Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

Looking back on a Busy Week for Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2012-03-11T11:39:00.002-04:00

Bladder cancer and my book has received a lot ofattention this week. I hope that itleads the readers to American Bladder Cancer website so they will become moreinformed because catching this cancer early is very important. They can find this information on the websiteat the bladder cancer information portal page at: http://bladdercancersupport.org/ .

This morning I receive an email from Morgen Baileyto let me know that she had posted her interview, Author Spotlight no.66 – SylviaRamsey, on her blog Morgen Bailey's Writing Blog at: http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/author-spotlight-no-66-sylvia-ramsay .

This has been a busy week for the book as well, andI am amazed when I look back on all the things that have happened. On March 8th, there was the interview postedonline on RaychelleWrites blog, The Writer's Block Interviewsat http://raychelle-writes.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-block-interviews-sylvia-l.html.

The announcement that was posted on SEMOTimes, a print and online newspaper that is in my hometown. "Poplar Bluffauthor’s memoir to benefit American Bladder Cancer Society" http://semotimes.com/7813.

Then later in the week there was the message I received from a lady who purchased the book. This is what she wrote:

"Your new book arrived while we were inFL, and I read the whole book yesterday. It was wonderful!!! Thanks for sharingyour story You have been such a gift from God in my life. Thank you. I'mlooking forward to your signing at the Elks."

I also received a phone call was from a report, Sarabeth Waller, who worksfor the Daily American Republicnewspaper. She did an interview over the phone for a newspaper article. Once webegan talking, I discovered that she lived where I once taught high school atEast Carter County High School. She had moved there a few years after I hadmoved to Georgia and began teaching at the college level. Thank you Sarabethfor the interview.

Later in the day, I was in contact with Susan Robinson who is setting up anarticle on the book for the March/April issue of the Focus on WomenMagazine. That was exciting, at least to me, and it is and honor to havethis article written.

Who knows what this coming week will bring. Stay in the loop to find out.

BTW, if you would like to purchase the book, or like my Amazon page, thelink is:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1326569308&sr=1-1.  All the proceeds earned from the sales of my books are given to the AmericanBladder Cancer Society.

Press Release: Poplar Bluff author’s memoir to benefit American Bladder Cancer Society, SEMO Times

2012-03-10T19:52:00.000-05:00

That was the headline in an article in the SEMO Times. It is a newspaper in print and online that isin the town where I grew up. I livedoutside of town, but I went to high school there and it is where I startedcollege and received my A.A degree. That was the first step on the road togetting my Masters degree. I was anon-traditional student when I started college. It took a while, but I made it all the way. I tell about the hurdles and pebbles it tookto get to that point in the book. You can see what they printed at: http://semotimes.com/7813.

Today, I had more flyersand invitations made up. I put up acouple. I am going to go see my friendJennie at one of the local television stations next week. I am working on some more postings ofinterviews on my other website.

I read a lot of articles on how to market books today. I found some very good information on the MidWest Review site. I am waiting inanticipation of the book reviews.

I received an email from a lady who purchased the book. This is what she wrote:

"Your new book arrived while we were in FL, and I read the whole bookyesterday. It was wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing your story You have been sucha gift from God in my life. Thank you. I'm looking forward to your signing atthe Elks."

She may not realize it, but shehas been one of the angels in my life.

I have several things lined up todo tomorrow. I dread daylight savingstime. It really messes with my biological clock. Monday is work, and I have an appointmentwith my doctor for a check-up.

BTW, if you would like to purchase the book, or like my Amazon page, the link is:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1326569308&sr=1-1

Tune in later for more.....

Back to Work on the Rocky Road and Another Interview

2012-03-09T14:13:00.001-05:00

It was back to work today. There was a workshop for the staff who work inthe Academic Resource Center/Library. After the workshop, we went for lunch. Itwas nice to have everyone together. Because of the hours the center is open,there are different shifts, and they rarely get a chance to even see eachother. They are a wonderful group of young people who are dedicated to whatthey do, and when I have had to be out because of illness, they have carried onjust as if I were there . They deserve lots of Kudos!

After lunch, I stopped by the pharmacy topick up some of my prescriptions...can you believe it...one small bottle ofpills and two inhalers over $200.00 with the co-pay. The inhalers would havebeen close to $500.00 without the insurance. It just doesn't sound right.

I have an interview online today on Raychelle Writes blog, The Writer's Block Interviews.It was very nice and I appreciate the interview. If you want to check it out,here is a direct link to it:

http://raychelle-writes.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-block-interviews-sylvia-l.html.

Talking about interviews, Istill have several that I need to set-up and schedule on my other blog,Thoughtful Reflections. I started it about a year-ago because so many peoplehad been kind enough to help me that I wanted to pass it forward.

Who know what will happenbetween now and tomorrow? Tune back in to find out!

Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is having the courage todance to it today.- Dr. Peter Kuzmic, theologian

Another Busy Day on the Rocky Road of Writing, Sharing and Being Normal...Did I say that..Normal!

2012-03-08T11:01:00.003-05:00

Yesterday,I spent about 12 hours setting up and scheduling interviews for authors on myother blog, Thoughtful Reflectionsblogspot, that is dedicated to that purpose. It was a busy day answering phonecalls and email. Several of the calls were telemarketers (even though my phones are on the no call list), and I had a few that were having to do with the politicians running for office.

One call was funny. My house phone rang while I was busy working on an interview set-up. I had my cell phone sitting near my house phone, and for some reason it didn't click that there was a call on it as well. I answered the house phone, but I couldn't hear the person on the other line because of some loud music being picked up on it. Finally, it dawned on me that a call had come in on my cell phone just about the time I answered the house phone. I excused myself to the person on the house phone to see who was calling on the cell phone, and to tell them I would call them back. Wouldn't you know it, it was a telemarketer!

One ofthe phone calls was from a report, SarabethWaller, who works for the Daily AmericanRepublic newspaper. She did aninterview over the phone for a newspaper article. Once we began talking, I discovered that shelived where I once taught high school at East Carter County High School. She had moved there a few years after I hadmoved to Georgia and began teaching at the college level. Thank you Sarabeth for the interview.

Later inthe day, I was in contact with Susan Robinson who is setting up an article onthe book for the March/April issue of the Focuson Women Magazine. That was exciting, at least to me, and it is and honor to have this article written. Thank you Susan.

Today Iam trying to catch up all the interviews for other authors, work on gettingpreparations for the author reception that is scheduled for the 24th. of thismonth and do some mundane things like wash clothes. I took a few days vacation, but I think Ineed to go back to work tomorrow so I can get some rest! :)

The Rocky Road of Coping with the Internet and Computers

2012-03-06T16:47:00.001-05:00

Today was a funday...not! (I picked up that expression from one of my students! :) ) I worked on getting my booktrailer on my Authors' Den page with the biography. I figured that out, but I had trouble withgetting the poetry book, Pulse Points of a Woman's World video posted with thebook. I finally yelled "Uncle", and asked for help. I had a quick reply that they were going totry to help me.

Myanti-virus program somehow was changed when I purchased my new computer. I had a subscription that did not expireuntil the end of 2013. The message Ireceived from my virus protection program said it expired in five days. I called support, and by the time they goteverything straightened out it took up more than an hour. I am sure that you know that you must know what you have to go through with you call for support.

First, the automated operator who gives you all sorts of numbers to select and push to get the correct extension. Then, you are put on hold forever while you listen to music and all sorts of voice recordings before you finally get to speak to a person. Finally, when you get to speak to real person, they thansfer you to another person who puts you on hold so that you can go through the entire process again. Once you get the correct person, you must give them all the ID information once more before they can begin to help you. I must admit there were times I just wanted to hang up and say forget it, but I hung it there like a trooper because it was important to get it all straightened out.

