I went to a concert with Princess. It was for a country singer named Craig Campbell at the local fair in my small hole in the wall town. He’s a down home country boy with an adorable southern accent.
Even not being able to see, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the concert and would go and see him again no questions asked. He sang not only his own awesome songs but also those by artists such as Alabama, Merl Haggerd, Tracy Bird, etc.
He was a very personable entertainer that had the crowd laughing on several occasions. What was more powerful still was the way everyone cheered for the songs they knew and even for those they didn’t. They stomped there feet loud enough that at times it sounded like thunder rolling through the stadium and often clapped in time with his beats.
The crowd on the ground worked hard for Craig’s attention and some were lucky enough to get a free T-Shirt or in the case of one young lady a story to tell. She had purchased a pair of Craig Campbell sunglasses from the merchandise booth and she handed them up to the singer while he was performing. He gladly took them and even wore them through part of one of his songs. He used her camera and took a picture of himself wearing her glasses. This of course gave me an idea.
I leaned over and asked my friend, “Do you think he would sign my cane?”
She thought there was a decent chance of it so she led me as well as Princess down on the ground in front of the stage. We were close enough to it that I could touch the floor of it. Every time he started our way my friend had me raise the cane up high tilted towards the stage. She attached a sharpie pen to the elastic band that is connected to the handle. Unfortunately though Craig didn’t see our efforts because that was around the time he was tossing out T-Shirts to people.
After the concert he was kind enough to stay long enough for everyone who wanted an autograph could get one. The line was gynormous and I thought we would be there for hours. It moved fairly quickly though once it got going. I bought Princess a shirt that she could have signed and excitement was vibrating off of her as we moved through the line. She wanted me to get in a picture with him and her when we got up there but I admit I was apprehensive. I don’t normally like pictures even on a regular circumstance. So… you can imagine my predicament when little Miss Princess wants me to pose with a celebrity.
When we got up for our turn with Craig he signed my daughter’s shirt and was very friendly. I felt silly directly asking him to sign my cane and started to lose my nerve. My friend however, did not.
Once she asked he accepted of course with no issue. The smart ass in me came out in full force and I said…
Me: I tried to get you to sign it while you were singing but you didn’t see it.
Craig: I saw you… you were the one over there
Me: Well than why didn’t you sign it?
Craig: I didn’t know you wanted me to
Me: I was holding it up to the stage with a pen attached
Craig: Oh I’m sorry
This is when he starts signing my cane
Me: It’s alright dude, I didn’t see it either (totally dead pan and yes I’m a nerd and said dude)
Silence for about five seconds where I assume he was trying to gage my seriousness or maybe if I am even really blind. Once the evaluation was properly calculated he burst out laughing exclaiming “I love it.”
For a split second I thought about taking the opportunity that had presented itself and asked him if he would buy a copy of Clandestine How cool would that have been to have a famous person agree to check out your very first book. Then I could be like “hey Craig and me are “like this” (this is where I’d cross my fingers) and he even owns a copy of my book.” But the book isn’t technically out yet since the release is of course set for next month. That would be wicked cool though but I didn’t think it was appropriate. Lol I wish I would have had a copy with me I could have just gave it to him… DANG IT! If only the concert was after it was out! lol
But seriously, Princess and I had a wonderful time at the concert and the conversation after is something I will never forget. I’m going to have to get a new cane now though but it’s completely worth it. I will keep this one forever. Craig Campbell is a sweetheart and very down to earth as well as good natured to my corky sarcasm. I had a blast and can’t wait for him to come to town again.
PS… I really wanted a 2012 tour shirt for my daughter but unfortunately they were out of her size by the time we got up in the line. If anyone from Craig’s crew ever reads this I would love to know where I can get one for her. She really wanted that one because it had Longview WA written on the back as one of his many tour stops. She still got a different one but still really wants that one. I would really appreciate it and since we are “like this” and all… lol Just kidding
I went to a concert with Princess. It was for a country singer named Craig Campbell at the local fair in my small hole in the wall town. He’s a down home country boy with an adorable southern accent.
