Monday morning, June 22, 2009

Hi, Everyone,

I had a great time with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and her husband and sister's new kitten -Snowball! What a hoot she is! Nine weeks old and full of life and antics galore! What a sweetie!

Went to Cades Cove in the Smokey Mountains and got to see a black bear and her cub. She was in the woods off the narrow roadway. Got a picture but not very clear. I sure wasn't going to venture closer! Bad storm came up while we were up there and we crawled back down the mountain on the narrow road with limbs, sticks, leaves, etc. falling all around us! Scary!

Went out on this beautiful lake in niece and husband's speed boat. I took some pictures of neice water skiing too. Awesome. Beautiful evening for a boat ride.

Ate at different restaurants, and sister cooked delicious meals as did niece's husband on Sat. night. Visited numerous places, shopping malls, and tourist places of interest. Great place to visit. Something for everyone of any age.

The drive down on Tuesday was good as it was coming back on Sunday. Took 8 hours total. Had to put ice on my sciatic area after arriving down there and at home. It is okay now. Tough getting old. Very inconvenient!!

I doubt I'll have many book signings this summer until later in the year towards fall. Too much to take care of here at home (hubby will be attending college-two classes for his Masters) and the CCAPL fund-raisers coming up. We are almost ready to sign the purchase agreement to buy land to put the animal shelter on, but then we have to raise the money for it too. Baby steps to get to our goal of building one for this rural county.

Talked to the director down in Tenn. where sister got her kitten. The lady was very nice and gave me valuable information to consider for our shelter.

The garden flourished while I was gone. We had some much-needed rain and it really gave it a boost. Gotta till it this morning and hoe around plants.

Remember, if you want to purchase either of my books, I will ship them free anywhere in the United States!

Gotta go for now.

Have a great summer!

Stay safe.
Becky :)

Sun. morning, June 7, 2009

Hello, Everyone,

I haven't had a chance to blog for a couple weeks. It has been really crazy around here with fund-raising activities, grant writing, outside and inside work to be done, company, getting the flu, etc.

Just wanted to let you know Clara is better. Her wound is almost healed. Poor thing. It had to have hurt like crazy. At least the neighbor lady is now keeping her dogs over there on her property and it has been rather peaceful these last two weeks. How long this will last is anybody's guess.

I'm still holding W.I.S.H. groups on Mondays even though the grant funding to pay me has run out. But, I want to help women going through violence and abuse against them and so I will continue to go in on Mondays and hold group sessions on a volunteer basis. It is one of my passions in life!

I had the flu week before last for five days. Had a fever of 104.3 on Tuesday night after Memorial Day. Went to the doctor on Tuesday afternoon and got medicine, but sheesh, I haven't had a fever that high since I was a kid! I didn't get bronchitis or laryngitis, just the flu, fever, and ached all over! Weird. Glad it wasn't the swine flu or something!

The garden is coming along. I tilled it yesterday afer coming back from working a fund-raiser. Have to get the hoe out there today and do a little more. There is a little tomato on the Romas I plant for my father-in-law. He will be glad!

Hubby is off for the summer now, but is considering another class in Kent towards his Masters in Biology. He has until next week to decide.

I'm leaving for Tennessee to visit my sister and family on June 16th. I'll be back on the 20th. I'm driving down and I will enjoy the drive. Very scenic.

Trying to get more book signings but it is getting more difficult as Border's and WaldenBooks has stopped a lot of signings due to the economy and sales are down. Well, gee, if an author sells books when he/she is there, isn't that a good thing? Whatever.

Gotta go for now. Stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather!
Take care and until next time,
My best to you,
Becky :)

Sat. morning, May 23, 2009

Hi, Everyone!
Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting. I surely appreciate it!

Yesterday at the Oberlin College Bookstore I met and talked with so many people and even sold books! I was so honored and blessed! Yeah!

Some of the women I talked with are having so much difficulty dealing with their abusers, the court system, trying desperately to move on and get their lives back but this can be so difficult at times. It seems as though so much is against them, but I try to encourage them to keep fighting for their rights. I even had the honor and pleasure to meet a gal who works with a shelter. Her work is to be commended.

It was a glorious day and a scenic drive up as I had to take a longer route to Oberlin. I heard on the radio after starting out there was a bad accident on the expressway, and then heard the expressway was closed, so I went a different way just in time to do so. I praised the Lord for this but also prayed for those injured in the accident. It took longer but it also gave me some time to think, reflect, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

When I got home, hubby had purchased the bucket of chicken and it was delicious as always.

I checked our Lab's neck wound after supper and put more Bag Balm on it. It is getting better, slowly.

This morning I'm going to finish another sign for the rummage sale, and then go and put up two more and some other errands. The pond filter needs cleaned and the plants in the garden need watered, then possibly mow the yard. Always something to do.

