I am Queen

MY RHYMING POEM

My characters are born and I am their Creator
Love to watch them grow and become much greater
I put them against challenges to see which way they'll turn
Look forward to the outcome and discover what they'll learn

- By Sherry Hill

MY HAIKU

I am a true Queen
I know my abilities
Can't help but to grow

- By Sherry Hill

APPRECIATIONS

I believe it's important to not be so full of ourselves. People help you along the way. So let's not be lazy about giving thanks.

I appreciate the manager at Wendy's near my workplace. He always have a nice smile and knows how to engage in good, genuine small talk . He makes me feel special like a queen. His employees are nice, too. Even though I sometimes feel guilty for eating out, I look forward to his positivity.

THE CHILLING CORNER

Because sometimes you need to chill

Books 

Tempted by Elizabeth Kelly

I enjoyed this book. The elevator scene was a bit too coincidental and cliche, but the story was a good quick read. The pacing was great, and the steamy scenes made me smile. I connected with the characters even though it wasn't much depth. The author used good dialogue and humor. I felt the story was realistic (except the elevator scene) about the thoughts of office staff - especially about the bet and hidden emotions. The book needs to be edited, though. There were some missing commas. Overall, it was a good story, and I would like to read more from this author.

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For the following books, I received a free digital copy from www.storycartel.com in exchange for a review:

'Twas the Night by Robin Reed

I like the funny twists in the story. This story is a nice change from the traditional storyline, and I liked Nose's new purpose. The plot and pacing was good and the similes were original. I liked when the characters were described without telling the traditional name.

Coffee Crazy by Robert Galinsky

This is a quick read about the power of coffee. Some the entries and quotes were educational. Some humorous. I especially loved the quote by Elvira.

I thought the introduction was a bit long. I felt that it should have been condensed since it seemed to drag on.Overall the book was an insightful read about what coffee can lead to. Most of the quotes ring true.

Tempted by Paul Micheals

The book was well-written and engaging. The pacing was good, and I enjoyed the twist about the characters' capabilities.

The lack of scene breaks and the introductions to chapters were a bit distracting, but overall, the book was a good read. I would like to read more from this author.

Zeru by Phillip Vargas
 

I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

I love the originality of using the zeru and baboons. The relationship between Gacoki and Abasi and the other weird characters made me want to read more..

The pacing was a bit slow - especially in the beginning. At some places, I was confused about the setting and sometimes had to reread sections.

I liked the way Abasi resolved the conflict at the end. The last chapter was cute and made me smile.

Cornered -Braving Love Trilogy #1  by Ariana Gael

The book was not bad. It was an easy read and fast-paced. The Phans were my favorite characters. Although their English was broken, they had powerful things to say.

I felt the characters need to be more developed, and I thought the plot could be stronger by adding more twists or slowing the pace to add depth to characters.

There were some grammatical errors and story needs to be polished.

Overrall, I liked the storyline - just wanted more depth.

Happy Every Day - Simple, Effective Ways to Better Days by Bryan Hutchinson

I enjoyed this book. Although the information was basic, it was to the point and valuable. I especially loved the related journal prompts. I realized finding happiness is a choice and being around negativity brings me down. I tried skipping (as the book suggested) in the park, and it works - I couldn't help but to smile. I plan to be around more positive people and enjoy happiness each day.

Fragments by H. Ross Irvine

I had to get used to the style of writing (because of the lack of quotation marks for dialogue), but it was worth it. The stories are extremely fast paced (which I think it was meant to be) and made my mind flood with images. I couldn't stop reading the stories for a breath, but that was okay because the content was thought-provoking. I connected with each story whether it was uplifting or sad.

Song

"I Hold the Crown" by Redman

Love this energetic song! Makes me feel like the queen I am.

THE LEARNING CORNER

Vocabulary

indefatigable (adj)

incapable of being tired out; not yielding to fatigue; untiring.

 "indefatigable." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 08 Nov. 2013. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/indefatigable>.

Sentence 

When Donna was training the zombies to be more civilized, her friends admired her for her indefatigable patience.

