Friday, July 27, 2018

USING NANO SECONDS WISELY


USING  NANO SECONDS WISELY

We are living in a brave new world in which we can no longer determine what life will be like in 20, 10 or even 5 years from now. For many of us  the struggle to make it in this fast moving, nano second world is overwhelming.
Our lives are controlled by algorithms.  What are algorithms really? They are a set of impersonal rules determined by a computer’s presumption that its calculations are the norm, the right way, and what is logical.
But that theory is exactly the wrench in the gears as we old timers would say. 
The trouble is we are human beings. 
I agree, Netflix does a darned good job of figuring out what movies I like, until I get in a mood and want something different. 
The problem is our souls are created to break the norm, to seek the less traveled path, and reach for the impossible. We cannot survive any other way.  
Not only are Facebook and Microsoft, and the stock market  reading our minds and our actions and telling us what we think and what we should want, what we should be afraid of and what we should trust, those rules are changing in nano seconds. How fast is that? A nano second is one billionth of a second. (And tomorrow it will be pico seconds which are one trillionth  of a second.)
So how do we deal with a world speeding by so fast? 

Stay true to yourself


When I stand at the edge of the flood swollen river rushing past, I see no reason to jump in and join the fallen trees and rubbish which has succumbed to its powerful force. 
Staying true to the voice which no one else can hear has been the scariest, craziest and hardest feat I have tackled  in my lifetime. Just telling you probably suggests you should be questioning my sanity, right? But consider this. 

We are the only species that finds it a monumental task to just be who we are.  

Why? Because we don't know who we are. I was lucky. My parents never warned me to be careful.  They never told me I had been a sinner but was forgiven, or that sex was bad or dirty.  My daddy once said, “You don’t have to call him God, but after observing this vast universe, the changing seasons, the billions of creatures, the stars and the moon moving across the night sky, and the complexity of the human body, surely you must believe there is something bigger than yourself who is running the show.”

So now I try to trust the voice that whispers to me at night when everyone sleeps or when I stand by a mighty mountain or a quiet stream. It is then I am grateful I didn’t covet the big screen TV, or freeze in the fear of the unknown, or bend to another’s approval.
Trusting and believing in the quiet still voice inside is the only way to survive in this nano second, soon to be pico second universe. I am not saying it will be an easy journey, it has not been for me. 

Many times I am left with doubt, fear, and yes questioning my own sanity, while the world rushes by like the river, only to disappear and merge into the sea losing the uniqueness it once had.
So my answer to living in this fast paced world is the same as Simon and Garfunkel’s suggestion in their song, Feeling Groovy,  “Slow down, you move too fast, you’ve got to make the morning last…” 

Be unique, because that is who you are.





THE GRIEVING GIFT

Janice’s older sister, Margaret, wanted to believe that the L.A. doctors at Cedars Sinai Medical Center held a magical deck of cards, but after eight years of treatment they dealt their final card. The Hospice card. No miracles for Margaret. Janice reassures her big sister she will be there, holding her hand every step of the way.
On a death watch, you get to know things about a person you wish you didn’t. It is like a roller coaster ride. And like most rides, it brings us back to the place we began, reminding us of who we were and who we have become.
The twists and turns of Janice’s emotional journey transports her back through the repercussions of her teen pregnancy and into the present estrangement from her daughter, whom she has not heard from for the last sixteen years.
Coming to terms with the grief of losing her sweet Margaret, and dealing with her fear of a lonely future is too much for Janice to imagine. When Margaret’s soul goes to rest in L.A. heaven, how will Janice face the emptiness? Will there be such a thing as a Grieving Gift?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The death of Judy Howard’s husband gave the author a wake up call. Life is short. Howard sold her pet grooming business, which she had operated since the age of eleven and engaged full throttle into her new passions of writing and traveling.
Judy Howard’s writing career expands across many genres, including memoir, romantic mystery, reality fiction, travel and young adult, and now with THE GRIEVING GIFT, an autobiographical novel.
In all of Howard’s books the theme is always the same - overcoming life’s difficulties.
Judy lives full-time in her Winnebago motorhome with her cat, Sportster,   traveling across the country as a motivational speaker and offering writing seminars.
When Judy and Sportster are not traveling, they spend their time in Sun City, California.


