The Pyrenees---Southern France

The Pyrenees---Southern France

Monday, May 26, 2014

Memorial Day Giveaways

        Today is the day when we reflect on those who have gone ahead of us--those who have passed before us, and those who have served for us.

      Yesterday on the show 60 Minutes they covered some new treatment for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. It's called "Prolonged Exposure" (I think I'm remembering the name correctly) and involves them telling their story over and over. Too often, they bury it inside. As soldiers who have served say, "If you've been there, I don't need to say anything and if you haven't, there's nothing I can say." It's the same therapy that has been used with rape victims. Each time they tell their story, they heal a little more...


         The Harsh and the Heart has sentimental value for me in a couple of ways. One, it was the first anthology that included a story of mine--my first publishing credit. Second, it features a story about my dad. It was written while he had Alzheimer's, when his personality and his memories were gone. Now he's gone completely...

        
      This collection is an inspiring one. Several of my writing friends have stories in it, including Lynn Obermoeller, Linda O'Connell and Alice Muschany. (Sadly, my story did NOT survive. In fact, it was turned down in a case of projectile rejection. However, I am still thrilled for the writing colleagues who were lucky enough and talented enough to get accepted.)

      On June 1 I will be drawing names of the winners. If you're only interested in one of them, indicate that, or if you'd enjoy winning either one, let me know, and I'll put your name in both hats (literally and figuratively, although it will probably be a bowl and not a hat). 

     Have a great Memorial Day...and may your day be filled with fond memories of loved ones.

And if you're not booked up on June 1, you're in Missouri and would like to hear some writers read their words, check out the event that Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writer's Guild is hosting. It's free (and should be lots of fun--I went last year and it was a delightful afternoon).

18 comments:

  1. Count me out of the military one...serving was sufficient. But I'd love to win the other one!

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    1. Shay--I'll put your name in for the Gloria Gaynor collection. However, considering the thousands of followers I have, the competition will be stiff. ;)

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  2. I'd love to win either one! Happy Memorial Day!

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  3. Hi Sioux,
    What a generous way to remember those who served.
    I would love to read the story about your dad.

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    1. Donna--I'll put your name in the hat for "The Harsh and the Heart." (I imagine you already have a copy of "We Will Survive" signed by Alice, right?)

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    2. Yes. My copy is signed by Alice and Linda and Lynn and Cathy.

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  4. How generous of you. I would like to read the military one, but I could also use a print version of the Survive one for my sister. She is going through something harsh and Lynn's story is close to home for her. I have the book on Kindle but would love to hand my sister one for strength right now. I hope you are having a great day. Is school out for you yet?

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    1. Claudia--I'll put your name in both hats (bowls).

      It was a great weekend, and school is almost out. Wednesday is a half day for the kids...

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  5. You've been so generous with all of your books that you share with me, so I won't ask to be in the drawing, however, if I haven't read the story about your dad, bring it with you sometime on critique night as I'd love to hear it.

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  6. Lynn--I'll be glad to share it. Are you sure you don't want your name in the "We Will Survive" drawing? ;)

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  7. Look at Lynn, being so humble. Forget that. I want the books. :)

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    1. Lisa--I know. Lynn is way too humble. You and I would be dangerous if we were in a competition against each other--we'd both be scratching at the other's eyes and yanking hair. ;)

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  8. Put me in! Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend, Sioux!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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    1. Pat--Will do. And you--YOU have a lovely Saturday as mother of the bride. Enjoy it. Savor it. Hold fast onto all the memories that'll be made on that day.

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  9. I have We Will Survive, but would love to read your military story. What a great way to memorialize your dad! Hope you had a happy holiday.

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  10. Tammy--I will put your name in the bowl.

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  11. Surely this is a site well worth seeing.

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