  Learning Moment

   A writing critique group member read one of my stories and pointed my characters are naked. This is not what I intended (at least not for that particular story). He stated I needed to dress my characters. Furthermore, he suggested I also "put them on stage", and that would help with positioning and gestures. His advice was valuable, and it helped me with revising. Now my story is great!

TOO MUCH Z-NESS?Do you find yourself getting lazy? Maybe someone called you lazy and that you need to get off your butt. Perhaps you're not accomplishing your goals like you should. Are you blaming the government for everything? Well, it's time for you to tackle your excessive Z-ness. I hope this tip helps you.

It's getting cool, and I don't want to get up. So many things I've got to do, yet I really don't want to face the chill. There's only so many times I could press that snooze button. Do you have this same problem? Here are some tips:

Wake up with some energetic music and put the alarm clock or cell phone across the room.

I can't program my clock radio to play energetic music, so I put songs in my head. Then I just want to dance, and that warms me up -  especially if the alarm is across the room. Try it! Might work for you.

Monologue

MY RHYMING POEM

I'm listening to you rabble, and you don't find it absurd

That I cannot interject - I cannot put in a word

Your personal issues may be spicy,  but it's a one way conversation

But it's okay, I'm a writer -  I can benefit from information

- By Sherry Hill

 MY HAIKU

Tell me your story

I know you need some comfort

But let me tell mine

- By Sherry Hill

APPRECIATIONS

I believe it's important to not be so full of ourselves. People help you along the way. So let's not be lazy about giving thanks.

I performed at my regular venue (Avant Gardens)  as a guest dancer in July, and I really appreciated the host and the awesome audience! It was so packed and active.

I can't wait for the next event.

THE CHILLING CORNER

Because sometimes you need to chill

Books 

For the following books, I received a free digital copy from www.storycartel.com in exchange for a review:

Rebellious Heiress by Karla Darcy

Great plot and excellent characterization. I really like the characters especially Tristram and Lady Wynham.  In some sections, the pace was too slow due to wordiness, regency language, and too much dialogue. But since the plot was good, I was patient and tolerated it. The ending was cute and make me smile.

15 Minutes to Change Your Life by Matt S. Law

The book has basic tips. Most of the information I've heard before. This book is good for people who don't have clear goals at all. If you have goals and have some direction, this book may be too redundant and basic for you.

I love when the author wrote about habits. This made me think. I made some changes in my routine - such as drinking a glass of water and eating before going to work. I now made those routines habits which helps me meet some of my health goals.

The book hints at spirituality since God was mentioned several times. This could help for people who are motivated by this.

Overall, the book is basic but can help people who don't have any direction.

B-More Stories by Jeff Elkins

This is a great book! The short stories are cute and they tie in together somehow. Reoccurring Chris is so mysterious that I want to learn more about him. Tucker, David, and Rashid interactions are so funny! The Baltimore Love Story was just darling. The voice in this book is powerful and well-written. I can't wait for the author to expand on some of the stories. I'm looking forward it.

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For the following book, I received a free digital copy via www.netgalley.com in exchange for a review:

The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmirski

Enjoyable read. I love the characters - especially Andrew. I love the way Andrew's secret was not revealed until the end. The pacing was great. Certain scenes were funny such as the shopping conversations. I also loved the $500 bathroom scene. The sex scenes were steamy and beautifully written.

I was wondering about  Camryn and Andrew's finances on the road trips since they didn't have jobs. But most of the story was keeping it real such as bad breath and weird people on a long bus ride.I look forward to reading more books from the author. 

Song

"Like Horse for Comfort" by Know-U

If you need comfort, this song is for you. It's so soothing that it listens to you. Check it out. 

THE LEARNING CORNER

Vocabulary



gauche - adjective - lacking social grace, sensitivity, or acuteness; awkward; crude;tactless 

 "gauche." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 10 Aug. 2013. <Dictionary.comhttp://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gauche>.     

Sentence 

     Although the zombie's behavior was a bit gauche, I appreciated his effort in learning the art of conversation.

     Learning Moment

 I learned that I should always drink water especially in this heat.

 Z-JOURNAL

Some people rabble a lot. I can understand rambling. Some people are excited about something. Some people need comfort. Some people need validation. Some people have problems getting to the point. Some people like to tell stories (true or not). Some people (like me) wants to hear their own voice (I have a beautiful one).

