book order form 2013

As most of you know, I have just moved. Again. 6 months ago I moved to a place that I knew wasn’t home, but I thought I had a year befpre uprooting myself. Was I ever wrong! Whew, has this been one heck of a month!
Since the subtitle is “one woman’s tips etc…” all I can say is, I had no idea that it was coming, this move. I thought maybe I had 3 or 4 months. But one month to move out? Do I have a tip for you about this move? No. I am still recovering! Catching up on my sleep, my thoughts and my life.
So, use those moving tips I gave you back in August. And toss out stuff you really don’t want to move again. That is one good tip. Lessen your clutter. Very, very important. When your surroundings are less cluttered, it makes your whole being feel freer and less cluttered, too. Try it. Take a deep breath and throw away the unnecessary junk.
I am still recovering, I think, from the move and the flu that I had just before the move. But I am thinking that all of this experience is giving me more fuel to my writing fire. I have decided to write a book. Yep, a real book for adults. Not a racy romance (I can hear my kids’ comments now; “Who ARE you???”), but a bigger book of thoughts, tips, observations, etc. of the whole experience of my life. It has been full. Full of a lot of crap, but tremendously full of good stuff too. And I want to share those things.
In the meantime, know that I had to update the order form for my children’s books. Here it is. I will do my best to update the previous attachments.
So, mittens last, Always say, “Thank you” at the end of every day. Here are my 3 Things: 1) I found a house to rent. It was only 3 weeks from when I found out I had to move to when I moved into this place. It’s not perfect, but it sure is getting to be home! 2) It’s near one of my good friends from work. There is someone close by who I can call if I am in a jam. Or if I want to eat some jam with someone. I am not alone which makes my kids glad. 3) I have a woodstove that is almost ready to fire up and keep me warm. Getting the stove and getting it ready to use is another story, but I am truly thankful for the experiences I have lived through. They keep making me stronger. Watch out Arnold.

Have a good one y’all, and get your priorities in order. Underpants First, Mittens Last!

book order form 2013

Holiday time is reminding me to remind you that this season is about love, joy and peace.  Whether you are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, Agnostic, or whatever your faith, holiday time is about the light of the world coming back into our lives.  Honest.  And because I have friends who have a variety of beliefs, I say HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you all.  Be safe.  Be kind.  Don’t go crazy when someone says ‘happy holidays’ to you, my Christian friends.  Remember, Jesus was Jewish.   I don’t think he would be happy knowing you get angry when people wish good things for you but don’t use the phrase “Merry Christmas” to you.  Happy holidays is a wonderful greeting!

And I think he would be really cranky if he saw how many people go CRAZY for the gifts.  Really cranky.

KEEP IT SIMPLE folks.  Keep it simple and you will lessen the depression.  If you are getting gifts, make sure they are things that will last and encourage your children’s imaginations.

Books are wonderful things to get kids.  You know I have written 2 books, right? (Did you like that segue?)  Here’s the latest version of my order form.  (At least I hope it’s here.  I think I hit the right buttons to include it here but I may have to edit this later!)

I am sorry that I haven’t yet gotten an internet site for folks to buy my books.  That is on my 2013 list of things to accomplish.  That and finish the 2nd book of the Sam and Mack Adventure series.  But until then, please use the attached book order form.  Share it with folks.  Go on my facebook page.  Let others know about these great books.

And have a very happy holiday season.  Taking you through the new year celebrations all the way through Valentine’s Day.  Happy holidays to you and yours!

“Underpants First, Mittens Last” is, as the subtitle explains, my tips for making life a bit easier.  I tend to think that my tips are pretty universal, so that is why I thought this blog might be a good way to get them out there.

But today I was reminded, with a posting on facebook, that there used to be days when we all were outside or doing things with other people.

Also, I was reminded recently by a very good friend that true conversation happens with voices – face to face, not texting, emailing or facebook posts.  Never should a conversation that is personal be posted on facebook.

So, taking those 2 thoughts, being outdoors and/or with others and communicating with vocal words, I am forced to admit that I have spent too many hours on this computer.  Too many days looking for posts that are in response to mine or comments to this blog.

Underpants First.  What is really important?  Awareness is the key to making any kind of change in your life.