The next thing Idealt with was trying to get my book trailer for the poetry book, downloadedfrom YouTube so I could post it in with the "book" on my Authors' Denpage. I had problems there, and that took up at least another hour ormore. Here again, I had to yell, "Uncle". I contacted support, sent them a message about the problem I was having. I received an email saying that a technical support person would try to help me with this problem.

I checkedand responded to all my email...as I could...because I have the new InternetExplorer and it takes fits of shutting down when you try to send an email. However, I managed to get them all answeredby closing IE, cleaning my temp files and finally rebooting my computer. That was about 5 times today. I really wish they would get this bug fixed.

Can youbelieve it, I am still in a good mood! These are just little pebbles that find their way in your pathway. There really is no reason to let them becomerocks or even boulders. How was your day?

More updatesto come!

The Weekend on the Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts!

2012-03-05T05:34:00.003-05:00

I am finally home after a whirlwind weekend with myhusband in Savannah. I have made contactwith the Barnes and Noble bookstore there, and I am waiting to find out aboutthe book signing. It was so busy withsocial activities that I did not get a chance to add to the blog.

I have a full week planned ahead of me. I have to work on getting the invitations tothe reception out to the faculty where I teach and work. I have been asked to submit some articles,and to do a few presentations on bladder cancer. There is a backlog of interview to set-up onmy other blog. It is going to be a busy week!

I will update you with more later this week. Right now I have to catch my breath.

See Who is Featured in Healthy Women Today!

2012-02-29T07:51:00.000-05:00

Today I am featured in Healthy Women. What an honor. I wish to thank Carol L. Doyel who is the Editor-in-Chief, and

Marcia Mangum Cronin, Managing Editor for this privilege of being their guest. I have written articles for them in the past, and I appreciate this support for my book: Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts.

Bladder Cancer Survivor Publishes Book

http://www.healthywomen.org/content/blog-entry/bladder-cancer-survivor-publishes-book

There have been so many people who have played a role in the creation of this book. Carol is only one of the many, many people who have supported me in telling my story. The people who have read it, have said that it is a book that everyone should read. I did not do anything heroic; I just had the guts to tell about the rough spots in my life that began as a child. It is not a book that is in anyway trying to be a “scholarly” work of non-fiction, but just my voice sharing with you my life experiences and how I coped with them. It, also, share the highlights as well as some funny moments. My greatest hope is that those who read the book will give them insight into understanding that each of us has the strength to that regardless of the situation they can survive these obstacles that life throws in their road. It does not matter if they are victims of child abuse, marital abuse, disease, or the death of a loved one, with faith in themselves and pure determination to overcome, they can survive.

Learning to develop backbone is as vital as learning to laugh at your foibles when you would rather cry or hide. It is important that we never give up on our dreams because we never know when the opportunity may arise to make them come true. I don’t want to sound as if I am lecturing; I am merely sharing what I have learned along life’s highway. Regardless of what others may think, each of us is special in our own way and we have no idea of our capabilities until we try and sometimes keep on trying. If my life had been easy, it would not have been as rich and I would not have had the chance to develop the strength I needed to survive it all.

If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, the link on Amazon is:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Announcing the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road With Love, Faith and Guts!

2012-02-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

I just found out that my book, Travelinga Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, is now available on line atAmazon. Wow! I have had requests from several people tolet them know when and where they can buy the book. It won't be showing up on my Author CentralPage for a few days, but it is online. Here is the link if you want to go ahead and purchase a copy.

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Rocky-Road-Love-Faith/dp/1463554672/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330268019&sr=1-1

I will still be updating on what happens next. If any of you know or have a book storeanywhere within 5 or 6 hours of Georgia that may want to host me for a book signing,please let me know! Thank you all foryour support. Don't forget that I do notkeep a penny of the money earned on any of my books, I give it all to the American Bladder Cancer Society.

There are a lot of things to do, stay tuned, I will keep youupdated.

Book Launch for Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts in Full Preparation Mode

2012-02-25T15:16:00.001-05:00

I have been a busy lady. The book will be available on Amazon sometime next week, other channels later on. I guess all of that takes time, but not the time is growing near, I am scrambling to get ready for the launch. I have a press release ready, and will soon have another professional review.

It is getting more difficult to find bookstores any more other than Barnes & Noble. I saw today where one that is downtown Atlanta closed their doors today. It is sad.

I am going to have an author reception/presentation and book signing at the Elks Lodge here in Augusta, on March 24th. I have been working on my invitations and poster for that event. I have put together a power point presentation and recorded a sound file to possibly use for a video. I have been working on a mailing list for invitations. If you live close enough and want to come, just drop me an email, or post in the comment section so I know how many goodies to buy.

In addition to all of that, I haven't forgotten about passing it on to others in the field. I set-up and scheduled a few interview posts for my other blog. I still have a lot to do before the day is over. My youngest son will be flying in tomorrow for a couple of days, and I want to spend time with him.

Whew! It has been a day, a week and a couple of months! When writing, getting a book ready for publishing, promoting and finally preparation for its launch is somewhat like riding a roller coaster, but who would miss out on the experience...especially when it is all for such a good cause.

A News Update on the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2012-02-21T13:57:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce that Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts will be available within five to seven days on Amazon. It will also be available soon to bookstores and other online channels very soon.

For those of you who are new visitors, and to my wonderful followers I want to say thank you for your support. I decided on this blog entry to take a look back on the journey and bring the journey up-to-date. I have been given an additional opportunity to advance on my quest to make bladder cancer a common word rather than one that is unheard and/or unknown.

As I have traveled along life’s highway, I keep running into people who have let the rocks that have been thrown in their life’s road giving up on themselves, or life in general. The truth is that life is harsh, and it is not like the movies that give a false impression that it is smooth sailing. Being the hero who toughs it out and keeps on regardless of the situation is difficult, but with faith, a few guts, and the ability to laugh, it can be accomplished. It often takes a backbone, humor and a wishbone to survive it all.

Because of life’s journey can get very rough at times, I decided to write a book to share my life’s experiences so that it may inspire someone to come back fighting when life knocks them down. The book is a journey though time from childhood to mature adulthood. The stories and poems in this book reflect the lows and highs of life. The loving memories, the hardships and the things we learn as we travel the road of life. It covers an abusive mother who had mental problems because of being abused as a child, childhood polio, a rocky marriage with a husband who was often abusive, the role of caregiving, death and grief, coping with bladder cancer, asthma, losing a home and more. Therefore, to not to scare you off with gloom and doom, there are funny stories along the way and an ending that I never dreamed would happen. The reaction of the first person other than Dr. Kay who read the book was, “I just read your manuscript of the book. “Wow!” What higher compliment could an author get on anything she/he had written.

My hope is that the book will bring about understanding to others, and be inspiring to even more. Our journey in life has a purpose, finding it is often the most difficult task of all.

I have been so fortunate to have the guardian angels in my life. They have always been there in my darkest hour, and when I needed one the most. They have walked beside me, helped me to maintain faith and belief in myself as well as in others. I have learned that giving is much more rewarding than receiving.