Even not being able to see, I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the concert and would go and see him again no questions asked. He sang not only his own awesome songs but also those by artists such as Alabama, Merl Haggerd, Tracy Bird, etc.
He was a very personable entertainer that had the crowd laughing on several occasions. What was more powerful still was the way everyone cheered for the songs they knew and even for those they didn’t. They stomped there feet loud enough that at times it sounded like thunder rolling through the stadium and often clapped in time with his beats.
The crowd on the ground worked hard for Craig’s attention and some were lucky enough to get a free T-Shirt or in the case of one young lady a story to tell. She had purchased a pair of Craig Campbell sunglasses from the merchandise booth and she handed them up to the singer while he was performing. He gladly took them and even wore them through part of one of his songs. He used her camera and took a picture of himself wearing her glasses. This of course gave me an idea.
I leaned over and asked my friend, “Do you think he would sign my cane?”
She thought there was a decent chance of it so she led me as well as Princess down on the ground in front of the stage. We were close enough to it that I could touch the floor of it. Every time he started our way my friend had me raise the cane up high tilted towards the stage. She attached a sharpie pen to the elastic band that is connected to the handle. Unfortunately though Craig didn’t see our efforts because that was around the time he was tossing out T-Shirts to people.
After the concert he was kind enough to stay long enough for everyone who wanted an autograph could get one. The line was gynormous and I thought we would be there for hours. It moved fairly quickly though once it got going. I bought Princess a shirt that she could have signed and excitement was vibrating off of her as we moved through the line. She wanted me to get in a picture with him and her when we got up there but I admit I was apprehensive. I don’t normally like pictures even on a regular circumstance. So… you can imagine my predicament when little Miss Princess wants me to pose with a celebrity.
When we got up for our turn with Craig he signed my daughter’s shirt and was very friendly. I felt silly directly asking him to sign my cane and started to lose my nerve. My friend however, did not.
Once she asked he accepted of course with no issue. The smart ass in me came out in full force and I said…
Me: I tried to get you to sign it while you were singing but you didn’t see it.
Craig: I saw you… you were the one over there
Me: Well than why didn’t you sign it?
Craig: I didn’t know you wanted me to
Me: I was holding it up to the stage with a pen attached
Craig: Oh I’m sorry
This is when he starts signing my cane
Me: It’s alright dude, I didn’t see it either (totally dead pan and yes I’m a nerd and said dude)
Silence for about five seconds where I assume he was trying to gage my seriousness or maybe if I am even really blind. Once the evaluation was properly calculated he burst out laughing exclaiming “I love it.”
For a split second I thought about taking the opportunity that had presented itself and asked him if he would buy a copy of Clandestine How cool would that have been to have a famous person agree to check out your very first book. Then I could be like “hey Craig and me are “like this” (this is where I’d cross my fingers) and he even owns a copy of my book.” But the book isn’t technically out yet since the release is of course set for next month. That would be wicked cool though but I didn’t think it was appropriate. Lol I wish I would have had a copy with me I could have just gave it to him… DANG IT! If only the concert was after it was out! lol
But seriously, Princess and I had a wonderful time at the concert and the conversation after is something I will never forget. I’m going to have to get a new cane now though but it’s completely worth it. I will keep this one forever. Craig Campbell is a sweetheart and very down to earth as well as good natured to my corky sarcasm. I had a blast and can’t wait for him to come to town again.
PS… I really wanted a 2012 tour shirt for my daughter but unfortunately they were out of her size by the time we got up in the line. If anyone from Craig’s crew ever reads this I would love to know where I can get one for her. She really wanted that one because it had Longview WA written on the back as one of his many tour stops. She still got a different one but still really wants that one. I would really appreciate it and since we are “like this” and all… lol Just kidding
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Princess's First Day Of School
Hey everyone:)
I just wanted to drop you a quick note about how Princess's first day of school. It went off without a hitch! She totally loved it!
