Vancouver Island Author, Anneli Purchase, Writes Second Book; Third to Follow Soon

Set on the West Coast of Canada, The Wind Weeps is the story of Andrea, a pretty young woman swept off her feet by a handsome commercial fisherman. But wait! This book is not just another romance. Read on. Andrea has married much too quickly. She realizes she has made a poor choice, but too late, becomes aware that this mistake could cost her her life. She is out of reach of help and completely isolated. The Wind Weeps highlights the beauty and the remoteness of the British Columbia coast. Find out Andrea’s fate as she struggles against the elements for her survival.

Anneli’s next book has a lighter theme without losing the page-turning tension factor. In Orion’s Gift, a romantic suspense story, the coastal setting is farther south. Sylvia, a California girl, receives news that causes her to leave her philandering husband and her fancy home near San Diego. At the same time, Kevin, an Alberta hardware store owner divorces his bullying wife and leaves everything behind to run away to Baja. When Kevin and Sylvia meet and fall in love, two things stand in the way of their happiness. One—the secrets they keep from each other. Two—their vindictive ex-spouses hunting them down. The exotic landscape of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula provides the backdrop for this story of romance and treachery.

Anneli’s articles have been published in Canadian Stories Magazine and The Canadian Fly Fisher, now called The New Fly Fisher E-zine. She is in the process of publishing her third novel, Julia’s Violinist, which should come out early next year. The Wind Weeps and Orion’s Gift are available in paperback or e-book format at amazon.com and smashwords.com. Here are all the links you need to find out more about Anneli Purchase and her books. Links for Orion's Gift: On Amazon.com http://amzn.to/UhJE00 On Smashwords.com http://bit.ly/MFOcOX Links for The Wind Weeps Amazon http://amzn.to/RclGVT Smashwords: http://bit.ly/yPQvEP Blog: http://wordsfromanneli.wordpress.com Website: http://www.anneli-purchase.com

We Must Never Forget

We must Never forget the Americans that fought and died defending our homeland.

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World Aids Day

#WorldAIDSDay People are living with this disease. That doesn't mean there is a cure yet! We must continue to strive for a cure!☀
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Pop Culture Phenomenon

What is a (Pop Culture Phenomenon) to you? A movie, a television show, or even a novelty item? There have been so many in our lifetime we wouldn't be able to touch on them all, so we'll hit on just a few of our faves.

Newest to hit (Total Phenom) levels of fame would have to be "The Walking Dead". It's hit the small screen with an amazing instant following of both Zombie, and horror lovers as well as those who are drawn to the morbid attraction of an end of civilization scenario. There's a little bit of something for everyone! They've pulled out all the stops, and tried to make it as real as can be. Definitely one of my faves, and I'm not much into horror. Another one of my faves would be the cult classic "Rocky Horror". This is an extreme opposite which also developed audience participation on different levels which helped propel it to its (Total Phenom) level. I know I attended more times than I could count!

In the 1950's it was "Poodle Skirts" and "Sock Hops", in the 1980's it was "Pogs" and "Cabbage Patch Kids" to the recent "Angry Birds" and "Zombie" craze, pop culture can be defined as anything memorable. Some may call these things "Fads", but we all know (although might not like to admit) these things have impacted us in some way. From spending hours trying "just one more time" to solve the Rubiks Cube, to making sure that pig doesn't get the better of us.
So, whatever "Fad" is happening now, enjoy it, because in a few years, or even months, something else will be making its way into "Pop Culture".
Its amazing what can just take off without any warning and become such a hit. I'd love to hear what your views are on these amazing pop culture phenoms, as well as any others that you'd like to share.

I'd like to thank my wife Dawn for co-writing this post with me. Thank you Honey!

If you don't already, you can Follow me on Twitter @gen22y, & Dawn @dawnydoolittle
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Thank You!

Thank You to all of our Brave Heroes that have served, and continue to serve!
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The Next Big Thing

Last week, Twitter friend & fellow writer, Anneli Purchase http://wordsfromanneli.wordpress.com tagged me along with a few other writers in her Blog post "The Next Big Thing". This week is my turn to talk about my own work in progress, & tag other writer friends to speak about their current works. Thank you Anneli!