My life reminds me of Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken, in the line: “Two roads diverged into a wood, and I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference.” I will always remember what my elementary teacher wrote in my scrapbook, “Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.” This book is not about crying, it is about getting knocked down by boulders, and standing back up in spite of them to go forward. It’s about facing your fears and laughing at

Dr. Aman Kay, who is an internationally published author, has been helping me with this book by reviewing it. He is the one who is responsible for my poetry that has been sprinkled throughout the book. This poetry has all been published either in my book, Pulse Points of a Woman’s World, or in various literary magazines. It is poetry that is written from the heart and soul, and was the only way I could express my feelings. I once had an instructor who asked me to explain poetry. I told him that it was much the same as an artist who paints what he or she sees and feels. The difference is that the poet uses words to paint the minds pictures rather than oil paints, watercolor or some other medium.

When I began a draft for the book, I crossed my fingers and asked Dr. Kay if he would mind reading it to see if I was spinning my wheels, or should I write the book. He encouraged me to complete it. Now that it is finished, his review of the book is:

“Taking the rocky road with Sylvia is a joyful challenge. It takes the reader through the most common and uncommon hardships, but at the conclusion of this delightful journey, the reader feels more joy and satisfaction: Love, faith, and incredible guts turn the rocky road into an assuring path that all of us so humanly desire. This book is so uniquely universal in every essential aspect that I enthusiastically recommend it to all readers regardless of their age, gender, and race.” ~ Dr. Aman B. Kay

Some wonderful things have happened on this journey. I have met new friends who have supported me in this venture. I owe a lot to them. One of these friends is Julie Weishaar and she has volunteered to help me with marketing. We discovered that we have a lot in common. Her mother is a bladder cancer survivor. The other person is Christy who is a freelance writer, and has a blog on poetry called the Poetic Parfait. She is a cancer survivor as well. One of the instructors at the college where I work came to me yesterday, and she wants to have a launch party for my book when it is released. Healthy Women is going to publish a follow-up article on my book release. So many other people are re-tweeting my blog and supporting me and my quest in many other ways. The next thing I found out was that I had been nominated and selected for Today's Honoree. I can never thank you all enough for your support and help.

Where the next part of my journey will lead, I do not know, but stay tuned for updates.

Nominated and Selected as Today's Honoree! Wow, What an Honor! A Win for Bladder Cancer!

2012-02-16T04:31:00.000-05:00

I was amazed and delighted that I was nominated and selectedas a Today's Honoree. I am always delighted when someone helpsspread the word about bladder cancer, or does something that helps theirfellowman/woman. What a wonderful thingto happen. I hope all of you who readthis visit, or at least find out what the risks and symptoms of bladder cancerare at the American Bladder Cancer Society at http://www.bladdercancersupport.org. A big thank you to the person who nominated me!

My friend Dr. Aman Kay and I proofed the new book and I hadto make a couple of changes on my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faithand Guts. However, I think it will bevery soon and the book will be available. I have to follow-up on my launching plans, and schedule somebooksignings. Once I get a copy of my book, I have a review lined-up. I have ordered bookmarks to give away, and Ihave business cards. Any suggestions onwhat else I should do besides work on my online marketing.

I just completed the questionnaire for an interview on mychildren's book, MerchildLand. I will let you know whenthat will be available.

This waiting and anticipation is not a comfortable place forme. My hands are tied in many ways. All I can do, is to look for ways to promotebladder cancer and the books so the sales will help out with the quest that it is no longer underserved and unknown.

Nominated and Selected as Today's Honoree! Wow, What an Honor! A Win for Bladder Cancer!

2012-02-15T18:35:00.000-05:00

I was amazed and delighted that I was nominated and selected as a Today'sHonoree. I am always delighted whensomeone helps spread the word about bladder cancer, or does something thathelps their fellowman/woman. What awonderful thing to happen. I hope all ofyou who read this visit, or at least find out what the risks and symptoms ofbladder cancer are at the American Bladder Cancer Society at http://www.bladdercancersupport.org.

I had to make a couple of changes on the proof copy. However, I think it will be very soon that thebook will be available. I have to followup on my launching plans, and schedule some booksignings. Once I get a copy ofmy book, I have a review lined-up. Ihave ordered bookmarks to give away, and I have business cards. Any suggestions on what else I should dobesides work on my online marketing.

I just completed the questionaire for an interview on my children's book,Merchild Land. I will let you know when that will beavailable.

This waiting and anticipation is not a comfortable place for me. My hands are tied in many ways. All I can do, is to look for ways to promotebladder cancer and the books.

Others Who Have Traveled the Rocky Road of Bladder Cancer

2012-02-11T15:52:00.000-05:00

Hereis why I want to help others, the victims of an underserved cancer in spite ofits prevalence for being ranked #5 in the United States.

In2012, about 56,000 men and 18,000 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancerin the United States. There are approximately 600,000 survivors of this cancerin the United States. There should bemore, and could be if it was diagnosed early enough.

Youmay think that you do not know anyone who has had bladder cancer. Let us see if you know any of these people:

· Frank Sinatra

· Telly Savalas

· Dominick Donne

· Andy Williams

· Jack Lemmon

· Herbert Humphrey

· Ray Bolger

· Mary Lou Williams

· Ronald Edward Santo

· Aaron Russo

· Allen Ludden

· George Tobias

· William Rosenberg

· Jimmy Martin

· Nick Charles

· BobSchieffer

· PattiHansen

· Eric McCormack's mother

· Tommy Newsom.

Do you know of more?

Thereare definite risk factors for developing bladder cancer. There are even occupations that are high-riskfor this cancer. Learn more about theseon the American Bladder Cancer's Website at: www.bladdercancersupport.org.

Ifyou do not buy my book, if you do not donate directly...pass this along..poston your facebook, tweet it, whatever site and wherever you interact withothers. please share this information, post a link to the blog or to the ABLCS'webpage. You never know who you mayhelp...and please become informed yourself.

Mysites:

Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/sylvialramsey1

Original webpage: www.sylvialramsey.com

Myblogs:

Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith, and Guts,

http://love-faith-and-guts.blogspot.com/

Thoughtful Reflections Blogspot

http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/

My AmazonAuthor Central Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

The Highs and Lows of the Rocky Road and Hanging on With Love, Faith and Guts

2012-02-10T16:20:00.000-05:00

The paperbackproof has arrived! This weekend will be spent going over it carefully lookingfor any errors. The final look before itgoes to press. There are so many things yetto do and so little time. The brain isin a foggy whirl and writing at this point is difficult to find the words. I have planned, but there is so much yet todo. This book and the others are of moreimportance to others than to me. Whoknows, it may even save a few if they read the book.

Right nowit is difficult to write for more reasons than the book. One of my very dear friends is going throughwhat I did with my first husband. Another young person I know is facing so many hardships right now, and Icannot do anything but stand by and be there if they need me.

In bothsituations I feel empathy, but useless. I am a doer and a fixer...I can do none of this...so, I wait until Ican.

The Silent Muse

Silencesurrounds the muse

like the murky veil

on a smoke-stained rose

that enfolds a city’s dawn

as the elegant words

of pomp and circumstance

are as voiceless

as the cry of a city’s neon lights.

In agony, hecraves respite

from the tyranny of a need

that makes him a wanton, helpless pawn

that lures him tauntingly

like a siren lures a ship

toward the hidden craggy rocks

on cold, rainy, foggy, nights.

Thus, tauntsthis siren

tricking the mind

with ghostly strains

of lilting rhyme

to entice the muse,

causing the need to be stirred

when the mind’s curtain is drawn

to suffer silent, voiceless nights.

©Sylvia L. Ramsey 2005

Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, Another Update!