Oh, and don’t forget!! Readers’ reviews  keep writers motivated.

USEFUL LINKS 

Other books by Judy Howard: JUDY’S AMAZON  AUTHOR  PAGE


Sportster's Blog: The Cat's Perspective Of Reading, Writing And Life


Click on the link below to find out more about Judy's books.







Safe travels!
                   
CONTACT JUDY HOWARD

jhoward1935@gmail.com






Wednesday, July 18, 2018

The 40 Percent Solution


In the US, although untrue, the elderly are considered slow witted, chronically ill, and a drain on society. I am over 70.
An abundance of money, which has been proven not to be a source of happiness, is still considered a status symbol. I do not have a lot of money.
Uneducated people are not taken seriously. I do not have a college degree.
Like a lack of education and money, having an abundance of time is considered shameful. I have a lot of time.
All of these beliefs are untrue, yet by America’s standards, I am not considered successful and to finish me off, I should not be happy.  Yet, the people I meet have called me a firecracker, an alligator, fiercely independent and have described me as whooshing into a room.  The most common description of me?  She’s an INSPIRATION.
I can’t explain people’s reactions to me. It is as if a label were tattooed on my forehead. This curious responses have me baffled. My only explanation is that I do not fit their expectations.
Sonja Lyubomirsky a psychologist at the University of California, Riverside proposes that roughly 50 percent of happiness is determined by genes (i.e., totally out of your control). I am convinced I wasn’t born with happy genes.  I fought depression during much of my adult life.
 Roughly 10 percent of a person’s happiness is determined by circumstance (i.e., somewhat out of your control). A death or disaster or famine and illness can douse the happy spark. I have certainly had my share of circumstances and even considered suicide.
The final 40 percent chance at happiness is determined by your thoughts, actions, and attitudes (i.e., entirely within your control). You can see why Lyubomirsky titled her research, The 40 Percent Solution.
Wouldn’t it seem that the United States, which celebrates so much abundance and success, (27 Things Which America Is Ranked Number One) would also have the happiest people residing within its borders?
But it is not so. America recently ranked 18th in the U.N.’s “World Happiness Report,”
So why are so many unhappy? 
52 percent of students reported feeling hopeless, while 39 percent suffered from such severe depression.
At the University of Pennsylvania, there’s even a slang term for the grim mask of discontent that accompanies this condition: “Penn Face.” We could go further and diagnose a national case of “USA Face,”
Two years ago The New York Times reported the suicide rate is at a 30 year high and growing.
For middle-aged women, ages 45 to 64, suicide jumped by 63 percent over the period of the study, while it rose by 43 percent for men in that age range, the sharpest increase for males of any age. The overall suicide rate rose by 24 percent from 1999 to 2014, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, which released the study on Friday.

Call to Action
Help someone find their way.

 We need to know why.
Here is your chance to make a difference, There are many in need to hear suggestions from you, my readers and fans –– your personal suggestions using only the 40% solution.
In other words, how have you changed your thoughts or attitude in order to become happier?
 What actions have you taken that made you happier?
More money or education can only be your answer if you changed your actions in order to achieve more money or more education. (Taken a second job to pay for your education or volunteered in a field of your interest to learn more, etc.)
Do not answer religion.
Instead explain only how it changed your thoughts, your attitude or your actions. (Because of my religion I began to do,   my attitude changed toward ….?  I no longer thought…?)
Take this opportunity to reach out and help one another.  It is time to begin connecting with one another.
The raindrop never takes responsibility for the flood.





