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Friday, December 30, 2016

Let's Celebrate the Small Things one last time!


We're nearing the end of 2016!!! Now, I know some of you aren't so pleased with this last year. . .I'm wondering about several of the events too. . .but that doesn't mean it was all bad. Since when is life full of only warmth and goodies? And that's what this hop is all about.

This weekly blog hop is sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. 

What exactly are we celebrating?

Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about these moments as if they never existed at all. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.


This week, I'm celebrating. . .

1) Quiet time with the family. I love having the kids home (as many of you know). We received several card and board games for Christmas as well as some puzzles, so we've been eating tons (and I do mean TONS) of snacks while battling each other for the win.

2) ARCs! I have gotten my hands on some awesome up-coming books! I am SOOOO excited to dive into them.\

3) An awesome present from my son! Usually, I'm not one to focus on gifts, but my son hit the mark this year. He gave me a notebook which makes my little writer's heart go pitter-patter. It's real leather, hand-bound, has metal latches and hand-made paper. Oh, and there's a beautiful, blue opal in the center. Honestly, I don't know what I'm going to write into it. My normal book thoughts are seriously not worth of such a paper. I have been playing with the idea of using it as a type of grimoire...you know, placing recipes for herbal poisons (*bwahahahaha*), ancient healing concoctions, myths and the such. It would fit something like that and make my future grandchildren and great grandchildren really wonder about what this silly ancestor was like.


That wraps it up for this year! Here's wishing all of you a fantastic weekend and may the new year send man blessing your way!






Friday, December 23, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things - Have a Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I'm making this super simple today and will simply wish all of you. . .




Have a Happy Holiday weekend, and we'll see you next week!





This weekly blog hop is sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. 

What exactly are we celebrating?

Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about these moments as if they never existed at all. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.

Monday, December 19, 2016

Guest Post with Laura Duncombe and Books Banish Bullying

Last week, a very special woman with a lovely idea reached out to me. Her mission - to bring quality books to more children. . .something she's decided to start up all on her own. Not only am I always impressed by people who see a problem and are ready to do something to change it. But as a children book blogger/writer, there was no way I could glance the other way! 


So, please welcome Laura Duncombe!




Thanks so much for having me. One of my favorite things about the internet is getting to e-meet wonderful people who I may have never crossed paths with otherwise. I’m honored to be guest-posting on Tonja’s blog.

My story starts with books. Since I was a kid, I have always loved being read to and later, reading to myself. A good story does more than entertain—it can shape your life. We all remember a book we read as a child that has stuck with us for years and years. My mother read me so many wonderful books that taught me to respect all people and cultures, take care of the earth, and think outside of the box. Those lessons made me into the adult I am today. Now that I have a child, I am very careful about what I read to him because I know that the words and stories he hears will have a huge impact on what kind of man he becomes. Simply put: I believe with all my heart in the power of books.

So, 2016 has got me pretty bummed. There’s a lot of fear and anger and hatred in the political sphere and plenty of tragedy at home and abroad. I got really tired of weeping over the evening news wishing I could build a really big bubble and shield my loved ones from any pain,  so instead I decided to do something about it. I started Books Banish Bullying with the idea that books can change lives, and that a good children’s book is really a seed for a better future. I knew that there were school libraries all over the country desperate for new books and small children who have not yet learned it’s “uncool” to love reading. If I could connect these kids and libraries with beautiful, vital books, then I would be doing my part to make sure that the future will be dominated less by hateful rhetoric and anger and more by acceptance and understanding. That’s our mission—to spread creativity, earth stewardship, and love through books.

We have a website, www.booksbanishbullying.com. On it you can find our story, as well as the list of books we are collecting. This changes often due to what’s available in hardback and suggestions from friends and readers. There’s a link to our Amazon wish list, which sends the books straight to me, as well as to our paypal site (which is used to pay shipping costs.) That’s it! It’s really easy to send us a book—just a few clicks on Amazon.

Right now we are a pretty small operation. It’s just me and my spare bedroom, which I use as an office while my baby naps. We are in the process of getting our 501.c.3 nonprofit status from the IRS, which is a fun legal jumble of paperwork. I hope we will continue to grow and grow, because I have spoken to librarians all across the country and heard their stories and I want to just shower them in books. As we evolved and develop, it has been truly amazing and awe-inspiring to see the books come in. The postwoman calls me “the book lady,” which is the best nickname ever.
To anyone out there thinking about starting a nonprofit, just go do it!! I’ve never done anything like this before but I just felt so strongly that I had to do something. If you’re feeling that in your heart, do it! I believe in you. This is your sign from the universe that now is the time.


Thanks again for having me! And thanks for all you do to share the magic of books. Book bloggers (and writers, like Tonja) are my heroes. 



Friday, December 16, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things


Happy Friday!!! It's time to celebrate those small things!

This weekly blog hop is sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. 

What exactly are we celebrating?

Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about these moments as if they never existed at all. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.


This week, I'm celebrating. . .


1) Cool, quiet mornings! When I go out to feed my cows, there's a beautiful calmness in our small valley. I love just walking around and breathing it in.

2) Fuzzy blankets, socks and sweaters! It's snuggle time!!! With temperatures dropping fast and frosty mornings, everything warm, soft and fluffy gains bonus points in my book.