2012-02-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

Recently, some new information about my bladder cancer was revealed. I had always tried to find out why I had bladder cancer and no one on my side of the family that I knew of ever had any kind of cancer. Well, that is a story in itself. A few years ago, I receive a phone call from a lady who said she had been trying to find me. At first, I thought that was very odd. At least that was my first thought until she told me that we shared the same great-grandfather on my mother’s paternal side of the family. She went on to tell me that her grandfather and my grandfather were brothers…more information! I soon learned that there were a number of relatives that lived in another state. Wow! For a lot of people, that may not be too exciting, but for me it was.

This past weekend, I called her to keep in touch and to get an update on everyone. I was surprised to hear that her brother has bladder cancer. She knew about my bladder cancer, so she decided to DNA test to see if she had the genetic marker for bladder cancer. The results were positive, and she does have the gene strand. Once I got off the telephone with her, I called my children to make them aware that they may also have the marker. What I have learned that this gene strand was very possibly passed down from our great-grandfather. How much farther back than him this gene strand may go we will never know because of what was known about cancer during his lifetime and earlier. However, learning this information may prove to be vital to our children. Being aware of the possibility is important, and if they choose they can have a DNA test just to be sure.

The birthing of the new book is almost here, and I wait with anxious anticipation. I have been working on pages to add to my blog to prepare for its launch. I have some scheduled interviews coming up, working on a booksigning tour, and a media kit. I working on updates on my Author’s Den webpage, and I am out of the dark ages (I think!) because I now have Skype. I haven’t quite worked out all the ways to use it, but I will…remember…I am persistent…and I persevere. I will conquer Skype!
http://www.behance.net/gallery/A-Story-of-Faith-Survival-and-Perseverance/3004817

Getting Ready for the Book Launch of Traveling a Rocky Road, with Love, Faith and Guts

2012-02-05T14:53:00.000-05:00

Ihave been busy getting ready for the launching of the book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts. It looks as if it will be around the end ofFebruary. There is so much to do beforeit is actually released. I have beenworking on a Media Kit, and working on a page on this blog for that. I have been reaching out to fellow authorsfor an interview. I have been findingnew release sites, media outlets, and whatever I can find to help this booksell and help the American Bladder Cancer Society. I have a couple of interviews lined up, and Iam looking for more. If any of myreaders are bloggers, and would like to post one on your site, please contactme.

Idid have one of my love poems posted on a website today. If you are interestedin checking it out and making a comment, please do so. It is located at: http://www.romantic-ideas-online.com/you-by-sylvia-l-ramsey-from-her-book-pulse-points-of-a-womans-world.html.It dawned on me thatthe book of poetry would make a perfect gift for Valentine's Day. You can hear me read some of the poems fromthe section in this book, PulsePoints of a Woman's World on my Authors Densite.

Allof the sales from any of my books is given the American Bladder Cancer Society. So, any book you purchase is going to helpothers, and maybe even informing yourself.

Iam getting plenty of comments from the poetry posted on Poetic Parfait. There has been comments on RomanticIdeas as well. I am waiting to findout about three more interviews.

If you want to help out, simply copy paste the link to this blog, and send it to friends, or post it on your Facebook page.

The video link for the book is:

Click on book cover to go to video

Or, click here:
http://www.behance.net/gallery/A-Story-of-Faith-Survival-and-Perseverance/3004817

Staytuned for more updates, and check out my other posts for more information on the books and me!

Navigating a Few Pebbles in the Road, but Getting Some Sunshine Rays along the Way

2012-02-03T14:50:00.000-05:00

Interesting things keep popping up as I travel thisjourney. I was contacted by a very niceyoung woman who found my poem, "A Tired Vagabond", and asked if shecould share it on her blog. I was veryflattered that she had found it and liked it enough to wish to share it withothers. Christy ask if she could put thepoem on her blog, Poetic Parfait. Ifelt very honored that she had found my poem which is also in this book as wellas in the PulsePoints of a Woman's World book. Christy is in British Columbia and has quite a following.

I havehad more invitations to interview on blogs. It is nice to know that fellow authors reach out to help eachother. Sometimes one can get so caughtup in their personal goals that they fail to reach out to their fellowman.

Sometime ago, I wrote a blog series onbladder cancer and women. Today, I wroteto thank the managing editor of HealthyWomen, Marcia Mangum Cronin, to thank her for allowing me to blog aboutbladder cancer and women. It was thatblog series that re-kindled the urge to write the book, Travelinga Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts. I heard back from her and could not believe that she was gracious enoughto write a follow-up on my story and how it has led to writing of this book. I will keep you posted on when the article isonline.

BTW, Iam enlisting my husband Tom to be my secretary to help me with all the emailscoming in on the book. :) I am overwhelmed by all the responses. It is wonderful, maybe my dream to create awareness of bladder cancer and inspire others will all come true.

There aremore updates on the way. Stay tuned!!!

Exciting Day along the Rocky Road! Just have to Share!

2012-02-01T09:12:00.003-05:00

This entire trip of sharing my story has been exciting, but I think today was one of the most exciting of all. I am still in a state of shock over what all took place. If you read my bio, you know that I am a coordinator for an academic resource center. That is a place that provides a variety of services for our college students such as library/research resources, tutoring, orientations for classes and a study area. We have a company that provides printer kiosks which is WEPA™. I have been interacting with one of their staff members, and I was apologizing because I had forgotten to email him back with some information. I explained that I had been on the telephone with the publisher and Julie Weishaar, and with the publisher because of the book release coming up soon.

On a whim, I put in the link to the book trailer. It wasn’t long before I received an email back from him wanting to know more about the book. I replied with a description of the book and about the book the book sales going to the American Bladder Cancer Society. The next thing I knew, there was a reply from him saying that he “talked with Frank our CEO and we would be interested in helping you out with promoting your book. We could run an add on all of the kiosks at GMC (screen saver). Do you have a digital picture of the front of the book or all of the books? I think that it is great what you are doing for ABLCS! Please let me know if we can help in any other way.” I was overwhelmed by that wonderful gesture.

Later that day, I received a request from Patricia Kubus to write a “blurb” for the back cover of her soon to be released book that is the last in her Amanda Series. I really didn’t know what to say. Again, I was overwhelmed. I wanted to do it because she also donates to a foundation that is for a very good cause. Finally, I put together something that I thought may relate to her book and the reason she wrote it. The funny thing about this is that after she sent it to her editor/publisher, the person wrote back with this request, “Before I do that though, I would need to know who the quote at the beginning is by (starting with “The truth is that life is harsh…”) If those words belong to someone, it’s important that we cite that person.” I had a good laugh over that because it was part of the “blurb” I had written for her and I thought I had set it up so that was very clear. However, I took it as quite a compliment as well.

That wasn’t the end of the wonderful surprises. Later, I found out that Julie had nominated me for Todays Honoree at http://www.todayshonoree.com/. I blush when I think of all the wonderful things she said about me, and I wonder if I know the person she described.

I am getting emails from people telling me they love the book trailer, and the fact that I give the money from the book sales to the American Bladder Cancer society. Emails are coming in to tell me to let them know when the book is available for purchase.

I do believe this has been one of the best days of my life…except that is, for the day I married Tom.

Stay tuned for updates!

http://www.behance.net/gallery/A-Story-of-Faith-Survival-and-Perseverance/3004817

Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts has a Book Trailer, Watch it Here!

2012-01-28T09:57:00.002-05:00

Thereis a story behind this book trailer, and I think it needs to be shared. It is not about me but about another angelwho has appeared in my life. I talkabout angels, I am referring to those people who show up in your life and arethere to help you along life's highway. You can call it fate, or whatever you wish, but I have been fortunateenough to have had many who came out of nowhere to be there for me. To these people, I will forever begrateful. Julie Weishaar is one of the people. I did not want to try to produce my ownbook trailer for this book. I have no idea why I contacted Julie, but Idid. We discussed the project, and Idecided to let her create it.