What is the working title of your book?
"Quiet Contemplation" A story of future LURRPS.

Where did the idea for the book come from?
I started to dream the book, & wake up & take notes after reading Gary A. Linderer's "Six Silent Men"

What genre does your book fall under?
Scifi/Vietnam War

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
To honor the heroes that risked everything for their fellow brothers in arms, in the far off land of Vietnam.

Will your book be self published or represented by an agency?
It will be self published with the help of my editor & mentor.

How long did it take to write the first draft of the manuscript?
It took about a month, entirely made up of dream notes!

What other books or stories would you compare this story to within your genre?
John Davis "Gunship" series & George Lucas "StarWars"

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Gary A. Linderer's books, John Davis's books, & our Vietnam veterans at the V.A. Were my inspiration.

What else about your book might pique the readers interest?
My story represents the true heroism of our Vietnam veterans, paying homage to what they did in a very real war.

What actors would you choose to play the characters in a movie rendition of your book?
My movie dream team would be:
SFC. Levi Miller- Warren Christie
SSgt. Vin "Lavinia" Black- Jennifer Lawrence
Col. Whitbaur "The Colonel"- Forrest whitaker
Corporal Catherine "Cat" Moore- Scarlet Johansson
FSgt. Joseph "Top" Smith- Sam Elliot
Petty Officer Ed Sanders- Josh Hutcherson
Spec4 Duane "Slim" Johnston- Dayo Okeniyi

My writer Tag is: John Davis Author of the Gunship series. http://tinyurl.com/johndavisbooks
@JohnDavisBooks

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My Dream Team

My Dream Team if my Book were made into a movie:
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Typical American Family

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Is Blood Thicker?

What do you think?

"I've become very ill, with a severely debilitating disease. Do you think you could take me to just One of the many surgeries I will have to undertake, and look after me afterward for just an hour until my wife will be home to take care of me?" "I'll take you, and drop you off at home. But I'm not hanging around afterward. I've got things to do ." "Guess I'll just have to get along on my own? Thanks retired early still young Dad!"

"I was just run over by one of those utility vehicles in the Bus yard at work! I have five fractures and multiple sprains and twenty plus sutures including a fractured face and all my limbs are in casts. Can you help me out for a short time? It happened yesterday, and they are making me leave the hospital now! I have transportation to your home." "Sure! We'll drop you off at your home, and just drive away and ignore your desperate need of assistance and calls for help." "Guess I'll be stuck sitting in this chair for weeks all by myself? Thanks Mom 70 and Sis aged 50!"

"He was just diagnosed with stage four cancer and only has a few months left to live!" "You're going to fly out and see him? Really?" "Yes Mom! I am. He is my Father!" "Now you're spending money again to go back for the funeral?" "Yes Mom! He was my Father!"

The really sad thing here is the fact that all of these things really did happen! What is happening to the family bond? We are seeing things like this happening more and more today!
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Have You Thought About Our Troops Today?

Have you thought about our troops today? It seems as though life is just moving along, and people are forgetting that we have men and women in uniform making the ultimate sacrifice today in Afghanistan. We don't see it on the news. We don't talk about it. Why is that? These are our sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers. They are heroes. They are Americans! We should remember that they are fighting in a very much real war. When you wake up in the morning, warm and safe in your bed at home, think of these brave men and women of our Armed Forces. They deserve our thanks, and our respect. Its the least we can do! If the news organizations dedicated 2% of the broadcasts about reality stars, maybe then people would remember what's important in life. Thank You to our brave heroes in uniform! ......................If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

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What Is Memorial Day To You?

What is Memorial Day to you? When I think of this day, I think of heroes making the ultimate sacrifice. Its not just barbecues and coolers full of beer and soda.