She made new friends and reunited with friends from her old elementary school. She has at least a few friends in each class. All the teachers apparently were very cool and fun to listen to.
The only complaint that she had was about lunch. She said that it tasted stail. I personally don't see how since it is the first day of school and everything should be fresh. I think she's just picky. lol
Believe it or not, so far she is in love with school. She can't wait for tomorrow and I hope the good feeling train keeps rolling through.
I just wanted to drop you a quick note about how Princess's first day of school. It went off without a hitch! She totally loved it!
She made new friends and reunited with friends from her old elementary school. She has at least a few friends in each class. All the teachers apparently were very cool and fun to listen to.
The only complaint that she had was about lunch. She said that it tasted stail. I personally don't see how since it is the first day of school and everything should be fresh. I think she's just picky. lol
Believe it or not, so far she is in love with school. She can't wait for tomorrow and I hope the good feeling train keeps rolling through.
My Baby's Growing Up
Today my Princess starts her very first day of Junior High. She will have eight classes, a locker, lunch in a cafeteria and will be riding the bus. I can't help the tears as I get ready to send her off.
I know that growing up is a part of life. I get it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I want to keep my girls little bundles of joy forever. I want them to need me and never leave the nest.
She is very excited and scared all rolled into one wild mixed emotion. She got ready way earlier then she needed to and watched out the door for other kids to travel down to the bus stop.
I want such good things for her today. I hope that she loves her classes. I pray that she doesn't have trouble with her locker combination. I wish that she will make several hand fulls of new friends and lasting connections. I antisipate that she will miss recess, but think she won't mind.
I send with her strength, courage, warmth and love. I send with her a little bit of spit-fire tangled with consideration. I send with her the ability to know that a thick skin is required, but not necessary because she will do just fine.
My baby is a tower of strength at times you wouldn't think she'd stand. She is brave even when she is petrified. She's funny in times of great apprehension and she knows the difference between right and wrong.
For the entire second half of summer I anxiously awaited this day and couldn't hardly stand the need to enjoy the silence. Now that the day is here staring me in the face, I'm craving the noise and will miss her all day.
PS... I write later and let you know how it goes when she gets home:)
I know that growing up is a part of life. I get it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I want to keep my girls little bundles of joy forever. I want them to need me and never leave the nest.
She is very excited and scared all rolled into one wild mixed emotion. She got ready way earlier then she needed to and watched out the door for other kids to travel down to the bus stop.
I want such good things for her today. I hope that she loves her classes. I pray that she doesn't have trouble with her locker combination. I wish that she will make several hand fulls of new friends and lasting connections. I antisipate that she will miss recess, but think she won't mind.
I send with her strength, courage, warmth and love. I send with her a little bit of spit-fire tangled with consideration. I send with her the ability to know that a thick skin is required, but not necessary because she will do just fine.
My baby is a tower of strength at times you wouldn't think she'd stand. She is brave even when she is petrified. She's funny in times of great apprehension and she knows the difference between right and wrong.
For the entire second half of summer I anxiously awaited this day and couldn't hardly stand the need to enjoy the silence. Now that the day is here staring me in the face, I'm craving the noise and will miss her all day.
PS... I write later and let you know how it goes when she gets home:)
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Ratings are Rolling In
So I know it's a little corny, but I just don't care. I'm so excited! I'm starting to get ratings on Good Reads!!!
Clandestine has only been out for a few weeks and the ratings are already starting to roll in. I loged into Good Reads this evening and discovered that I had gotten a couple more FIVE STAR ratings from readers!
So far I haven't gotten anything lower than FIVE STARS! Granted I only have seven ratings total, but still. That's not the point.