Oncethat decision was made, I felt she should read at least part of themanuscript. I sent her the documentversion without the pictures, a few hours later, I received and email from her.This is what it said, "Sylvia – I just read your book! The only word I can think of to say is WOW!" Iwas absolutely blown away by her comment, what a compliment to get on somethingyou wrote.

Iwill never be able to tell her what a blessing she is to me, and will be to somany others. I will have to let you readher story on how we met, and why she has created this fantastic video and more. That is what you will read below:

Julie'sstory:

"It isn't often inlife that we are presented with an opportunity to do something and not only getpaid for it, but also be able to get incredible satisfaction and morefulfillment than we ever thought possible. I was fortunate enough to have been given thisopportunity just a few days ago.

A few days ago Ireceived an invitation to connect with a woman named Sylvia Ramsey on LinkedInwho indicated that we worked together at The American Bladder Cancer Society.Now, I know that my memory is not as good as it used to be but I knew I wouldremember if I had worked there and I didn't :) The email right below that onewas the explanation.

(I really shouldn't read my emails from thetop down anymore LOL).

Sylvia wrote a bookcalled "Traveling a Rocky Road with Love,Faith and Guts" and was looking forsomeone to create the video trailer for it. Aha, so now it made sense. Ireached out to her and she hired me. This is rather interesting in that my LinkedInprofile does not indicate that I actually do create videos for inspiration and othermore personal messaging. Instead it focuses on business videos, however, thatdid not stop Sylvia from contacting me.

We both find this interesting and she said shereally doesn't know why but she felt compelled to reach out to me.

Lesson number one hereis use LinkeIn. It is a great professional resource/networking site!

I was able to get asneak preview of her book and read it in total amazement of how a woman, havinggone through tragedy and hardship one after the other, over and over again,could not only be as uplifting and positive as she is, but also has dedicatedher life to helping others with bladder cancer. I have met a woman who hastruly inspired me and feel honored to have been able to create her book videotrailer.

AND, she liked the videoso much, she will be sharing my services with her HUGE network of authors whohave already talked about needing a video book trailer. How's that for Karma?:)

Below is her video in -that's right - you guessed it - a video email! I encourage you to keep a lookout for when the book is published. I will be announcing it as I have donatedmy time and resources to helping Sylvia get her book and message out to thosewho REALLY need the support offered by The American Bladder Cancer Society!

Now, here is the video book trailer that Julie createdfor Traveling a Rocky Road with Love,Faith and Guts:

The Waiting for the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2012-01-24T18:41:00.002-05:00

I anxiously await the publisher to provide thecustom interior samples, and the sample cover designs. One of my faults is to have patience whenwaiting on others. I have made contactwith the person who is going to create my book trailer. I am looking at ways to market the book. I hope other bloggers will give me a chance tobe interviewed on their blogs, and bookstores will let me schedule book signings. However,for the most part I sit and wait, anticipating the results. This is a nerve racking as my first book. Ihave bared my soul hoping that it will be of some help to others to know theyare not alone, and giving up is not an option. Living is too important. If anyone knows, it is me.

Leave me somecomments, feedback, remarks or even ask some questions for me to answer to help me passthis time.

Traveling the Road of Getting a Book in Print, and Awaiting its Birth

2012-01-22T06:51:00.001-05:00

The Beginning

It has been a busy week. I have had consultations with the person whois writing the press release, the cover designer and the interiordesigner. Right now, I am interactingwith a book trailer designer. Coverdesigns may be ready for me to look at by the end of the week. There is so much to do at this point. Doing this, working my full-time day job andkeeping my other blog rolling leaves little time for play at the moment. However, I am not complaining, what I am feelingis much the same as the excitement of awaiting a newborn child.

Birthing

The story has been written, edited, proofed, and nowit is in the hands of others to complete its birthing process. Even then, the verdict will be out on itssuccess and survival. I keep remindingmyself of what Harriet Du Autermont said, "No vision and you perish; No ideal, and you're lost; your heart must evercherish some faith at any cost. some hope, some dream to cling to, some rainbowin the sky, some melody to sing to, some service that is high."

Birth out of Chaos

I have held onto myvision, faith, hopes and dreams all my life. However, when my road detoured through the battle with bladder cancer, Irealized just how strong it was, and how important it was to do something forothers who must traverse the same rocky road.

News on Charlie's Story and My Book's Status

2012-01-18T14:32:00.000-05:00

Today, I was told that one of the instructors at the college where I teach is using “Charlies Story” in her new student success classes to inspire them that no matter what, if they want it, they can succeed. She said it made an impression on her students, and it also opened the class up for a great discussion.

What a fantastic compliment!

Update on the book.

My book is at the publisher’s, and I am waiting to hear from them. I have a couple of consultation calls that I am waiting to receive. I wonder what the cover design will turn out to be. I am working on putting together marketing ideas, and creating a plan. I have decided that I would like to have a book trailer for the book. I am not sure that I want to tackle that task. I wonder if I can afford someone to create it for me.

It is a time of waiting, planning and contemplation. I am working on getting my other blog (Thoughtful Reflections Blogspot) up-to-date on scheduled interviews. There is a press release in the works. I love to write, but I really am not crazy about the phase of the process. I am a doer, and waiting is not one of my virtues. However, the success of this book is important because I really believe it can help others in many ways. Regardless, I feel as if I am caught up in a time warp that has me suspended in time. In a way, I rather feel like this poem I wrote once when I had writer’s block:

The Silent Muse

Silence surrounds the muse

like the murky veil

on a smoke-stained rose

that enfolds a city’s dawn

as the elegant words

of pomp and circumstance

are as voiceless

as the cry of a city’s neon lights.

In agony, he craves respite

from the tyranny

of a need

that makes him a wanton, helpless pawn

that lures him tauntingly

like a siren lures a ship

toward the hidden craggy rocks

on cold, rainy, foggy, nights.

Thus, taunts this siren

tricking the mind

with ghostly strains

of lilting rhyme

to entice the muse,

causing the need to be stirred

when the mind’s curtain is drawn

to suffer silent, voiceless nights.

Another Rock in the Road Conquered

2012-01-16T08:26:00.000-05:00

To strive with difficulties, and toconquer them, is the highest human felicity. ~ Samuel Johnson

Some of my Art: Survival

Yesterday, I worked all day on the finaldraft of the book. Early this morning, Iuploaded it to the publisher. However,it wasn't that simple. For about anhour, I was in a panic because I could not find the file. I am still trying to get used to the newoperating system on my computer, and the updated software. Finally, I did a search and discovered that Ihad somehow saved the file in one of my backup storage devices. I was so relieved.

WhenI uploaded the file, I felt just like a mother with a new baby. I was not sure I wanted to share. As anyone know who has written a book, thereis so much work put into it, and a lot of yourself as well. Now, I will begin the other tasks that goalong with having a book published. Thework is not over, but it has just begun. I will be working on a publicity packet, a book trailer, all the otherthings that go with this adventure. Hopefully, I will be able to get some reviews, press releases, interviewand some chances for interview on other people's blogs.

Mymain goal is that it will be of value to others, and inspire them to never giveup even when the road gets really rough. Will it sell, who knows? I canonly hope it does so I can transfer all the proceeds earned from the sales canbe given to the American Bladder Cancer Society.

