Thank you for stopping by! This was originally a blog about whatever came to mind. Then I decided to create separate blogs and have this one specifically for book promotions and other such things - to visit those blogs click on the tabs below. Just doing what I can to help support authors of all realms. Have something to say? Leave a comment. Make sure to become a follower by clicking those buttons!
"I'm a cabernet fan, but what do I drink on a daily basis? I'm drinking zinfandel. A young, hard cabernet is not sensuous, not delicious. A young zinfandel is." Paul Draper (Quotesea)
Zinfandel is a wine made from red grapes. "The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, and became known by variations of the name "Zinfandel", a name of uncertain origin." (Wikipedia) While I am not a wine connoisseur, I do appreciate an occasional glass of wine. Local vineyard Boordy created Jazzberry, an enjoyable zinfandel wine. Years ago I was introduced to a St. James (zinfadel wine) at the time it was the only wine that I would drink. As I have matured, my taste in wine has as well.
I would like to thank you for following and joining the site. Here's to my first year of the A to Z Challenge. I hope that I did well and look forward to doing many challenges in the future, so stay tuned. Cheers!
Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too." Will Smith (Brainyquote)
What was the last thing that you did for you?
I think in our society it is too easy to forget about ourselves (granted, there are selfish individuals too), especially women (my opinion). We do-do-do-do-do and so forth. Something I have learned though is that we desperately need to remember ourselves, take time to do something for you and hold no guilt or negative thoughts for taking care of yourself.
For the first several years of my sons life I was his primary caretaker. He is severely handicapped and requires 24/7 care. It was too easy to loose myself in the chaos of that first year. I believe as mother's, generally, we are almost obsessive about doing for our children. But, as I have said before - we are human 'beings' not human 'doings'. Take time to enjoy life - this is what God ultimately wants for us - to enjoy life!
One of the hardest things I had to do once my ex-husband and I separated was letting go. I had done everything and taken care of our son for so long I was terrified to give-up that control. I had to let go and let God handle things. It was exactly what was needed because now I could focus on myself.
If you have stress in your life, make sure you seek help, because it leads to health concerns that could be detrimental to your life. It took me ten years (that's how stubborn I am) to learn that we need tools in order to deal with life. I learned a lot through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Finding the right therapist is probably as difficult as finding that perfect-fit pair of jeans. You want someone that you feel comfortable talking to, who is qualified and can help you. I have had appointments with different therapists who I could not 'click' with. So, I moved on and tried again - don't give up on yourself - ever!
Homework: tonight, do something for yourself - take deep breaths - and give your brain some down time to relax. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
April A to Z Challenge
Day 24: X
4/27/13
Xylo is a character in the first installment of my series, Going off Dreams. The word xylo is from the Greek word xylon, which means wood. Xylo in the series is a woodland dryad. She has sided with darkness and is a lieutenant in a war against the protagonist's on the side of the light. She is described as having skin that looks like wood, to the touch it feels reptilian. When she speaks, her gritty teeth show decay as dirt escapes from within. She might have been pure of spirit at one time, but Xylo's darkness has engulfed and has consumed her to a maddening state. She led a threatening battle against the protagonists, but you'll have to read the book to know the rest of her story. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
P.S. Today's my birthday - give the gift of support, buy my book :)
April A to Z Challenge
Day 23: W
4/26/13 Growing up in America, Rugby was not a mainstream sport like football. However, when I started dating my current boyfriend who is a WRU Wales Rugby Union supporter, I have gained a whole new respect for the game of Rugby. Watching this past Six Nations Championship and Wales taking the victory, it was exciting to watch. The brutality is unmatched in other sports, even hockey (which could be considered the most violent sport) they wear protective gear. In rugby, there is not protective padding, other then the athletes muscles! When rugby players take a hit, you cringe knowing the impact and consequences. The amount of dedication and conditioning that has to be involved with a well trained rugby player must be intense. If you want to watch a real sport, I would suggest watching the Wales team. They are well trained and can execute plays much like an animal stalking it's prey. It doesn't hurt either that the whole time you are feasting on eye candy!! Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul." Michel de Montaigne (Brainyquote)
What this quote says to me, is that valor is the ability to follow through with your convictions. Through courage and no falsehood is the integrity of valor. By definition, it means to have great courage in the face of danger. With the recent tragedy, Bostonian's showed great valor; when other's were running away those with courage to face the danger, demonstrated the American Valor and Spirit.
