, and a former friend. The characters are strong, and strong-willed. The story is full of action. The settings are believable; being their home, a shop, and a hotel. The outdoors could have used more description; however. Genuine symbolism arises in the story in the middle, and is quite interesting. Symbolism in the book is of an indoor, outdoor, flora, fauna type. Furthermore, the themes of the story are love, lost love, new love, entrepreneurship, friendship, togetherness. This is a classic, cliched loved you then, and still, love you now kind of story. The characters are strong, and strong-willed. The story is full of action. It’s following the entrepreneurial trend going on in the real world now. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, the novella was a fun Christmassy kind of read. Finally, the ending, of course, is a HEA! This story is one you’ll have to get into for yourself. If you want a feel-good swoon-worthy Christmas Romance read, then pick up this book today as I recommend. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I don’t want to give too much away. The cover of the book is cute, and cozy. Review By Michelle Kafka

Jason B. Ladd E-course Review, Book Review Banzai

The course is two hours, and 50 minutes long. It has 11 modules (with some having additional parts) in total ranging from five to ten minutes each with the exception of some being a bit shorter, or longer. Module one begins with the course creator talking, and then launches into some pics, and how-tos. The tempo is a little fast. He is a speed-talker here. Jason gives out different info that isn't found all over the web. It is repetitious with the word "this". It's presented on parchment looking paper on a black background. All caps is used. It uses serif typography. There are headings. He is consistent throughout with the parchment paper, and black background. The text is light, and dark brown. The lessons are delivered in bite-size pieces. It is well-organized. It has a catchy name because it has onomatopoeia. It's short and easy to remember. The reception is good. His voice is smooth, and clear. There is no background noise. It doesn’t cut out. It doesn’t echo. Going further into the lessons, there are charts, demos, templates, tips, pics, and more. I learned three and a half pages of info. The videos were short and sweet. The course was well presented overall. I would pay about $200.00 for this course. The course is two hours, and 50 minutes long. It has 11 modules (with some having additional parts) in total ranging from five to ten minutes each with the exception of some being a bit shorter, or longer. Module one begins with the course creator talking, and then launches into some pics, and how-tos. The tempo is a little fast. He is a speed-talker here. Jason gives out different info that isn't found all over the web. It is repetitious with the word "this". It's presented on parchment looking paper on a black background. All caps is used. It uses serif typography. There are headings. He is consistent throughout with the parchment paper, and black background. The text is light, and dark brown. The lessons are delivered in bite-size pieces. It is well-organized. It has a catchy name because it has onomatopoeia. It's short and easy to remember. The reception is good. His voice is smooth, and clear. There is no background noise. It doesn’t cut out. It doesn’t echo. Going further into the lessons, there are charts, demos, templates, tips, pics, and more. I learned three and a half pages of info. The videos were short and sweet. The course was well presented overall. I would pay about $200.00 for this course.

Book Review: Emily's Day In The Desert By Giselle Shardlow

Author: Giselle Shardlow Illustrator: Vicky Bowes Pgs. 48 Genre: Children's Ages: 4-7 Title: Emily's Day In The Desert: The desert may be a dry, hot, almost barren piece of land, but the cover to Giselle Shardlow's new book "Emily's Day In The Desert" shows a bit different scene in where a child is quite happily demonstrating a yoga pose. Three animals are shown who seem to be interested in what the child is doing. The sun is peeking just behind the mountains. Vegetation lingers, and rocks are scattered about. The colours used to illustrate the cover blend between light, and dark while the majority of colour used is a brown sandy colour. The illustrations are simple in design. The story is set in Death Valley. It begins by mother and daughter standing in the desert with a lesson taught by the mother. The family members venture on to have breakfast together, and meet some animals along the way. The little girl's enthusiasm, and eagerness is quite apparent. Travel is on foot, and by jeep. Emily carries around a journal with her checking things off on her list. With all her heart there is one thing she wishes to see the most! The little girl takes photos to remind her of the adventure. The story wraps up in the evening with the family resting. Emily's Day In The Desert encompasses subjects such as science, geography, movement, visualization, imagination, photography, animals, and air pollution. Yoga poses vary from the Cat Pose to the Pigeon Pose. Kids are able to identify with the characters. It is meant for the 4-7 year old group. Short sentences, and simple language make up the structure. I recommend this book to kids, parents, yoga lovers, teachers, doctors, groups, classrooms, libraries, and music/dance studios. My favourite part of the book is all the diverse animals. They are not your ordinary animals. The book comes with instructions, and a parent-teacher guide. The book is informative, and educational, and has many great themes. Ratings: Cover: 5 Storyline: 5 Illustrations: 5 Unity And Originality: 5