Its about our young men and women in uniform risking their lives for our safety in a far off land. Some never to return home alive. Its about remembering that 18 year old that fought for his buddies in the A Shau Valley in 1968 that nobody ever knew about. Its about the boys in Easy Company freezing half to death in the Ardennes Forrest at the battle of the bulge in 1944. Its about the men & women that died at Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941.

We need to remember these great heroes. So, before you fire up the grill, or dump the ice in the cooler, think about them. Look some up, and talk about them at the barbecue with family and friends. They deserve our remembrance. Take a moment to think of our men and women that are today half a world away, taking risks, and fighting for our continued safety and freedom. I salute you all for your service. Thank You!

If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

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The Stink Eye

What is with the "Stink Eye" that I get from people over fifty? I'm forty and disabled with RSDS-CRPS going on ten years now. Because of my disability my knees and hips are about shot and I walk with a cane. Why is it when I park in a handicap parking spot, older people give me the dirty look I've dubbed "The Stink Eye"? Am I too young to park there, in their minds? I mean really, in this day and age we have so many disabled young veterans coming home from the wars! I'd hate to think of this happening to our heroes that have sacrificed so much for us all. I've had people approach me and give me grief over where I've parked! I have my placard and if you see me move around I'm obviously disabled. So what is that? I'd love to know. I'm at the point now, when someone gives me crap about it, I ask them which end of my cane they'd like rammed up their rear end. Talk about nerve. Do they really think I'm enjoying my long slow painful life? I'm just glad I have a great wife and all my fur babies to help me through it all. What are your thoughts on this subject? Don't be shy! I love feedback............................If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

We've all either been asked, or asked ourselves what book we would choose to bring with us if stranded on a dessert island. That's a hard one for some to decide which to pick. The die hard writers out there would say an endless blank book would be their choice. Others would go with the Bible, or Torah. But, if you had to choose one book, or I'll do you one better, what one series of books would you choose to read over and over again till the end of time? If I were asking myself this question a few years back I would have chosen Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, including The Hobbit of course. Then it was the Harry potter series. I fell in love with that magical world. Everything about it was amazing to my over active imagination. Today, I would choose the Twilight series. I fell in love with it after my wonderful wife talked me into giving it a try. I found myself reading it between books over and over again. Before I knew it I had read the series eight times to date! It sounds crazy, but I know people do this with books all the time. There are so many great books out today! The Hunger Games is a favorite to myself and many. I just recently had the pleasure of reading the first two books in John Davis' amazing Gunship series. There are just so many to choose from. What's your go to book, or series of books? Don't be shy! I love feedback. ........................... If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

Dogs & Cats are a life long commitment

The unconditional love we receive from our furry family is something I take very seriously. Too many people don't think it through when they decide to take on the responsibility of adding a dog or cat to the family! It's a life long commitment, not just something cute that you can just grow bored with, or frustrated with when there's a bathroom training accident indoors. I hear too many stories about people getting a puppy & giving up on it. I see the end result living in a rural area. People dump dogs & cats on my road all the time. Its very sad. I once found a five week old black lab pup hiding under my truck because the engine was warm. Think it through long & hard before making the "commitment" and be sure to spay or neuter your new family member! .....................If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

Dogs aren't just for petting anymo

re! If you follow me already, its no secret that I have and love six dogs. I also mentioned last post that I have the neurological disease RSDS or for those using the newer name CRPS. I couldn't keep going without my dogs helping me to live with this painful disease. We're seeing more and more service dogs and therapy dogs today. They are real heroes that do what they do for the love of their human counterpart. Assistance dogs are becoming more prevalent now that we have so many war veteran's in need of their love and service. So lets give a shout out to these hard working canine Savior's, and lets remember to respect the no touch rule. Don't forget that a dog that is working should not be touched or distracted. :) ................. If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