Lucy, our little Beagle and I, will be participating in the local Memorial Day parade. She will wear her Patriotic bandana, and I will be carrying the sign for the CCAPL. We have two women riding horses and they will be carrying our banner for us and lead the group in the parade.

Until next time, stay safe, and have a blessed Memorial Day weekend. Remember those who fought for our freedom!

Becky :)

Sun. morning, May 17th, 2009

Hi, Everyone,
Thanks for stopping by this past week.

My author friend, Joyce Bishop Morris and I had our book sales & signing at Susie K's Cafe & Tea Room on Thursday. Although I did not sell any books that day, (not many customers), I did manage to talk with some people, hand out bookmarks and fliers on my books. Sometimes this happens and there is no way of telling how things will go. That is okay. Next time will be another adventure and I'm looking forward to being back at Oberlin College Bookstore on May 22nd.

Today is our anniversary! Hard to believe it has been so many years. I am so blessed to be married to a fine, gentle and caring man. He is my rock and my friend!

Tuesday, the neighbor's dogs came over and attacked two of our dogs. This person lets her dogs run and roam all over the neighborhood every single day. This is the fourth attack on one or more of our dogs. Poor little Lucy was so traumatized, she screamed for a long time. When I checked her, she seemed very sensitive in her abdominal area and went and hid on the back porch, constantly licking her abdomen which had some abrasions on it. Then she was limping on her right rear leg. I called the vet, and took her in immediately. The vet checked her, and could not find any wounds in her abdominal area, but she did have a puncture wound on her tail.

Then the next afternoon, hubby discovered a severe tear/rip wound on Clara's neck near her right shoulder blade. You could actually look in the wound and see muscle tissue. I freaked! So, I called another vet as the other place was closed, and the receptionist said to put Peroxide on it and keep it clean and get some antibiotics, so I did.

Well, two days later, the wound smelled like a dead animal. Very bad. So, I pulled away the damaged hair surrounding the wound, squirted Peroxide into it, and then put Bag Balm on it. I've been treating it at least four times a day. Hopefully it will heal soon. She can't reach it to lick it, but she has been scratching at it with her back leg. I'm sure it is very sore. I feel so badly for her.

I also reported the incident to the Dog Warden. The Assistant Dog Warden called the owner of the dogs and gave her another warning to not let her dogs run-at-large. Doesn't sink in I guess. She does what she wants to do. It is not the dog's fault because she has never taught her dogs their boundaries. She opens her door, and they go where ever they want to. They think the whole neighborhood is their yard and territory. Her dogs defecate and urinate everywhere in our yard. On numerous occasions, I have even observed them in our back yard, relieving themselves anywhere they can, and also coming from our woods, the neighbors yard, and also their woods.

Father-in-law is coming today with his girlfriend. I'm having our Easter dinner today as he was sick on Easter and could not come down. We will have a good visit.

Hubby and I planted some things in the garden yesterday before the rain came. I managed to get in the onion and he put in corn and potatoes. There was a prediction of frost for last night so I didn't put anything else out. I'll do that this week.

Well, folks, gotta go for now. Be safe and count your blessings. Just waking up in the morning is a good one!

Take care,
Becky :)

Sunday morning, May 10, 2009

Hi, Everyone,
Thanks so much for stopping by this past week! Hope you can get some valuable information from my website to use or pass on to others and help them learn and escape the violence and abuse in their lives.

Yesterday was a great day at Roxy's Read and Remnants. I met Debbie Born, the owner, who is a great lady and her bookstore is so cool and quaint. Lots of rooms with such a variety of things to browse through and purchase. I bought two of the cutest bird houses on posts, some scented candles, a cool-looking welcome sign with a cat face, and a book by another author. She has a great store. Stop by and visit when you can.

I flagged down an Amherst Police Officer and donated my first book to him. I asked him to give it to the local domestic violence shelter. He said he would. Very nice fellow.

I sold some books, met some great people, Boneta, Diane, Cindi, (she purchased the second book-thank you!), and will be posting some pictures of Debbie and me, and also Marilyn who purchased both books on my website soon. Sorry I didn't get a picture of Cindi and me. Maybe she'll come to Oberlin College Bookstore and we can get one then. Maybe she'll get the first book then too!

A Red-headed Woodpecker has been coming to the corn on the tree since last Sunday. Father-in-law spotted it while we were eating dinner last Sunday. He is so beautiful and such a joy and blessing to watch. He/she? must have a nest across the road in the trees somewhere as he grabs a kernel of corn, and flies over the house towards the neighbor's woods. They are just beautiful to look at.

My author friend, Joyce Bishop Morris and I are looking forward to being at Susie K's Cafe & Tea Restaurant this coming Wednesday, May 14th., in Ravenna.

I received an email from Kira at the Oberlin College Bookstore the other day, inviting me back on Friday, May 22, for a book sales & signing. I was thrilled they invited me back and look forward to it immensely.