The Magnificent Manifesto

A manifesto is composed of either an individual or a groups clear motives, views, or intentions. The manifesto is usually made public, or has appeared in published form. It contains three essential parts: the beliefs, the goals, and the wisdom. Many types of manifestos exist from artists to writers. Here are some examples of good manifestos: http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-awesome-inspirational-manifestos.html http://www.buzzfeed.com/monicatan/11-manifestos-that-could-change-your-art-life-ehq1#.qqoA0W7oK http://www.chowhound.com/manifesto https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/02/art-manifestos-and-their-applications-in-contemporary-design/ I will be posting my manifesto at a later date on this blog.

Good Reading

Here is a link to some good reading material, a good author, and a good contest for today. http://www.ebbrown.net/march-fiction “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” ~Ernest Hemingway~ “What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfolds world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.” ~Anne Lamott~ Enjoy! :)

Haiku

Island drapery dissolving purple-stained sky. Coloured sensuous tales wake. Copyright Michelle Kafka

Happy New Year!

New Year Comments

Surprising snippets from Read-it-first

If you love reading then be sure to read the following useful information:

Read-it-first is a practical program wherein you get to "try before you buy." Books that is. How? St. Martin's Press offers Read-it-first with the editor Suzanne Beecher delivering a sizzling new "in bookstores now" or a pre-released title straight to your email address every Monday morning. Throughout the week you are guaranteed to receive a few more chapters of the title. Then you decide whether to pass on or to purchase the entire book wherever it is you buy your books from. Furthermore, Suzanne begins with "Dear Reader," and then she launches into a personal anecdote. The free read follows. For example, this week the book is "The Christmas Journey" by Donna Van Liere. Additionally you can take a look at some stats on Read-it-first at http://www.trendscape.com/site/read-it-first.com

In fact what are the benefits of this reading program?

It is easy
It is free
It is a time-saver
It is a great email book club
It is concentrated as there is only one title to read per week
Sometimes the titles correspond with the holidays
There are no annoying ads or popups as with some free read websites so you get good clean reads in your inbox
There are a variety of genres delivered to you
You can store the reads in your own Read-it-first folder
You can discover new authors with new stories to tell
You can also enter the contests to win delightful novels

"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket." ~Chinese Proverb~

Really. Who does not like to sample products or services before a purchase?

Now if you are in pursuit of something to read with your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, or if you need a good quite read while kids nap, or you have at least five extra minutes to spare then I urge you to sign up at Read-it-first.

Read-it-first receives nine bookmarks in my books!

Make Your Writer Statement Shine

There are many ways to structure the general writer statement and many things to include in such a statement. You can begin by offering a literary quote, a memoir, an example, a statistic, an anecdote, etc. The writer statement answers questions; it responds to questions of past, present, and future. It is your statement. It is a definition. It is a personal choice. In addition, choose a focus and set up a foundation for your statement. Write about your experiences. Give information that tells the reader something. Give something more than just common knowledge. Make it unique. Make it you. Show your passion by showing emotion. Give some depth. Use correct grammar and “show don’t tell”. Use sensory details like how the pen feels when you are writing. Last, what is important to you in your writing? What are your writing goals?

If you cannot think of anything to write here are some questions to get you motivated:

How did you develop your writing?
What will you be writing?
Who do you or would you like to write like?
Where is your favourite place to write?
What do you use as writing instruments – pen and paper, typewriter, mobile phone, etc?
How is today’s writing going to shape your future?
Do you write fiction or non-fiction?
What is the one best piece of writing advice you have received or given?
How has your writing changed you or the world?
Why writing and say not landscaping or something else?
Do you have or believe you need a writing degree, certificate, diploma, etc.?
Do you belong to any writing groups, clubs, or organizations?

Moreover, the point of your writer statement is to help yourself and people understand why you do what it is you do. To share your thoughts and feelings on your writing journey is another reason why one should write a writer statement and make it shine. For each piece of writing you can compose a writer statement for that particular writing project.

More questions as follows:

Do you have a favourite or frequent word that keeps appearing in your work?
If you could be any writer from the past for one day who would you want to be and why?
Do you enjoy word puzzles, games, trivia, etc.?
What are some of your favourite writing movies?
Were your parents or anyone else in the family writers?
What are you writing now?
What fuels or inspires your writing?
What writing books, sites, courses are you currently reading/studying?
When is your favourite time to write?
What is your writing style?
What is your favourite writing device?
What is your favourite writing quote or proverb?
How long have you been writing?
What are your favourite writing snacks?