Is it weird that I talk to my furry family members as if they were human? I don't think so! They're as much a part of my life as my wonderful daughter is to me. In fact I always call them all sisters! I know I'm not alone here on this one, so lets not judge me yet. My dogs give me the strength to soldier on in a life filled with constant pain due to the debilitating disease RSDS. I have the strong support of a loving wife with the strength of ten thank goodness. She can't always be there, and I can't always expect to lean on her all the time. I can count on my dogs to help take my mind off a bad pain day, and to put a smile on my face when I would otherwise fall into a depressive mood. So, no. I wouldn't consider them lesser or not deserving of such treatment as a close family member. I love my girls. They love me, and help support me day in and day out. I consider myself lucky to have such a great family. Both human and dog. I'd love to hear about and see pictures of your furry family members too! ............ If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

Telivision sure has changed since the 1980's. There really were some neat shows back then! I'd love to hear what some of your favorites were. When I think back I remember shows like "The Greatest American Hero" which was a feel good comedy with a suit supplied by aliens to help teach Ralph Hinkley "Wiliam Katt and Agent Bill Maxwell of the FBI Robert Culp fight crime. Of course they lost the instruction manual which made things very interesting and comical! I also loved "Tales of the Gold Monkey" which took place in the South Pacific in the 1930's just prior to WWII. Jake Cutter had a sea plane and a one eyed dog named Jack. It was filled with lots of shady spy character's from Nazi Germany and Japan. Of course we all loved CHIP's 1977-83 starring Eric Estrada whos smile gripped the hearts of the ladies as Frank "Ponch" Poncharello, and Larry Wilcox as as his partner John. I always thought you couldn't crash a car in LA without it flying 50 feet up into the air because of that show. We also can't forget that Bruce Jenner also did a stint on the show as well. But, my first thought when I think back always goes to Buck Rogers in the 25th Century staring Gil Gerard as Buck and Erin Grey as Colonel Wilma Dearing. Along with their robot "Ambuquad" named "Twikee" they repeatedly save the planet Earth and the rest of the universe from spandex clad alien bad guys and bad beauties from distant planets. The sure Saturday night favorites of the time my lovely wife reminded me were Love Boat and Fantasy Island. Such great stuff to reminiscence about! I'd love to hear about your favorites too! ... If you're not already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

You hear the sounds of quarters dropping and the bleeps and blasts of Defender ships defending mythical planets and Pac men eating everything in site. You can smell all the many different types of bubble gum brands being chewed as well as mall pizza sold by the slice along with a coke to be sipped and spilled over your shoulder while you try to beat the newest high score of your new favorite video game. The arcades of the 80's were something to be loved by all. It was the one place you knew you could always find that friend you were looking for. Whether it was Donkey Kong the ape, or one of the many other magnetic mythical personalities in the room, there was someone, or something there in that arcade for everyone to lose themselves too. We may have the Internet, and all kinds of play systems to choose from today to get our gaming fix from, but its nothing like the atmosphere of a real 1980's arcade. That was really something to see and experience. Those of us that were there, can close their eyes and take yourself back! If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y

I would like to introduce a guest blogger and long time friend from high school for this post. Her name is Dana Ortutay, also a fellow former southern New Jersey resident now residing in Colorado. I am so happy that she was willing to do a follow up post to my last NOH8 post. This is a very important topic which I will touch on from time to time. Thank you so much Dana! ............ I have seen much bulling in my lifetime from small children to grown adults. I believe it all boils down to being different. When I was in school I was often "picked on" because I was over weight and a Tomboy. I never fit into any clicks or groups at all. I actually learned to enjoy and celebrate everyone's differences. I became friends with all and interacted with them as an individual. What we need to do is educate our young and try to re-educate everyone else on being an individual. We are all different white, black, gay, straight or over weight. Recently I had my daughter watch the episode of The Twilight Zone called "Eye of the Beholder." The reason behind it was that she was questioning her looks and weight. When I was younger I watched it and it changed my whole outlook about our differences. While she was watching it I had to join her to see her response to the ending. She too was blown away as I was when I was younger. If we had more story lines like that in movies and TV shows I think it would better help to educate us on how we are all different and how it could be if we were all to be the same. When you see someone picking on or bulling someone stand up for them. Make a difference it is never too late to open your mind.