I think my life is needing me to be outdoors more and to be talking vocally more to my friends and family.  I am aware that I have let those thing be on the back burner, especially these past few weeks when I have been moving and getting settled.  But it is time to get back to those important things.  And being with friends and talking ARE important to relationships!

Mittens Last.  I need to put my computer relationship on the back burner.  It should be one of the last things on my ‘need to do’ list instead of being the first thing I turn on every morning.  I need to experience more of what life and nature and people and birds and flowers are out there so I can be more relaxed and thankful for the great gifts that are given to me each day.

With that said, this will be my last post.  I hope that you have enjoyed reading and maybe getting some tips along the way.  Nothing I have posted has been earth shattering.  I know that.  I just wanted to share.  I did.  And now I have shared my last tip.  Get outdoors, even if you live in the city, and find a way to get in touch with nature.  And leave your cell phone home.  You can live without it.  Honest.  Give it a try.  You may have a panic attack at first, but do it.  Get out and free yourself from your electronic stuff.  And then go find a friend and share 3 good things about the day with him/her.

Here are my 3 things:

1) That I have had the opportunity to figure out this blogging even though I don’t think it is the right mode of communication for me.

2) I have figured out how to use all the carrots that are in the fridge!  Carrot cake and carrot soup are using most of them!

3) That there is a great cloud I am looking at that has big puffy but ‘firm’ lighted up whiteness and blends into shades of pale blue and gray.  Definitely looks mountain-like.  Like you could climb on it.

My last though to you:  Think of  “Underpants First, Mittens Last” as  you go forth every day.  Makes life so much easier when you know your priorities and where to begin. And don’t forget to be thankful each day for the gifts you have been given.

Thank you for letting me into your lives.

(And keep watching for more books! I have a great idea for the 2nd Sam and Mack Adventure!)

Sherinda

(Sheri)

Yep.  I am  in the age of text abbreviations.  Not really, but I was hoping this would catch your eye.

I am being reminded daily, on a personal level, how important it is to drink enough water each and every day.

You know this, right?  Not soda.  Definitely not soda.  Milk and juice are okay but water is the best.  Not tea or coffee, either.  Water.  H2O (and if I could figure out how to make the “2″ a subscript, I would, just to be accurate!)

My motto is “Clean water and healthy children mean we have a future.”

Drinking water is so important.  Cleanses your system.  Lubricates innards.  Regulates temperature.  Aids in digestion.  Helps with creating energy and new cell production.  Helps you not feel tired in the middle of the afternoon.

With this heat that many of us are feeling, it is VITALLY important to drink as much as you can. 

Not just bring along a water bottle.  DRINK!

I say this because one day last week when I was on the river, I was so busy helping the girls that when we were done for that day, I realized I had TWO FULL WATER BOTTLES still in my kayak!  I had gone ALL DAY without any water.  I was surrounded by it.  The sun wasn’t shining at the beginning of the journey and I had forgotten to take one eensy weensy bit of a sip! 

No wonder I was a tad spaced out that afternoon when we were unloading our gear.  Spacey isn’t the word for it.  I was very dehydrated and didn’t even know it!

Add that day to the rest of the week when I did drink but not as much as I probably could have.  I am working now on making sure I drink every hour.  Getting myself refueled. 

I know I feel better when I am hydrated.  H 2 O 4 ME! 

So, Underpants First – DRINK WATER!  Before each meal, during each meal, and in between each meal.  It’s not hard to get the amount you need in when you drink a little a lot during the day.

Mittens Last – be thankful for at least 3 things every day.

1) I have clean water to drink.

2) I live in a place that has clean water and people fighting to keep it that way.

3) I am thankful for rain that quenches the soil the way a dry sponge drinks a puddle on the counter. And I am even thankful for the rainbow that comes with the storms.

Underpants First – Be aware.  That has been a theme throughout my blog posts.  But today I am going to share some stories that show that messages I have received that have pointed me in the right direction came from people that I never thought would be the messengers they were.

When I lived in New York State  (for those of you who didn’t know I lived someplace other than PA, I did live in New York.  STATE.  Not city.  Be clear about that!) I knew I was going to move because my kids no longer lived near me,. While I had friends in my town, I needed to be closer to my family.  But where to go?  I didn’t want to be with just one of the 3 kids.

