O.K. So I'm trying to regroup after just hearing about the untimely passing of a young co-worker. Reminds me that we must live each day to the fullest because, you just never know.....

Mom fell today and ended up in ER. X-ray to hip came back negative, which is truly a blessing. However, she is still unable to bear weight on the side that she fell on. It just continues to remind me how fragile our bodies become with age and how we must cherish our loved ones each and everyday....

The question becomes "What is a successful book signing?"  Knowing that you have connected with others and made some connections along the way has got to count towards something whether or not you have sold a lot of books....  Then again, you do want to make sure that you make money equivalent to the investment you have made towards advertising and travel expenses and time spent doing the signing itself.

I consider all my book signings a success! Now, on that note, should I ever have a "super successful" one, my blogger friends will be the first to know!!!!   Smile......

P.S. Is there anything such as a "super successful" book signing in the age of e books?

Struggling as I watch my mom age. It is difficult to not see the person she was before, lively and holding a conversation and even arguing with at times. I will be strong. What's that saying, "More than survivors for we live in a decade of hope!" The challenge is to live the words we speak.....

Inspiration behind Seizing Opportunities....

Foreword:
 I talked casually to a gentleman in a nursing home one day about my interests and where I hoped they would lead me. After mentally soaking in some of my words, this man turned to me and said, "Denise, you are a talented person. You could do a number of things with your skills. You're basically sitting on a gold mine!" 
     In frustration, I replied, "I feel the same way. It's just that I feel powerless, having all of these skills, yet not knowing where to go with them! What in the world can I do to take what I have to the next level?"   
     Bingo! I knew that I had spoken something that millions repeat to themselves daily. "What have I got that is of value to myself and others?" And, "How can I make this work for me to get where I eventually need to go?"  I’m sure these questions reflect the frustrated responses of many people who are trying to use their gifts to fulfill their purposes in life.
     Thus was born the idea behind this book, Seizing Opportunities that Propel You Forward. I want to stop people in their tracks as I shout out to them, "Hey look! New chances are thrown in your path daily. But, you must recognize them before it's too late!"  Compelling people to search for overlooked opportunities will be a challenge, but well worth the effort. Just remember: Opportunities can come at any moment in either small or large packages. So, never overlook ordinary breaks that can make a big difference in your life.




"Looking high, looking low. 
How much farther do I need to go?
It took a while but now I understand. 
The opportunity I was looking for was right in my hand!"




From Seizing Opportunities That Propel You Forward published through Dancing Lemur Press!

Just found out today that someone from UK built their blog directly from my website word for word in 2010. Imitation is a form a flattery. But stealing is not....

On a different note, I notice as the holidays approach, stress may escalate. I pray that families stay strong and remain as one remembering to show one another how much they care and appreciate their blessings....

Someone very close to me often talks about how her unhappiness is caused by her family and friends. She feels that they do not treat her as they should. I often remind her that although she may be right in wanting others to treat her with more respect, she is wrong in letting their actions determine her happiness. My advice to her? "Stop being the victim!"  Too many people give up on life, their hopes and dreams because of the "victim mentality". I say,  "Take ownership of your feelings and your life".  A person may not be able to control  circumstances. But they do have the power to control their responses to these situations. Empower yourself. Get the ball rolling. Don't let what others say or do be the determining factor of your success or failure.

www.mywordsandme.com

Trying to find the secret behind this blogging trend. It's new to me and exciting, but overwhelming!

Just learned about a young man (9 years old) being shot accidently a few days ago while he and his neighbor (8 years old) were playing with a loaded gun. Unfortunately, now two families and a community are left to mourn the untimely death of a young person caused by someone not keeping this weapon out of reach of such young hands!

My blog spot on November 14th introducing my e-book Seizing Opportunities That Propel You Forward on Dancing Lemur Press went great. Thanks for all the responses! To view the site, go to:

http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/

My newest CD, "Decade of Hope" is due out this December. I am very excited about the positive messages on this project.  The songs include two Relay for Life songs, "Decade of Hope" and "We Are Not Defeated". These songs were two of the past themes for the Duplin County Relay for Life.  The songs express the determination of cancer victims and their families to hold onto hope after a diagnosis of cancer. Even if the victims succumb to cancer, we must hold onto the hope that there is a cure for others. Other songs include "I Am a Queen", a song about women finding the strength and beauty inside of themselves. This song is sung by my daughter, Brittany Sutton who was the inspiration behind this song. Every year, for her birthday, Brittany wore a crown stating she was a queen for that day!  "We are Defeated" includes a patriotic song about how America should stand as an example to other countries. This song was originally written as a motivational song for the Warsaw Middle School students in 2003 to encourage them to find the beauty within themselves. It was taught to James Kenan High School students several years after I wrote it and performed beautifully by memory.  "I Can Do It" talks about having a can do attitude and not giving up on your goals. This song has been performed in several school settings with the students joining in with me on the chorus. Catchy tune which the very young seem to enjoy. "I Can Make A Difference" is a song that I hope cause others to think twice about working with one another to better reach their goals. "Poetry in Motion" expresses my love for writing and poetry. Thanks also to Damien Thomas who helped with a lot of the vocals on these songs.  The theme is how from the tragedies of 2001 up until this year 2011, we have lived within a decade of hope!

Newest E-Book!

Excited about my newest e-book. Check it out at

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/103782

 

Thank You

Sometimes thanks does not seem like much;
Sometimes thanks does not seem to touch,
The tip of the iceberg compared to your dedication;
And how you’ve hung in there through different situations.

But I offer you now a few words from my heart.
To each and everyone of you who played even a small part.
For when it comes to caring for and helping one another,
No one person stands out as being more important than the other.

For when God has a purpose, He sends a message from above.
It is then up to us on earth to seal it with our love.
That is what all of you have been doing up to this day.
Giving a piece of your heart in your own special way.