THE GRIEVING GIFT

Janice’s older sister, Margaret, wanted to believe that the L.A. doctors at Cedars Sinai Medical Center held a magical deck of cards, but after eight years of treatment they dealt their final card. The Hospice card. No miracles for Margaret. Janice reassures her big sister she will be there, holding her hand every step of the way.
On a death watch, you get to know things about a person you wish you didn’t. It is like a roller coaster ride. And like most rides, it brings us back to the place we began, reminding us of who we were and who we have become.
The twists and turns of Janice’s emotional journey transports her back through the repercussions of her teen pregnancy and into the present estrangement from her daughter, whom she has not heard from for the last sixteen years.
Coming to terms with the grief of losing her sweet Margaret, and dealing with her fear of a lonely future is too much for Janice to imagine. When Margaret’s soul goes to rest in L.A. heaven, how will Janice face the emptiness? Will there be such a thing as a Grieving Gift?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The death of Judy Howard’s husband gave the author a wake up call. Life is short. Howard sold her pet grooming business, which she had operated since the age of eleven and engaged full throttle into her new passions of writing and traveling.
Judy Howard’s writing career expands across many genres, including memoir, romantic mystery, reality fiction, travel and young adult, and now with THE GRIEVING GIFT, an autobiographical novel.
In all of Howard’s books the theme is always the same - overcoming life’s difficulties.
Judy lives full-time in her Winnebago motorhome with her cat, Sportster,   traveling across the country as a motivational speaker and offering writing seminars.
When Judy and Sportster are not traveling, they spend their time in Sun City, California.



Oh, and don’t forget!! Readers’ reviews  keep writers motivated.

USEFUL LINKS 

Other books by Judy Howard: JUDY’S AMAZON  AUTHOR  PAGE


Sportster's Blog: The Cat's Perspective Of Reading, Writing And Life

Click on the link below to find out more about Judy's books.






Safe travels!
                   










CONTACT JUDY HOWARD

jhoward1935@gmail.com



                                                                                                             




,


Sunday, July 8, 2018

Do You Love Longmire?





Any Longmire Fans out there?

Meet Craig Johnson the author and creator of  the hot new Netflix series, 
Longmire.

 I have  met Craig and you couldn't meet a nicer guy. Get your picture taken with him as he signs his latest book for you! 
Where is this going down, you ask?


Be at the FMCA ralley in Gillete, Wyoming 
Saturday, July 21st.

Oh yes, and  while you are attending the rally, if you have hidden secret aspirations to become a famous New York Times Best Selling Author, too.

Learn how to get started!!
Don't miss my Mini-Writing Conference,

THE ROAD TO WRITING
I, too will be signing my latest book, THE GRIEVING GIFT, An Autobiographical Novel.




THE GRIEVING GIFT
Janice’s older sister, Margaret, wanted to believe that the L.A. doctors at Cedars Sinai Medical Center held a magical deck of cards, but after eight years of treatment they dealt their final card. The Hospice card. No miracles for Margaret. Janice reassures her big sister she will be there, holding her hand every step of the way.
On a death watch, you get to know things about a person you wish you didn’t. It is like a roller coaster ride. And like most rides, it brings us back to the place we began, reminding us of who we were and who we have become.
The twists and turns of Janice’s emotional journey transports her back through the repercussions of her teen pregnancy and into the present estrangement from her daughter, whom she has not heard from for the last sixteen years.
Coming to terms with the grief of losing her sweet Margaret, and dealing with her fear of a lonely future is too much for Janice to imagine. When Margaret’s soul goes to rest in L.A. heaven, how will Janice face the emptiness? Will there be such a thing as a Grieving Gift?




Wednesday, July 4, 2018

LET'S CELEBRATE!


LET’S CELEBRATE!!!
  HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!

Two hundred and forty-two years ago, in 1776 we were not even a country yet. We were thirteen colonies who signed the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE from Great Britain.
That act of thirteen colonies uniting as one group who dreamed of becoming a free and independent nation changed the course of history. 

I am excited  that we, as a great nation, can make it  possible  for our country to achieve that miracle again today!To become united for the good of our nation. That is what I dream of on this day, July 4, 2018.

I am also excited about the release of my latest book,
 THE GRIEVING GIFT, An Autobiographical Novel!
Help me celebrate!!
Great reading  for the FOURTH OF JULY
GRIEVING GIFT