"The only way to discover the limits of the possibleis to go beyond them into the impossible." ~ Anonymous

You can learn more about me and my quest on the followingwebsites:

Websites

www.sylvialramsey.com

Authors' Den Page
http://www.authorsden.com/sylvialramsey1

Amazon Author's Page

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1305578084&sr=1-2-ent

My other blog,Thoughtful Reflections features interview of others in the field of publishingand its link is: http://tinyurl.com/4e52loe

2012-01-14T10:50:00.001-05:00

The Rocky Road Levels Out for a Moment in Time

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain orusher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky". ~ RabindranathTagore

It is back to work onmy blogs, my book and my writing. Mycomputer has arrived, programs installed, and now all I have to do is to acclimatemyself to a new operating system and new word processing program. The only complaint I have about the new wordprocessing program is that they do not just add new features, but they move thecommands for the familiar ones. Itbecomes a games of hide and seek, and achallenge to overcome.

The final editing isalmost complete, and the only thing left to do before it is off to the publisheris to indicate where the pictures are to be placed. Sometimes it is tempting to go back and addmore to the book, but you have to stop somewhere. My editor said that it will required arevised edition in the future, and I suppose that will be the rest of thestory.

The writing of thisbook has been difficult at times because it has brought back memories I wouldrather forget. But, I decided that ifrecording my experiences would help someone else to let them know they are notalone, and that with perseverance they can survive, the discomfort of myreflections are worth it.

One of the poems frommy book: Pulse Points of a Woman's World

Reflections of My Mind

I have grown weary

of thereflections of my mind.

As it mirrors images

of life‘s ups and downs.

It holds memories

both harsh and kind,

Rushing into view

by leaps and bounds.

The mirror of my mind is

marred with clutter and dust,

Demanding to be cleaned

by a cloth with a ruthless hand.

Banishing the blurred images

from view is a must.

So, with arduous determination,

a clean mirror, I demand.

Soon my mental mirror

is bare as a tack,

But then, I analyze it

from my mind‘s door,

And, I know no peace

until it is back,

The reflection cluttered

asbefore.

"We all have our timemachines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward,they're called dreams". ~ Jeremy Irons

Overcoming the Rocks in the Road

2012-01-11T18:19:00.001-05:00

“Opposition is anatural part of life. Just as we develop our physical muscles throughovercoming opposition - such as lifting weights - we develop our charactermuscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” ~ Stephen R. Covey

My new computer isscheduled to arrive tomorrow. I can thenbegin the final polish on my book. Ihave an angel who is proofing it. I mustthank Dr. Aman Kay who is an Internationally published author who hasencouraged me along the way to completing this work. He has been a mentor, an encourager, and nowhas volunteered to serve as an editor to make sure the book is ready to bepublished.

He keeps telling methat my story is one that must be read by all. He says that is tells an honest story of survival , faith andperseverance that will inspire others to hold on to hope and to not giveup. I hope he is right because I havebeen honest in the telling even though it is simple and a "literary"work of art.

Cynthia Kinsella who isthe President of the American Bladder Cancer Society has contributed a messagerecalling our first meeting, and the importance of the messages within thebook. I have added this message as theepilogue to the book.

If my story can be helpful or inspiring toothers, that is all I can ask. I am afirm believer in what EdwardEverett Hale said, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything,but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with whatI can do".

A Lesson on Being Prepared, and on Love and Faith

2012-01-09T12:47:00.002-05:00

I had a few more small rocks tossed on my path yesterday. I was working on my blogs, and on my book, when my computer crashed. Thank goodness, I had my document files backed up, except for the ones I was working on at the time. My son worked the rest of the day trying to get it to boot enough to retrieve any necessary, and as usual there was an angel to save me. He had the guts to do whatever it took, and the perserverance to not give up. Finally, after several hours of trial and error working it, he was able to get it to boot up, and even though all the programs were gone, my document files were in place. I backed them up on my exterior storage, and just for extra safety, I emailed my book files to myself.

My dear husband, Tom, ordered a new one for me this morning while I was at work. It will be a few days before it arrives, and will be this weekend before I can get it up and running. Sometimes, the love of someone else, and maintaining faith will pull you through some rough spots.

“Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.” ~ Voltaire

“Faith makes all things possible.... love makes all things easy.” ~ Unknown

More about Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2012-01-07T08:15:00.000-05:00

I have been busy working with the publisher to get it ready for press. There is so much to do, such as collaborating to get the cover just right. The book has pictures, and making sure they are in the correct place in the script. This is the part that I dislike, but it is necessary. As soon as I know the release date, I will be relieved.

I shared one of the stories in the book that happened my first two years of teaching in a high school, and that was 20+ years ago. This is the one I posted on the blog with the title, Charlie's Story. There is an update to that story. Charlie called me a few days ago to check on me, and to let me know he is doing well. I am not sure how much little things like touching base with a former teacher means. Knowing that you touched someone, and somehow it made a positive difference is what teaching is all about.

Because I directed the theatre program, coached the Speech and Debate team, taught art and speeches classes, I had contact with many students over the years that I taught high school. The picture I am sharing was one of the musicals that included students in grades two through twelve. The students built the sets, students made the costumes and it was their production. This picture was opening night, and they had a corsage for me, and gave me a trophy...which really belonged to them for all their efforts. It wasn't my play, I just helped them get there...it was theirs, and they made it a success.

An Update and Reflection, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2012-01-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

I have been busy working on the final edit of my book, and posting interviews on my other blog. The time is getting close to sending the book to the publisher. As I read over what I have written, it seems strange and as if, it happened to another person rather than to me. I find it amazing that I survived all those rocks that were traversed along the way.

I am sure I owe that survival ability to my father. He taught me so many lessons by being a very good role model. One of the memories I have of him was when I was about ten-years-old. He had just bought a new mattress set for his bed. He had just put it on the bed, but he had not disposed of the old set. A couple of days after he had but the new set on the bed, I came home to find him taking it off and putting the old set back on the bed. I asked him why he was doing that. He said that a neighbor’s house had burned, and he was giving the new set to them. I ask him why he was giving the new mattress set instead of the old one. He said that when you give, you give the best you have to give.

Another time, I had a small fender bender. I came home and handed him the car keys because I figured I was not going to be driving anymore. He asked me if anyone was hurt, and I said no. He asked me to tell him what happened, and I described what had happened. He chuckled, and then said, “Was that all?” Then, he told me about the time he was backing into a parking space with the big truck. He had not seen the fire hydrant, and backed right over it snapping it off causing a geyser. I laughed as I tried to imagine the scene. Then he said, “Sugar, we all make mistakes. The important thing is to recognize them, admit them and then try very hard to not make them again.”

He was active in the community helping anyone who needed it. He took people to town to shop on Saturday’s that did not have a way to go to get groceries and staples. He served on the school board. He was always doing something for someone who needed help. I never heard him complain, and when the going got rough, he kept on going. I grew up wanting to be like him.

My greatest wish is that anyone who reads it will be inspired to keep the faith, and never give up. I hope they have learned to laugh at themselves, to cry with others when they are down, and give of themselves to help make this a better world.

Another Excerpt from Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, How I became a DJ in 1967

2011-12-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

The excerpt begins right after I had moved back to a small town in Southeast Missouri, and was in the middle of divorce proceedings. This was in 1967, and there were not many women in broadcasting at that time. Few people know that I was one of the first DJ’s on the air. It begins like this:

I found a job at Montgomery Ward’s as the Head of the Fashion Accessories Department. Again, I was working forty-five to forty-eight hours a week, but this time I made sixty-five dollars a week. This was in the late sixties, and the world for women was still very limited when it came to jobs and pay.