"In a false quarrel there is no true valor." William Shakespeare (Brainyquote)
To possess the characteristic trait of valor within ourselves, I think this takes selflessness, humbleness, and humility. If you have entered into an argument with someone and through both parties persistence, neither can be persuaded to the other's beliefs; then the quarrel is under dictatorial precedence and should be terminated. Agree to disagree, respectfully. It is our God given right to have free will. Having the ability to be the bigger person shows maturity and education toward bettering oneself. It is referenced within the Bible, and Abraham Lincoln quoted "better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt." Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"Cure yourself of the affliction of caring how you appear to others. Concern yourself only with how you appear before God, concern yourself only with the idea that God may have of you." Miguel de Unamuno (Brainyquote)
Uranus
The seventh planet from the Sun, it has the third largest planetary radius and fourth largest planetary mass in the Solar System. The radius is 15,759 miles, one football field is 100 yards long. One mile equals 1760 yards, which would mean that the radius of Uranus is 27,735,840 yards (277,358.4 football fields!) Compared to Earth's mean radius of 6,371 km, Uranus' 25,362 km, approximately 3.98 Earth's could fit into Uranus. Uranus' surface area is 3.121 billion square miles. Earth's day consists of 24 hours, Uranus' is 17 hours and 14 minutes. (Uranus Wikipedia). So, while Earth may be smaller we have more hours in our day compared to Uranus. Discovered in 1781, 232 years ago, for a while it was not considered a planet because of how dim it can appear. The name Uranus is an origin of the Greek god of the sky, Ouranos.
Legend of the Unicorn
Pictured here is the Chinese version of the Unicorn. In the orient the unicorn (Ki-lin or Chi-lin) is considered the omen of good fortune and a prophet of great things to come, the legend suggests that these creatures would appear near the time of a great and wise emperors birth. It is said that a unicorn or Ki-lin, was seen around the time of Confucius birth around 2700 BC. However, about 400 BC an Greek historian wrote about a unicorn like creature. It is very interesting reading about all the different accounts and the possible explanation that could be proposed based on our knowledge today. How the legend could have been a gateway from the Vikings gaining a high price for the horn (only they knew where to find at the time) of a Narwhal Tooth (a small whale with a spiraled tipped horn).
Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
April A to Z Challenge
Day 20: T
4/23/13
Have you ever wondered where the names for the days of the week originated? Since it is Tuesday and for the letter T, I thought it too coincidental and decided to look up Tuesday. "The name Tuesday comes from the old English Tiwesdæg (pronounced Tee-wes-dag or Tee-wes-dye), meaning "Tyr's day." Tyr (in Old English, Tiw, Tew or Tiu) was a god of combat and heroic glory in Germanic paganism. The name of the day is based on Latin Dies Martis, "Day of Mars" (the Roman war god); compare French Mardi and Spanish Mertes." (Wikipedia) Apparently Tyr was also a god of law and heroic glory. He is pictured as one handed and leader of the pantheon. He has been pictured holding a scepter (authority) and a big wolf biting off his other hand (one-handed). The wolf was Fenrir and through the deception of the gods to entrap him, in retaliation bit off Tyr's hand. He was another son of Odin, but was taunted by Loki and eventually lost favor to which Oden and Thor took over.
Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's Party!' Robin Williams (Brainyquote)
"With Malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us o see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds" Abraham Lincoln (Brainyquote)
"The bonds we create in the household are the most important and lasting. Savor them; they're sacred." Rainn Wilson (Brainyquote)
OK, so I might be getting carried away with quotations, it started as a nice way to transition to what I was writing about for that particular letter. Then, when I was searching on what to write for the letter S, I came across this picture:
Much like our lives, each peddle of our flower is a different characteristic or personality trait. Have you ever sat down and literally written out ten characteristics that define who you are? When I was in therapy we had to make a billboard advertising our good qualities - it was really hard for me to do. I loved the creative aspect (because I enjoy sketching), but actually thinking about myself, this was unheard of (lol). Then sit down and write out the 10 things that mean the most to you in life. This could be a great activity to do with
children too! Make 'peddles' to construct different flowers "who I am" flower, "what I like" flower and so on. Then when you put them all together, you will have a beautiful visual garden. Just like spring, we need to cultivate ourselves, we need to renew our spirits and count our blessings. If you have children, spend time with them, get them outside and keep them engaged in life. I remember playing outside when I was growing up, it was a gateway into imagination (not having games or shows dictating how we should think). I grew-up sheltered though and as a result naive, which isn't always a bad thing. My parents did the best that they could; I believe they did an amazing job. Take time to meditate on each peddle and define what it means to you. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"We beat the future in Andrew Luck. We beat the past in Peyton Manning. We beat the present in Tom Brady. Then we beat the best show on offense in the NFL in the 49ers in Colin Kaepernick. The toughest road in these playoffs, we did it. We did it together." Terrell Suggs (OLB Baltimore Ravens)
The Ravens had a long hard road to the Superbowl, they were able to overcome obstacle after obstacle. Torrey Smith lost his younger brother, but he played on. There were many on the injured list, they conquered and played on through the pain (for the ultimate gain). My favorite player through these many years since
1996 has been Ray Lewis. When he announced his retirement, while I could understand his decision the game will never be the same without him. He brought something unique and an intensity that I doubt can be matched. I am so thankful that he was able to go out on top! And we will still get to see him as he announces for ESPN, I look forward to that. There have been many changes, from loosing some great players, and gaining some good ones too. Ravens fans have been taking deep breaths and changing "in Ozzie we trust"
Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
Q Is For Quotes - from Authors with Q in Their Name
"Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise seem foolish." Quintilian (Brainyquote)
"The ancient Greeks were the first ones to say an unexamined life is not worth living. They don't tell you of course what we found out, an examined life not that fascinating either." Colin Quinn (Brainyquote)
"The history of the last century shows, as we shall see later, that the advice given to governments by bankers, like the advice they gave to industrialists, was consistently good for bankers, but was often disastrous for governments, businessmen, and the people generally." Carroll Quigley (Brainyquote)
"I can't control how people are going to react. I try not to worry about what I can't control" Aidan Quinn (Brainyquote)
"The truth only irritates those it enlightens, but does not convert." Pasquier Quesnel (Brainyquote)
"If you don't stick up for what's yours, and defend what's yours... what are you?" Randy Quaid (Brainyquote)
Sign Language "Q"
"What a terrible thing to have lost one's mind. Or not to have a mind at all. How true that is." Dan Quayle (Brainyquote)
"I have a resistance to change in things that I feel comfortable with and that I'm used to." Dennis Quaid (Brainyquote)
"From the night, his solitude, the poet finds day and starts a diary that is lethal to the inert. The dark landscape yields a dialogue." Salvatore Quasimodo (Brainyquote)
"You're talking about a younger generation, Generation Y, whose interpersonal communication skills are different from Generation X. The younger generation is more comfortable saying something through a digital mechanism than even face to face." Erik Qualman (Brainyquote)
Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak." Thomas Carlyle Read more atBrainyquote
The unique characteristic trait of the human spirit, perseverance. We constantly have the ability to change and evolve to continue life. Defined, perseverance is a continuance in a state of grace leading finally to a state of glory (Google, 2013). There are so many quotes and saying that have the essence of perseverance: "never give up, never surrender", "hold fast", and many more. We as humans, time after time, are living testaments to the power of perseverance. When we consider from where we started and how far we have come, within any spectrum, is fascinating and embodies wonderment. From millennial pasts to even just yesterday; it reminds me of a quote Joyce Meyers has stated "I may not be where I need to be but I thank God I am not where I used to be." Joyce Meyer, Woman To Woman: Candid Conversations From Me To You (Goodreads, 2013). Perseverance is the understanding and practice in which we learn from our past to continue through and grow toward our tomorrows. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
“Though Well Worn Boot’s music can be described as folk rock n’ roll the band is full of surprises. Part musical production and comedic performance their live show quite the adventure.” Radar, D. (StarNewsDaily.com, 2011)
I always enjoy receiving review requests, it challenges me to read or in this case – listen – to someone else’s creation and request my opinion; it is truly an honor for me. The gentlemen that contacted me, a member of the band, also supplied me with their comic book and their groups CD. Although the CD arrived damaged, this member provided me with five tracks to listen to. The following is my personal opinion, I am not a professional critic and if you disagree with what I say; then we’ll agree to disagree.