NoH8! Peace and Love! Peace Love and Crabs! All slogans pointing toward a happier existance for all creatures great and small. We see and hear them all, and others meaning the same thing everywhere we go. So, why is it people enjoy hurting others constantly? Bullies are found everywhere, and at any age. We see it in schools, college, the work place, and even on the web. Its driving people to murder and suicide! You can't even pay someone a compliment on Twitter or Facebook without the haters coming out of the woodwork to hate on both you, and the person you were just paying a compliment. What is it about people that makes them find joy in causing hurt and pain? I guess we wouldn't know unless we were the kind of person that can kick a puppy and laugh about it afterword. What can be done? We campaign. We defend others. We try to make a difference! We cannot be silent about this. We have to fight to create change. Too many people that are bullied are quietly killing themselves because they feel unworthy to live, or just can't take the abuse anymore. We can't hate sommeone because we feel they are different. If that's the case, then hate me! Because I strive to be an individual. I will not go along with the masses. Next time you see hate in your life, try to make a difference. Besides, who wants to be the kind of person that would kick a puppy! If you don't already, follow me on Twitter! @gen22y

Once upon a time, Our story begins, Captains log. These are all famous beginnings to great stories we've all read and enjoyed. But, what motivates you to write what you write? Some will say its to get published and make all that money. Others say its to create a following. Others have a story of their life that they know just needs to be shared. I always say "Everyone has a story" that should be told no matter who you are. We're here on this earth and we should all leave a mark. But, what motivates you? What is it that gives you that kick in the pants to finally write that book, blog, article submission? What did you do? How did you get things rolling? Too many people say they want to do it, some day, but never follow through. How can we help others to follow through? I'm interested to hear what you have to say about this topic. So lets hear what it was for you that got things going to achieve that goal that so many want to, but never do. What's your story? 8-) If you don't already, you can follow me on Twitter @gen22y.

The thought police. We've all griped about it one way or another. We've seen different stories about it in many books and movies. One of the latest being "The Hunger Games" trilogy, soon to be a movie franchise. It's represented in many different ways as big brother "government" or the church pastor in the 1980's movie "Footloose " which was just remade for a new generation. Its always the same message though. People of power trying to control the masses where they shouldn't! I've seen this in the news lately, and also on Facebook and Twitter. A Missouri teacher was fired and then publicly humiliated on all of the local news outlets for having a picture in her private facbook picture folder that only let friends view it of her in a bikini swimsuit. There was nothing wrong or trashy about the photo or the suit. But, because she's a teacher, she was fired. The school would have known nothing about the photo had someone not given them access to it, nor would her students. What is going on with stories like this? Teachers are afraid to post pictures or post status updates on facebook and now who knows who's watching their tweets on their Twitter account. I think as long as the teachers are using their privacy settings, not recruiting Twitter followers in the classrooms they should be able to enjoy our shared freedoms of speech! Enough of this already. Teachers are people too! They do a tough job, and deserve our respect. For now though, it seems we must all Beware The Thought Police!

When does letting your children move back home go to far? How do you draw the line when it comes to family? What can you do to avoid falling into a bad situation such as enabling your child, or being taken advantage of by an ungrateful child. We love our children. Well, most of us do! We try to do what's best for them and raise them the right way, so that they grow into strong self sufficient educated young adults. But, when we try to help, or answer a request for help, and it turns into something it shouldn't have turned into, what do we do? Sometimes, they just sponge off of us, and could care less what effect it has on us. They know they have it good, and they milk it for all its worth, and to heck with who they hurt, both financially and mentally. Sometimes, we go too far, and do too much for our children, and fall into this trap because of our own actions, or inaction whatever the case may be. Nobody wants these things to happen, but with times as tough as they are, we're seeing variations of this situation more and more. I'm interested to hear what peoples thoughts on this topic are, and plan to follow up with what you have to say about it. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it yet. I will say that I'm leaning toward tough love being the only way out of this situation at this time. What do you think? If you don't already, follow me on Twitter @gen22y Maybe we have something to talk about today?