It was a time when men were paid more for the same position. The men who were heads of department made a little over one hundred dollars. I really did not think that was fair. I was the head of my household, I had children and I was stuck with the bills incurred while I was married, and the money was tight. The manager who hired me said that I would get a raise in six months, when six months passed I had not received a raise. Finally, I made an appointment to talk to the manager about it. He laughed at me. I told him that I really needed to make more money because of my situation. His response was, “Why don’t you get a part-time job as a carhop.” To say the least, I was appalled. However, I had no recourse because there was no such thing as gender discrimination at that time.

Just before I had gone to the manager to ask about my raise, the marketing director had asked me to make some radio commercials for them. There was at a radio station, KWOC, in the little shopping center where Ward’s was located. I made several commercials, and one day while I was there, I overheard they needed a DJ for the Sunday night show. I asked the DJ who had been working in the sound room helping to record the commercials about the position. He said it was four hours and the pay was twenty-five dollars. I wanted that job. I went to the manager of the radio station, and told him I wanted the job. I know he did not take me seriously because in those days, it was a man’s world. He told me to “go get one of the guys to make a demo tape, and he would listen to it.”

I immediately went to the recording room, and snagged the DJ who had worked with me on the commercials. I told him the boss had told me to make a demo tape, and I asked if he would help. I made the tape, and returned to work at Wards.

The next morning before I went to work, I stopped in at the radio station, and asked the manager if he had listened to the tape. He said he had not but he would try to get around to it that day. I went back after lunch, but I got the same response. I returned the next morning, same answer. I returned on my lunch hour and after work. After doing this for about three days, he was really getting tired of seeing my face. This time when I arrived at his door, he said, “You really want this job, don’t you.” I said that I did. He said, “Oh well, show up Sunday evening for work.”

On Sunday, I was early. The DJ that was finishing his shift sat me down at the microphone. He showed me the log, how to work the cassette tape for commercials, and the eight tracks for station ID’s. He said I had to pull my own records for the show, and I had to go up front to get the AP news that came out on log sheets off the teletype machine. I had to edit this to make a news broadcast. He took me back to the microphone. He said that if I flipped the switch to the left, I was on the air, and when it was straight, I was off. There were three turntables. One was for the FM, and that one used 331/3 records. The other two were for the AM broadcasting, and would be the ones I used for the live show. He told me to stick to middle of the road music. He said I was to take phone calls for requests. All this was done in a matter of minutes, and then he walked out of the room and said, “It’s your show, baby!”

It was my show and it was called, Easy Listening with LaVon! I was excited, but I was also filled with fear.

What happened that first night on the air and later, is the rest of the story. You will have to read the book to know the outcome. It is funny, embarrassing and even scary!

More about Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2011-12-25T10:15:00.000-05:00

By the time I was born, my family had built a small modest home, and lived in a very rural area. My mother and father had survived the depression, managed to buy some land, and start a business. My family was not rich by any definition of the term, but during my childhood and considering the time when I grew up, we were comfortable. When I was about four-years-old, I traversed my first personal rocky road of illness. There are some memories that are vague about the experience, and some remain very vivid in my mind. I remember that I was very ill, and because we lived in a fairly remote rural area, the medical facilities were limited. Our family doctor’s diagnosis was polio.

I remember that he told my mother that I needed to go to a hospital where I would receive the care I needed. He said he would try to find one, but it may be difficult because there were so many children with polio. It was during the time there was a polio epidemic around the country, there was no vaccine, and hospital beds for children were hard to find because the beds were full with so many children who had this disease. The doctor finally found Saint Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis that had a bed in the children’s ward open. During those days, it was a very long trip to travel to St. Louis by car or by train. My father took us to St. Louis where I was admitted into the hospital.

There is more about this journey in the book, and how faith and determination made a difference. Coming in 2012.

Traveling a Rocky Road of Child Abuse

2011-12-21T04:30:00.000-05:00

One thing I discuss in the book was why and how my mother was abused as a child. I am surprised that she survived it all. She suffered everything from beatings to a stepmother who tried to poison her. She was removed from the home at the age of twelve to be reared by a couple who had never had children. In the book, I talk about the way she was abused. It is abhorring what the stepmother did to her. She was treated less that a dog.

My father met her for the first time when she was twelve-years-old. She had run away, and he found her sitting on a log in the middle of the woods crying. Little did he know that this would be his future wife.

My father tried his best to make up for all the years she had suffered abuse, but no matter how much he tried and no matter how much he loved her, it was not enough. He showered her with gifts. In 1929, he bought her a fur coat. She never had to ask to go shopping for clothes or the get her hair done because he was always there to say, don’t you think you need a new outfit nor wouldn’t you like to go to the beauty shop. Even with all the attention he lavished on her, she was never satisfied with what she had. Finally, he stopped giving her gifts because she did not appreciate them.

By telling her story, it helps me, and the reader to understand why she abused me verbally and physically. I wish that things had been different because I never felt loved by her, or good enough to measure up to what she wanted me to be. Even in the end of her life, she only could think of one thing, and that one thing was to be with my father. It would just be him and her once again, and I would be out of the picture. However, learning to cope with these things gave me strength to cope with other things in life such as a rocky marriage.

Excerpt from: Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2011-12-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

I was a very, very late child who was the only child of parents who had given up all hope of having children. My father was in his fifties and my mother in her forties when I was born. I really did not get to know or understand my mother when I was small. She would have moods of depression, fits of anger for no apparent reason and sometimes that anger was directed toward me. I really do not remember much about her until I was around four-years-old.

I can remember my paternal grandmother who lived with us for a while, and that memory goes back to the age of two. Those are very fond memories and very special because she died when I was nine-years-old. She would be the one to take care of me when my parents would go out for the evening. She loved listening to Inner Sanctum Mysteries, which was a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941 to October 5, 1952, created by producer Himan Brown. It always began with scary sounds that only an organ can make then the sound of a creaking door slowly opening. Every week, Inner Sanctum Mysteries told stories of ghosts, murderers and lunatics.

These radio programs were very scary for me since I was only two-years-old when she stayed with us. I know that because she bought me a little red rocking chair when I was two. She would sit in her rocking chair close to the big console radio, and I would push my little rocking chair as close as I could get to hers. Imagine a small child sitting in a large living room with only lamplight and shadows in every corner listening to this while her imagination takes over as she hears this radio show. My grandmother would reassure me often that it was just a story, and when it got too frightening, she would let me crawl up into her lap while I clung on tight with my eyes closed.

My early memories of my mother are quite different. I remember that I often hid in one of the closets until she was over one of her tirades. She would often threaten to leave and never come back. When she did this, she would go out the door and into the woods on the hill behind our house where I could not see her. I remember going in our back yard, calling out to her while I cried my eyes out.

I loved my mother and I wanted her to love me back. I guess she did, but I remember asking my father why, and he would tell me that she loved me, but that she had a nervous breakdown when I was born. He had been the one to care for me until I was about three years old. My father said he had hired someone to come in to take care of me while he worked, because the doctor said she might hurt me. He assured me that it was nothing I had done to cause it, and that she really loved me. I do not know what I would have done or what would have happened to me if it had not been for my father.

As I grew older, mother’s mental health seemed to improve, but there were times when she would still lose control of her temper. I was amazed at my father because he had the patience of an angel. He never lost his temper with her when she was out of control, but would stay very calm. I can remember once when she was on a tirade that he gently held her and talked softly to calm her down.

