tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29375781894373671472024-03-19T05:56:23.935-07:00A Writers JourneyMicki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.comBlogger276125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-53122255827971148372017-09-11T11:31:00.001-07:002018-04-10T15:02:59.068-07:00The Uneaten Meal<div align="left" style="background-color: white;">
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<left><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span align="left" style="font-size: small;">This is a part fiction, part true story of one of the most horrific days in our history. All the facts surrounding that day are true --I lived it. The fictional part examines what might have gone on in the mind of one of the victims during his last minutes of life.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> The watch hanging from Ian’s belt loop under his white chef jacket read 8:15. The morning rush was in full swing. Patrons sat in the sunlit posh restaurant—some drummed their fingers with impatience, others read the Wall Street Journal. Many seemed barely awake, sipping coffee for a caffeine jolt. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> Ian had worked the kitchen all morning, his third day on the job as a Sous Chef to the Head Chef. He had survived the breakfast rush; bagels with cream cheese and lox for the rushed, Quiche Lorraine for the ones too important to punch a time card. Still, most would be heading to their various jobs, many on the 104<sup>th</sup> floor below the restaurant. The conference room, a floor below the restaurant, on the 106<sup>th</sup> floor was catering a breakfast to the Waters Financial Technology Congress, serving seventy-one guests.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> Ian was preparing for the lunch entrée special; a new recipe Chef would be offering to the lunch crowd--numbering hundreds. Ian worked quickly, with dozens of cooks helping to prep the ingredients. It was a gourmet delight – an aromatic concoction of bowtie pasta swimming in a rich white cream sauce, consisting of sweet herbed butter, heavy cream, white wine and an imported parmesan cheese. Large shrimp lightly sautéed in the sauce were placed on top, sprinkled with crumbled Greek feta cheese, sweet basil and freshly ground black pepper. Parsley sprigs added décor to the plate along with a few strips of fresh grilled red pepper. Chef Mike was confident of his creative cuisine. He was not of his new Sous Chef and often hovered over him, making Ian nervous. He was glad Chef Mike would not be coming in to work until the noon rush. This entrée could not be made completely in advance and the chef wanted a few made up to insure the recipe was followed to the letter. He had a fine reputation to maintain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> As customers rose to go to their perspective jobs; many glancing out of the rows of large windows overlooking the panoramic business district of Manhattan and the East River, the dining room was set up for the lunch rush.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> Ian had Chef Mike’s creation ready to be sampled as soon as he arrived for his shift. He was afraid his job depended on how well he had prepared the dish. Still, he had done his best and felt confident it would suit the perfectionist chef.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">Blinding light and roaring noise shut out his world. Fire and smoke filled the entire 107<sup>th</sup>floor, screams of panicked customers and workers alike died out quickly as they were overcome by suffocation and burns. The delectible shrimp and bowtie pasta entrée was destroyed along with most of the kitchen. Neither Ian nor Chef Mike would ever know if it met the chef’s high standards. His new recipe would go uneaten, along with all the meals scheduled for that luncheon meal. Windows on the World, Manhattan’s noted and loved restaurant was destroyed. It was 8:55 and the 104<sup>th</sup> floor was incinerated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">People on other floors were spared the direct impact of the first passenger jet, Flight 11 that slammed into the first tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The ones on the top floor, along with the people in the restaurant were trapped. There was no way down. Many ran up the staircases to the top 111<sup>th</sup> floor and climbed onto the rooftop hoping to be rescued. Ian ran with them. He helped the few people alive make it to the roof. Helicopters tried in vain to reach them but black billowing smoke prevented this, as well as bursts of flame. People succumbed to the heat and smoke and died. Others chose to jump off the top of the building, rather than burn to death. Ian was one of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> As he jumped, his thoughts were of his wife and their new born baby girl. It was such a beautiful day that they had planned a picnic in Central Park when his shift ended. Before Ian reached the ground, his spirit left his body. He saw his body splatter on the street below. He watched as financial wizards, secretaries, businessmen, maintenance workers, became one in the futile effort to escape the building. He saw a second plane hit the second tower, taking more lives in an instant. This plane hit closer to the top of the second tower giving more time for people below those floors to get out. Many made it, many more did not. Ian’s spirit drifted through the first tower, watching frantic people calling on their cell phones for help—some realizing their plight cried and said goodbye to their loved ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> 911 operators, unaware of the gravity of the situation, gave wrong advice to many who called--advising them to remain inside until help came. Help, that was unable to reach most of them. Most of the ones who survived had ignored that advice and hurried to escape the building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> New York City responded at once. Ian watched as police, search and rescue squads, and fire trucks rushed to the scene. Ambulances raced to help those who survived. People began the long trek down dark stairways, coughing and choking on thick black smoke; often meeting police and firemen on their way up the building. The heat was unbearable. Ian felt anquished, knowing that so many would never make it back down. He saw many like him who could walk through the ruins, already dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> The second tower imploded almost without warning at 10:05 A.M., through time held no meaning for Ian. Thousands of lives were crushed into rubble. The ambulances and hospitals set up triages for the injured. Most beds lay empty, as few made it out of the towers alive. Except for the ones lucky enough to have escaped before the first tower imploded at 10:30, there were few patients to help. Ian observed the nearly 3000 souls wandering lost throughout the ruins. Many did not yet realize that they were dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> The shock waves of horror extended past Manhattan, its neighboring boroughs, rippled across the country, impacted the world. America had been attacked by cowardly terrorists on her own soil. New York City wept, Mayor Guiliani wept, the free world wept. And Ian wept.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> The Chef’s new entrée in the Windows on the World would go uneaten, never sampled for its flavor. There would be many uneaten meals that day and for many days to follow. Terror, death and inconceivable destruction had taken away the appetite of the City, the nation—most of the world. It left a bitter taste in the mouths of all those who lost loved ones and those who grieved with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> Ian glanced through the rubble and saw his chef uniform buried beneath the debris. It held a quickly scribbled note of love to his wife and newly born baby. He hoped it would be found and given to her. He also hoped that she would tell his baby girl about her father—so that his memory would live on, even if he could not. Ian sensed that this most infamous day would never be forgotten. He wished for new twin towers to be erected for all the lost lives destroyed this day, taken so brutally. And maybe a new restaurant and new offices restored—not to replace those lost but to honor them. Perhaps there would be a new chef with an untried recipe that would be eaten and enjoyed. If that day arrived, it would signify healing in a shocked and saddened nation—a new beginning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;"> Ian turned to see a horde of people of all ages and occupations gathering together. He looked up and a bright, warm light spread across the sky. He saw arms outstretched to embrace those who walked toward the brightness. He joined them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 32px;">Seventy-three employees in the restaurant died that day, all seventy-one in the conference room and an unknown number of patrons. Remnants from the Windows on the World restaurant rubble included: a dinner spoon, soup bowl, salad plate, dessert plate and coffee cup. Also found was a table lamp, champagne flute, bottle of champagne, grill scraper—and a chef’s uniform.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Author’s note: The terrorists had counted on taking out from 30,000 to 50,000 lives that earth shattering morning. Their timing was a little off and many people had not yet entered the building. However, due to the toxins in the debris, such as mercury and asbestos, many of those who spent days, weeks and even years searching Ground Zero for body parts are now dying a slow and agonizing death due to cancers of the throat, lung and esophagus. Many more will die in the ensuing years—among them, families and small children whose homes were filled with this debris; which they were told to clean up themselves. The repercussions of disease from toxins spread to Staten Island, when they helicoptered the remains to the Staten Island dump. The dump blew the toxins across the seventeen-mile- long Island and many are dying of quickly striking and fatal cancers. It is conceivable that the total count of those lost on 911 will reach 30,000 to 50,000 after all. Damn the terrorists</span></div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-15017596689141306312017-07-24T19:08:00.002-07:002018-04-10T14:37:39.974-07:00A Summer's Song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: x-large;"><b>A short poem on all the facets of summer</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica"; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />Trees have bloomed, pollen blown away<br />Bushes, busy forming berries<br />Flowers come and go, colors bright<br />Summer--a time of warm delight<br /><br />Mating birds trill their endless songs<br />As mockingbirds imitate them all<br />A thing of beauty, but oh so wrong<br />to steal the other bird's nests<br /><br />Summer's a marker for life events<br />A first love blooms along the beach<br />The wail of a newborn baby's breath<br />And a driving drunk's vehicle of death<br /><br />The whippoorwill loves summer's bliss<br />Sings a lilting song of happiness<br />As the season draws to its close<br />Its guttural cry mourns summer's loss<br /><br />Even as I cry mine </b></span></div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-16443190455858315692017-04-18T12:34:00.000-07:002017-04-18T18:57:05.574-07:00BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY 2nd Blog <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY INTERVIEW</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Welcome again friends and newcomers to A Writer's Journey at Staten Island, NY!! Today's post will give you an even better understanding of my two books.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today, until midnight, there will be time to enter the contest by leaving a comment. Two winners, randomly selected, will win either . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang or The Cat Who Wanted a Dog. For Those already having these books, I will substitute another ebook I think you will like. This contest for Rave Review Book Club runs through April ending with a super grand prize. Go to the site and browse other author's as well.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I hope you will enjoy this interview of Noelle by Nancy Jardine. I have written the answers to Nancy's questions based upon things that Noelle said while alive. Her ending statements are what I believe she would have said and felt, using author intrusion and also things she said to her nieces and nephews after passing on from this realm. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How does a mother explain love?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>How does a mother let her child go?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A child so beautiful, funny and bright</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who breathes life into every moment,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Draws bird pictures</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Does cartwheels in autumn leaves</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sings down country lanes</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b> There is no explanation</b></span></div>
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...And The Whippoorwill Sang Interview By Nancy Jardine</h3>
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On <b>Welcome Wednesday</b> I have opened my blog
to many different sorts of writing. Sometimes it has been my own, sometimes
guest posts from an author, and at other times it has been an author
interview.<br />
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Today, I have a friend visiting from the US who has brought along a character
from her memoir<span style="font-size: large;">...</span><b><span style="font-size: large;">And </span><span style="font-size: 15.3999996185303px;">The Whippoorwill Sang</span></b><span style="font-size: 15.3999996185303px;">. So, in a sense, it's a
character interview. But it is a poignantly different type of
investigation.</span><br />
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<b>Micki Peluso's</b> account is a recreation of her own experience, the
loss of a young teenage daughter a main theme of the writing. It demonstrates
how Micki, and her family, have dealt with such sad bereavement.</div>
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Doing a character interview can be a fun thing to do that's, often, only vaguely
challenging. When the character is from a story that happened in real life, and
died in tragic circumstances, it's quite another kind of test for the author to
recreate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm so pleased that <b>Micki Peluso</b> has
allowed us to have a little glimpse of her daughter,<b> Noelle Marie Peluso.</b> As
such, Noelle is not really speaking in the present; more like how her life was
many years ago before her time on earth was abruptly and shockingly ended and
how she connects to her family situation now. Think of the answers being given
for both a time in the past, and from a perspective of present
interaction.<br />
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<b>Welcome to my part of the world, Noelle. Let's get to know you a little bit. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Can you describe yourself in only six words for my
readers, please, Noelle?</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 1.4;">I am 14 and in love.</span></div>
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<b>That is quite a description and you seem to be having a
fun time!</b> <b>Where are you currently living?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I live in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in this great haunted
100-year-old farmhouse with my parents, five brothers and sisters and ghosts. I
love it here, except for the bats that single me out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Had you been there all your life?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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No, it seems all my life we just keep moving. I even wrote a
poem about it. Each time a new baby arrives we must move to a bigger house, and
then mom insisted we leave our house and friends in Long Island, New York and
move to Las Vegas, Nevada because of the drug situation. My little sister,
Nicole called it ‘Lost Vegas,’ but me and Kelly, my sister and best friend,
hated it there. My oldest sister, Kimber, was seventeen and loved it. Mike,
sixteen and Dante, fifteen liked to explore the desert and their high school
was cool. My school was in a trailer and I hated it. We were younger then:
Nicole only four, me eight, Kelly, eleven. Mom kinda liked Las Vegas because
her best friend lived there, but daddy, like me, also hated it because he
couldn't find a high paying job like in New York. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>How do you mainly spend your days just now?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, we all have chores but I usually skip out on mine. I’m
the clown of the family, tricking my brothers and sisters to do my jobs while I
keep them laughing at my TV imitations. I do a great Groucho Marx. Kelly got me a job with her, babysitting for a
bunch of kids. Course I got Kelly to do the work while I played with the little
toddlers and babies. I earned money to buy my new school clothes. Mom sews a
lot of our clothes and Kim, Kelly, and I love them, but Nicole wants ‘store
bought’ clothes. Mom says someone must've switched babies at birth. Nicole
agrees with her.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>You're only barely into your teens but what career path
do you think would be a good one to follow?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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At 14 there's not much else besides babysitting to do to
make money, but I want to be a lawyer when I grow up and have six kids just
like my mother. She's the best mom a girl could have and I want to be just like
her. She never got to go to college but I will – I have great dreams for my
life especially since I fell in love with Chuck. I feel he's my soul mate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What's your favorite reading material? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I love to go to the park down the country road from our
house and read Harlequin romance books. Sometimes I meet Chuck there and we
talk. He kissed me for the first time the other day and it was heaven! We know
we’re meant for each other.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Young love, indeed! That sounds very mature in some ways,
quite sure and definite a statement, and yet at 14 there's still a lot to learn
about relationships with boys. If you had to change things. What would you do
first?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I had a rough time when we first moved here and I went
to junior high school. I got depressed because the snotty girls who come from
rich families ignored me. I convinced mom I was sick a lot and missed school.
