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Veterans Day 2018

Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, American pride stands tall remembering those who have fought for our freedom. On this day, November 11th, we honor military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Veterans Day 2018. The Writing Life, Carolyn M. Bowen

Look around you today and thank those who bravely fought for our country. A veteran may be as close as a family member, your next door neighbor, friend, or acquaintance.

My grandfather fought in World War I followed by his son who was drafted and served in World War II. War affects not only the country but every family member who is left behind. In the before mentioned wars, the country supported the cause and did whatever it took on the home front to safely bring their loved ones back home.

Veterans Day, Rosie the Riveter, Writing Life

Rosie the Riveter comes alive for me knowing a family member was a proud American who put on her welding mask and wielded the torch to provide wartime services.

Veterans Day History

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. At the urging of major veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who died while in military service. Wikipedia

The Question of the Day

Do you think Americans would rise to the occasion to support war efforts as in the past? If not, why? Please answer in the comment section.

I’d like to remember you or your family members who’ve served or presently in the United States military on this Veterans Day. You don’t need to say anything unless you want to, just place your/their name (s) in the comment section to be remembered on this special day. You have my utmost respect on this day of honoring all service personnel. Thank you for your service!

Thank you for following my blog and connecting on social media. I appreciate your support. Carolyn M. Bowen

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Lee Child – Past Tense Book Review

Quote of the Day: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” ― William Faulkner

Lee Child - Past Tense Book Review, The Writing Life

Looking Back – A Game Changer!

Past Tense (Jack Reacher, #23)Past Tense by Lee Child
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lee Child goes the distance with Past Tense; all the way back just asking – begging for trouble. Jack Reacher’s usual mode of transportation, hitchhiking, across America from Maine to California, brought him to a fork in the road deep in the New England woods. A place he’d never been before but the town where his father was born. Curious, he takes the detour.

Not far away as the crow flies, a young Canadian couple on their way to New York to sell a treasure has car trouble. They’re stranded and taken by the tow truck driver to a motel for the night until their car could be fixed in the morning. A friendly place at first glance, perhaps a little too friendly thought the couple.

By morning, Reacher is in the city clerk’s office looking for answers about his family’s home. He knew his father had lived there in the past, left and never returned. The city clerk’s office informed him no one by the name Reacher had ever lived there. He wondered if he was wrong about the location or if his father never lived there. Haunted by memories from the past, he had to investigate.

From day one, Reacher gets into some tight places because of his code of honor. Not that he was looking for trouble, but someone needed to take a stand. He was there, so it was left up to him. Detective Amos, a former MP, encourages him to leave town before something worse happened.

Reacher wasn’t finished exploring his father’s life and intended to stay. And, things did get worse as the Detective promised. Hidden out of sight, in a motel where the sign had been removed the young Canadians found themselves pinned into a bizarre experiment unable to leave. They wondered if and how they’d ever escape their tormentors.

Their stories converge as Reacher uncovers secrets about his family. Looking into the past can be deadly, but living in the present in Laconia was pure hell. The Reverend Patrick G would attest to this fact.

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I share on social media daily. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

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The Bowers House Literary Center

Quote of the Day: “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

The Bowers House, Canon GA, The Writing Life

Fall is finally in the air and the autumn leaves are going through a kaleidoscope of colors in the North Georgia Mountains. Over the weekend we took in the sights and sounds of Canon, GA., the homestead of family and friends. We walked in the steps of many before us as we explored the remains of the historic town and were made privy to some of the best-kept secrets from the past.

One of the outstanding sites continuing to operate was The Bowers House, a literary center for writers. This caught my attention and I wanted to more about the activities and offerings available. A call to Ellen Bowers Davenport, Manager and Treasurer at The Bowers House provided some fascinating details about the literary retreat and family history that lead to the opening of the residence for creatives.

The Bowers House, Canon GA, The Writing Life

The Bowers House

The Bowers House Writers Retreat and Literary Center is a grand historic home in a small northeast Georgia town. According to the spokesperson Ellen Bowers Davenport, “the residence offers a quiet environment away from the everyday things in life.”