The book is available on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback and in formats for your Kindle and Nook. The cover is amazing so a paperback is the best option for your viewing pleasure. You can get it at the online stores already mentioned, or also directly from my Create Space eStore by clicking HERE I would very much appreciate it if you all helped support my dream and pick up a copy today. It's a great book and if you love paranormal you will love this series.
The other request I have is simple. Will all of you please visit the book pages at Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as Create Space and press the like button. It would really help me get the word out and I would be eternally grateful.
Don't forget to sign up for my Clandestine Give Away on Good Reads There's still plenty of time and entering is as easy as one click!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Clandestine has only been out for a few weeks and the ratings are already starting to roll in. I loged into Good Reads this evening and discovered that I had gotten a couple more FIVE STAR ratings from readers!
So far I haven't gotten anything lower than FIVE STARS! Granted I only have seven ratings total, but still. That's not the point.
The book is available on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback and in formats for your Kindle and Nook. The cover is amazing so a paperback is the best option for your viewing pleasure. You can get it at the online stores already mentioned, or also directly from my Create Space eStore by clicking HERE I would very much appreciate it if you all helped support my dream and pick up a copy today. It's a great book and if you love paranormal you will love this series.
The other request I have is simple. Will all of you please visit the book pages at Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as Create Space and press the like button. It would really help me get the word out and I would be eternally grateful.
Don't forget to sign up for my Clandestine Give Away on Good Reads There's still plenty of time and entering is as easy as one click!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Friday, August 31, 2012
You Are What You Write
I was told of an interesting theory recently. It is that when a reader is enveloped in a book, they tend to take on the characteristics of the people in the story they are emerged in. If this is true what does that say for an author?
If the simple act of reading can alter your personality even if only temporary is it more true for an author. A writer has to put themselves into the mind of a character to develop them into reality. They are submerged into the traits, language, personality, mannerisms, etc. In some ways they become that person, at least while they are writing.
When the computer clicks off signaling the days end do the characters stay with them? Are they able to set aside a person who is in no way anything like they are in real life? What would that mean for a writer of something less than flattering?
For instance, do some crime novelists take on the mentality of their villain once the writing day is done? When a person takes on the task of writing about a murder of a famous celebrity, to they bear the burden of that horrible mind set?
Obviously for the majority of cases the answer is no. Maybe in some ways we all take on a little of who we write. We also put pieces of ourselves into our projects.
In order for a person to write a multifaceted three dimensional character that appears they could walk right off the page and enter today’s world, they have to become one with that person. Writers have a wonderful job. They get to embark on endless journeys down the fictitious path of their imagination and creativity. For some this can be a very individualized process and one that can be considered a great learning experience.
Anyone whether they are an author or not can learn a tremendous amount about themselves when they put pen to paper or their fingers to a keyboard. The simplistic art of journaling can be quite beneficial for a person’s soul. Our mind can unlock the key to an infinite number of possibilities if given the chance to breathe and take form.
Does this sound like a lot of gibberish? Well, may it is. Or maybe it’s a profound morsel of knowledge to be passed down through the ages. Okay so probably not that last one, but you get the idea.
If the simple act of reading can alter your personality even if only temporary is it more true for an author. A writer has to put themselves into the mind of a character to develop them into reality. They are submerged into the traits, language, personality, mannerisms, etc. In some ways they become that person, at least while they are writing.
When the computer clicks off signaling the days end do the characters stay with them? Are they able to set aside a person who is in no way anything like they are in real life? What would that mean for a writer of something less than flattering?
For instance, do some crime novelists take on the mentality of their villain once the writing day is done? When a person takes on the task of writing about a murder of a famous celebrity, to they bear the burden of that horrible mind set?
Obviously for the majority of cases the answer is no. Maybe in some ways we all take on a little of who we write. We also put pieces of ourselves into our projects.