We have had so much rain and wind. When the garden dries out, I'll get the onions in plus other stuff or course!

Gotta go for now. Stay safe, and be blessed. It will get warmer before we know it!

Take care,
My best to you.
Becky :)

Sun. morning, May 3, 2009 Meeting people

Hi, Everyone,
Thanks for stopping by this past week. Lots of things happening and developing this past week. I was really busy with work, CCAPL stuff, mowing, getting ready for the Arts and Craft show, etc.

On Saturday, I made it to the craft show around 8 a.m., was set up by 8:45 a.m. and then received a call on my cell from my author-friend. She was two and a half hours away. Her GPS system sent her to Wilmont Ohio! Oh my. Then, as she was talking, she was waiting for the officer to give her the speeding ticket! Goodness! So, she didn't make it to the craft show until close to eleven a.m.! I felt so badly for her.

I met so many wonderful and interesting people. I shared things on domestic violence and abuse, handed out literature, gave away bookmarks, and sold books too! A great day all around. Plus, I may have even acquired a speaking engagement to the "Ladies Red Hat Society" in the area, plus a contact name to donate my books to the local library.

Some of the women I talked with were still dealing with domestic violence and abuse in their lives, past and present. It is so sad they are still reeling from the effects. I hope my talking to them and giving them encouragement and literature will help them somehow move beyond the pain and grief they are still experiencing. Plus, those who purchased my books, will be given an eye-opener for them too and with reading the books will help them in the healing process. Knowing they are not alone, can also raise their hopes for a better life.

This week will be busy with work, meetings, and an interview for a radio station, plus trying to get the lawn mowed. It has rained so much and the grass is so high!

Last Monday, while hubby and I were out back with the dogs, Clara, our Labrador, perked up and looked towards the neighbor's field. Well, I was shocked to see the biggest Coyote I've ever seen streaking through the field! Clara took off after it, I took off after Clara, screaming at her, Lucy took off after the two of us, and Mandy, the old Beagle, who is very arthritic, and can't run that well, took off after all of us. Hubby is screaming at Mandy, (Woodrow stayed with hubby-good dog), and when Clara reached the neighbor's woods, she stopped. Lucy and Clara were running around in the neighbor's field trying to get the scent of the Coyote, and I was trying to get my breath from running so hard. Didn't know I could still run that fast at my age. I was so scared the Coyote would turn and fight with Clara or even worse, Lucy. Clara is a big dog, but no match for the super-athletic-Coyote! Finally hubby and I got them back into our yard. I was exhausted and shaking! It took me awhile to calm down. Clara and Lucy were still wound up and wanted to go back after it. The Coyotes more than likely have been feeding on the deer carcass that father-in-law found down in the woods last Sunday. No wonder it was stripped clean down to the bones and hair.

The hummingbirds are back, but still haven't heard the Wrens as of yet. Hmm. They are late in coming. Maybe the cool rainy weather has held them back from making their appearance.

Outside the library window, in the Rhododendron, is a bird's nest with two beautiful blue eggs. I believe it is a Robin's nest. Haven't seen the mother bird sitting on it out the window yet, but hopefully I can get a picture of her feeding them when it is time.

Gotta go for now. Stay safe, and I'm looking forward to being at Roxy's Read & Remnants bookstore in Amherst Ohio next Saturday, May 9th.

Take care, email me if you get a chance, and thanks again for stopping by.
My Best To You,
Becky :)

Thursday morning, April 23, 2009 Stark State College

Hi, Everyone,
Thanks for stopping by and visiting my website. I'll be adding more information soon for victims and survivors to read or print out to help them.

Yesterday was truly awesome! I met so many wonderful people and sold and signed many books. It was great being back at Stark State too. Kathy K. at the bookstore is one- grand-lady! She has invited me back in October.

I was so blessed with the book sales, and can only hope that by whomever reads them, learns more about coercion, domestic violence, abuse, and so much more in my writings.

So many times when I have a signing, I an honored and privileged by listening to those who share their stories. Either it is them that experienced abuse and violence, or they know of someone who has. I hope my books help them somehow. That is my mission. I was also able to hand out literature too, plus bookmarks of course. Hopefully with the literature, they will gain the knowledge to get out of their situation and get a better life. They deserve it.

Tomorrow is the domestic violence workshop I will be attending. The D.V. collaborative group I am a part of, is putting it on, locally. So far we have approximately 140 people coming, which includes, law officers, lawyers, counselors, advocates, probation officers and more. It should be a great day of learning. The speakers are will talk on various subjects. I'm sure I will gain even more knowledge to share with my readers and the support group I conduct weekly.

Gotta go for now. Lots to do. Stay safe and be blessed. The weather is finally going to me warm and great!

Best regards,
Becky :)