She'd make me scrambled eggs and we'd hang out together. She had a similar time
in high school and gave me good advice. When kids make fun of you, make them
laugh with you and not at you. I realized I was a bit of a comic and took her
advice. Soon I was accepted and made many good friends. I became a star
basketball player and joined the band, which helped. Mom asked me if I knew the
song ‘Long Long Ago, Far Far Away.’ We had just learned it and mom said, then
go play that trumpet far far away. Guess you know where I get my sense of
humor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Those are very positive approaches to tackling what can
be a very nasty problem. If not Chuck, who or what else would be the love of
your life?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I love life. I enjoy each moment. Kelly thought I was nuts
one day when we bought new school clothes and then decided to go for a bike
ride. I couldn't decide what to wear so I put on layers of my entire new
clothes at once. Kelly's a little too organized and rigid and said she was
saving her clothes for a special occasion. I told her I thought a bike ride was
special enough. After all, you only live once. I love my family more than
anything, but my love for Chuck is new and different and I’ve never been so
happy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>What is your favorite way to travel?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Certainly not traveling in our station wagon, all six of us
and our huge St. Bernard, Luna, who upchucks, making everybody else throw up
except Dante. Dad gets furious, but mom brings bags for us. Course Luna didn't
know how to use them. Mom always looked out the window so dad wouldn't see her
grin. But traveling out West in a dilapidated camper built for four was so
fun-- at least for me and my brothers. Kelly kept asking if we'd left the
country and Nicole cried, wanting to go home. Kim loved it, until we forgot her
and left her in the desert at a gas station. Mike laughed but Kim looked shook
up even as she claimed she knew we’d come back for her. When I was 12, Grandma
took Kelly and me by bus to Canada to visit a Catholic shrine and that was a
blast. Lucky for me, Grandma and Kelly had a sense of humor, as well as a lot
of shock over my shenanigans.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZIX4sHkdcrTrKAVD_GahmEMnMgkyXMZh3KlYqXLGOqxybFUD4yfVB79M9Vanw2B8dfmGxS7l2QA3iL9JBAtRmOAvJnB_ffiDDHahHeSibbHf-4-Xtlsbj6bybA1ZIOzbk_lNUQaAVjo4/s1600/27th+MICK%27S+PIX16.jpg"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1025"
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<b>What is your biggest goal?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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My goals were violently taken away from me on August 23,
1981. My friend and I were walking to the park to hear a concert. I begged mom
to let me go and paid her a dollar to do the dishes for me. She laughed and
finally gave in. The last words I said to her as I ran out the front door, was,
‘Bye Mom.’ I was telling my friend as we walked that I hoped Chuck would be
there. That's all I remember. The next 10 days I was between two worlds. I
could not move and I heard the doctors say I wouldn’t live. Mom and my family
were with me day and night and mom told me I was in an accident but would be
all right. I fought to live for my mom and dad and family and began
communicating by blinking my eyes for yes and no. I heard the doctors try to
convince my parents take me off life support, but they refused. I'd always said
if I was paralyzed I would not want to live, but I couldn't let my family down.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On one visit, after seeing tears running down my cheeks, mom
whispered in my ear that it was okay if I wanted to go Home and followed the
light to Heaven's realm. I felt free at last . . . And soon after I left my
body. I know now my goals were met, according to God's will, in my short life.
Now my goal is to remain close to my family, appearing to those, especially my
10 nieces and nephews, who can see, hear or sense my presence. I told the
little ones who could see and hear me the clearest that mom would survive her
heart attacks. And she did. Now my goal is to wait for my loved ones to come
home to me. Time doesn't exist here as it does on Earth. Years are but a second
and then we’ll all be together again. And so I wait.<br />
<br />
<b>Beautiful answers, Noelle, thank you. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>A little fun now for the readers, Noelle. Which do you
like best?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 1.4;">
<b>Candy or fruit? </b>Candy<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>City or countryside?</b> Countryside<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Reading or walking?</b> Reading<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Puccini o<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>peras or Rihanna?</b> Neither<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Thank you very much indeed, Noelle, for being interviewed
today. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.twitter.com/mickipeluso" title="https://www.twitter.com/mickipeluso"><strong>https://www.twitter.com/mickipeluso</strong></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Whippoorwill-Sang-Micki-Peluso/dp/1466497076/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347680072&sr=1-1&keywords=Micki+Peluso" title="http://www.amazon.com/Whippoorwill-Sang-Micki-Peluso/dp/1466497076/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347680072&sr=1-1&keywords=Micki+Peluso"><strong>http://www.amazon.com/Whippoorwill-Sang-Micki-Peluso/dp/1466497076/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347680072&sr=1-1&keywords=Micki+Peluso</strong></a></div>
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<strong><u><span style="color: #0066cc;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBqEUid2lq0&t=129s" title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBqEUid2lq0&t=129s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBqEUid2lq0&t=129s</a></span></u></strong></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> The Cat Who Wanted a Dog</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">True story of a cat who wants his own little dog but is in for a big surprise Hi boys and girls, I'm Toby, a handsome cat if I say so myself. I do whatever I want but Grandma and Grandpa think they own me! My favorite thing is to take Grandma's shiny jewelry and hide it. Grandpa is still looking for his favorite pen. I have one friend, Casey, a wild cat who lives outside but she tells me through the screen door about the outside world. I was a happy, cool cat until---well, read what I wrote about the day Grandma invited the 'Monster' to visit. Yikes!</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z-uY9jgg-uafLcb0eOAncsfeA5dOdAujh71VCZHMfjsoixIWpNkZo71L8c82MORmaKhr23kZzlv6BtBcAUV-n2UKXVg5gQmXacvAbOsWQR2ifw0RsoftHxfn1vHUPHLKbS02QkjC1LM/s1600/517yTOMHB1L._SX348_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Z-uY9jgg-uafLcb0eOAncsfeA5dOdAujh71VCZHMfjsoixIWpNkZo71L8c82MORmaKhr23kZzlv6BtBcAUV-n2UKXVg5gQmXacvAbOsWQR2ifw0RsoftHxfn1vHUPHLKbS02QkjC1LM/s1600/517yTOMHB1L._SX348_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" /></a></div>
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And Kids, please try to color in the lines when you color me. I am a bit fussy about my hair. When you read the book you'll find out why!!!</div>
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Here's what I look like in real life. I'm also a doctor. Cat's purring causes sound waves that heal us and our human and animal friends. I even make house calls. I can sense when an animal or dog is sick. Grandma things that's pretty cool but Granpa says we are both crazy. </div>
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REVIEWS</div>
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<span class="a-color-secondary" data-hook="format-strip-linkless" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(85, 85, 85) !important;"><span class="a-size-base a-color-secondary review-byline" data-hook="review-author" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: border-box;">By</span><span class="a-letter-space" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; width: 0.385em;"></span><a class="a-size-base a-link-normal author" data-hook="review-author" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/ATSQP58FIS2AV/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_pdp?ie=UTF8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0066c0; text-decoration: none;">D.L. Finn</a></span><span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-popup" data-cr-popup="{"width":"340","title":"Help","url":"/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=cm_cr_dp_bdg_help?ie=UTF8&nodeId=14279681&pop-up=1#tr","height":"340"}" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111;"></span><span class="a-letter-space" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; display: inline-block; width: 0.385em;"></span><span class="a-size-base a-color-secondary review-date" data-hook="review-date" style="box-sizing: border-box;">on January 13, 2017 ebook &</span>: Paperback</span><i aria-label="|" class="a-icon a-icon-text-separator" style="-webkit-background-size: 400px 670px; background-color: #dddddd; background-image: url(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/AUIClients/AmazonUIBaseCSS-sprite_1x-28bd59af93d9b1c745bb0aca4de58763b54df7cf._V2_.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 400px 670px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 14px; line-height: 0; margin: -2px 0.67375em 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 1px;"><span class="a-icon-alt" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; height: 1px; left: -9999px; line-height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: auto; width: 1px;">|</span></i><span class="a-size-mini a-color-state a-text-bold" data-hook="avp-badge-linkless" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(196, 85, 0) !important; font-weight: 700 !important; line-height: 1.465 !important;">Verified Purchase 5 stars</span></div>
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<span class="a-size-base a-color-secondary review-byline" data-hook="review-author" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: rgb(85, 85, 85) !important;">This is a children’s book based on a true story about a cat named Toby. What is unique about this book is you can color in it, too--so it is worth buying in print form just for that. I got this to read to my grandchildren ages ranging from: eight to one and a half years old. I sat down individually with each of them starting with my six-year-old granddaughter, who is just starting to read and loves cats and dogs. This was the perfect story for her, plus the bonus she could color in it after! She had the crayons out the minute we finished reading. Everyone else got to enjoy her coloring, including her eight-year-old brother. He listened quietly and asked a lot of questions about the animals. He was very engaged in the tale of Toby. Although, he passed on the coloring portion he liked the story. The youngest, at one in a half, could not sit through the story, but was more than ready to color and loved the pictures of the cat and dog. She is usually being told not to color in books, so a nice addition for her! What an endearing story, that we could all relate to no matter what our age! I will be reading this many times to my grand kids, and it will be a little different each time as the coloring continues</span><span style="color: #555555;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<a class="a-link-normal" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3SAIU764AMLD/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1532936141" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0066c0; text-decoration: none;" title="5.0 out of 5 stars"><i class="a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating" data-hook="review-star-rating" style="-webkit-background-size: 400px 670px; background-image: url(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/AUIClients/AmazonUIBaseCSS-sprite_1x-28bd59af93d9b1c745bb0aca4de58763b54df7cf._V2_.png); background-position: -5px -368px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 400px 670px; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; height: 18px; position: relative; vertical-align: text-top; width: 80px;"><span class="a-icon-alt" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-size: inherit; height: 18px; left: auto; line-height: normal; opacity: 0; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; top: auto; width: 80px;">5.0 out of 5 stars</span></i></a><span class="a-letter-space" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; width: 0.385em;"></span><a class="a-size-base a-link-normal review-title a-color-base a-text-bold" data-hook="review-title" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3SAIU764AMLD/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=1532936141" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-weight: 700 !important; text-decoration: none;">Delightful!</a></div>