The residence was constructed in 1921 as a hotel when the railroad was active and cotton mills churned making Canon GA a leading producer of quality products for manufacturing. Located within walking distance of the mills, many cotton traders were regular guests at the hotel. With the invention of the motor car followed by the Depression, the hotel’s fate was sealed.

The Bowers House, Canon GA, The Writing Life

Later in 1997, the hotel was restored with five private rooms and a house to accommodate up to twelve overnight guests. Today the residence is active with writers taking advantage of the solitude to focus on creating their best works.

There are several opportunities to use the property exclusively, and several workshops or readings occur monthly at the facility. The Bowers House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is also the perfect venue for a writing workshop with its strong Writing Guild association and proximity to the University of Georgia and Clemson.

The magnificent family residence is now owned by writer Laura Bowers Foreman who transformed the residence into a writers retreat in 2006. The old gardens surrounding the residence have plantings from around the world dating back from its beginning. Master Gardeners would have a field day on the historic site sorting through and identifying the plants and shrubs that have lived through the passages of time.

The Bowers House, Canon GA, The Writing Life

Looking for a writer’s paradise away from the noisy world where you can enjoy a southern veranda in your rocking chair, call Ellen Bowers Davenport to schedule your stay. The Bowers House literary retreat is the perfect location to schedule your next writer’s events. The Bowers House can be reached during business hours at 706-498-6970. The Bowers House is located at 100 Depot Street, Canon, GA.

The Bower's House, Canon GA, The Writing LifeSpecial thanks

Thomas C. and Maurya Jones

Ellen Bowers Davenport, Manager and Treasurer, The Bowers House

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

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Hello November!

Hello November, Carolyn M. Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils. Cyril Connolly

November brings a smile to my face. It’s my birthday month and I enjoy celebrating all month long and at my age, it’s a privilege to be alive. Plus, I love getting in the holiday spirit. And, a great start for the upcoming holiday season is showing gratitude to our veterans for their service followed by being thankful for our family and friends on Thanksgiving Day. A monumental event for me was the release of The Long Road Home. I hope you’ll read it and leave a review. I want to know the thinking process of my readers.

November Federal Holidays

Monday, October 8 – Columbus Day

Monday, November 12 – Veterans Day

November 18th 2016 – Release of “The Long Road Home” by Carolyn M. Bowen

Thursday, November 22 – Thanksgiving Day

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

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Google Plus Shutting Down

Quote of the Day: The only thing a person can ever really do is keep moving forward. Take that big leap forward without hesitation, without once looking back. Simply forget the past and forge toward the future. Alyson Noel

Google Plus Shutting Down, Carolyn Bowen Author

One of my favorite and most enriching social media sites is shutting down following a security breach. The consumer version of Google Plus will no longer be available as its being phased out over a six month period.

I’ve developed relationships with some cool folks on this social platform. I’ll post alternative sites like Twitter and Facebook for us to connect and of course, my website and am hopeful many will follow. However, right now all I can do is cry!

I’ve enjoyed looking at pictures from around the world and connecting with the photographers (friends) who allowed us a peek into their lives and country.

I’ll be reading a book or watching a movie or TV series and have friends on Google+ post the exact spots where the action took place along with comments. These may be little things too many, but they’re a breath of fresh air for those interested in the variety of topics posted on Google+.

So, I’ll get busy and do my best to stay connected. If you’re following me on Google+, please hit the follow button, I want our relationship to continue.  While I’m at it, a special thank you for sharing my post on other social sites. I noticed. And, it’s most appreciated. Hope to see you soon! Carolyn Bowen

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

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Falling Back 2018

Daylight Savings Time – USA

Falling Back 2018, Daylight Savings TIme, Carolyn M. Bowen Author

The fallback of time from Daylight Savings Time (DST) is a reminder of the fall season and holidays approaching. You’ll have a chance to recoup the hour of sleep you lost March 11th.