Meet the Group
Clockwise from left to right: Baby Buckingham, Horse, Swampass, and Plainsman
“The band consists of Plainsman the Flute of Boot, his trusty steed Horse on guitar, the infamous Baby Buckingham on Bass and Swampass on percussion.” Radar, D. (StarNewsDaily.com, 2011)
The creepy alarm goes off when I look at Baby Buckingham's mask, it makes me wonder what is behind the mask though. Still, creeps me out, then again I have a fear of clowns. Even with Billy the Klub who wears a sack over his head and has what looks like a Scarecrow's face drawn onto it. Even though it is creepy, it does provide curiosity to draw potential fans in. I was raised within farm lands, so I can appreciate the country attire of the Plainsman. While I don't understand the costume of Horse, I guess it goes with the Wild West theme (where I am confused as to the involvement within the Wild West theme of Baby and Billy) and is further explored within their comic.
“Baby Buckingham and Swampass both got their names from their mothers and the horse could only neigh his name. But, their front man Plainsman’s title was earned. He never knew his parents so his name was bestowed upon him by the people who raised him.” Radar, D. (StarNewsDaily.com, 2011).
“Well Worn Boot is a four-piece, performative rock and roll act from Fredonia [NY]. They are fronted by a flute-playing cowboy and backed by other “Wild West” figures that look like walking, talking American Folklore. Their live show has featured a variety of different secondary characters, elaborate masks and costumes, puppeteering, animatronics, and generally “over-the-top” theatrics. Well Worn Boot has been described as “John Wayne meets GWAR,” however they prefer to liken their show to “a guy with no hands putting on a fireworks display.” The Observer (2013)
The Music
The Generals Head: I liked this track and have saved it to add to my collections. I like the composition of the music and the vocals. It feels fresh and not a cookie cutter production that we all have been programmed to ‘like’. I also appreciate the incorporation of the (what I believe is the) flute.
Big Time Rock: These tracks really remind me of the Seattle Scene in the 90’s. I also liked this song, the musical composition was very well done. I like how each song has its own identity, some groups all the songs sound alike. Well Worn Boot is a unique gem. If you haven’t checked them out yet, I would suggest listening to this track along with the previous.
Jack the Ripper: The vocals in this track I think could have been more refined. However, Well Worn Boot is an unique group and I wouldn’t change them one bit. I have always been curious about the case of Jack the Ripper. However, this song is not something that I would care to listen to or add to my collection. Doesn’t mean I do not think that the music rocks, it is just not my particular favorite.
Billy Klub: Again, this is a song that incorporated the flute (or some equivalent musical instrument). This song does have strong language in it. I like this song and it reminds me of a song you can bang-out to watching them in concert. This is another song that might not be my favorite, but I don’t dislike it either. I like all the music compositions; it is just some of the vocals or lyrics that I do not care for. If you do not mind some strong language then you might enjoy listening to this song. It reminded me a little of Tenacious D and Beastie Boys.