Do I move somewhere in the middle?  Someplace where I didn’t know anyone but would be in the middle? That seemed to be the way I was going until a friend said to me, “Let’s go to Stroudsburg.”  DUH!!!!  Stroudsburg!  The place of Quiet Valley!  The place where I had friends already!  The place that was familiar to me!  OF COURSE!  GO TO STROUDSBURG!  And MUCH closer to one of the kids.  Same distance as I was to the others!  DUH!!  Talk about needing to think outside the box!

Then, once I moved here, what was I going to do with my life?  Substitute, of course.  I have a teaching degree and am certified in NY and PA.  What else was there?

Another friend said, “Have you checked out PEEC?”  (In my head, I said, ‘what is PEEC???’) but got online, looked it up and gave them a shout.  I was hired and my job is perfect for me!

If I hadn’t listened AND FOLLOWED THROUGH  on the ideas that others had given me, I would not be in a wonderful place right now.

I know that not all tips I receive from friends will be perfect fits for me.  But it doesn’t hurt to try and follow them.

I know that not all tips I share will work for you, but hey, you never know.  Have you tried any from past posts?  I know Janet has. (Thank you, Janet!)

And now I need to work on 2 more tips I have received in the past 2 days about ways to market my books online.  I have not forgotten them, have written down the details, and I WILL follow through.  I have learned to listen to those tips because look where I am today.

But I have to do them tomorrow.  Right now I have to put me first.  I am really tired.  So I will listen to myself first, get my rest, and when I have more energy than I do right now, my head will be clear to tackle those 2 tips.

But I will do it!

So, have you had someone give you an idea lately?  Did you act on it or toss it aside?  Hey, you never know where those ideas will take you.

Underpants First – listen and be aware.

Mittens Last – Find 3 good things each day.

here are my 3 things.

1) Safe driving today.  No animals jumped out in front of me, no crazy drivers doing stupid things.

2) the laundry from yesterday was dry when I got home and it is all taken care of .  Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE hanging laundry on the line?  Especially sheets?  I am going to be sleeping in a heavenly place tonight.   AHH…. Sweet smelling sheets!!!

3) Laughing with the folks who came by my booth today at the Arts and Crafts Festival.  Strangers.  But we had some good laughs.  Laughter is such good medicine!!!

Today is the day!

Local authors are getting a chance to shine at the public library in Stroudsburg!  I will be there! 10:00 am – 4:00 pm!

“White Squirrel – Lenape Brave” will be on my table in full glory!  Thank you to my niece, Amaryah, for creating a great cover and the dream catchers that mark each chapter.

Here’s my book, all ready to go to the library!

And here is what “It Flew Right Out Your Ear!” looks like!   I think I have mentioned that this was printed in black and white when it was ordered in color.  The color copies have not yet arrived and that is a disappointment but I will have the black and white copies to sell.  Still a great story but the vibrant illustrations are somewhat lacking.  Hence the reduced price.  The beautiful cover shows you what the brilliant illustrations will be like when it gets here.

Didn’t Jane do a great job on this cover? You should see the illustrations inside!

If you can’t make it to the library but want to buy one or both of the books, just print off the following order form.

Order Form – White Squirrel, It Flew Right Out Your Ear

Hope to see you at the Library!

My 3 Things:

1) Books are all set

2) Change box is all set

3) I’m ready to go!

Have a great one, everybody!

Order Form – White Squirrel, It Flew Right Out Your Ear

I once saw a sign in a repair shop that said “If you don’t have time to do it right, how are you ever going to have time to do it over?”  Or something to that effect.

I have just realized that I did not correctly write down the zip code to the place where the book orders are going to be mailed if you printed one off!  I am so sorry!

I am going to update the previous posts so that they have the correct order form.

Doing things right the first time saves so much time and energy.  Paying attention to small details is so important.  I could try to find an excuse why I did it, but basically it comes down to this:  I was hurrying.

Take the time you need to make sure all details are correct and life will be so much easier.  Underpants First.

Have a great day!

Here are my 3 things:

1) that I caught the mistake kind of early.

2) that I am going to the Author day tomorrow in Stroudsburg.  Hope to see you there!

3) the rain is making me not feel like I have too much more to do, so I will slow down and be ready for the rest of the weekend.