But I think everyone knows someone that rabbles way too much. I'm talking about the ones that just don't seem to shut up. It's nearly impossible to get a word in - and if you try, they will always speak over you. They are having their monologue and could be quite annoying. Instead of having conversation, they should have just spoken into a digital recorder.

Although chronic ramblers can be nerve-wracking, they can be quite useful. It helps me develop characters that people dislike. Sometimes ramblers give TMI (Too Much Information) which can enhance a story. So ramblers - just  keep on talking. You are making me a better writer. Just make sure the details are exciting and juicy. Don't worry, I won't use your name.

TOO MUCH Z-NESS?Do you find yourself getting lazy? Maybe someone called you lazy and that you need to get off your butt. Perhaps you're not accomplishing your goals like you should. Are you blaming the government for everything? Well, it's time for you to tackle your excessive Z-ness. I hope this tip helps you.

Are you one of the chronic rabblers? If so, know that you're not alone. Sometimes people are so focused on what they want to say instead of hearing what others want to say - but don't be lazy about learning the art of conversation. Here are some tips. Make sure you share the tips (especially in the workplace because there's always at least one person who talks too much).

Tips

You need to chill. Rest your mouth. If you feel the need to open it, just close your eyes and take a deep breath. Let the other person speak.

You need to pause. Don't talk on and on without commas, dashes, semicolons, and periods. You don't need to make everything you say run-on sentences.

Imagine yourself in the other person's shoes. Think about what a  person could be feeling if you're dominating the conversation. It's like what you have to say is more important than what the other person have to say. That  can make the other person feel like crap. Be mindful.

If you must ramble, please make the details exciting. Please! Talking about your pets, complaining, and making excuses are not interesting. If your dog is a alien, your boss is a zombie, or if your family member is a shapeshifter - that's exciting. Please don't bore the other person to exhaustion and exasperation. That's just wrong.

Don't Rush

MY RHYMING POEM

Wash your hands for 20 seconds - read the details on the sign

But people are in such a rush - they don't even take the time

Do what the sign says - it's not hard and not too vague

Wash your hands right, or you'll pass on the zombie plague

- By Sherry

 

MY HAIKU

Purify yourself

Get rid of negative thoughts

Make progress and shine

- By Sherry

APPRECIATIONS

I believe it's important to not be so full of ourselves. People help you along the way. So let's not be lazy about giving thanks.

I would like to thank a friend who invited me to dance this month. The theme of the show was mental health in response to Mental Awareness Month. I enjoyed picking out and dancing to the music  ("Scared of Everyone" by Modwheelmood and "Psycho Therapy" by Impaler). I had a great time, and I appreciated the active audience.

Z-JOURNAL

I'm trying to eat healthier and put more greens in my diet. Cutting and washing greens are just tiresome chores, and I'm just to lazy too do that. That's why I purchase the prepackaged greens since they're already cut and triple-washed. As a result, I'm eating more greens.

Many foods are becoming prepackaged and ready to put in the oven or stove. I laughed when I saw packaged items such as hardboiled eggs, cooked hamburger, and cookies ready to be placed in the oven. Personally, I'm not so lazy to put eggs in boiling water - but I'm sure it's wonderful for other people. I understand the power of convenience. Sometimes people get busy (and lazy) and need to spend more time with family and social media rather than fool with prepping and cooking.

TOO MUCH Z-NESS?Do you find yourself getting lazy? Maybe someone called you lazy and that you need to get off your butt. Perhaps you're not accomplishing your goals like you should. Are you blaming the government for everything? Well, it's time for you to tackle your excessive Z-ness. I hope this tip helps you.

Using too much prepackaged food? Yes, there is such thing. For example, it's more expensive and has loads of sodium. And how are you going to learn how to cook if everything is done for you? Wouldn't you feel great about yourself if you prepared  a homecooked meal for you and/or family?

Tips

* Buy some uncooked meat, separate into serving potions and/or patties and freeze.

* Use the slow cooker more often - it's so easy - just throw something in and it will made     something edible.

