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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seismometer Society teaches us to pursue all sorts of things for happiness - BMWs, Mercedes, Ferraris,  that bigger house, that infinity swimming pool, that vacation home in the mountains, that Key West home, that new set of TaylorMade golf clubs, that Italian shotgun, those Christian Louboutin red sole shoes, that Giorgio Armani purse. The list goes on and on. But what I have found is all of those things are temporary and the happiness they bring is fleeting. This is what Jesus was talking about when He said  "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19 Now I'm not saying we can't have nice things, and that we should live in a state of poverty. Not at all. But what I a

 

  A coming-of-age YA story that is as hauntingly authentic as it is deeply thought-provoking. Iearn more

I'll be signing copies of Summer of '82  at The Book Shelf in Thomasville, GA Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 2pm to 4pm. Stop by!  

 de-stress /dēˈstres/ verb verb: destress relax after a period of work or tension. "others come simply to de-stress and to enjoy the exercise and relaxation classes" - Google Dictionary There are a great number of recommended de-stress exercises that I have read about or that have been suggested to me over the years. Going to the beach, on a cruise, a long drive, or a weekend in the mountains always works, but their not quickly accessible options all the time. Sometimes you need to be able to take a quick break, regain your composure, re-center, reset your perspective, and return to work. When I worked in Roswell, GA several years ago, there was a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop about 3 blocks from my job. When things got hectic and I needed a break, I would walk over, get a cup of coffee, and a hot sugary blessing from God, and then return back to the job. When I moved to Saint Pete and began working in Tampa, sometimes it was a short walk over to Starbucks for a flat white. But

 As I continue to work at improving my skillset as a writer, I continue to read and write on a regular basis. Occasionally someone suggest a book specifically on writing or someone asks me to recommend a book on writing. To date, I have found these five to be the most helpful. They are listed in no specific order.   Ernest Hemmingway on Writing  Hemmingway always said it was bad luck to talk about writing, but numerous time throughout his life, he tossed out some pretty sound advice. Phillips assembles the gems into one cover and a brief 140 pages. I may be a little bias, but you can't go wrong with writing advise from a master. On Being a Writer by Kroeker & Craig On Being a Writer provides 12 simple habits to develop and maintain a writing career. Though some may seem simple and obvious, they provide good suggestions that can benefit every writer new, established, young, and old. Storyville: An illustrated Guide to Writing Fiction by John Dufresne Storyville gets into to nuts