Can Money Buy Happyness? A very long debated topic of conversation amongst people with the politically correct answer of "No" most of the time. Most people are either afraid to answer this question truthfully for fear of being ostrisized. Money is given a stigma due to materialism and shallowness. In truth, money does buy happiness. It buys you financial security which Leeds to a much less stressful way of living. If you're not worried about paying your bills on time, or even at all in this day and age, you are living a much happier life. So lets all be honest with ourselves when it comes to the question of money buying happiness. Not everyone is living the happy life. So, give to charity when you can. If you can't, give a smile. We all have a story. A smile, or some spare change can make that story better for those that are struggling.

Do you remember that small town friendlyness of our youth? Is it something else that big buisness has taken away from us along with that atmosphere? I would have to say for me, the answer is no. The same great people are still out there. They're just working in a different setting now. So, the next time that you're out shopping, or you find yourself in one of big buisnesses long lines at the checkout, give the people around you a smile and a hello. We all have a story to tell. Lets bring back some of that small town friendlyness back from the past. Big buisness can't. Take that or your story away from you if you don't let them.

Imagine you are all alone. There are no friends. There is no family to back you up. Now, you're on the run. People are chasing you! You're really fighting for your life. These strange people catch you and throw you into a truck and take you someplace where others like yourself are being held. You find yourself locked in a cell on death row now. You committed no crime! People are gawking at you through the bars. The other inmates are screaming and crying out in terror! This is it! So many share this story in the world. It happens to someone every minute of every day to an innocent life. Why does it happen? Because people won't spay or neuter their pets. They won't adopt these beautiful animals from a shelter because of some stigma? They are only looking to live life like the rest of us. They didn't ask to be in this situation. Help give their story a happy ending. Adopt a cat or dog. Spay or neuter your pet. You can change a life. You can change a story!

People that say they have a hard time meeting new friends always say the same thing. "I never meet anyone new because I'm not into the bar scene.", or I don't do this or that, or go here or there. I always say, there are new people to meet and talk to everywhere! I was just shopping in the local Walmart. I struck up a conversation with someone in the sporting goods department. It turned out the the guy I was speaking to had quite a tale to tell me about his father and his service in WWII. Also, we both had a common interest in collectiong historic firearms. Not only did I get the groceries I needed today, I made a new friend! When you go to common places open your mouth and say hello to people. You never know? He or she could be your best friend, or spouse in time! Everyone has a story! Its up to us to talk to each other so that the stories can be told.

Are you shy when it comes to talking to people? Some people are. All it takes is a smile to break the ice. Try it. It works. Who knows what you've been missing out on? Everyone has a story! 8-)

Ever feel invisible? Someone cuts you off on the highway. That rude person pushes past you. Somebody cuts in front of you in line after you've waited patiently for your turn. It probably doesn't make you a happy camper when these things happen. You may even feel as though they didn't care about you as a person, or even hurt your feelings. Maybe it caused some sort of argument to ensue? Heck, maybe it resulted in road rage! How do you think our older generations feel about life? Left in "Retirement" communities, assisted living homes or communities. Left to hope for that once weekly phone call or once in a great while visit. Forgotten, or worse. When they do finally get that visit, they are belittled, talked down to, or otherwise treated as a child. Our older generations are people with a lifetime of experiance. The have knowledge and wisdom to pass along to the youth of today! Next time you meet someone with some grey in their hair, talk to them! They have a story too. Don't let them and their story fade away in some home. They are people. They are special. They are not invisible!

What are you reading right now? Something new? Something old? I'm enjoying Gary A. Linderer's exploits in Vietnam with the LRP's. Reading about our brave young men and how they were put into harms way to do a tough job. These great men need to be remembered for their great service,and sacrifice. Look him up on amazon.com. It's quite a tale.

Gene's things to think about & learn from.

I've started this blog for many reasons. To sum it up in a nut shell will be easiest. I feel that people are important & they should both connect with each other when they are here in the now, as well as be remembered in history. Everyone has a story. Everyone should be remembered. It's never to late too learn something.