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<span class="a-size-base a-color-secondary review-byline" data-hook="review-author" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(85, 85, 85) !important;"><span class="a-color-secondary" style="box-sizing: border-box;">By</span><span class="a-letter-space" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; width: 0.385em;"></span><a class="a-size-base a-link-normal author" data-hook="review-author" href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A13M1POR8CE7VI/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_pdp?ie=UTF8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0066c0; text-decoration: none;">Bette A. Stevens</a></span><span class="a-declarative" data-action="cr-popup" data-cr-popup="{"width":"340","title":"Help","url":"/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=cm_cr_dp_bdg_help?ie=UTF8&nodeId=14279681&pop-up=1#tr","height":"340"}" style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span><span class="a-letter-space" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; width: 0.385em;"></span><span class="a-size-base a-color-secondary review-date" data-hook="review-date" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(85, 85, 85) !important;">on August 31, 2016</span></div>
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<span class="a-size-base review-text" data-hook="review-body" style="box-sizing: border-box;">After reading Micki Peluso's memoir and several of her short stories, I could hardly wait for her first children's book to arrive in my mail box. The day it arrived I was not disappointed. Peluso's unique sense of humor shines through in this delightfully written and illustrated coloring book for kids. I highly recommend it for children of all ages. Whether a read-aloud or read-along, the whole family is sure to smile. And lessons on friendship will long be remembered. My grandson loves The Cat Who Wanted a Dog and so does this still-laughing-out-loud grandma. ~ Bette A. Stevens, Maine author of award-winning picture book <a class="a-link-normal" data-hook="product-link-linked" href="https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-Matilda-Children-s-Literature-The-Tale-of-A-Monarch-Butterfly/dp/B00AU9ZISA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #0066c0; text-decoration: none;">Amazing Matilda (Children's Literature): The Tale of A Monarch Butterfly</a> and other inspirational books for children and adults.</span></div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-80129142283929034602017-04-08T14:12:00.002-07:002017-04-08T16:44:28.382-07:00BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACqcY0i4npNOs1_5b_Kkns7jXpTFRFRYSnDm1Q3wWNHcdhJJnOXo2sPGke76besjHnFGkyjGjmBCq2VHsFyeIe8aTjphWiSg13PauMJPd1da6sIs4heD59H1WPpCjJbnJH-H8LOAtODI/s1600/RRBCBadges%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACqcY0i4npNOs1_5b_Kkns7jXpTFRFRYSnDm1Q3wWNHcdhJJnOXo2sPGke76besjHnFGkyjGjmBCq2VHsFyeIe8aTjphWiSg13PauMJPd1da6sIs4heD59H1WPpCjJbnJH-H8LOAtODI/s320/RRBCBadges%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Hello my friends and newcomers!! Welcome to Rave Review Book Club's BOOK &amp; BLOG PARTY at A Writer's Journey, Staten Island, New York. Enter by leaving a comment to win daily prizes and one Grand prize. Today I am giving away one (1) ebook called: . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang and one (1) ebook of The Cat Who Wanted a Dog. If you already have these books, I will subsititute another ebook that I think you will like.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEAupHlKlhVxaTz_cT03w3BCFjD34xZ76pi0ufcuZDMtokLzWes2HZa1PtN0399CizfACjLilDxvW_y7Vh9O5-obSrqnltQ3b8N2k1o5nfqPb_LQp7gd6ynKhrkhW_xF1RDT_zDCaNDM/s1600/2012whippoorwillphotoprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEAupHlKlhVxaTz_cT03w3BCFjD34xZ76pi0ufcuZDMtokLzWes2HZa1PtN0399CizfACjLilDxvW_y7Vh9O5-obSrqnltQ3b8N2k1o5nfqPb_LQp7gd6ynKhrkhW_xF1RDT_zDCaNDM/s320/2012whippoorwillphotoprint.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy times, a sunny day, a driving drunk, eight lives forever </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">changed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The elusive whippoorwill swoops down the mountains. </span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Through night into dawn it's song mourns summer's
loss--</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">as I cry mine.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;"> AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG, a 300 page memoir, opens
with eloping teenagers, Micki and Butch, in a bizarre double wedding ceremony
with Micki’s mother. The couple share comical escapades, spanning
decades. A terrible accident occurs in a placid valley nestled in the
<st1>Susquehanna</st1> <st1>Mountains.</st1> Micki narrates happier
days while confronting an uncertain future. One of her six children
is fighting for life in the hospital. The family embarks upon its
unbearable journey to the other side of sorrow . . . </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;"> And so in the throes of grief, a writing career was
born.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzcuIGs1ZBF_g9uE5I1XjsjK3ndwFPBfy_NVj68HzPVxbRehVbp0C9dmtLhZmoRRHfD8nm62k3oA-_pDmghUg2bYWkoqL7vmjfHs4aPSrPyyQJPh4AkMEp_E2aptyfWgUM3Dv8NeL_Oc/s1600/WHIPOORWILL+%2540+WINDOW+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzcuIGs1ZBF_g9uE5I1XjsjK3ndwFPBfy_NVj68HzPVxbRehVbp0C9dmtLhZmoRRHfD8nm62k3oA-_pDmghUg2bYWkoqL7vmjfHs4aPSrPyyQJPh4AkMEp_E2aptyfWgUM3Dv8NeL_Oc/s320/WHIPOORWILL+%2540+WINDOW+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: medium;">A Whippoorwill looking in the window</span></span></div>
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<header class="entry-header" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Open Sans', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1.714285714rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><h1 class="entry-title" style="border: 0px; clear: both; font-size: 1.571428571rem; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
LEGACY OF LOVE by Micki Peluso</h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmTepNz87-UVx96b0pn4YnK8EaKaLjYMvnu_jx6grQYlKdS7m9a7OEEj3BmHyG7bx24k-9JcV1_m1jvBYElR4Wc3ET1M7Z9hfU7FsARFIUTAV5dk3sp5tjbhVdyzDiLBji-ge9edIFb0/s1600/noelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmTepNz87-UVx96b0pn4YnK8EaKaLjYMvnu_jx6grQYlKdS7m9a7OEEj3BmHyG7bx24k-9JcV1_m1jvBYElR4Wc3ET1M7Z9hfU7FsARFIUTAV5dk3sp5tjbhVdyzDiLBji-ge9edIFb0/s320/noelle.jpg" width="320" /></a>
I stood in the small church, supported by the prayers of loved ones, mantled with the soulful whine of the church organ playing its dirge of death. I felt a separation of mind and body. Someone was standing here, but it couldn’t be me. The smell of incense permeated my senses, overwhelming with its cloying scent. Next to me, covered with a shroud, stood the casket of my child. I would not look at it, could not.</h3>
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The words of the priest droned on and on, completing the Mass, and the ceremony finally drew to a close, but I was lost in a sea of unrelated thought. I heard nothing; I felt nothing, except a desire to be done with this, to be free to face my grief alone. We walked, my family and I, down the endless aisle of concerned, tear streaked faces, united in a </span><span style="font-size: 18.2857151031494px; line-height: 33.758243560791px;">melange</span><span style="font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;"> of emotion, following the one who would never again walk among us. Then out into the overcast day, whose sun had the dignity not to shine, we entered the limousines and headed for the cemetery to say our final goodbye. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'open sans', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;">The ride to the cemetery was</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'open sans', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: open sans, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.2857151031494px; line-height: 33.758243560791px;">tortuously</span><span style="font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;"> slow. </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'open sans', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;">We climbed the long winding mountain road to the top, surrounded by grotesquely</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'open sans', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;"> </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'open sans', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;"> beautiful tombstones, the only proof of former lives. </span></h3>
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Surely this was just a dream. I would awaken soon and rebuke the nightmare that enveloped my senses, sighing with relief. Oh God, please let this be a dream. But no, the grass was too lushly green. Tear shaped droplets of rain hung precariously from misted, succulent leaves. The dark gray clouds swirling in anger as the sun tried vainly to push them aside in a futile effort to dominate the day, were too real. Yes, this was actually happening.</h3>
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There were over a hundred people standing behind me; their silence bearing down upon me like the crush of ocean waves. I fought the compulsion to slide into oblivion and let this travesty proceed without me.</h3>
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There was a small crucifix on top of the darkly ominous box which was now my daughter’s residence. I tried to focus on that one object in an effort to retain my sanity. The voice of the priest, overflowing with empathy, broke the silence with, I was told later, a moving and beautiful eulogy. His words rained down over me, covering me with compassionate warmth, but I comprehended no meaning. Closing my mind to everything around me, the box and I stood alone together in the macabre stillness of a lonely mountain top, whose residents, except for birds and trees, were all stone cold and unfeeling.</h3>
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There was no life here, not even serenity, just the vacuous emptiness of space and time, devoid of animation. What a cruel, unlikely place to leave one who was so vivacious, so seething with spirit, so very much alive. I had to leave this place. My daughter was not here.</h3>
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After the funeral, our family unit was forever altered. Yet life went on and swept us along; children had to be fed and cared for, careers had to be maintained.</h3>
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The ten-day wait in the Intensive Care Unit was over. Family, neighbors and friends moved on with their own lives and we were forced to continue ours, in spite of the gaping hole left by the absence of Noelle. There would be no more hovering by her bedside, praying for the miracle that would heal her severed spinal cord; broken by the thoughtless drunk driver who struck her down in broad daylight miracle that was not meant to be. Noelle’s fourteen years of life were over and her two brothers, three sisters, her father and I had to somehow face the future without the child who had lit up our lives and had given us constant pleasure.</h3>
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The other children reacted in different ways. One became bulimic and suicidal, another, anxious and panic stricken. Yet another raced his car at high speeds, defying death to take him too, while his brother became withdrawn, depressed and barely spoke. Our oldest child, at twenty one, left home to deal with her grief away from us; we caused her too much pain.</h3>
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Two years later, our oldest daughter had married and was bearing her firstborn child. She had a long and life threatening labor and did not, nor did the rest of us, notice that when she finally brought her son into the world–it was on the day that Noelle died. Upon realizing this, she was horrified and sobbed as she lay in recovery. The rest of us were equally appalled and awestruck by what by what we perceived to be one of life’s cruel ironies.</h3>