THE GRIEVING GIFT

Janice’s older sister, Margaret, wanted to believe that the L.A. doctors at Cedars Sinai Medical Center held a magical deck of cards, but after eight years of treatment they dealt their final card. The Hospice card. No miracles for Margaret. Janice reassures her big sister she will be there, holding her hand every step of the way.
On a death watch, you get to know things about a person you wish you didn’t. It is like a roller coaster ride. And like most rides, it brings us back to the place we began, reminding us of who we were and who we have become.
The twists and turns of Janice’s emotional journey transports her back through the repercussions of her teen pregnancy and into the present estrangement from her daughter, whom she has not heard from for the last sixteen years.
Coming to terms with the grief of losing her sweet Margaret, and dealing with her fear of a lonely future is too much for Janice to imagine. When Margaret’s soul goes to rest in L.A. heaven, how will Janice face the emptiness? Will there be such a thing as a Grieving Gift?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The death of Judy Howard’s husband gave the author a wake up call. Life is short. Howard sold her pet grooming business, which she had operated since the age of eleven and engaged full throttle into her new passions of writing and traveling.
Judy Howard’s writing career expands across many genres, including memoir, romantic mystery, reality fiction, travel and young adult, and now with THE GRIEVING GIFT, an autobiographical novel.
In all of Howard’s books the theme is always the same - overcoming life’s difficulties.
Judy lives full-time in her Winnebago motorhome with her cat, Sportster,   traveling across the country as a motivational speaker and offering writing seminars.
When Judy and Sportster are not traveling, they spend their time in Sun City, California.


CONTACT JUDY HOWARD

jhoward1935@gmail.com



THINKING ABOUT WRITING A BOOK?

Hot Ink In July !! Mini Writing Conference

 in Gillette, Wyoming



Hot Ink In July!!

I am back on the road again!!  

My long hiatus waiting for  hip surgery is only a bad memory now. The pain and discomfort forced  me to cancel many of my writing conferences last year in Perry, Georgia, Indio, Ca., Tucson, Arizona and Woodland Hills, Ca.
I know many of you had planned to attend those workshops and I am so sorry.
Gory be! I am back on track with my new hip and  will be presenting my first  Mini Writing Conference of the year. 






Mini Writing Conference
at the 
Family Motor Coach Association RV Rally 


in Gillette,Wyoming.
If you have been stewing over ideas of writing and blogging and need that extra push,  that jump start, now  is the perfect opportunity!   I will be offering the entire series of workshops in Gillette, Wyoming. I hope you all can make it!!
Click on the link below to register and discover all the events offered at the  FMCA RV Rally.

And if you are unable to make Gillette, Wyoming this year, please contact me. I can travel to your community.  Be a hero and help me make arrangements at your local library or community center!
Below are the descriptions of my workshops.

SEMINARS I, II, AND III DESCRIPTIONS

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WRITING?
How do I start?
Learn the basics of how to write, publish and market your own story. Judy Howard will share the details of her journey and how she became one of Amazon’s top ranking authors.
Judy Howard will inspire you to finally start the memoir, blog, or novel that you’ve been thinking about for years! Handouts will outline the secrets to overcoming writers block, guide lines to publish your book for free, and marketing ideas to start earning money on the road.
Down load the Informative handouts at www.Judyhowardpublishing.com which will help you develop your writing or for a material fee of $ 3.00 receive the handout at the seminar.
Also, you may bring two to three pages of your writing and receive Judy’s personal and expert, hands on editing and evaluation. Fee: $5.00


WHAT MAKES A GOOD STORY?
What makes a “page – turner”?
This is one of Judy Howard’s most well-attended seminars. Judy is one of Amazon’s top ranking authors, and will reveal basic tools as well as some of her writing secrets on how to create that memoir or Great American Novel into a book that you can’t put down.
Judy will cover the critical elements of Plot, Structure and Character Development.  Beginners will benefit as well as novice writers. 
 Download the Informative handouts at www.Judyhowardpublishing.com  which will help you develop your writing or for a material fee of $ 3.00 receive the handout at the seminar.
Also, you may bring two to three pages of your writing and receive Judy’s personal and expert, hands on editing and evaluation. Fee: $5.00



WHERE IS THE WRITING INSPIRATION?

Do you have a dream?
What’s Stopping you??
Fear? Doubt? No Inspiration???

Have you ever said, “I should write a book, but I have writer’s block? I give up!”

Judy Howard, top ranking Amazon author, will give you a treasure map of ideas to keep you in route to achieving that dream, writing that book, or following your life purpose.

Beginning and seasoned writers will benefit. And also, anyone with a passion to reach for what now seems impossible!
Down load informative handouts at www.Judyhowardpublishing.com  or for a material fee of $ 3.00, receive the handout at the seminar.
Also, you may bring two to three pages of your writing and receive Judy’s personal and expert, hands on editing and evaluation. Fee: $5.00.