Awards and Recognition From One of My Favorite Followers

Posted on February 22, 2013 by fundinmental

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It is always nice to be noticed and know the words I print and the posts I make are read by others. Thanks to everyone who follows me or stops by to take a look. I hope you enjoy your visit.

Thanks to Emily Guido for all these wonderful awards. She always stops by and is one of my most loyal followers. She is the sweetest, nicest person you would ever want to meet. Be sure and stop by her BLOG and check her out and her Light-Bearing Series of books with Charmeine and Tabbrius.

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There are rules to these awards and I hope you will forgive me in choosing my own way to present them.

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I have been challenged to name three traits I love and hate about myself. So here goes:

1. I love the convenience of the cell phone I own. I love that I don’t need to remember anyone’s number. I know you might think I am lazy because of that; but really, I have so many other things I would rather remember and sometimes it seems like there isn’t enough room in there for more. I love being able to talk to anyone, anywhere at any time.

I hate cell phones. People pull them out at the check out counter, when they are in their car and pulling into traffic while making a left hand turn. While driving they weave back and forth, sometimes driving outside of their own lane. They talk louder, do they think the person they are talking to is deaf or do they just want us know what they are talking about? As if we care. Phones are ringing everywhere, so many people talking at the same time – Noise Pollution. I hate not knowing anyone’s number; when my SIM card goes bad and I lose all my information.

2. I love the beach. I love the sounds and smells of the water and watching the waves rushing up the sand. I love walking on the sand and feeling the water wash over my feet. I love looking for beach glass, shells and cool rocks. I love feeling the sun as it beats down on me and warms my skin. It makes me feel so alive.

I love watching the people, but I hate it when they are too close to me. I don’t like their kids screaming and yelling and kicking sand in my face. I hate the feel of the salt and sand on my skin. It acts like sandpaper. Thank goodness there is a shower on the boardwalk, so I can wash it off, before I go into the bar for my margarita.

3. I hate that I am perfect. It is so hard to be humble when I am so – beautiful, intelligent, athletic, sexy, brilliant, funny, magnificent, intriguing – well, you get the drift.

I love that I am able to be anything and everything, do anything and everything. I love that everyone loves me and want’s to be a part of my life. I am so much fun to be around that people can’t get enough of me. I love that I am so HOT, a goddess, that men fall at my feet, professing their love and wanting my hand in marriage, or whatever I will give them. I am so brilliant that President Obama calls me when he is stuck for a solution to anything and everything. It is hard to be humble because I am so perfect.

WOW. I can’t believe I am going to share all this personal information with you guys; but hey, it’s not like it’s my pin number or anything.

I have been working on this post for a while, but I wanted to make sure it was perfect. LOL

I am passing on this challenge to three of my favorite authors. I am selfish, I want to see what they can come up with to WOW me and you, my followers and readers. I hope, and think, they will enjoy the challenge as much as I did, and I hope you do too.

MY NOMINEES ARE:

Vickie McKeehan

Anne Hargrove

Patrick Jones

Please accept these awards in the spirit they were given. If your blog is award free or you do not post awards, just know I am happy to share your site with others.

Fanged Mania #10 – Giveaway and Review of Charmeine: The Light-Bearer Series, Book I by Emily Guido (fundinmental.wordpress.com)
Awards From My Fellow Blogger Ella Medler (fundinmental.wordpress.com)

Awards From My Fellow Blogger Ella Medler

Posted on January 14, 2013 by fundinmental

Guess what? I’ve been nominated for a new award: the Liebster! Thank you, Ella Medler for the nomination. She also nominated me for the Shine On Award, which I chose to include here. Thank you, thank you, thank you. ^_^

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Here’s more about the Liebster:

Liebster Award

And the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you. Well, of course. Thank you, Ella!

2. Post eleven random facts about yourself. I hate talking about myself.

3. Answer the eleven questions asked by the person who nominated you.

4. Think of a new set of eleven questions and nominate eleven others to answer them.

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So here are those eleven random facts about me:

1. I hate dusting, who doesn’t?

2. I love the sun and water.

3. I suck at Golf, but love to play.

4. I am a bit of a perfectionist, but have learned to relax my standards. Live is too short to sweat the small stuff.

5. I love sports cars and going fast.

6. I am a bit of a loner. I find it very easy to entertain myself.

7. I hate cell phones, but find them very convenient.

8. I love dogs, but don’t really want to be bothered by a pet at this time.

9. I love TV.

10. I love to play Texas Hold ’em.

11. I love Rock and Roll.

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The questions Ella asked for me to answer:

1. What did you last have for dinner?

Chili, my favorite food for a chilly evening.