*Make breakfast the day before then heat when you get up

THE CHILLING CORNER

Because sometimes you need to chill

Movie 

Zombies! Zombies! Zombies! (2008)

I was prepared for bad acting and a corky plot which was okay with me since some of those silly movies are funny. So I was in for a surprise when I watched this movie. I found the plot original and acting not bad.  It was about drug addicted prostitutes using a mysterious cracklike drug that turned them into zombies. This movie was so funny. I particularly like the pimp. He made me laugh so hard. Good movie to check out.

Books 

For the following books, I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

A Valentine Challenge (Challenge Series) by Kiru Taye

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the idea about the bet. The plot was quite predictable, and I felt the ending was a little too fast; but I still liked the book because the characters are well developed and the steamy sections were great. 


Hollywood Ass by Jonas Eriksson

I enjoyed the author's writing style and original similes. The pace was excellent and had a mixture of serious and funny moments. The title of the book was great based on the content. The book is about a Hollywood celebrity assistant that goes beyond the call of duty to deal with an actress' crap. I would like to read more books from the author. The book was entertaining.

Is Your Wetsuit Like a Bad Love Affair and Other Essays by Dee Dee Mozeleski

This book was a series of short essays about relationships and heartbreak. It starts out mentioning that heartbreak is indescribeable.  The essays were enlightening, and I connected with the author. I particularly liked her comparison of relationships with a wetsuit. You shouldn't make something fit in a relationship. That's a powerful message.

Detox 101: 5 Steps to Design Your Personal Detox Plan by Elicia Woodford

I was interested in this book because I wanted to improve my health. Some information I've heard before, but the author provide some other helpful information. A quick acid/alkaine discussion was included, and I appreciated the chart of acidic and alkaline foods.

When looking through the mega-list of no-no foods, I wondered what a person could eat on a detox diet. Looking at the gigantic list, it seemed like nothing.  It would have been nice to have some recipes or a meal plan since the no-no foods were extensive. The author did make some food suggestions, but I wanted a little more.

I also appreciated the list of vegetables/fruits that used less pesticides than other produce. This was handy because organic food could be expensive and/or unavailable.


Song

"Scared of Everyone" by Modwheelmood

I performed this song improv as a soloist recently. I like the song so much that I'm going to choreograph it for a future performance.

I guess everyone would be scared of everyone eventually if laziness and hardheadness continues. To minimize this, please respect yourself and others, eat healthier, exercise, cook your own food, use proper protection, practice good hygiene and wash your hands properly, read and write more and have fun. Remember  to work hard, chill, and balance.

THE LEARNING CORNER

Vocabulary

deterge

verb (used with object), de·terged, de·terg·ing.

1.

to wipe or wash away; cleanse.

2.

to cleanse of impurities or undesirable matter, as a wound.

"deterge." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 30 Jun. 2013. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/deterge>.

Sentence

He decided to deterge his girlfriend's bite wound, hoping to minimize the spread of the zombie plague.

Learning Moment

My friend told me what a cozy is. I've never heard of it until she told me.Well, I definitely don't write cozies, but it's nice to know about the different genres.

Watching You

MY RHYMING POEM

Mr. Cops

Sitting with my friend writing in the coffee shop
Brainstorming ideas and smiling at good looking cops
Excuse me, Mr. Cops - but you're so fine and made me look
 I would like to get to know you since you're characters in my book

- Sherry Hill

MY HAIKU

Don't Go

Please don't go quite yet
Watching you makes me smile
Stay for a moment

- Sherry Hill

APPRECIATIONS
I believe it's important to not be so full of ourselves. People help you along the way. So let's not be lazy about giving thanks.

Character Development Teacher - I would like to thank a writing group member for leading a character development session. Because of your helpful hints and handouts, I learned to develop my characters. Now my stories I am writing have more depth, and my characters are more believable.

Z-JOURNAL

I've been watching people lately. I try to observe them in the least creepy way possible. I have always have my journal with me,and I sketch and take notes. I look at what they're wearing, what they're doing, and what they're saying. I hope I'm not staring too much, but I'm just doing research. So if you catch me watching you a bit too closely, be honored. You're probably a character in my book (or it just could be that you're a nice looking man).