What to Do

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. (EST) on Sunday, November 4th. You’ll need to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. Remember Spring Forward – Fallback!

Is There a Downside to DST?

Besides some folks just not liking it period, according to Dr. Anthony Komaroff, executive editor of the Harvard Health Letter, there are side effects including problems falling asleep and restless nights. Yes, I wonder what they’re thinking. Children going to bus stops in the dark. Really can’t anyone see the danger in this?

How it started

We’ve got to blame someone for this idea – right? According to the National Geographic, New Zealand’s entomologist George Hudson came up with the idea. Why? He wanted to go bug hunting.

In the U.S., Daylight Savings Time (DST) was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson in 1918.

In the United States, the idea was pitched as a way to help farmers with crops and harvesting. Growing up on a farm, I can tell you the hands on the clock meant nothing to the farmer/rancher. The grind was from sunrise to sundown and most times during the night for a calf birthing or shooting a possum who had found a way into the chicken coop, invasion by wolfs, bobcats and/or coyotes.  In reality, it was department stores behind the push for adjusting clocks, looking for another hour of shopping time in the afternoon and evenings.

Others have argued that DST saves energy. A 1975 study by the U.S. Department of Transportation showed that DST accounted for a savings of about one percent a day in electricity use.

While most of the country and about 40 percent of the world use DST, there are some exceptions. Two states – Arizona and Hawaii – and several territories don’t fall back or spring forward with DST.

Will We Keep It?

Just how important is this in the grand scheme of things? Like it – hate it –until Congress moves and the clock continues to tick on that one, Daylight Savings Time is here to stay.

NOTE: It’s likely that most U.S. states will continue the practice of changing the clock twice a year, though some state legislatures have discussed ending the practice.

Californians will vote Nov. 6 on a proposition to keep Daylight Saving Time year-round. Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill passed overwhelmingly by the Florida Legislature that would keep the Sunshine State on DST year-round.

Bottom Line

Set your clock back an hour this November 4th and enjoy the festivities of the season. Want to make a change?  Contact people who can make a difference –  your area Congressman/Congresswoman. Remember they serve at your pleasure.

I look forward to learning your preferences about Daylight Savings Time. Thank you for following my blog and reading my books. Hope you’ll check out my “About Page” to learn more about my books and writing life.

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

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Marketing: What You Don’t Know May Hurt You!

Quote of the Day: “Build it, and they will come” only works in the movies. Social Media is a “build it, nurture it, engage them and they may come and stay.” – Seth Godin

Marketing: What You Don't Know May Hurt You!, Marketing, Carolyn Bowen Author

Our world is constantly changing and business is no exception to this rule. Marketing strategies are constantly evolving and being made new to reach customers where they live and work with products/services relevant to their wants and needs.

Entrepreneurs are required to become smarter and more resourceful in attracting and maintaining customers’ loyalty. Marketing and advertising play a major role in accomplishing business goals with repeat satisfied customers.

Marketing is not a shush word one is afraid to say out loud. The best made beautifully crafted products or most polished service is unknown unless it is marketed and advertised. But, with the variety of marketing strategies available, it becomes deafening and confusing to most business owners.

The idea of simplicity is a favorite go-to for me. Just give me the facts, nothing fancy, like I’d have to stand on my head to accomplish and I’m happy. The 1- Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib made sense for me. Here is my review from Goodreads. Check it out and see if his marketing ideas will work for you.

The 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand out From The CrowdThe 1-Page Marketing Plan: Get New Customers, Make More Money, And Stand out From The Crowd by Allan Dib
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No hype here. This marketing book is straightforward about its offerings. Allan Dib provides a step-by-step plan for developing and executing a marketing plan along with a sample one page worksheet to download. Simple instructions making the complexities of marketing easier and more customers oriented are at your fingertips. I’d also recommend buying the paperback to have on hand as a resource. This is one of the best marketing books available right now.

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I look forward to learning about your successes. Thank you for following my blog and reading my books. Hope you’ll check out my “About Page” to learn more about my books and writing life.