Big Bad Dick: Contains strong language. Again, I think that the musical composition works well. The lyrics seem juvenile to me. But, I think this is a song that is targeted for young adult males, in the sense of the contents of the lyrics. I really do enjoy the music, I did not care for the lyrics, but I think that the vocals work well with the song.
Cover Art:
Jorge Luis Mendez
The Comic
I have to be honest and tell you that I am an amateur when it comes to indie comics. While I liked the cover
art, the inside art was not up to par. As an artist myself, looking at the sketching’s on each page, I could see how this artist could increase their ability to convey a better visual display for the comics. Unfortunately, just like grammatical errors in a book can discourage you from reading it, the art was not attracting me to read the comic. Whenever I have looked through a comic in the past, I thoroughly enjoy the art within the comic.
While I can respect the creative story within the comic Fully Torgued by Well Worn Boot, I would not suggest this comic for younger viewers (contains strong
language). I like how it chronicles the adventures of the group, it is short but
Pencil/Inks:
Jen Hynes
sweet. I particularly liked the ending. While I don’t particularly read independent (inde) comics, I wouldn’t mind following this story to see the group’s next adventure. It is obvious that there are immature contributors; men mounting other grown men had crude suggestive content. But, if your mind is not in the gutter constantly like mine, then you might not pick-up on the suggestive material like I did. While I didn’t like the beginning of the comic and the art, I did like the comedic properties. It groups The Plainsman and Horse (justice) against Billy the Klubb and Baby Buckingham (outlaws). While reading their comic there were a couple parts where I just mentally told myself - “boys will be boys” - Growing up I was subjected to four male cousins that conditioned me for the mentality of the male persuasion. So I can tolerate the immature suggestives; I don’t think that everyone would enjoy this comic. I think devoted fans would definitely jump on the Well Worn Boot Comic Craze.
The ending of the comic, the group was forced to perform for an arena of monstrous characters demanding their participation. I thought this could be suggestive to how groups seem to be forced by their producers to ‘perform’ in a way. Much like how past bands such as Soundgarden and Pearl Jam were forced into mainstream society and were not happy that they lost that spark that originally makes them legendary. I really hope that Well Worn Boot does not go down that path and that they keep their creativity and uniqueness; rock-on Well Worn Boot, rock-on. Until next time or the next… dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"Stubbornness is usually considered a negative, but I think that trait has been a positive for me." Calvin Edwin "Cal" Ripken, Jr.
Welcome to Bird Land! The Oriole's in Baltimore have the best fan base, there is nothing like a Maryland fan. We are devoted and loyal, we'll scream until we have no voice, and we support our teams in every season. We have crazy weather here! The Oriole's have been doing well so far this season, it seems like every game we have home runs and there have been a few grande slams too. It's very exciting especially since last season (if I remember correctly) we were in the playoffs. When I was younger I use to go to the games and follow every game. This was when Brady and Ripken were still in. Once we lost some of our best players, I was a little discouraged. And then life was a distraction, getting married and having a child. A true Marylander bleeds orange (for the Orioles) as well as purple (for the Ravens). Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"But what if you're wrong? What if there's more? What if there's hope you never dreamed of hoping for? What if you jump? And just close your eyes? What if the arms that catch you, catch you by surprise? What if He's more than enough? What if it's love?" Nichole Nordeman "What If"
Nichole Nordeman is an American contemporary Christian singer-songwriter. I had accidentally received a CD entitled "The Best of Nichole Nordeman" and fell in love with it immediately. I love the song "What If", because so many times in my life people have questioned God and this song goes into the proverbial what if scenarios and perspectives. There is another son on the same CD that talks about witnessing the legacy of Jesus. Every time I listen to this song I cry, because it is told through the eyes of a child. So, if you enjoy contemporary Christian music, you have to check Nichole's music out! Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"Meditation is the dissolution of thoughts in eternal awareness or pure consciousness without objectification, knowing without thinking, merging finitude in infinity" Voltaire