TOO MUCH Z-NESS?Do you find yourself getting lazy? Maybe someone called you lazy and that you need to get off your butt. Perhaps you're not accomplishing your goals like you should. Are you blaming the government for everything? Well, it's time for you to tackle your excessive Z-ness. I hope this tip helps you.


Well, I gained a couple of pounds - it was bond to happen because I have this weakness for gelato. That stuff is absolutely delicious! I also haven't been exercising as much as I before. I've gotten lazy, but that's going to change. I need to work on fitness for my appearance, but for my health. It will improve my mind and body for writing and dancing. Here's a tip that I use for exercising - maybe it will work for you.

Tip

I don't have a consistent schedule of exercising in the evening. Why? Because I have plenty of opportunities to make excuses throughout the day. Are you like this? Well, try exercising in the morning.

I've been waking up earlier than usual lately, and I've been doing some exercises. I like to listen to music when getting ready for work, and I dance and practice choreographies. I've also been eating breakfast and that really helps me throughout the day. It makes me feel better, too.

If you're one of those people who are like zombies when waking up earlier, have a set time to exercise. Set up your cellphone to alarm you when it's time.

I don't know what I'm going to do about my gelato habit, though. Maybe separating them into portions would work. Or avoiding the frozen food section when shopping.

THE CHILLING CORNER
Because sometimes you need to chill

Movie 

The Stink of Flesh (2004)

This is a fun and witty low-budget zombie movie that involves sexual experimentation.  It had a weird factor to it. The acting was so bad that it was funny. I like the idea of the main character preferring to use his hammer and nails to kill zombies instead of shooting them. Dottie was my favorite character, and in my opinion, she was the best actress. She was also a weirdiest one.

Books 

For the following books, I received a free digital copy from storycartel.com in exchange for a review.

The Write Practice: 14 Prompts by Joe Bunting

The prompts were excellent, and they gave me something to write about. I like the way Joe Bunting started with a story before introducing the prompt. I particularly liked when he mentioned elements of storytelling. His writing style and advice made me relate to him. Great book.

No Witnesses to Nothing by Garry Rodgers

The book had a great plot. I got the sense that the author was knowledgeable and did research, but the pacing was too slow. I understand that some technical information was necessary, but the book had too much of it. The load of technical information and writing style made the book hard to read. I decided to finish the book because I wanted to see the outcome of the different forces at hand. I like the way the drug problem mixed in with the concept of consciousness. Although the pacing was slow, the book picked up a little at certain chapters. The best chapter was 41. I also enjoyed Professor Sorensen in 43 because he weird, and I can imagine him. This book will probably be a good movie but reading it took extreme patience.

Operation Dinner: How to Plan, Shop & Prep for Easy Family Meals by Lori Loomis
The book was well-organized and concise. Many tips and ideas in this book I've heard before, but the helpful information about meat cuts, meat labeling, cooking methods, and prep made this book unique. I appreciate the simple recipes and access to the meal planning binder sheets. The inventory and shopping list will be beneficial to me as I plan meals.

You Are a Writer (so Start Acting Like One) by Jeff Goins

This book is a good start for writers. Although the information was basic, I found it to be motivating and relevant. I particularly like the section about building a platform. The book is an easy read and Jeff Goins has a conversational style which made me relate to him. I would have like to see more resources, but the ones he mentioned was a good start.

 In Two Weeks by Jen Talty
I enjoyed this book. It was too predictable on what Jared would do in two weeks after he parted from his lover, but the story made me smile. The love scenes were well-written, and I would to read more books by Jen Talty.

Music
"Looking Real Good" by Shotgun Start

This song makes me think of models strutting their stuff at a high energy fashion show.

THE LEARNING CORNER

Vocabulary

osculation

noun

1.

the act of kissing.

2.

a kiss.

3.

close contact.

4.

Geometry . the contact between two osculating curves or the like.

"osculation." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 30 May. 2013. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/osculation>.

Sentence

When the gorgeous man entered the room, Pamela had the urge to greet him with osculation.

Learning Moment

 I learned about the steampunk fiction.  A friend explained it to me. It's a subgenre of science fiction inspired by the Victorian/19th century industrialization that features steam-powered machinery . Right now I'm reading a steampunk fiction novel called Boneshaker by Cherie Priest. I'm enjoying it so far. It has zombies!