Sharing "Charlie's Story" from my Book, Traveling a Rocky Road

2011-12-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

The Story of Charlie

There was a very important lesson that I learned about the importance of faith and giving when I first starting teaching. I learned this lesson at a very small, rural school in the Midwest. There were a total of two-hundred and fifty students in the entire high school. I selected this school because I wanted to know my students and their families, and so I could be close enough to take care of my mother whose health was failing. The school was located in a fairly remote area with very little means for employment. There was only one school in the county, and the county was considered to be one of the poorest in the state because most of the land was state and federal forestland.

I taught communication classes, and I began a Speech & Debate team. I had one young man in a speech communication class that had the reputation of being the class clown. At this time, I did not know this fact about him because I was new. We will call him Charlie (not his real name) for the purpose of the story. On the first day of class, the students were to take turns going up to the podium to introduce themselves. When Charlie’s turn came, he walked to the podium, and before he could say a word, the entire class burst out laughing at him. I knew they were making fun of him, but I had no idea why. It really made me angry so I chastised the entire class. Charlie had a wonderful deep vocal quality that would make a great radio announcer or a public speaker, and this is what I told the class.

After I had been teaching a few weeks, I learned of Charlie’s reputation. However, I also learned that there was more to the story. Charlie was a big boy, overweight and his father was dead. In addition to that, his mother was an alcoholic. Charlie was apparently drinking with his mother because he occasionally came to school with the smell of alcohol on him. The other teachers had already decided that his future would be the town drunk. They had no faith in the possibility that he would be anything else. After about a month in my class, Charlie approached me after class to ask if I thought he could be on the Speech & Debate team. I was thrilled, but I was also feeling a bit cautious after all things I had been told. However, I said of course he could be on the team and that he would be good in original oratory. I knew that was one of the categories I could help him put together, and he could memorize it for competition. He joined the team; he competed and even brought home a few ribbons.

Later that year in the spring, he came to me again. This time Charlie asked if I thought he could ever go to college. Even though I had a few doubts, I kept them to myself. He was beginning to show change, have confidence in himself, and his classmates were beginning to see him differently as well. I told him that of course he could. I told him he could do anything he wanted, as long as he wanted it badly enough and was willing to work hard to achieve it. I, also, told him that if he really wanted to go to college, it would be very hard because he had goofed off so much. I told him that he would have to take classes to prepare for the college level courses. I wanted to make sure that he realized that the road he wanted take was not going to be easy. Charlie worked hard the rest of the year. I did not tell him, but I visited the community college that was in a town close by. I went to speak with the Speech Communication Department Chair. I told him about Charlie, and I did not leave anything out. I even had the courage to ask if there was any way Charlie could be helped financially. Because of my faith in Charlie, he was given a small departmental scholarship.

The fact that Charlie got that scholarship put me in the doghouse with most of the other teachers. I received a lot of flack over it. Charlie graduated, and began college. He had to take many remedial English and Math classes to make up for his past behavior. He was given a work-study position at the college, and he worked part-time at another job. Charlie kept in touch with me to let me know how he was doing in his classes. He took his first speech class that first semester, and at the end of it, he came to my home to show me that he had made an A in his first real college class. He was so proud of it.

Charlie did not give up on his quest for a college education, he earned his Associate of Arts degree, and then went on to a University where earned his Bachelor’s degree. While he was working on his bachelor’s degree, he kept in touch to keep me up with his progress. Once he achieved this degree, he went on to get his Master’s Degree. His job today is in the field of social services that helps handicapped adults.

Charlie was one of my students some twenty-plus years ago. He still calls at Christmas to let me know how he is doing, and to check on me.

Lesson Learned:

Charlie taught me never to judge a student by their past, their records, or what other teachers say about them. He taught me that having faith and caring can make all the difference. It brings to mind the last verse in Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken”.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

I did not make judgments based on others opinions, or past history. I learned that had I not had faith in Charlie, the outcome more that likely would have been quite different. Charlie taught me that a little faith, hope and love goes a long way, and as a teacher our attitudes and behavior plays a very big role in the lives of our students. All these years I have remembered Charlie, and what he taught me about a teacher’s influence on his or her students.

I wrote the following poem, after I had encountered several Charlies along my travels on life's road. There are so many Charlie's along the way, and everyone that can be reached, everyone one that you can do something to make a difference in their lives is the most rewarding thing you can do. So, if you run into a Charlie who is going through a really rough time, you never know what influences you can have on his or her life that makes all the difference. Maybe, just maybe, they will take the road less traveled.

Little Boy Lost

Little boy lost with big brown eyes

all alone in a crowd staring back at me

Reflecting memories clear and blurred

watching, waiting for someone to see

The stains of heart-sick tears cause

by illusion’s shimmering veil torn

And stripped by neglect and pain leaving

youth’s shining armor scarred and worn.

There sits the little dark-haired boy,

with sorrowful eyes that taunt,

Invading my sleep as they squeeze through

the bars of my mind to roam and haunt

Like a twisted road that somehow strayed

to leave me awake with mocking tears

Wondering how such harsh, callous wounds

on innocence and youth can be made.

How can I reach this little boy lost

with such bitter wisdom, so full of gall,

From forgotten worth by the wraith of life

fighting a battle to survive it all, or ease

The suffering from many a remembered blow

giving relief from the long dull pain

So that the bright brave banners of youth

may fly unfurled and true again.

If you want to know more about others and their works in the publishing world, don't forget to visit my other blog, Thoughtful Rflections Blogspot at http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/.

More about the birth and author of The Rocky Road

2011-12-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

I have been so fortunate to have the guardian angels in my life. They have always been there in my darkest hour, and when I needed one the most. They have walked beside me, helped me to maintain faith and belief in myself as well as in others. I have learned that giving is much more rewarding than receiving.

My life reminds me of Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken, in the line: “Two roads diverged into a wood, and I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference.” I will always remember what my elementary teacher wrote in my scrapbook, “Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.” This book is not about crying, it is about getting knocked down by boulders, and standing in spite of them to go forward.

Dr. Aman Kay, who is an internationally published author, has been helping me with this book by reviewing it. He is the one who is responsible for my poetry that has been sprinkled throughout the book. This poetry has all been published either in my book, Pulse Points of a Woman’s World, or in various literary magazines. It is poetry that is written from the heart and soul, and was the only way I could express my feelings. I once had an instructor who asked me to explain poetry. I told him that it was much the same as an artist who paints what he or she sees and feels. The difference is that the poet uses words to paint the minds pictures rather than oil paints, watercolor or some other medium.

My first blog about my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

2011-12-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

As I have traveled along life’s highway, I keep running into people who have let the rocks that have been thrown in their life’s road giving up on themselves, or life in general. The truth is that life is harsh, and it is not like the movies that give a false impression that it is smooth sailing. Being the hero that toughs it out and keeps on regardless of the situation is difficult, but with faith, it can be accomplished. It often takes a backbone, humor and a wishbone to survive it all.

Because of this, I decided to write a book to share my life’s experiences so that it may inspire someone to come back fighting when life knocks them down. The book is a journey though time from childhood to mature adulthood. The stories and poems in this book reflect the lows and highs of life. The loving memories, the hardships and the things we learn as we travel the road of life. It covers an abusive mother who had mental problems because of being abused as a child, childhood polio, a rocky marriage with a husband who was often abusive, the role of caregiving, death and grief, coping with bladder cancer, asthma, losing a home and more. Therefore, to not to scare you off with gloom and doom, there are funny stories along the way and an ending that I never dreamed would happen.

My hope is that the book will bring about understanding to others, and be inspiring to even more. Our journey in life has a purpose, finding it is often the most difficult task of all.