Finally, the writer statement can be written in the present tense as if you have achieved all that you desired. The length of your statement does not matter. If you wish to make it two sentences or two pages – go ahead. Also remember at any time you can change your writer statement. Check back with it in a month, or quarterly. Review your answers and alter if necessary as you achieve, achieve, achieve!

Further resources on the writer statement:

"A WRITER'S STATEMENT--WRITING WHAT MATTERS"

"Writer's Statement - the shortish version"

Resources on the personal mission statement:

"What Is a Personal Mission Statement?"

"The Five-Step Plan for Creating Personal Mission Statements"

Bridge Kiss Memory

Bridge Kiss Memory

Rousing in bed
Gold moonlight oozing over me
Dissolving sleep
Transcending memory…

Emerald fingers tickle lively bare toes.
Grey ladybugs sit up proud in the stream.
From three lanterns soft, plump light choruses, while
the mist struts and shakes embellishing its role.

With a hint of mint and jasmine beneath the rainbow upon the stone bridge
our hearts salsa while our lips tango –
my first kiss with you!

Copyright July 2010 Michelle Kafka


Love Comments - Myspace 2.0 Layouts

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

SUMLUV4U.COM

Have A Few Laughs Go Ahead You Know You Wanna

see more Lolcats and funny pictures








"Laughter is the Best Medicine"

Happy Valentine's Day!

Glitter Graphics


Ten Out-of-the-Ordinary Valentine's Day Customs

Random Inspirational Quotes

These quotes are meant to inspire you to go write an article, essay, short story, novella, novel, etc. These quotes are also meant for you to go paint or draw a picture. They are here to make you ponder. They are here for you to ask "What if?" Maybe you need inspiration. Maybe you need a kickstart. Maybe you need a kind word. Maybe you need advice. Whatever it is you need, I hope you find it today. Enjoy!




"Art is a fruit that grows in man, like a fruit on a plant, or a child in its mother's womb." ~Jean Arp~

"The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build your life by, and this you will become." ~James Allen~

"Literature, the most seductive, the most deceiving, the most dangerous of professions." ~John Morley~

Quotes Graphic Comments


Myspace Stuff


Myspace Quotes Graphics


Quotes Graphic Comments

Written quotes from Quoteland.com

Synesthesia

While reading a book today I learned a new word that I would like to share with you. Synesthesia. It is a mingling of senses; that is, with this ability one can smell the colour red. It can be psychological or even emotional. It is a more unusual or higher sensory description skill/condition. Some composers, artists, and even some writers possess this skill/condition and these are people who are are termed synesthetes. On that note:

to further learn what it is here is the link:

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=8445

Happy New Year!

Just popping in to wish everyone a Hau'oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year!

The Maneki Neko on the right wishes you to have a healthy, creative, lucky, prosperous year too!


Glitter Graphics

Using Art To Overcome Writer's Block

Writer's block is an inability to write due to a variety of circumstances. The blockage of writing can have a short life-span or a lengthy life-span.

Next, through my travels along the WWW path I have encountered two unique activities that I would like to share with you in hopes of eliminating or lessening your writer's block. In fact the first is an activity where you can create a colourful piece of artwork. The second activity is dragging and dropping to create another masterpiece. If while doing the activities you still are blocked than you could perhaps write on the topics of what were you thinking while doing the activities? What is your favourite type of art? Who is your favourite artist? Which landscape painting could you see yourself in? These are just some of the art topics you can write about to aid in the stressful writing period. Finally here are the links:

1. http://www.mind-art.fr/mind-art.html

2. http://www.mrpicassohead.com/create.html

Also during my travels I found a very animated video highlighting things you can do to overcome writer's block. Here is the video:

Weeding Out Said

What do gardening and writing have in common? Both contain weeds. Both need to be cultivated.

“That is well said, replied Candide, but we must cultivate our garden.” (… il faut notre jardin.) Voltaire, Candide

Appearing below is one example of wilted writing:

Example 1.

Turning to him she said “How’s Bobbi?”
He smiled and said “Bobbi let Daddy know he wanted his treats. He looked at me and said “Meow, meow, meow.” Daddy said “Bobbi’s a good boy isn’t he?”
Her eyes illuminated. “Aw.” She said.