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

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The Travesty of Self-Deception

The Travesty of Self-Deception
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Quote of the Day: Life isn’t about maneuvering in a straight upward line. It’s about negotiating the dips, twists, and turns encountered in everyday life thereby removing obstacles standing in your path to claim your noble calling. CMBowen Author

Now available in the Timeless Edition.

The first sentence in M. Scott Peck’s book, The Road Less Traveled, says “Life is difficult.”  What a downer or surprise for those who believe failure is not an option.

Many years ago with the first edition, I wanted to quit reading after the first sentence. My definition of life was the direct opposite. Yet, I continued reading and joined a book study group to get the full force of the meaning and basis for the book. I’ll add here the end results enlarged my thinking to transcend difficulty and surrounded me with lots of warm, fuzzy feelings.

Struggle too many is unacceptable. If it becomes too hard they quit. But, the question comes to mind, how long should you struggle, sometimes leaving a trail of brokenness in your wake? Perhaps, you’re barking up the wrong tree decoded means this business/career is not for you. Highlight: There is a special way for you to showcase your talents. Go back to square one!

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

If you’re repeating previous failures, stop now and get some help before your upside down peeking out a mouse hole.

Question for Today

How long do you think you should attempt to accomplish a goal? For example, building a business, before quitting?

I look forward to reading your comments. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

As always, I appreciate your following my blog and reading my books. Hope you’ll check out my “About Page” to learn more about my books and writing life.

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

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A Tangled Mess: Hurricane Michael

Quote for Today: It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy, we face the storm and defy it.    Amelia Barr

Tangled Mess, Writing Life
Panama City Beach before Hurricane Michael

Recently I’ve decided to put my education to good use and help others by writing in the mental health area also. I’m a mystery-crime fiction author with a background in psychology and communication.  I look forward to sharing personal development and inspirational tips from time to time on my blog.

When storms blow your way

I had a feeling this hurricane season would be bad and the worst isn’t over until the end of November. (See the previous post) I just didn’t know how close it would hit to home – my community.

Many folks are still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Michael. The far-reaching effects inland are beyond comprehension. This is a look at Marianna, FL located 60 miles from the direct hit on Mexico Beach.

Marianna FL Hurricane Michael
Photo/Brendan Farrington)

How do you deal with this mess?

My family and friends in Panama City FL and Marianna FL are still without power, gas, water, ice….

A feeling of being overwhelmed is normal. One day you have a residence and the next you don’t. My Granny comes to mind, 90 years old and displaced by the hurricane. No home to return to and years of memories gone. She’s a fighter who left her home when it was engulfed during the hurricane and sought a safe place. No one expected the Hurricane Michael to reap damage 60 miles inland, maybe some rain and wind but nothing traumatic.

As Granny says, “The next time there’s a mention of a hurricane in NW FL, I’m gone.” Like I said, she’s a smart woman.

My sister and family in Panama City, FL experienced the brunt of the hurricane force. She and her family survived a harrowing experience. They’re alive – residence totaled.

Well, my place appears to have survived the worst. Besides needing a new roof and major road clearing up my driveway all seems good. Yet, I’ve not been able to get to the property for the trees in the lane leading to the house. Yet, looking at NOAA images, the damages may not be so bad. I’ll know next Wednesday when a path is cleared.

Family First

Check in with family as soon as possible and let them know your situation.

Make your request – what do you need? Food, medical supplies, lodging…

In times like this cash and supplies work best. Send cash and if possible deliver food, gas, ice and other needs. Gas is a premium for running generators for homes still intact and for getting out of town.

You are a survivor

You made it through this ordeal and you will be able to start over. This experience doesn’t define you. It will motivate you to become a more authentic person. You are more than a survivalist for this is just one part in your story. The next chapter will be a result of your rebuilding and claiming your destiny of goodness and prosperity.

To all those affected by Hurricane Michael, I wish you peace!

As always, I appreciate your following my blog and reading my books. Carolyn M. Bowen

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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