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And then the miracle happened. During the next few years the tragic day that claimed the life of Noelle became, instead, the birthday of a beautiful little boy. Noelle had somehow sent us the gift of healing. Today, as we continue to celebrate that day, our grief is temporarily put aside, and the memories of Noelle have become sweet, bittersweet, yet softened by the little boy born on the date she died. Ian was two years old when he told his mother, Kim, that “when I grow up and become Noelle, the truck will miss me.</h3>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: open sans, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;">At 14 years old, Ian traveled with his grandmother to Rome and in a narrow alley, a car whizzed by and the </span><span style="font-size: 18.2857151031494px; line-height: 33.758243560791px;">rear-view</span><span style="font-size: 1.142857143rem; line-height: 1.846153846;"> mirror (like the one that severed Noelle’s spinal cord) missed him by inches. Other grandchildren seemed obsessed with Noelle as well, even though we did not speak of her often. Nicole’s two year old son, Nicholas told his mother that Noelle was in the room with them. His mother thought he meant her picture but he insisted he could see her. It was her birthday. Kelly’s son, Brandon pointed at the ceiling and babbled until he could talk and then reported seeing Noelle everywhere, once in the front seat of the car next to his mother. He claimed that Noelle had told him not to play in the street with the big boys. He also claimed that he could not see Noelle as often around Christmas because the sky was filled with angels. There were many instances like this. As I lay dying from back to back heart attacks, Noelle came to her father, smiled and gave him the thumbs up—I lived. These visits we believe were Noelle’s way of assuring us that her soul was alive and well, her way of easing our grief–her legacy of love.</span></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 24px;"><b> The Cat Who Wanted a Dog</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "chelsea market" , fantasy; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">Based on a true story, this tale is narrated by Toby, a cat who lives with Grandma and Grampa and has never met a dog. His life changes when a huge golden retriever, comes to visit. Rocky is a lovable dog and tries to make friends with Toby, who is both afraid of him and disgusted with his doggy drool. They finally become friends and then Rocky's visit is over. Toby is so sad that Grandma and Grampa take him to the doctor who suggests that the poor cat seems lonely. Toby gets an amazing present for Christmas with a big red bow and drooling nose sticking through the wrapped box. His life after that is never the same as his heart swells with happiness. But Toby is in for a big surprise!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Thanks for visiting my blog and remember to leave a comment to be eligible for some great prizes. Good luck!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Micki Peluso</span></span></div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-16896015645670551132017-04-08T13:23:00.002-07:002017-04-08T13:23:57.951-07:00Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-33616060392947900392017-03-01T13:24:00.000-08:002017-07-26T13:10:58.557-07:00Dear Child of Mine<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dear Child of Mine<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>An Heirloom Devotional for the Unborn Child<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>By Deirdre Tolhurst<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>“Let this be written for a future generation that a people
not yet created may praise the Lord.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>-----Psalm 102.18 NIV<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And so begins a most incredible devotional handbook for
mothers going through pregnancy; especially for the first time. Fathers, too,
will enjoy this journal of a sort as both parents read the daily passages,
until their baby, who listens all those months, enters the world, already
knowing love of God and parents.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Every woman faces pregnancy with multiple
emotions—happiness, love, trepidation and fear of the unknown. Author of
children’s books and poems, Deirdre Tolhurst writes ‘a labor of love’, pun
intended, and structures it with interactive ‘read aloud’ passages and messages
to the child growing in the womb, adding prayers and blank lines for the
parents to add their own thoughts. The pregn</b></span>ancy becomes shared by mother,
father and child(children), forming a deep lifelong bond.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This talented writer, speaker and devotional blogger has
written one of the most beautiful books that I’ve read. Initially written for
her own grandchild, the emotions evoked through conversations with the baby and
God bring smiles and tears to the reader—often at the same time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Deidre skillfully adds practical information on exactly what
the mother is experiencing throughout the different trimesters of her journey
into motherhood. She also includes schedules of the baby’s progress from
conception to birth, sometimes things that doctors are often too busy to
relate, yet are of so much comfort to the new parents. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There is nothing more beautiful than bringing a new soul
into the world. As parents pour out their love aloud each day for both their
child and God, who is love, it makes having a baby as much a spiritual occurrence
as a physical one. This lovely book is written as a gift for all parents and
children, and is a deeply emotional experience; which helps as the family continues
to grow with God as their mainstay in life. “Dear Child of Mine,” is truly an
heirloom for the unborn child and will be a lifelong treasure to all who
undergo the God-given miracle of childbirth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang<o:p></o:p></div>
Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-33724296541083184682017-02-23T11:24:00.003-08:002017-02-23T11:28:18.576-08:00One of the Best Reviews You'll Ever Read<br />
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<span class="fwn fcg" style="color: #90949c; font-family: inherit;"><span class="fwb fcg" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold;"><span aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><a aria-controls="js_x" aria-describedby="js_y" aria-haspopup="true" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1390201404&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/ann.b.keller?fref=nf" id="js_z" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Ann B. Keller</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ann.b.keller?fref=nf" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"></a><span aria-hidden="true" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="accessible_elem" style="clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); font-family: inherit; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; white-space: nowrap; width: 1px;"> </span><i class="mhs img sp_p1FTiLGZ4wA sx_b41ad1" style="background-image: url(https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v3/yf/r/6nPRhkaBZIN.png); background-position: -238px -227px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 9px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; width: 11px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">to</u></i><span class="accessible_elem" style="clip: rect(1px 1px 1px 1px); font-family: inherit; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; position: absolute; white-space: nowrap; width: 1px;"> </span><a class="_wpv" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1322254970&extragetparams=%7B%22fref%22%3A%22nf%22%7D" href="https://www.facebook.com/micki.peluso?fref=nf" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;">Micki Peluso</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/micki.peluso?fref=nf" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"></a></span></span></h5>
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Micki, this is for you, my friend. I finished your incredible book and posted this review on <a href="http://amazon.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a> and Goodreads. Please let me know if there is any other location where I should list it. I am truly touched and awed by your story.</div>
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Rarely does one encounter a biography which is so powerfully poignant that it is life changing. The spears and arrows of familiarity in Micki Peluso’s story strike deeply into the heart of my own life and I can identify with so many of the hilarious, tragic, frightening, and heartwarming moments. My heart is so full. I struggle to find the words to capture the full range of my emotions.</div>
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Having grown up in the northeastern United States, I felt as though Micki’s story were a little of my own. Micki and Butch married quite young, in a unique double ceremony with Micki’s mother. From the first, their lives were filled with challenges. As quite frequently occurs, the babies began coming before there was enough money, before the young couple even had the chance to realize what marriage was all about.</div>
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Over the years, the young family encountered multiple challenges. Butch’s loyalty to his employers often warred with the needs of his family. Micki was sometimes left to be both mother and father to a growing number of young children, battling insects and poor housing, the instructions from well-meaning family members, sick animals, the elements, and patched together vehicles. Despite all of this, the family remained close and hopeful.</div>
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The Pelusos sought the panacea of “Lost Vegas”, but the glitter of the west unfortunately did not result in a gold mine of prosperity. Harkening back to the more familiar mountains of Pennsylvania, the family found anchor in Williamsport, in a huge house capable of holding their large brood. What they didn’t realize was that the old homestead was haunted! Strange sightings of misty images undressing and getting ready for bed, shadows which crossed the room, and potatoes bumping down the basement stairs made for an interesting life style.</div>
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Overshadowing this story is the counterpoint, the tragic motor vehicle accident which has stricken fourteen-year-old Noelle. The family is left with a terrible choice: allow their daughter to linger in a horrible state, kept alive by machines and responding only with her eyes, or to disconnect life support. No parent should have to make such a terrible decision. Even after her passing, the vibrant Noelle continued to make her presence known, by bringing new life into the world on the date of her passing, by speaking to the family members in dozens of marvelous ways throughout the years.</div>
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Indian legend claims that the whippoorwill’s song is a death omen. Indeed, anyone who has heard its mournful cry as night steals over the land will own up to the sense of doom it engenders. And yet, in the farming community, the whippoorwill’s song is a wake up call from the gloomy, often frigid winter days. For now, it is safe to plant, to begin anew, time to embrace life in all of its many facets.</div>
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This, I believe, is Micki Peluso’s message. This is a story not of tragedy, but of the power of men and women to rise from the ashes of tragedy and meet life head on. We are, indeed, at our best when things are the worst. If Noelle were here today, she would want us to dance, to turn cartwheels in the fragrant autumn leaves, to love while we may, to grasp hands to pull us from the doldrums and rise, heads high, toward the brilliant sun.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=100000297609524&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Afalse%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi_admin%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/linda.humphrey.5?fref=ufi" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Linda Humphrey</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ann B. Keller. I love Micki so much as a sister. I love this book she wrote. I like to ask you if it would be ok with you if I could share this on my face book. I see there is no where to share. My computer messes up at times and won't let me copy & pa</span></span><span class="_5uzb" style="font-family: inherit; padding-right: 3px;"><span class="_4qba" data-intl-translation="..." data-intl-trid="">...</span></span><a class="_5v47 fss" href="https://www.facebook.com/micki.peluso/posts/10211844384808019?comment_id=10211844877620339#" role="button" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="_4qba" data-intl-translation="See More" data-intl-trid="">See More</span></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=1497820222&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Afalse%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi_admin%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/susan.scrakcharan?fref=ufi" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Susan Scrak Charan</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody" style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=1322254970&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/micki.peluso?hc_location=ufi" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Micki Peluso</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is my Aunt and Noelle was my cousin. I thank you for this beautiful review. I agree that we do rise and we can get through anything. I wish though my cousin were still hear and that my aunt and cousins never had to know this terrible pain. <span class="_47e3 _5mfr" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;" title="frown emoticon"><img aria-hidden="true" class="img" height="16" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v7/fcb/1/16/1f641.