2. If money were no object, would you fly to the moon?

Yes, I love to go where I’ve never been before.

3. What was your bravest act in the last 12 months?

Can’t think of anything. I’m more of a spectator than a participant.

4. I don’t expect you to remember the title or author, but what was the plot of the worst book you ever read?

I really can’t think of anything offhand. It’s very rare when I don’t finish a book.

5. What is the sport you wish you mastered to perfection?

It doesn’t really matter to me that I haven’t mastered Golf, but I sure do wish I played a little better.

6. Where would you go to spend your last day on Earth?

To the beach.

7. What is the most romantic gesture you ever came up with for your loved one?

I bought my hubby a spaceship lawn decoration. He had seen it at the landscape place and we even went back to get it, but I had already bought it and had to pretend someone else bought it. I had to wait five months to give it to him, that was a secret very hard to keep.

8. If possible, in what century would you rather have lived? Or is this one just fine for you?

This century is just fine by me.

9. If you had the chance, what new genre would you like to introduce? Describe it, please.

I really can’t say. I am always pleasantly surprised when an author surprises me with twists and turns and new slants on stories.

10. What gadget couldn’t you live without and why?

My computer, seeing I spend so much time on it.

11. What is the most infuriating thing about today’s world, in your view?

Politics and the sense of entitlement that too many politicians today have.

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My 11 questions for my nominees:

1. What is your favorite holiday and why?

2. I love cars. If money was no object and you could own any car, what would it be?

3. If you could go anywhere, even a fictional world, where would it be?

4. What is your favorite hobby when not reading or writing?

5. What is your favorite season of the year and why?

6. Do you prefer TV or the movies?

7. What is your least favorite daily chore?

8. If you had to choose between your computer and your phone, which would it be?

9. Where is your favorite place to read or write?

10. What is your favorite animal to have for a pet?

11. Do you prefer to read on your electronic device or hold a physical book in your hand?

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And my nominees are (it’s all right to take your time, but it can be fun to play along). Many other bloggers are curious and like to learn more about the bloggers they follow.

1. Tiffany – http://escapingonebookatatime.blogspot.com/

2. Tiffany – http://trh87books.blogspot.com/

3. Autumn – http://www.autumnreview.com/

4. Andrea – http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com/

5. Tiffany – http://tiffanylovesbooks.wordpress.com/

6. Mandy – http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/

7. Sarah – http://ssbookreviews.blogspot.com/

8. Adele – http://adelesymonds.wordpress.com

9. Julia – http://novelnexusreviews.blogspot.com

10. Michelle – http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com

11. Scott Nicholson – http://hauntedcomputer.blogspot.com

Please accept these awards in the spirit they were given. If your blog is award free or you do not post awards, just know I am happy to share your site with others.

Stealing Heaven!! (fuonlyknew.wordpress.com)

Giveaway/Guest Post and Review of Love Travels Forever by Jaye Frances

Posted on November 13, 2012 by fundinmental

Jaye Frances has some of the most beautiful covers for her books and Love Travels Forever is another beauty.

Jaye Frances has been kind enough to offer fundinmental a guest post, promo and giveaway of her new book, Love Travels Forever. I will also include my review after her post, so keep reading.

Welcome Jaye.

Thank you, Sherry, for hosting me today with my new release Love Travels Forever, an anthology of my favorite short stories and essays. Inspired by interviews and personal recollections, each one takes the reader on an emotional journey of love, passion, and inspiration that lifts the spirit and touches the heart. In “What Might Have Been,” you’ll revisit those angst-filled high school years, courtesy of a twenty-fifth class reunion and the surprise revelation of a secret love. Here’s an excerpt:

The reunion party was earmarked by all the usual characteristics: a rented banquet hall, some hastily prepared table decorations, and a few balloons taped over doorways. As I made my way to the reception table, it was impossible to ignore the unmistakable uncertainty in the air. The electric charge of youthful anticipation ever-so-present at seventeen had been replaced by awkward pauses and quick scans at nametags, making it clear how time had affected our memories—and expectations.

As I ate my wilted salad and pretended to enjoy the overdone roast beef, I reminisced with girlfriends about hairstyles, prom nights, the teachers we liked, and of course, some of the boys we dated. As we picked at the dessert—dry chocolate cake—prizes were awarded for the person who had traveled the farthest, changed the most, and been married the longest. One of the gals at the table wondered out loud if the emcee was the same overly aggressive twerp who hadn’t been able to keep his hands off the typing instructor.