In order for a person to write a multifaceted three dimensional character that appears they could walk right off the page and enter today’s world, they have to become one with that person. Writers have a wonderful job. They get to embark on endless journeys down the fictitious path of their imagination and creativity. For some this can be a very individualized process and one that can be considered a great learning experience.
Anyone whether they are an author or not can learn a tremendous amount about themselves when they put pen to paper or their fingers to a keyboard. The simplistic art of journaling can be quite beneficial for a person’s soul. Our mind can unlock the key to an infinite number of possibilities if given the chance to breathe and take form.
Does this sound like a lot of gibberish? Well, may it is. Or maybe it’s a profound morsel of knowledge to be passed down through the ages. Okay so probably not that last one, but you get the idea.
Friday, August 24, 2012
The Taste Of A dream Come True
My book is out… My book is out... YAY YAY My book is out! The time has finally come and Clandestine is finally out! I can hardly wait to see what everyone thinks of it. It really is a great book and the start of an amazing series.
I have wanted to write for seriously as long as I can remember. My lovely Gram still has a million poems that I wrote back in the nineties. I admit that I never thought in a million years that I would one day have a book that someone could purchase, hold in their hands and hopefully fall in love with.
Guess what??? That day is finally here!!!
My book can be purchased at Create Space Amazon Barnes & Noble
It is available as a paperback or eBook for your Kindle or Nook.
For a synopsis check out Clandestine
The amazing cover art was done by Joy at Dreamscape Covers If you check her out be sure to tell her that Nicole sent you and tell her I said hi.
Connect with me on: Good Reads Be sure to sign up for my book give away and join my Q&A group while you are there.
We can also chat on: Facebook
I have wanted to write for seriously as long as I can remember. My lovely Gram still has a million poems that I wrote back in the nineties. I admit that I never thought in a million years that I would one day have a book that someone could purchase, hold in their hands and hopefully fall in love with.
Guess what??? That day is finally here!!!
My book can be purchased at Create Space Amazon Barnes & Noble
It is available as a paperback or eBook for your Kindle or Nook.
For a synopsis check out Clandestine
The amazing cover art was done by Joy at Dreamscape Covers If you check her out be sure to tell her that Nicole sent you and tell her I said hi.
Connect with me on: Good Reads Be sure to sign up for my book give away and join my Q&A group while you are there.
We can also chat on: Facebook
Saturday, August 11, 2012
If I Knew Then What I Know Now
It’s less than two weeks from the release of my first book Clandestine
I’m so excited, nervous, scared and happy, all rolled into one overcrowded package. There are so many emotions running through my head that I am not completely sure what to do with them all. This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and it’s finally becoming a reality.
When I first became blind I never would have imagined I would have been an author. It’s not that blind people can’t write, because obviously they can. It’s just that I was in such a different place back then mentally, that I thought anything I desired was unattainable. I was so bitter, angry and negative that I truly thought I’d never accomplish anything bigger than making a sandwich.
Looking back on that version of me, I think… wow, what the hell was I thinking? When something in life happens to you that alters life as you thought you know it, the road can seem treacherous. I was such a Debbie Downer back then and I wish my present day self could have had a heart to heart with the me of the past.
I would have said” Guess what, your life isn’t that bad. You still have your health and people who love you. You still have all of your other senses. Yes this is hard. It’s probably the hardest thing you’ll ever go through, but it’s not the end of the world!”
Then because the me of the past wasn’t an agreeable person, she would have said, “Bite me.”
I still have my bad days when it come to my vision, or lack there of. The difference is that now I have learned to cope and accept the things about myself that I can’t change. Being blind has taught me so many things that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned and I’m eternally grateful for that.
If I had it to do over again, would I choose to have never gone blind? Honestly, I have no idea. The bigger part of me is screaming DUH!! OF COURSE YOU WOULD CHOOSE NOT TO BE BLIND!! The smaller part knows that if I hadn’t gone blind then several things that I’ve accomplished might not have happened.