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span aria-hidden="true" class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">:-(</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=1322254970&extragetparams=%7B%22is_public%22%3Afalse%2C%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi_admin%22%7D" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/micki.peluso?fref=ufi" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Micki Peluso</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="UFICommentBody" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ann, thank you for this most beautifully written memoir . You brought tears to my own eyes. I hope you can remember the good times in the book as well as the sad. Noelle would have wanted that. Again, I shall treasure this review forever. Micki Peluso</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-89413163879201338312017-02-13T16:59:00.001-08:002017-02-13T17:02:50.783-08:00An Article on St. Valentine's Day<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span align="left" valign="top">This is an article on the origin of St. Valentine's Day</span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /><br />February 14th sometimes signifies the first day of Lent, depending upon the date of Easter, and is also Admission Day in Arizona. Most people however, celebrate the day by sending comic or heartfelt Valentines to family, friends and lovers. People seem to delight in St. Valentine’s Day, as florists, candy stores, boutiques and card shops do a rallying business providing heart-shaped novelties of all variety. Chocolate, long known for having properties that produce a euphoric feeling similar to the bittersweet emotion of love, seems an appropriate gift for St. Valentine’s Day.<br /><br />The origin of the holiday is uncertain, but St. Valentine actually honors two Saints of the same name. One was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of the Emperor Claudius, the other, a martyred Bishop of Interramna. They were both buried in the Flaminian Way, which was later named the Gate of St. Valentine. Today the gate is known as Porta Del Popolo — the Gate of the People. The accounts of these men's lives are legendary, based on sparse historical fact. It is possible, researchers agree, that the legends denote different versions of the martyrdom of only one person. St. Valentine’s Day, as it is known today, is a lovers Festival, bearing no relation to these legends.<br />One theory as to how the name Valentine came to be applied to the day is founded on the belief in England that birds begin dating on February 14. Chaucer, in his “Parliament of Foules," says it like this: “for this was Seynt Valentine's day. When every foul cometh to choose his mate." Those disagreeing with this claimed that the connection between lovers and St. Valentine stems from a similarity between the Norman word “galantin," meaning a lover of woman, and the name of the saint. St. Still another theory contends that the lover’s custom dates back to the pagan Roman feast of Lupercalia occurring in mid-February young Roman men and women placed their names in a love urn from which their names were drawn at random. During the upcoming year, the young man would be the escorts of the women whose names were matched to their own.<br /><br />The Christian clergy objected to this pagan custom and substituted the names of saints. Each person, the clergy hoped, which strive to emulate the saint drawn for them. The drawings were held on February 14, the feast of St. Valentine. Yet the drawing of names by young people on St. Valentine's Day continued long after the Christianization of pagan rites had been abandoned. The boy and girl paired by the drawing adopted the practice of giving presents to each other. Later the boy only gave to the girl; so started the custom of sending Valentines to loved ones.<br /><br />St. Valentine's Day was widely celebrated in William Shakespeare's time, as this quote from Hamlet illustrates:<br />“Good morrow, ‘tis St. Valentine's Day,<br />All in the morning betime,<br />And I am made at your window,<br />To be your Valentine."<br /><br />Paper Valentines with inscribed sentiments date from the 16th century. The first printed Valentine, issued in 1669, was probably inspired by “A Valentine Writer”, a book of verses offering help to those not articulate enough to pen their own rhymes. In England, the introduction of Penny postage and envelopes in 1840 popularized the exchange of Valentines and ornamental lace paper Valentines were in great demand. In the U. S., crude woodcut Valentines were fashioned by Robert H. Elton and Thomas W. Strong of New York, but most people preferred the lace paper cards imported from England.<br />With the establishment of the Post Office, the mail became swamped with Valentines each February. Comic Valentines, as well as coarse vulgar ones, cost only one cent. In the early 1900s, the Chicago post office rejected 25,000 cards on the grounds that they were improper for mail delivery. By the 1930s Valentine cards were primarily an activity for small children, who were taught to make the cards and decorations in kindergarten.<br /><br />On one particularly gruesome Valentine's Day, the streets ran red with blood and the message given was not one of love. This notorious incident was “The St. Valentines Massacre," in Chicago on February 14, 1929. Al Capone’s gang, disguised as policemen, forced seven members of the rival “Bugs Moran” gang to stand against the garage wall with their arms raised. Capone’s mobsters methodically gunned the rival gang down.<br /><br />recent years, St. Valentine's Day continues to gain popularity, as lovers and children eagerly await its arrival; perhaps because it breaks the monotony of the long winter. However, not all people recognize the holiday. One husband whose name I will not mention, chooses to totally ignore St. Valentine's Day, even when it falls three days after his wedding anniversary — but that's another story. </b></span></div>
Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-51263791788225502432017-02-07T16:54:00.003-08:002017-02-07T16:54:44.802-08:00One of the best Memoirs You'll Ever Read!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>LETTING GO into PERFECT LOVE<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Discovering the Extraordinary After Abuse<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>By Gwendolyn M. Plano<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Author Gwendolyn Plano, in this extraordinary memoir, “invites
you into my journey, replete with childhood stories and adult meanderings.” Yet
this book is so much more, encompassing all elements of life’s struggles,
dreams, and heartache which so many readers will latch onto, sharing Plano’s
feelings and experiences. I was hooked from the first page until the ending, causing
me so many mixed emotions; closing the book with a feeling of love and peace
which stayed with me.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Gwen’s first marriage seems heaven sent and produces a
wonderful son, Matt. But her husband Bruce develops psychiatric problems so
severe that he must be committed, “for his good and yours” says the psychiatrist—leaving
Gwendolyn a single Mom, and little Matt on their own.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>She gets a second chance with Ron, who seems the perfect man
and father figure. Falling deeply in love, she misses some of Ron’s flaws,
serious flaws, and marries him. The
bliss of romance soon fades as Ron shows a severe abusive side, unnoticed before-
and it grows worse. There is no easy way
to escape a brutal husband, physically, mentally and emotionally. Over the next 25 years she bears two more sons
and a daughter, and Gwen tries heroically to maintain an atmosphere of
normalcy.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Abused women are often criticized for tolerating marital
torture and not leaving. The situation is complex and author Plano depicts the
plethora of reasons in this heart rending story of a woman trapped. It takes
increasing and serious abuse of her children to awaken in her a newly found and
deeply held faith in God giving her the determination and courage to sever the
destructive relationship. Help from angel visitations guide her from an
existence in terror to a life of joy and peace. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The second half of the book is written in breathtaking and
beautiful verbiage that comes directly from the author’s heart and soul – so deeply
embraced by love that I re-read many parts and was left with a sense of peace
upon finishing it. This is one story which needs to be read by every woman . .
. and man as well. This book is one of the most touching, honest memoirs that I
have ever read.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Highly recommended for those searching for their true selves,
love and companionship with God and others— “Perfect Love.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-55303472272661287852017-01-26T18:33:00.003-08:002017-01-26T18:33:51.695-08:00Running on Empty The Irreverent Guru's Guide to Filling up with Mindfulness By Shelley Pernot <div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Running on Empty
<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>The Irreverent Guru's Guide to
Filling up with Mindfulness<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>By Shelley
Pernot<o:p> </o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Shelley Pernot writes a lively,
raucous how-to manual on mindfulness, including yoga and meditation--which
appears at first a contradiction in terms.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>The author has met all her goals,
yet realizes that 'I hate my life,' despite living 'The American Dream.' While
sharing a compartment on the Trans-Siberian Railway to China, she meets a woman
who is retired and wealthy enough to follow her dreams--doing charity work among
poor children. Shelley has an epiphany. This woman has the one thing lacking in
Shelley's life. Happiness.<o:p> </o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>And so begins the author's journey
to find what's missing in her existence. Luckily for her, she has the type of
boss who listens when she tells him she needs to leave "to find my mojo. Somehow
I've lost it." His answer. "Come back when you can."<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Shelley is an affluent, educated
young woman, with a career earned by concentrated
effort and determination. She integrates much of these talents into her venture while
discovering her own mindfulness. First to go are bad habits<span style="color: red;">--</span>cigarettes, booze and
some extra weight.<span style="color: red;"> </span>She's an all or nothing woman, who created her life
successes which help develop the<span style="color: red;"> <span style="color: black;">mindfulness</span> </span>missing in
her own life.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Within her debut book, author
Shelley Pernot takes the modern day craze of an ancient concept, adds the useful
tools of meditation and yoga, creating a reasonably simple solution to what's
missing in many people's lives. Yet its very simplicity is what makes it
so <span style="color: black;">elusive. </span> According to Shelley, we live in a world
of multi-tasking (bad for the brain) surrounded and ruled by cell phones,
texting, email and other technology. Using excellent analogies, she pinpoints
how we have gotten on a treadmill to nowhere. Adding yoga and meditation to her
protocol teaches her students to develop a sense of stillness which slows racing
minds and aids in focusing.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Besides writing this course in a
witty, real "I've been there" style, the author
presents mindfulness charts and practice
sheets in easily understood language. I swore I would not take the tests but was
quickly hooked, finding my own long lost mojo.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>One of the things that makes this
book so helpful is the writer's refusal to make her subject boring while
describing a subject about as exciting as watching grass grow---and keeping
readers turning the pages. With enthusiasm even! At times (many times) Shelley
is as corny as Kansas, uses flip hipster jargon, tells some really bad jokes,
and uses an overabundance of cliches . . . yet it works. And works
well!<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Shelley Pernot's part memoir, part
how-to, told like a stand-up comedian would, draws the reader into the book with
her, causing a bond that helps make 'mindfulness' a reality, because she's been
there and is aware of all the ways we deceive ourselves. Reading this book is
like having a pajama party with your best adult friends -- no secrets and lots
of fun.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Recommended for educated, affluent
women, this book crosses all age and gender barriers, from teens who 'have
everything,' yet are unhappy through YA and adults of all ages and lifestyles.