As we began to run out of small talk, it became obvious that four years of high school was, in most cases, our only commonality, and a few adolescent memories could not compete with the twenty-five years of life that had passed since. As the conversation turned to career concerns, aging parents, and unappreciative offspring, I found myself drifting away from the group. Retreating to an outside patio, I sat at an empty table to collect my thoughts. I had been there less than a minute when I was approached by someone I didn’t recognize.

“Hi, Jaye, I was hoping you’d be here.”

I couldn’t place him. He was definitely familiar, but I couldn’t make the connection. I managed a few clumsy questions about mutual friends and teachers, yet I was still clueless. Then he asked if I had kept the old Chevy Nova I drove in my senior year. I felt terrible. He had recognized me, even remembering the car I used to drive. I finally had to admit it—I didn’t remember him.

“That’s okay,” he said. “It’s my fault for not wearing my nametag. I’m Neil Graham. My locker was across the hall from yours. We were also in senior English together.”

The memories came rushing back. In high school, he’d been an anomaly—good looking, athletic, smart—and painfully quiet. Seldom seen at school dances or other social functions, he didn’t seem to have a lot of friends, and yet he usually offered a smile to anyone passing by, as if silently inviting them to stop and chat.

SYNOPSIS

In Love Travels Forever, Jaye Frances captures the reader’s heart with an inspiring collection of seventeen stories filled with romance and passion, the hopeful innocence of youth, and a love so strong that it transcends the mortality of life. Here are just a few of the people you’ll meet:

Evan and Frankie, a loving couple traveling through life hand-in-hand, are unaware that the shadow of fate is about to tear them apart. Helpless to change their shortened future together, one of them makes a promise—a promise of devotion and courage, honoring a love that surpasses the boundaries of time.

Mark and Janice, the perfect couple with the perfect life, are on the threshold of finally seeing their dreams come true—until an unexpected circumstance changes their lives forever.

Danny, a young soldier fresh out of boot-camp, is desperate to find a way to travel home and marry his sweetheart before being shipped overseas. Stranded in a train station on a three day pass with no hope in sight, Danny meets Wanda, an incredible woman who vows to find a way to bring Danny and his fiance together.

Nora and Georgia are two eight-year-old best friends who share giggles, dolls, and secrets. But when one of them faces sudden danger, the other responds with an unconditional act of love and forges a lifelong bond between them unaffected by fear or prejudice.

So find a quiet spot, get comfy, and grab a box of Kleenex. You’re about to take an unforgettable journey of the heart, to a place where compassion and hope have no limits, and where love continues to travel forever.

Love Travels Forever is available now

in kindle eBook on Amazon for $1.99

Author Bio: Jaye Frances is the author of The Kure, a paranormal-occult romance novel, The Possibilities of Amy, a coming-of-age romance novella, The Cruise-All That Glitters, a humorous adult satire about love on the high seas, The Beach, a sci-fi supernatural tale about a man who is given the opportunity to receive his ultimate wish, and Love Travels Forever, a collection of poignant short stories and essays. She is also a featured columnist for the NUSA SUN magazine. Born in the Midwest, Jaye readily admits that her life’s destination has been the result of an open mind and a curiosity about all things irreverent. When she’s not consumed by her writing, Jaye enjoys cooking, traveling to all places tropical and “beachy” and taking pictures—lots of pictures—many of which find their way to her website. Jaye lives on the central gulf coast of Florida, sharing her home with one husband, six computers, four cameras, and several hundred pairs of shoes.

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MY REVIEW

The cover is beautiful and leads you into the seventeen short stories of life and love.

Travel through life – not necessarily to places but to times and memories.

Love Travels Forever – the opening story, sums up the collection.

Valentines Day – holds a special surprise and has a special meaning for Jaye.

Life is Too Short For Regrets – as Cassie said, “Admit it, get over it and get on with it.”

Halloween Man – put a smile on my face and made me feel warm and fuzzy.

Packed With A Promise – I fought to read the words through the blur of tears in my eyes.

What Might Have Been – why she wrote The Possibilities of Amy.

The Angels of Ellis Island – The angels do make this a true Thanksgiving story.

Middle Age Crazy – now what? In youth we think we are invincible and are allowed to make mistakes and have fun. Then mid-life crisis – where we make adjustments to find out where we want to go and how to get there.

