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Time to pause, take a deep breath and count our blessings. Namaste.
I’m not sure why I’m compelled to share a real-life experience I had this evening with my peeps on the interwebs. Maybe it’s because I’m an emotional wreck after coming off the “Hot Ticket New Release” high, but tonight I have been reminded how very fortunate I am. Sometimes I think we need a reminder. Or maybe I’m the only one who gets wrapped up in myself and forget that the real world can be a very ugly and harsh place.
I was too lazy to cook tonight, so decided I wanted a burger from Chili’s. So the kid (he’s almost 20–I still think of him as a kid) and I head down Seawall Blvd in the driving rain to the restaurant for a mother/son dinner. The place is dead. There are maybe four tables with souls brave (or stupid) enough to go out in the pouring rain. When it…
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Year is ALREADY flying by?
As I was driving home, yesterday, this song came on the radio and it seemed appropriate for today, given the HEAT WAVE we’re experiencing here. In Florida. In January. It’s hot enough that I may have to turn the air conditioner on, for a few minutes, just to move the air around.
Enjoy.
Merry Christmas
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This is my favorite contemporary Christmas carol. Even though it came out when I was in High School, its message is still sadly relevant.
Let us remember the importance of the holidays – spending time with and honoring our loved ones. Merry Christmas to one, and all.
Well, thank God’s THAT’S over
After taking my final exam in Nursing II….well, after not studying and taking my final exam on Monday, I passed. I wanted it to be over and picking up my books and study notes made me physically ill. However, I obviously internalized enough information to give me the points I needed on the final to get over the hump. Do I wonder how much better I would have done, had I studied? Hell, no. It’s over. Moving on. I will miss all the instructors, though. They have the toughest job in Nursing school – taking Nursing I “babies,” and turning them into Nursing Students, with a higher degree of confidence and autonomy. It’s a tall order.
Now, I’ll take a much needed break for a couple of weeks. I decided to teach one more Zumba class for the year, and really take a vacation from everything. I want to go into the next semester with a clear mind.
Nursing III, I hear is “easier.” The material is more complex, but the course structure is more organized and logical. I know that will work in my favor, because I collapse helplessly in the face of chaos. I am happy I will be testing in the privacy of the Testing Center, and not with the rest of my class. That alone, played a big part in my success this semester.
Right now, I’m looking forward to the bliss of having “nothing” to do. I’ve got dates with a bunch of e-books and already have my reading list for my first exam in Nursing III. Guess which readings I’ll do first?
It’s still Hannukah, right? Happy Hannukah.
I just received the finalized cover of Hot Ticket, which will be released February 5th 2013.
Isn’t it HOT?
I’m particularly fond of the new addition above my name.
So I have these two extra hard-copy ARCs of Hot Ticket and I simply have nowhere to put them. I guess I’ll have to give them away.
Click on the link above to enter! Yep, it’s open worldwide. Good luck!
The giveaway ends 11/29/2012. I will contact you by email within two days of the end of the giveaway. If you do not respond with a mailing address by 12/6/2012, I will choose a different winner.
Super giveaway!
With four nights until the release of Double Time, I’m giving away a fabulous prize package!
A fabulous prize package!? What can I win, Olivia?
I’m calling this EPIC giveaway “Sinners for Me and My Bestie”.
Yeah, great name and all, but what can I win?
Two sets of the Sinners on Tour books (Backstage Pass, Rock Hard and Double Time), personally autographed to the winner and the bestie/best friend of their choice. That’s six books, folks. Two sets of autographed bookmarks. Two cherry suckers to remind them of Trey. And four Double Time chocolate bars sent all the way from Australia by the amazing Tania (Aussie Fangirl Extraordinaire)! Check out the prize package!
That’s a lot of stuff!!
I know, right? And the best part?
There’s more?
Oh, you betcha! I’m giving away THREE of these prize packs. Each prize pack will include 6 autographed books, 2 sets…
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Election and Politics Fatigue
Does anyone else suffer from political fatigue during election season? I don’t mean the visceral dislike we all have for political commercials, during an election year. I mean the fatigue those of us who are working on and supporting local candidates, on shoestring budgets, feel.
To understand this feeling you must be deeply vested in local politics. Yes, I know. You’re thinking, “all politics is local.” Uh no. It’s not. National campaigns are directed by professional consultants, who have studied national trends and can craft a message for any state, county or city. Local campaigns are run from candidate’s homes or offices, by their families, friends and constituents who believe they can represent us on a larger scale.
Most candidates do not have deep pockets and use savings, take out loans and rely strongly on supporter to raise every dollar. The donations are accounted for, to the last penny, to maximize their impact. And, since many of us are struggling with the current economy, donations are fewer and far between.
So, we take to the streets and run old-fashioned, grassroots campaigns, where we ask voters, face-to-face for their vote, while we explain why we are supporting our candidate. The most frustrating part, is that so many people have no idea who is running in local races, even though those candidates’ views and decisions will impact them, immediately.
I recall canvassing many years ago, as a college student, before the internet and social media. Walking and talking to voters was the best way to share our message. Now, we can reach many more people, instantaneously, with an email blast, tweet or Facebook post. However, I believe we have lost something – the sense of connecting the voter with the candidate, directly. I feel like I’m working just as hard, using more communication vehicles, but not reaching as many people, and I’m tired.
I still want my candidates to win and will continue to work to get them elected, knowing how gratifying it is when your “guy/gal” wins. I’ll just need a longer nap, after election day.
28 more days until the fictional rock stars return. Have you ever noticed that I dedicate each of the Sinners on Tour books to a fallen rock star hero?
Backstage Pass was dedicated to Dimebag Darrell Abbot, the lead guitarist of Pantera who was tragically shot to death by a crazed “fan” during a live performance. So fucking senseless.
The man could play a guitar. Throw up your rock fist for Dimebag and Pantera!
Such an influential metal guitarist. Love you, Dime. *sniff*
Rock Hard was dedicated to Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, who we lost when he tragically committed suicide. I lived in Tacoma (south of Seattle) when Nirvana made it big. I always regret not seeing them play a live show.
An entire new genre of rock opened up under Cobain’s genius. Miss you, Kurt.
Double Time is dedicated to Randy Rhoads. He was Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist for several…
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This past weekend, there was power in a picture. Last night, your words were power. We are the collective voices to make the change. Thanks to all who participated in the Twitter dialogue around the documentary via #sororityview and @CofS_Foundation. Here is a sampling for those not on Twitter:View original post 207 more words
A great opportunity to get a free copy of the third book in Olivia’s Sinners series!
I was really excited to have this delivered to my mailbox a few days ago.
It’s always an amazing feeling to hold your book in your hands for the first time.
Now you have the chance to hold it in your hands. That’s right. I’m giving away an advanced reader copy of Double Time to one lucky fan! And if you win, I’ll even autograph it for you.
How to win:
One entry per person.
Post a comment to this blog post. In your comment, tell me who your favorite member of Sinners is and why they are your favorite.
This giveaway is open worldwide!
I will choose one lucky winner at random on October 8th. I will close the comments on October 8th and no more entries will be accepted after that time. Your answer to my question will not affect your chance at winning, but you do…
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Reading, Drinking and Dancing with a Chaser of Snark 