Who<span style="color: red;"> </span> among us is not
reaching out for that 'missing something ' . . . .
Mindfulness.<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Micki
Peluso</strong></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-57061573372027585432017-01-23T15:41:00.003-08:002017-01-23T15:42:53.860-08:00Read a Great Review<h2>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/memoirs?source=feed_text&story_id=1407562639254800" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">memoirs</span></span></a> by talented writer <a class="profileLink" data-hovercard-prefer-more-content-show="1" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1322254970" href="https://www.facebook.com/micki.peluso" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration: none;">Micki Peluso</a>...<br />Haven't read it yet? Get your copy today! ~ Bette A. Stevens</span></b></div>
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<span class="_3c21" style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">December was a busy month for many of us. It started with our Rave Reviews Book Club’s first Virtual…</span></b></span></div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-80798449439572396602016-12-17T14:22:00.001-08:002016-12-17T14:22:35.363-08:00Christmastime: Past and Present<br />
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Christmastime: past and Present</h1>
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 1.6em; width: 689px;"><tbody style="box-sizing: inherit;">
<tr style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td align="left" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(232, 233, 234); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; box-sizing: inherit; padding: 0.4em 0.2em;" valign="top"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">This is a comparison of the Christmases of today as compared with the past. The Spirit is the same.</span><a href="http://www.authorsden.com/ArticlesImage/59804.jpg" style="-webkit-transition: 0.3s; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #99908a; overflow-wrap: break-word; transition: 0.3s; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-size: large;"><img align="right" border="0" hspace="15" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.authorsden.com/ArticlesImage/59804.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; height: auto; max-width: 100%;" width="250" /></span></a><div style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 1.6em; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span style="box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Christmas; Past and Present</span></div>
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Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Mall, last minute shoppers scurried from store to store; short on patience and with little evidence of the holiday spirit of love. The only ones smiling were the store owners and the costumed Santa, who gets paid to be jolly.</div>
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The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of talking dolls, video games, bicycles and other expensive toys, danced in their heads.Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap had just settled down to tackle the mountain of Christmas bills, which was larger than the national debt.</div>
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The moon on the crest of the new fallen snow, reflected the concern of families awaiting the arrival of loved ones traveling on icy roads.Years ago, Christmas seemed easier, less commercial and more enjoyable.Many families lived near each other, and most of the decorations, foodstuffs and presents were homemade. While there was stress and haste to accomplish the needed tasks by Christmas Eve, the stress was different than what is experienced today. Generations past did not seem to lose sight of the reason for Christmas; a birthday celebration of sharing and love.</div>
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The nostalgia of horse-drawn sleigh rides through wooded country roads is sorely missed. Bells jingling accompaniment to carols sung off key by bundled-up children in the back of the sleigh, is a thing of the past. Yet Christmas retains an aura of magic, nonetheless.</div>
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Originally, the Christian church did not acknowledge Christmas at all, as such observance was considered a heathen rite. The earliest records of any Christmas celebration dates back to the early part of the third century.Gift giving, as a custom, may have originated with the Romans, relating to their worship of Dionysus at Delphi.</div>
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The Christmas tree comes from the Germans, although its origin has been traced as far back as ancient Egypt. The tree replaces a former customary pyramid of candles, part of the pagan festivals. There is a legend that Martin Luther brought an evergreen home to his children and decorated it for Christmas. German immigrants carried this custom with them to the New World, but it did not gain popularity until 1860, when John C. Bushmann, a German, decorated a tree in Massachusetts and invited people to see it. Evergreens, a symbol of survival, date to the 18th century when St. Boniface, honoring the Christianization of Germany, dedicated a fir tree to the Holy Child to replace the sacred oak of Odin. The “Nation’s Christmas Tree,” was the General Grant tree in General</div>
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Grant National Park in California, dedicated May 1, 1926,by the town mayor. Thetree was 267 feet high and 3500-4000 years old.Mistletoe, burned on the alter of the Druid gods, was regarded as a symbol of love and peace. The Celtic custom of kissing under the mistletoe comes from the practice of enemies meeting under the plant, dropping their weapons and embracing in peace. Some parts of England decorated with mistletoe and holly, but other parts banned its use due to association with Druid rites. Mistletoe was considered a cure for sterility, a remedy for poisons, and kissing under it would surely lead to marriage.</div>
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The 4th century German St. Nicholas, shortened through the years to Santa Claus, has become the epitome of today’s Christmas spirit. St. Nicholas, taking pity upon three young maidens with no dowry and no hope, tossed a bag of gold through each of their windows, and granted them a future. Other anonymous gifts being credited to him were emulated and the tradition grew. The Norsemen enhanced the legend of Santa Claus coming down the chimney with their goddess, Hertha, known to appear in fireplaces, bringing happiness and good luck.</div>
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Sir Henry Cole, impressed by a lithograph drawing, made by J.C. Horsley, instigated the idea of Christmas cards. It took eighteen years for the custom to gain popularity, and then it was adopted mainly by gentry. Christmas was banned in England in 1644, during the Puritan ascendancy. A law was passed ordering December 25th a market day and shops were forced to open. Even the making of plum pudding and mincemeat pies was forbidden. This law was repealed after the Restoration, but the Dissenters still referred to Yuletide as “Fooltide.”</div>
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The General Court of Massachusetts passed a law in 1657 making the celebration of Christmas a penal offense. This law, too, was repealed, but many years would pass before New England celebrated Christmas.</div>
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When Washington crossed the Delaware River during the Revolutionary War, it was the observance of Christmas that made his conquest of the British a success. The enemy was sleeping off the affects of the celebration.</div>
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Befana, or Epiphany, is the Italian female counterpart of Santa Claus. On Epiphany, or Twelth Night, she is said to fill children’s stockings with presents. According to legend, Befana was too busy to see the Wise Men during their visit to the Christ Child, saying that she would see them on their way back to the East. The Magi, however, chose a different route home, and now Befana must search for them throughout eternity. The sacred song traditionally sung on her yearly visit is the Befanata.</div>
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The number of Magi visiting the stable on that first Christmas Eve could be anywhere from two to twenty. The number three was chosen because of the three gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh. Western tradition calls the Magi, Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, but they have different names and numbers in different parts of the world.</div>
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Though distinctly Christian, the social aspect of Christmas is observed and enjoyed by many religious and ethnic groups. Rabbi Eichler, during a sermon in Boston in 1910 explains why: “…Christmas has a double aspect, a social and theological side. The Jew can and does heartily join in the social Christmas. Gladly, does he contribute to the spirit of good will and peace, characteristic of the season. It was from the light of Israel’s sanctuary that Christianity lit its torch. The Hanukkah lights, therefore, justly typify civilization and universal religion.”</div>
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Dr. Clement Clarke Moore, a professor at the General Theological Seminary in New York, penned the famous poem, “Twas the Night before Christmas.” Dr.Moore never intended for the poem to be published. Miss Harriet Butler, daughter of the rector of St. Paul’s Church in Troy, New York, accompanied her father on a visit to Dr. Moore. She asked for a copy of the poem and sent it anonymously to the editor of The Troy Sentinel. A copy of the newspaper carrying his poem was sent to Dr. Moore, who was greatly annoyed that something he composed for the amusement of his children should be printed. It was not until eight years later, that Dr. Moore publicly admitted that he wrote the poem.</div>
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Christmas is the favorite Holiday of children, who unquestionably accept the myth of Santa Claus. In 1897, one little girl began to have doubts as to the reality of Santa Claus, and wrote to the New York Sun, asking for confirmation. Her letter read: Dear editor, I am eight years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says,”If you see it in The Sun, it’s so. Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?” Virginia D’Hanlon.</div>
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Francis P. Church’s editorial answer to the little girl became almost as famous as Dr. Moore’s poem. In part, this is what he wrote: Virginia, your little friends are so wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe, except they see… Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists….Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as if there were no Virginia’s…No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.”</div>
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It is sentiments like this that warm the heart of child and adult alike, as Christmas nears. It is not the gifts, soon forgotten, that make Christmas a time of wonder and magic. It is the love within all people for God, for children, for each other. During this hectic holiday season, take a moment or two to savor the true meaning of Christmas.</div>
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“And I heard him exclaim<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />As he drove out of sight,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Happy Christmas to all,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />And to all a Goodnight!”<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Dr. Clement Clarke Moore</div>
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<footer class="entry-footer" style="box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; color: #383e44; display: block; font-size: 0.825rem;"></footer></article>Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-29756272333802304802016-12-03T18:36:00.002-08:002016-12-03T18:37:32.947-08:00A Special Book for a Special Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The elusive whippoorwill swoops down the mountains.