For instance, I would have never started my blog Playing The Blind Card I may have also given up on the path of writing for a different career. Would I have been as happy as I am now? I don’t know.
I have been written about in the newspaper twice. I’ve gotten the opportunity to have a guide dog and meet several amazing people at the school where I met her.
I get the opportunity to appreciate the sound of my children’s laughter way more. Granted, the flip side of that is that I also get the ear splitting pleasure of listening to them fight and argue with me, but still.
I’ve always loved the expression “Go big, or go home”. It’s finally happening to me where I get to officially say “I’m going big!” Clandestine will be the first of many books to come. It is the first book in the Bound In Blood series. It’s a great Young Adult Paranormal read. I love it because it has the suspense of vampires that people love, but also has a humoring banter that will hopefully keep you laughing. It’s dark, but has a deeper message and it truly is a coming of age, rite of passage kind of story. People of all ages will love it and I hope you will all give it a go.
In the beginning, it will only be available online but hopefully soon you will find it in book store shelves everywhere. If you have a book store near you, request it. The more people that do will help get it on the shelves.
Once I have the exact book page links from the websites where it will be sold, I will post them here. So be sure to keep checking back!
I’m so excited, nervous, scared and happy, all rolled into one overcrowded package. There are so many emotions running through my head that I am not completely sure what to do with them all. This has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember and it’s finally becoming a reality.
When I first became blind I never would have imagined I would have been an author. It’s not that blind people can’t write, because obviously they can. It’s just that I was in such a different place back then mentally, that I thought anything I desired was unattainable. I was so bitter, angry and negative that I truly thought I’d never accomplish anything bigger than making a sandwich.
Looking back on that version of me, I think… wow, what the hell was I thinking? When something in life happens to you that alters life as you thought you know it, the road can seem treacherous. I was such a Debbie Downer back then and I wish my present day self could have had a heart to heart with the me of the past.
I would have said” Guess what, your life isn’t that bad. You still have your health and people who love you. You still have all of your other senses. Yes this is hard. It’s probably the hardest thing you’ll ever go through, but it’s not the end of the world!”
Then because the me of the past wasn’t an agreeable person, she would have said, “Bite me.”
I still have my bad days when it come to my vision, or lack there of. The difference is that now I have learned to cope and accept the things about myself that I can’t change. Being blind has taught me so many things that I wouldn’t have otherwise learned and I’m eternally grateful for that.
If I had it to do over again, would I choose to have never gone blind? Honestly, I have no idea. The bigger part of me is screaming DUH!! OF COURSE YOU WOULD CHOOSE NOT TO BE BLIND!! The smaller part knows that if I hadn’t gone blind then several things that I’ve accomplished might not have happened.
For instance, I would have never started my blog Playing The Blind Card I may have also given up on the path of writing for a different career. Would I have been as happy as I am now? I don’t know.
I have been written about in the newspaper twice. I’ve gotten the opportunity to have a guide dog and meet several amazing people at the school where I met her.
I get the opportunity to appreciate the sound of my children’s laughter way more. Granted, the flip side of that is that I also get the ear splitting pleasure of listening to them fight and argue with me, but still.
I’ve always loved the expression “Go big, or go home”. It’s finally happening to me where I get to officially say “I’m going big!” Clandestine will be the first of many books to come. It is the first book in the Bound In Blood series. It’s a great Young Adult Paranormal read. I love it because it has the suspense of vampires that people love, but also has a humoring banter that will hopefully keep you laughing. It’s dark, but has a deeper message and it truly is a coming of age, rite of passage kind of story. People of all ages will love it and I hope you will all give it a go.
In the beginning, it will only be available online but hopefully soon you will find it in book store shelves everywhere. If you have a book store near you, request it. The more people that do will help get it on the shelves.
Once I have the exact book page links from the websites where it will be sold, I will post them here. So be sure to keep checking back!
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