3) COOKIES!!! Okay, I really have to stop celebrating these as much as I do. The biggest downfall...blessing???...of being at home is the huge stack of chocolates, cookies and Christmas treats constantly within arm's reach on the kitchen table. Nibbling, snacking, with tea...in a fast grab. Oh those blessed pounds are coming, and what delicious ones they are! 


What about you? What put a smile on your face this last week? Did you go o' caroling? Find the perfect gift for someone? Join in another special family moment? Get a surprise at work? What are you celebrating this week?



Friday, December 9, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things


Happy Friday!!! It's time to celebrate those small things!

This weekly blog hop is sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. 

What exactly are we celebrating?

Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about these moments as if they never existed at all. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.


This week, I'm celebrating. . .


First, I need to apologize. I missed IWSG this month . . .again! I could kick myself because that means two months in a row, and I really, really, really wanted to hit it this time. So I'm circling the date for January in my calendar in bright red. See if that does the trick.

Now, on to celebrations!

1)  My son bought a Jeep! He changes vehicles faster than I switch shoes. This is the main reason I missed IWSG too. He took a friend's advice and purchased one through an online auction...a 4 1/2 hour drive away. This friend was supposed to drive down with him to pick it up but backed out. So I got pulled in. It was a long but lovely drive (9 hours). We even went through a small snow storm.

Yes, he bought me a nice, big dinner too.

2) Christmas decorations are all up! Cookies are baked too. Now, I just have to get those cards written, packages sent off and last presents bought. Then it's time to kick back and relax. Yeah right.

3) Eggnog with a shot of rum. Yum. Yum.


What about you? What put a smile on your face this last week? See some pretty lights? Find a good book? Try something new? What are you celebrating?

Thursday, December 8, 2016

X Dare and the Keys to Nin by PK Hzero

I'm excited to help spread the word about a wonderful author's (PK Hrezo) newest release! It's a middle grade fantasy perfect for gamers, adventure and anime fans.

Ready???

Here it is!!!




X DARE AND THE KEYS TO NIN
by PK Hrezo
Middle Grade Fantasy
340 pages





IN THE GAMING WORLD YOU CAN ALWAYS POWER OFF. IN THE WORLD OF NIN, POWER IS FOREVER. 

Soon the be ninth grader, Xavier Dare, is convinced there is no video game he can't master. When a mysterious tattooed man loans him an outdated gaming system, and game called, The Keys to Nin, he gives X real-time access to a world on the brink of turmoil. Nin's Big Boss is like none X has ever encountered, with a secret that X will have to come to terms with if he wants to keep his own world safe. If X doesn't level up inside the seven magical yet primitive realms of Nin, he may just find himself doomed to roam there forever--that is, if he can manage to stay alive.

This is one game that's about to get real. 






MY TIDBITS


Packed full of action, this novel takes tween readers on an amazing ride into a gaming world and leaves one begging for more.

Xavier Dare is about to enter the ninth grade. While his friend is excited about the new batch of girls awaiting him, Xavier only has his head in games. And rightly so. There isn't a game, which he can't defeat in record time. When a strange man with tattoos, follows Xavier out of the arcade and offers him to stop by his gaming store, a game begins which even Xavier might not be able to handle.

This is a must read for gaming, anime and action fans. Xavier is a character which grabs from the very first page and demands attention the entire way through. He's got a great head on his shoulders, is actually more cautious than one might assume, but is a hero to root for. His attitude, decisions and actions are understandable and as realistic as the kid next door. And the friends he meets are intriguing too.

The world is described with just enough detail to draw in without ever bogging down. The imagination takes flight as Xavier tackles this unknown realm. There's never a dull moment, and surprises await around every corner. Although 350 pages can be intimidating for some readers, this book will grab the interest especially of tween guys as it pulls them into an adventure many gamers only dream of.



PK Hzero has written several lovely stories. My personal favorite is her time travel series:


But you can find everything about her:

http://www.pkspixies.com/

Friday, December 2, 2016

Celebrate the Small Things



Happy Friday!!! It's time to celebrate those small things!

This weekly blog hop is sponsored by the amazing Lexa Cain, and co-hosted by L.G. Keltner from Writing Off the Edge and myself. 

What exactly are we celebrating?

Every week, wonderful things happen, tiny things, which make us smile. But as time grabs us up, we forget all about these moments as if they never existed at all. This is the chance for us to reflect back on those and remember that there are tons of things worth celebrating.


This week, I'm celebrating. . .


1) Disney Parades! Did I get to go to Disney World??? Don't I wish. But my daughter is there this weekend marching in the parade. She was chosen to be apart of a special 'American Cheerleaders' group and perform this weekend. She has a lovely, Christmassy uniform and is enjoying the sun. I'm really happy for her.

2) My first youtube book review! Awhile back, I mentioned that I had received a scholarship for a booktubing seminar, and it's running full swing. I'm still not sure about it (so much work, so little time). Plus, I still have a ton to learn. But you can see my first attempt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKJZqpCQh_Q

3) Christmas tree is up! I'm putting the finishing touches on this weekend, and then I'll snap a picture. Our tree is always a mish-mash of whatever ornaments have managed to survive the years as well as a collection of the wonderful ones the kids have made. So it's always fun to put it up.


What put a smile on your face this last week? Get buried in snow? Go ice skating? Take a plunge in a wave at the beach? Get a massage? What are you celebrating?