</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Through night into dawn it's song mourns summer's
loss--</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>as I cry mine.<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;"><b> AND THE WHIPPOORWILL SANG, a 304 page memoir, opens
with eloping teenagers, Micki and Butch, in a bizarre double wedding ceremony
with Micki’s mother. The couple share comical escapades, spanning
decades. A terrible accident occurs in a placid valley nestled in the
<st1>Susquehanna</st1> <st1>Mountains.</st1> Micki narrates happier
days while confronting an uncertain future. One of her six children
is fighting for life in the hospital. The family embarks upon its
unbearable journey to the other side of sorrow . . . </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: large;"><b> And so in the throes of grief, a writing career was
born.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> I published a
short story of this memoir, resulting in 25 years of writing
essays, commentary, and slice of life for two major newspapers, and staff writer
for the Staten Island Register. I've published humor, horror and paranormal
fiction in e-zines, print magazines, and contests and a half dozen award winning
anthologies. I recently published a children's story., The cat Who Wanted a
Dog. "Don't Pluck the Duck," a collection of comedic essays, short fiction and
non-fiction stories,will be released in early 2017.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Each day the
lives of children are lost through alcohol and drug related deaths. Each of them
was special to those who loved them--each deserves remembrance. This book was
written for each of them. </b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Micki-Peluso/e/B002BLZ7JK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>https://www.amazon.com/Micki-Peluso/e/B002BLZ7JK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0</b></span></a></div>
Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-89215948543979239342016-11-26T12:55:00.002-08:002016-11-26T13:10:07.503-08:00Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-15478814744324020862016-11-26T12:54:00.001-08:002016-11-26T13:10:45.458-08:00RRBC WRITERS' CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO!!<div class="_1dwg _1w_m" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.0799999237061px; padding: 12px 12px 0px;">
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-73325755233426266022016-11-26T12:53:00.002-08:002016-11-26T13:03:27.117-08:00RRBC Writer's Conference and Book Expo.<div class="_1dwg _1w_m" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.0799999237061px; padding: 12px 12px 0px;">
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-67686864906752655202016-11-26T12:52:00.001-08:002016-11-26T13:08:55.459-08:00RRBC Writer's Conference and Book Expo.<div data-gt="{"type":"xtracking","xt":"21.{\"module_type\":\"NEWS_PIVOT\",\"item_type\":\"module_header\",\"display_style\":null,\"position_in_module\":null,\"id\":null,\"raw_id\":null,\"query\":\"keywords_search(rrbc+writers\\u002527+conference+\\u002526+book+expo)\",\"session_id\":\"9c8a4a8c3ff59c38b2102594c281582b\",\"vertical\":\"content\",\"result_creation_timestamp\":null,\"module_result_type\":null,\"source_module_role\":null,\"subrequests\":\"[\\\"stories-news-pivot(links-keyword(rrbc+writers\\\\u002527+conference+\\\\u002526+book+expo))\\\",\\\"stories-feed(stories-keyword(rrbc+writers\\\\u002527+conference+\\\\u002526+book+expo))\\\",\\\"stories-public(stories-keyword(rrbc+writers\\\\u002527+conference+\\\\u002526+book+expo))\\\",\\\"videos-keyword(rrbc+writers\\\\u002527+conference+\\\\u002526+book+expo)\\\",\\\"videos-live(rrbc+writers\\\\u002527+conference+\\\\u002526+book+expo)\\\"]\"}"}" data-vistracking="1" data-xt-vimp="{"pixel_in_percentage":70,"duration_in_ms":2000,"subsequent_gap_in_ms":500,"log_initial_nonviewable":true,"should_batch":true,"require_horizontally_onscreen":false}" id="u_ps_jsonp_9_6_q" style="font-family: inherit;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Welcome to my first virtual RRBC Writer's Conference and Book Expo. Please drop by and support me. I'll be the one duct taped to my chair so I don't get lost. I'll have . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang and 'The Cat Who Wanted a Dog' with me. Hope to see you all there--books galore of every genre by award winning authors---just perfect for Holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Micki Peluso </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38;">WELCOME TO THE</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38;">FIRST VIRTUAL </span><span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88, 144, 255, 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; padding: 0px 1px;">RRBC WRITERS' CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38;">!!</span></div>
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<br />
This is our first ever Virtual Rave Reviews <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Book</span> Club <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Conference</span> and we are very excited about it. An invitation is being extended for you to join us.</div>
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3 DAY WEEKEND ONLY!!</div>
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 23, 2016</div>
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Here is a glimpse of some of the sessions being offered</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Blogging For Success</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Marketing 101</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Formatting Made Easy</div>
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Social Media Dos & Don'ts and more…</div>
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If you have any questions, please email RRBCInfo@gmail.com!</div>
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We can't wait to see you!!!!!</div>
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WELCOME TO THE<br />
FIRST VIRTUAL <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">RRBC WRITERS' CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO</span>!!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br />
This is our first ever Virtual Rave Reviews <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Book</span> Club <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Conference</span> and we are very excited about it. An invitation is being extended for you to join us.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br />
3 DAY WEEKEND ONLY!!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">CONFERENCE</span> DATES: DECEMBER 1st thru DECEMBER 3rd</div>
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 23, 2016</div>
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CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION</div>
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<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Here is a glimpse of some of the sessions being offered</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Blogging For Success</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Marketing 101</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Formatting Made Easy</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Social Media Dos & Don'ts and more…</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you have any questions, please email RRBCInfo@gmail.com!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
We can't wait to see you!!!!!</div>
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WELCOME TO THE<br />
FIRST VIRTUAL <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">RRBC WRITERS' CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO</span>!!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<br />
This is our first ever Virtual Rave Reviews <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Book</span> Club <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Conference</span> and we are very excited about it. An invitation is being extended for you to join us.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br />
3 DAY WEEKEND ONLY!!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">CONFERENCE</span> DATES: DECEMBER 1st thru DECEMBER 3rd</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 23, 2016</div>
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CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION</div>
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CLICK HERE FOR PRICING INFORMATION</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Here is a glimpse of some of the sessions being offered</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Blogging For Success</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Marketing 101</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Formatting Made Easy</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Social Media Dos & Don'ts and more…</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you have any questions, please email RRBCInfo@gmail.com!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
We can't wait to see you!!!!!</div>
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<span class="_3c21" style="font-family: inherit;">JOHNWHOWELL.COM<span class="phs" style="font-family: inherit; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;">|</span>NOV 17, 2016</span></div>
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<span class="_3c21" style="font-family: inherit;">THE FIRST VIRTUAL #RRBC WRITERS’ CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO!!</span></div>
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<span class="_3c21" style="font-family: inherit;">WELCOME TO THE FIRST VIRTUAL RRBC WRITERS’…</span></div>
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<span class="_3c21" style="font-family: inherit;">SHIRLEYSLAUGHTER.COM<span class="phs" style="font-family: inherit; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;">|</span>NOV 16, 2016</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/rrbc?source=feed_text&story_id=1057198057708549" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_5afx" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl _5afz" style="color: #4267b2; font-family: inherit;">#</span><span class="_58cm" style="font-family: inherit;">RRBC</span></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"> Writers' Conference & Book Expo!</span><a href="https://youtu.be/CwsXOmytkYg" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/CwsXOmytkYg</a><br />
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WELCOME TO THE<br />
FIRST VIRTUAL <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">RRBC WRITERS' CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO</span>!!</div>
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This is our first ever Virtual Rave Reviews <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Book</span> Club <span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">Conference</span> and we are very excited about it. An invitation is being extended for you to join us.</div>
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3 DAY WEEKEND ONLY!!</div>
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<span class="highlightNode" style="background-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.14902); border-bottom-color: rgba(88 , 144 , 255 , 0.298039); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: inherit; padding: 0px 1px;">CONFERENCE</span> DATES: DECEMBER 1st thru DECEMBER 3rd</div>
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 23, 2016</div>
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CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION</div>
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CLICK HERE FOR PRICING INFORMATION</div>
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Here is a glimpse of some of the sessions being offered</div>
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Blogging For Success</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Marketing 101</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Formatting Made Easy</div>
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Social Media Dos & Don'ts and more…</div>
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If you have any questions, please email RRBCInfo@gmail.com!</div>
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We can't wait to see you!!!!!</div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-45224008620693341422016-11-26T12:39:00.002-08:002016-11-26T13:06:45.029-08:00The #RRBC Writers' Conference & Book Expo!<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%;">
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Please drop by my booth to say hello. This is my first conference and I need all the support I can get. I have duct tape to stick to my chair so I don't wander off and never return. And of course I'll have . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang and 'The Cat Who Wanted a Dog' on display as well. Looking forward to seeing you all!! Micki Peluso</h2>
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<a href="http://shirleyslaughter.com/2016/11/16/the-first-virtual-rrbc-writers-conference-book-expo/" style="color: #2585b2; text-decoration: none !important;" title="http://shirleyslaughter.com/2016/11/16/the-first-virtual-rrbc-writers-conference-book-expo/">THE
FIRST VIRTUAL #RRBC WRITERS’ CONFERENCE & BOOK EXPO!!</a></h2>
<span style="color: #888888;">by <a href="http://shirleyslaughter.com/author/sharrislaughter/" style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136) !important;" title="http://shirleyslaughter.com/author/sharrislaughter/">Shirley
Harris-Slaughter</a> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #00ccff;">WELCOME TO THE </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #00ccff;"><strong>FIRST VIRTUAL RRBC WRITERS' CONFERENCE & BOOK
EXPO</strong>!!</span></h1>
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This is our first ever
Virtual Rave Reviews Book Club Conference and we are very excited about it. An
invitation is being extended for you to join us.</h3>
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<span style="color: #3366ff;">3 DAY WEEKEND ONLY!!</span></h2>
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<strong><br /><span style="color: blue;">CONFERENCE DATES: DECEMBER 1<sup>st</sup> thru DECEMBER
3<sup>rd</sup></span></strong></div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><strong>REGISTRATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 23,
2016</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="https://rrbcwritersconferencebookexpo.wordpress.com/registration-general-information/register-now/" style="color: red;" target="_blank" title="https://rrbcwritersconferencebookexpo.wordpress.com/registration-general-information/register-now/">CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION </a></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><a href="https://rrbcwritersconferencebookexpo.wordpress.com/registration-general-information/registration-packages-pricing/" style="color: red;" target="_blank" title="https://rrbcwritersconferencebookexpo.wordpress.com/registration-general-information/registration-packages-pricing/">CLICK HERE FOR PRICING INFORMATION</a></span></div>