The above snippet of he said she said is flat and monotonous. Writers definitely do not want to write said repeatedly. So how do you the writer shear, trim, or pull said and change the landscape? Simple. Let us take a look.

Revision 1.

Turning to him she questioned, “How’s Bobbi?”
He told her “Bobbi let Daddy know he wanted his treats. He looked at me and announced “Meow, meow, meow.” Daddy exclaimed, “Bobbi’s a good boy isn’t he?”
Her eyes illuminated. “Aw.” She remarked.

The flow is better. The writer is not redundant. Said is a dandelion – a weed, but a useful weed as dandelions can be used in salad making. Use said sometimes.

Planted below in alphabetical order is a list you can use to create your own written lush garden with. Water it – use it and watch your garden grow!


Flower Comments
Myspace Comments - 2.0 Layouts


List:

Added
Admonished
Asserted
Agreed
Answered
Argued
Advised
Assured
Announced
Admitted
Barked
Bawled
Beamed
Bellowed
Bemoaned
Bemused
Breathed
Bubbled
Burbled
Buzzed

Cackled
Cajoled
Cawed
Chagrined
Challenged
Chanted
Chatted
Chattered
Chided
Chirped
Chortled
Chorused
Chuckled
Clipped
Clucked
Complained
Concurred
Confessed
Confirmed
Continued
Cooed
Coughed
Countered
Cried
Cursed

Declared
Demanded
Demonstrated
Denied
Directed
Drawled



Echoed
Ejaculated
Emphasized
Enquired
Examined
Exhausted
Expelled
Explained
Exploded
Expressed

Fidgeted
Fizzled
Flamed
Flared
Flirted
Fumed

Gasped
Gathered
Gestured
Giggled
Grated
Grilled
Gritted
Groaned
Grumbled
Gushed

Harassed
Hinted
Hissed
Howled
Hummed

Implied
Included
Informed
Injected
Interrupted

Jeered
Jested
Joked

Kidded


Lamented
Laughed
Lied

Managed
Mentioned
Mimicked
Mirrored
Moaned
Mocked
Murmured
Mused
Muttered

Nagged
Nattered
Nodded
Noted
Nudged

Offered

Panted
Parried
Pealed
Pitched
Prattled
Prayed
Pressed
Pretended
Prodded
Proffered
Prompted
Pronounced
Protested
Purred

Qualified
Queried
Questioned
Quipped
Quizzed


Ranted
Rasped
Rebuked
Rebutted
Rehearsed
Reiterated
Remarked
Replied
Requested
Returned
Revealed
Roared

Sang
Scoffed
Scolded
Screamed
Screeched
Shrieked
Shrugged
Shuddered
Sighed
Sizzled
Slung
Slurred
Smiled
Snapped
Snarled
Sneered
Snickered
Sniffled
Sobbed
Spat
Specified
Spewed
Spoke
Sputtered
Squawked
Squeaked
Stammered
Started
Stated
Suggested
Supplied
Swore

Tested
Told
Trailed

Urged

Vented
Voiced

Wailed
Whimpered
Whined
Whispered
Whistled

Yelled
Yodelled

Bit out
Blew out
Blurted out
Bore out
Burst out
Called out
Charged out
Checked out
Chiselled out
Choked out
Crammed out
Dropped out
Drove out
Fished out
Flung out
Forced out
Ground out
Hammered out
Harpooned out
Piped out
Pounded out
Raked out
Rang out
Rapped out
Rumbled out
Shot out
Sprang out
Spun out
Threw out
Thrust out
Thumped out
Tossed out
Tumbled out
Whooshed out
Wrestled out



Carried on
Cut in
Nailed down
Touched on

Happy Earth Day From Island Whispers Blog!

Flash Toys

Psst. Wanna know how to have a green party then read this article I found and throw an awesome green party for your friends, co-workers, or family.

Throw A Green Party

Perhaps you just wanna send an e-card instead.

Flowgo Earth Day E-Cards

Happy Easter Everyone From Island Whispers Blog!

"For I remember it is Easter morn,
And life and love and peace are all new born."
~Alice Freeman Palmer~

"Easter tells us that life is to be interpreted not
simply in terms of things but in terms of ideals."
~Charles M. Crowe~


Enjoy my Easter poem
*Needs*

Purple basket sits empty
longing to fill its womb
suddenly the seed planted;
colourfull, shapely, speckled
babies appear appeasing
the lone baskets needs.


A thoughtful, inspiring, and well-read Easter poem for your enjoyment!


Needs Poem copyright Michelle Kafka

Quotes from: Quote Garden