I think that meditation can mean different things to different people. I also think that it is something very important for both our mental and physical health. Something that I've learned is that we are human 'beings' not human 'doings'... take time each day for yourself, do something for yourself and no-one else. Whether it is taking a nap (which the Dalai Lama said is the best meditation), taking a nature walk, or sitting in silence disciplining your mind. I use these three examples because each are very beneficial toward our health. Sleep is important because it is letting our bodies reboot and is crucial when fighting off illnesses and important for brain development too. Nature walks
are important because it helps us to be healthy and I think everyone should have a connection to nature, it is important to our connection to earth and our origins (Gods breath into the dust of the earth). Disciplining your mind is beneficial to control anxiety and stress which are toxins that damage our health and quality of life. Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"I have loved you since the moment I clapped eyes on you" Laurie Little Women (1994)
This is a movie that I can watch all the time and when I see that it is on, I will definitely watch it. I think that it is also a great movie or book, for young women to read as well. It helps to put some perspective in the complexity of life and loss. If you have never seen this version of the movie, it stars Winona Ryder as Jo March, an aspiring writer. This was the movie that sparked the Hollywood buzz for Ryder. The movie has an all-star cast including Susan Sarandon and many more Little Women on IMDb.com. Every time I watch it, I secretly root for Jo and Laurie to end up together. I understand though that Jo only viewed their neighbor, Laurie (played by future Batman star Christian Bale), as a friend or a brother to her and her sisters. Jo loved him but wasn't in love with him. Enter the Professor that she meets while she is in New York and she finally gets to experience the love that makes your heart race, your heart stop beating, and funny feelings in your stomach. Until nest time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
"There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love."
Kay Knudsen
Kaleb on his bike @ school
My son Kaleb was born October 28th, 2002. It is hardly believable that it has been 10 years already! Especially since the specialists and doctors said that he would not live to see 3 years old. Kaleb was the "one in every 9-10,000 births worldwide" (chargesyndrome.org) diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome. Each letter of CHARGE stands for a different abnormality (you can visit another blog where there is a tab to the CHARGE syndrome website http://testimonyinlife.blogspot.com) or visit the CHARGE syndrome organization website to learn more about it.
Weathering the storms...
Kaleb also had a TEF (Tracheal-Esophageal Fistula), which means his passage way for swallowing and eating was connected to his air way. He was air lifted to a reputable hospital for immediate surgery. We wouldn't be able to bring Kaleb a lot to learn and get use to. Especially since my pregnancy was 'normal' until my water broke about two months early.
home from the hospital until 6 months later. He would have a trach, j-tube, and wires for machines everywhere. It was
Supporting hometown teams
K-man would have had a much better quality of life, however - right before he turned two, while I was asleep his night nurse let him get completely dehydrated. We would rush our son to the hospital and a month later bring home a totally different child. Kaleb lost nearly 70% of his brain and all of his cognitive skills that I had worked so hard on. He knew some sign language (since he couldn't talk) he loved brushing his teeth and hair. He loved to match colors and pull his Pop pop's glasses off of his face. He could sit-up on his own, he could pull himself up, and was learning to walk with a walker. All of this disappeared and when we brought Kaleb home for the second
How 'bout 'dem O's hon'
time, he now was also diagnosed with epilepsy and quadriplegic cerebral palsy. The first year was the hardest, he cried all the time, and nothing we could do would make him happy.
Fast forward eight years later, he loves attention now and to be held, he loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and he loves his lights we have hanging on his wall. Every now and again I get a brief window where I can see the 'old' Kaleb, especially when he laughs and smiles. Which, I think if the world was in total darkness, his smile would brighten the world.
Until next time or the next... dream ~ K.E.Nowinsky
Zinfandel is a wine made from red grapes. "The grape found its way to the United States in the mid-19th century, and became known by variations of the name "Zinfandel", a name of uncertain origin." (Wikipedia) While I am not a wine connoisseur, I do appreciate an occasional glass of wine. Local vineyard Boordy created Jazzberry, an enjoyable zinfandel wine. Years ago I was introduced to a St. James (zinfadel wine) at the time it was the only wine that I would drink. As I have matured, my taste in wine has as well.