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<strong><u>Here
is a glimpse of some of the sessions being offered</u></strong></div>
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Blogging
For Success</div>
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Marketing
101</div>
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Formatting
Made Easy</div>
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Social
Media Dos & Don'ts and more…</div>
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<strong>If
you have any questions</strong><strong>,</strong> <strong>please email <a href="mailto:RRBCInfo@gmail.com" style="color: #2585b2;" title="mailto:RRBCInfo@gmail.com">RRBCInfo@gmail.com</a>!</strong></div>
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<strong>We
can't wait to see you!!!!!</strong></h2>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-6019409818260237352016-11-22T14:25:00.001-08:002016-11-22T14:25:22.490-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcAVO7r_lSnAtgUo7hU82LYs5oTYjlCww9o3rLCYgGM70XsxxWtWJeRcL7C5O22UQny0neldLvxS3JBsE3rpsZOWHO2yy9dYOJ9NROXgqS6xMxx_6P4beyMTABw2qqqN2IUxVjL35LS8/s1600/Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcAVO7r_lSnAtgUo7hU82LYs5oTYjlCww9o3rLCYgGM70XsxxWtWJeRcL7C5O22UQny0neldLvxS3JBsE3rpsZOWHO2yy9dYOJ9NROXgqS6xMxx_6P4beyMTABw2qqqN2IUxVjL35LS8/s1600/Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-79323655884832688312016-11-22T14:07:00.003-08:002016-11-22T14:10:10.775-08:00Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-10332504113607943382016-11-22T14:07:00.002-08:002016-11-22T14:10:05.551-08:00. . . And We Thank Thee<div style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.7142; margin-bottom: 1px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spicy, aromatic whiffs of pumpkin pie, plum pudding, and candied sweet potatoes mingle with and enhance the hearty, mouth-watering smell of roasted, stuffed turkeys. Thanksgiving, a harvest festival thanking the Creator for a bountiful year, has remained virtually unchanged since the pilgrims in Massachusetts shared that first feast with Chief Massoit and some of his braves.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>On Staten Island, as in homes across the nation, people will gather in love and harmony to give thanks. Holiday fare on the Island will not differ greatly from traditional foods, except for the addition of ethnic dishes, such as home-made ravioli, succulent tomato sauce, crusty loaves of Italian bread, lasagne and delectable pastries indigenous to the New York area. In Italian homes, especially, a nine course meal is not unusual.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The turkey will dominate the day, whether served in homes, hospital rooms, soup kitchens for the needy, or meals on wheels for housebound senior citizens. Restaurants across the Island will also defer to the turkey, serving those who wish to celebrate, but hate to cook. Thanksgiving is a holiday that reminds people of the past, celebrates the present, and offers hope for the future; a day that gratifies body and soul.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Although Governor William Bradford, of the Plymouth Colony issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation in 1621, the concept of giving thanks is as old as the need for worship, and dates back to the time when humanity realized its dependence upon a Higher Power.The colonists of Plymouth observed three days of feasting,games and contests following their plentiful harvest in the autumn of 1621. The journal of Governor Bradford describes the preparations for that first Thanksgiving: “They began now to gather in the swell harvest they had, and to fit their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty… Besides waterfowl, there was a great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc… Which made many afterward write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned, but true reports.”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Staten Island, at that time, was a beautiful lush wilderness, sparsely inhabited by the Aqehonga Indians, who fished, hunted deer, raccoon, and fowl, and harvested corn, pumpkins, berries and fruit. Settlers arriving from England and Holland in 1630, added sausage, head cheese and pies to the abundant game and vegetation on the Island. Twenty years ago, it was common practice for butchers to hang plucked turkeys in store windows, while grocers displayed fresh produce and jugs of apple cider.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>On October 31, 1777, the Continental Congress appointed Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee, and Daniel Roberdau, to draft a resolution “to set aside a day of thanksgiving for the signal success lately obtained over the enemies of the United States.” There solution was accepted on November 1, 1777.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>George Washington issued a presidential proclamation appointing November 26, 1789, as a day of general thanksgiving for the adoption of the constitution. The first national Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1863, due to the unrelenting efforts of Mrs. Sarah J. Hale. While editor of The Ladies Magazine in Boston, she penned countless editorials urging the uniform observance throughout the United States, of one day dedicated to giving thanks for blessings received throughout the year. She mailed personal letters to the governors of all the states, and to President Lincoln, persuading many governors to set aside the last Thursday in November as a day of Thanksgiving. Her editorial was titled,”Our National Thanksgiving”, and began with a biblical quote: “Then he said to them, go your way and eat the fat and drink the sweet wine and send persons unto them for whom nothing is prepared; For this day is holy unto the lord; neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the lord is your strength.” Nehemiah, VIII:10</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>President Lincoln, moved by Mrs. Hale’s editorial and letter, issued the first National Thanksgiving Proclamation on October 3, 1863, which reads in part: “The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of almighty God.” Lincoln designated Thanksgiving as a day “to subdue the anger which has produced and so long sustained a needless and cruel rebellion.” The northern states, in response to the proclamation, held services in churches of all denominations, and gave appropriate sermons.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>President Roosevelt, on December 26, 1941, approved the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving, to be observed in every state and the District of Columbia.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The first international Thanksgiving was held in Washington, D.C. in 1909. It was the brain-child of Rev. Dr. William T. Russell, rector of St. Patrick’s Church of Washington. Dr. Russell called it a Pan American celebration, and it was attended by representatives of all the Latin American countries. The Catholic Church was chosen for the services, since Catholicism is the religion of the Latin American countries.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>St. Patrick’s Church published an account of the celebration, noting that “it was the first time in the history of the Western World that all the republics were assembled for a religious function…When asked what prompted Dr. Russell in planning a Pan American Thanksgiving celebration, Dr. Russell said, “My purpose was to bring into closer relations the Republics of the Western World. As Christianity had first taught the brotherhood of man, it was appropriate that the celebration should take the form of a solemn mass.” The Pan American celebration continued from year to year.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Some Eastern cities adopted the old world custom of dressing children in the over-sized clothes of their elders, masking their faces, and having them march through the streets blowing tin horns. The children often carried baskets, and solicited fruits and vegetables from house to house to help celebrate the day. This tradition was adapted from an old Scotch wassail custom.<br />The warm, loving atmosphere of this holiday has been immortalized in song, literature, and poetry, such as the well-known poem by Lydia Maria Child: “Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go…”</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Thanksgiving signals the onset of the joyous holiday season which continues until New Year’s Day. The only sad note is the number of people killed on the highways each year, en route to their destinations. Thanksgiving also proclaims the arrival of Santa Claus, who assumes temporary residence at the Staten Island Mall, which will be ablaze with Christmas decorations. Those shoppers brave enough to venture out on “Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, can take advantage of Island sales.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Today, more than ever, Thanksgiving is intrinsic to our time. The need to give thanks is profoundly American. As a people, we have pursued idealism, struggled for individual freedoms, and enjoyed the fruits of capitalism. Like the starship “Enterprise” on Star Trek, Americans have “dared to go where no man has gone before.” The act of giving thanks acknowledges the greater force that inspires this nation, encouraging and demanding excellence. This Thanksgiving, when stomachs are bulging with savory, traditional food, and hearts are full with love for family and friends, it is fitting to give thanks.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stand up on this Thanksgiving Day, stand<br />upon your feet. Believe in man. Soberly and<br />with clear eyes, believe in your own time and<br />place. There is not, and there never has<br />been a better time, or a better place to live.<br />Poem by -Phillip Brooks</span></div>
Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-68111213755393009942016-11-09T13:46:00.001-08:002016-11-09T13:46:33.047-08:00Veterans Day--For those who served before and those who serve today<table style="background-color: white;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>All Our Love and Thanks<br /><br />To all the men and women<br />Who've guarded our country's ground<br />And placed themselves in harm<br />While we slept . . . safe and sound.<br /><br />Think not that we forgot you<br />Please know that we're so proud<br />Your sacrifice, wounds and deaths<br />Noble price paid. . .so well renowned<br /><br />To all the men and women<br />Who left loved ones at home<br />Your pride, your strength, your guts<br />Keepers of freedom. . .so brave, so bold<br /><br />We offer prayers of thanks<br />A pittance of what's owed<br />As bombs burst, wounds bled<br />And tales of selfless bravery unfold<br /><br />To all the men and women<br />Whose lives were and are at stake<br />We send love, prayer, undying faith<br />Our homage, and our thanks . . .amen<br /><br /><br /></b></span></div>
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-84712702017556050512016-11-05T17:42:00.001-07:002016-11-05T17:42:16.258-07:00ANGEL OF DEATH BOOK TRAILER by J Hinsman<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPGx4yGyW9I" width="480"></iframe>Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-26439972284478803712016-11-04T12:37:00.000-07:002016-11-04T17:01:48.815-07:00Outstanding Paranormal Romantic Thriller<div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Legacy of Danger</span></strong></span></div>
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<span id="role_document" style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">By Patricia A. Guthrie</span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">A sudden chill sweeps over Elena Dkany as she attends
the funeral of her beloved Grandmother, Magda DKany. "I was murdered," whispers
through the surrounding trees. Slowly, vapor rises from the tomb and takes a
vague shape right next to her. No one notices except the trembling favored grand
daughter, Elena. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">"You must find your son." The Spirit also warns Elena
that her own life is in danger and tells her to travel to Romania to the castle
of her ancestors which she now inherits.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">And so begins a story richly woven into a tapestry of
secrets, deceit and murders. Within days of the funeral Elena is attacked by a
hit man. Her life is saved by another ghost, one who strongly resembles her late
murdered husband, Janek Ivanov. So many strange deaths and murders. Someone
wants Elena, the last of her line, to be dead as well.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">The undercover FBI agent, Alex Brancusi, a man she
once loved deeply ten years ago has come back for the funeral along with his
partner, Tony Donatelli. Alex can hardly believe that Elena is now involved in a
case at the very castle being investigated. It becomes imperative, in spite of
his disbelief in ghosts, that Alex and Tony escort Elena to Romania--keeping
most of their reasons a secret from her. But not for long. Neither the killers
or the ghosts will allow it.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">As the three fly</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-size: small;">to Europe and make their way across the magnificent, yet treacherous
Carpathean Mountains, attempts upon their lives follow them. They are being
watched without ceasing. Who wants Elena dead and why? What really haunts Alex
and Elena is the hazy images and dreams of a young boy appearing to be around
nine or ten years old. What secrets is the beautiful old castle hiding from
them?</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">Author Patricia A. Guthrie writes a brilliant
romantic, paranormal thriller set in the land of vampire legends and lore. Her
characters are well developed and likeable, including the antagonists;
especially Gregory Balough, solicitor of Magda's estate and caretaker of the
castle. Descriptions of the picturesque yet deadly Romania makes the reader feel
as if there, interacting with the characters who feel like old friends. This
writer uses her unique writing skill to entice her readers into this remarkable
book. It's only flaw is that it has to come to an end--albeit it an unexpected,
yet satisfying end.</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">Those enjoying Legacy of Danger as much as I did might
want to check out this author's other works, including, "In the Arms of the
Enemy," and "Water Lillies Over My Grave."</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: small;">Micki Peluso, author of . . . And the Whippoorwill Sang</span></strong><br />
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Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2937578189437367147.post-83451066485266197312016-11-04T12:28:00.002-07:002016-11-04T12:38:05.744-07:00Micki Peluso is the author of "And the Whippoorwill Sang"http://www.blogger.com/profile/14286402859989726344noreply@blogger.com0