A Gift From the Mayans – superb ending to a captivating collection.

5 STARS – Would Buy It For Them (lol)

Full of gems of wisdom.

“Mary Ann Evan, writing as George Eliot, “The strangest principle of growth lies in human choice.”

The stories are full of choices people made. The choices we make don’t always make sense to others, but are so vital to us! Will make you feel good about your life, or maybe let you know you need to change it.

Sometimes the most important things are the little things.

Packed full of love, life, emotion, tears, happiness, smiles, heartbreak, warm and fuzzy, kindness, compassion, hope and giving. Moving, touching, beautiful, poignant stories.

Be sure to be alone, with your hanky or tissue and take time to think about what you read as you travel on Jaye’s wonderful voyage through life.

This is a book you will want to pull out again and again to read this story or that story. Not necessarily front to back. Excellent. Must have.

With so many examples of the generosity and kindness of strangers, this is the perfect time of year to give this as a gift.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and impartial review.

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Jaye Frances has offered one kindle copy of Love Travels Forever to one lucky commenter. Just answer the question – WHERE IS YOUR DREAM DESTINATION? – and leave an email address. Giveaway ends November 27, 2012.

TO SEE ALL MY GIVEAWAYS, GO HERE.

My favorite time of any giveaway is announcing the winner. So without further ado, the winner of Love Travels Forever by Jaye Francis is:

Ann Herrick

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful comments. I hope you will continue to follow fundinmental.

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To grab a copy of The Beach or any of Jaye Frances’ books, simply click on the cover

below.

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To see all my Reviews, go HERE.

To see all my Giveaways, go HERE.

If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?

Look on the right sidebar and let’s talk.

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Thanks to two of the best bloggers!!!

Posted on October 15, 2012 by fundinmental

I was recently given two awards and it is so appropriate that the first two awards I ever received are from my sister, Laura, at fuonlyknew .

She is the one who introduced me to blogging, Goodreads and Twitter. I can’t thank her enough for all her help and support in helping me learn the ropes and introducing me to some of her great friends on the internet. It has brought us closer together. Thank you so much, Laura!

For the Fabulous Blog Ribbon you tell 5 fabulous moments, five things you love and 5 things you hate, and then nominate 5 friends.

For the Versatile Blogger award you tell seven things about yourself and nominate seven friends.

Emily Guido nominated me for not one, but three awesome awards. Even though she is extremely busy writing her Light-Bearer series, she still finds time to stop by my blog and say hi. Thanks so much.

If you haven’t met Emily yet, you can meet her here

The rules:

1) Include the award in your post.

2) Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them.

3) Tell 7 random facts about yourself.

4) Nominate 7 other blogs and let them know you’ve done so.

also the

Rules:

1) Thank the person who nominated you and link back to them.

2) List 7 things about yourself.

3) Nominate 7 other bloggers and let them know you’ve done so.

and then

There is only one rule:

1) Don’t do a damned thing!

I have decided to combine all the tasks into one. I will tell you seven things about myself. And keep it on the down low, because I have a reputation to protect. LOL

1. It took me an odd route (from Michigan to Alabama to Georgia to Florida to Alabama to New York and back to Florida) to make it here, Florida, but I feel like I am home.

2. I am a car nut, I love fast cars.

3. My husband calls me a mermaid because I spend so much time in the pool. I am a water and sun worshipper.

4. I have a love/hate relationship with golf. I hack around the course every chance I get and take along some beers to soothe my savage beast.

5. I am a bit of a loner, so the power of invisibility would be awesome.

6. I used to be a neat freak, but have found a little dust never hurt anyone. There are not enough hours in the day to do all I want to do.

7. My two hobbies are my passions, other than my husband, of course. I love reading and photography. I like to start my morning, with my coffee, kindle or physical book and camera on the patio by the pool.

All the header photos on my blog were taken by me and I will change them out every now and then.

What a life and I’m loving every minute of it.

Below are my nominees. I spend a lot of time browsing their blogs. Thanks guys. Stop by their blogs and check them out.

Tiffany – http://escapingonebookatatime.blogspot.com/

Tiffany – http://trh87books.blogspot.com/

Autumn – http://www.autumnreview.com/

Andrea – http://andreaheltsley.blogspot.com/

Tiffany – http://tiffanylovesbooks.wordpress.com/

Mandy – http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/

Sarah – http://ssbookreviews.blogspot.com/