May 15th 2012

Hi Y'all!

I've been running two at home businesses lately: selling used books and the other one is being an Independent Consultant for Country Gourmet Home.

Here are my websites

http://www.yardsellr.com/yardsale/Penny-Sue-522631
http://www.countrygourmethome.com/consultant/uid/pcockrell

The Yardsellr website is host to the books and jewelry that I sell, and the other one is my Country Gourmet Home business.

I'm trying to get back into reading and finishing the final edits on my novel Bloodshed on the Setting Sun.

I've been reading the book Life's That Way by Jim Beaver (played on Deadwood and is currently on Supernatural as Bobby Singer). It's about the when the actor was taking care of his terminally ill wife and autistic toddler. The books contains all of the e-mails he wrote to his family and friends during that time. I'm about a little over half way through the book, and I'm compiling a reading list for the rest of the year. Now, I may not get to all of them, so the ones I don't get to this year will roll over to next year's list.

Here's the list.

1. Life's That Way- Jim Beaver (currently reading)
2. Beautiful Losers- Leonard Cohen
3. Composed- Rosanne Cash
4. Skeleton Crew- Stephen King
5. Wicked- Gregory Maquire
6. Son of a Witch- Gregory Maquire
7. Pet Sematary- Stephen King
8. Flowers In the Attic- VC Andrews
9. Petals on the Wind- VC Andrews
10. If There Be Thorns- VC Andrews
11. Seeds of Yesterday- VC Andrews
12. Garden of Shadows- VC Andrews
13. The Stand- Stephen King
14. The Tailsman- Stephen King and Peter Straub
15. Black House- Stephen King and Peter Straub
16. The Unwelcome Child- Terese Pampellone
17. The Right Hand of Evil- John Saul
18. Dispatch- Bentley Little
19. Perfect Night- John Saul
20. The Town- Bentley Little
21. In the Dark of the Night- John Saul
22. The Store- Bentley Little
23. The Association- Bentley Little
24. Heaven- VC Andrews
25. Dark Angel- VC Andrews
26. Fallen Hearts- VC Andrews
27. Gates of Paradise- VC Andrews
28. Web of Dreams- VC Andrews
29. My Sweet Audrina- VC Andrews
30. Frankenstien Book One- Dean Koontz
31. Frankenstien Book Two- Dean Koontz
32. Guardian- John Saul
33. Lonesome Dove- Larry McMurtry
34. Comanche Moon- Larry McMurtry
35. Watchers- Dean Koontz

This ought to tie me over in the reading department through the end of the year.

Got to make like a library and book because Dr. Phil is on!

Sister of Mercy

 

Monday April 02 2012

Have you ever have something stolen from you? What was it? How did this make you feel? Did you get it back? Or did you hatch a plan to get it back? Do you think it would have worked?

When I was 12 years old, I had a book about Johnny Cash that was written in 1973. I read it three times in two weeks. However by the end of the second week, it was taken from my locker. Now there were the usual suspects. Most of the people in my class, but a few people really stood out and I set out to find out what they might know with a little force (yes, I know that's wrong, but I was I thug back then). No one seemed to want to talk though no matter how much I screamed, slapped, or slammed up against the wall. I also know now that was not the way to go about getting my book back. I did learn to keep what I believed to be of value to me at home and never at school because people at school will mess with it every time.


Have a good day,

Sister of Mercy
 

Sunday April 01 2012

Must Haves For A Successful Road Trip

I rarely get to go anywhere since I'm a shut-in who can't drive because of a brain disorder that causes seizures, but when I do get to go somewhere on that rare instances these are the things I have to take.

1. Gluten free snack because of my food allergies. I would starve if I didn't because it is sometimes impossible to find something to eat at convience stores and rest areas that people would most likely stop at along the way.

2. I can't forget to bring my meds with me. I also bring the bottles with me in case I have to stop at a Wal-Mart, Walgreens, or RiteAid to have them refilled in an emergency.

3. Can't forget the cell phone charger. I've seen too many movies where the cell phones dies and the person is SOL in trying to call for help.

4. Extra change of clothes, you never know what may happen and you don't want to have to wear dirty clothes. That would be just gross!

5. My skin care, make up, and other beauty aids, a lady can't go around not being clean, with gross breath, sweaty arm pits, and without her pretty face.

6. a map, first aide supplies, and a small tool kit because you don't want to get lost, go around with an exposed cut that could get nasty, and my Dad always told me to keep a Phillips head screw driver and a flat head screw driver along with a small wrench at the very least. He also told me to have a flashlight with me too. Mom never listens and doesn't keep them in the car though.

7. The most important thing is to just have fun and you will if you're prepared.

Have a good one!

Sister of Mercy


 

Saturday, Oct 29th 2011

Hi Y'all!

I want to announce the special that I have going on for my WDC friends at The Book Nook. I'm offering a 10% discount off of any order from my shop to all of you. All you have to do is go to the website, decide what you would like to purchase, and e-mail me with your selection instead of going through the checkout page. I will then give you instructions on payment in the reply e-mail.


I've got to go and organize some more inventory! Mysteries, thillers, horror, sci-Fi/fantasy, and non fiction galore! I also have a few westerns to add to the mix too.

Sister of Mercy
 

Friday October 28, 2011

Hi Y'all!

I've been busy everyday updating my business (The Book Nook) website. I'm starting to get the hang of how to construct the website, but there is so much more that I need to learn.

I'm going through some more romance books today. I will add titles by the end of this weekend from authors including: Janet Dailey, Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, Jude Deveraux, Catherine Coulter, Sherryl Woods, Linda Lael Miller, and Johanna Lindsey.

I've got to get back to work!

Please check out the website!

http://www.welovebooksatthebooknook.weebly.com
 

Tuesday, Oct 25, 2011


I want to tell y'all about my new adventure. I've started an online used book store called The Book Nook. I'm also selling the books at fairs and festivals too.

Please check out my website at

www.welovebooksatthebooknook.weebly.com


I also have a raffle going on that I would love for y'all to check out.

ID: 1820252   (Rated: E) The Book Nook Raffle  This raffle is to raise gps for worthy groups and my membership. Ticket holders needed! by CountryGourmetHome

Thursday Oct 20, 2011

I got the title to today's entry from an old Lee Hazlewood song called These are Cold Hard Times.

My life is going down the toliet right now. Both of my parents are really sick. My mother just got out of the hospital after having two different proceedures. She had a gallstone removed from a bile duct and then her gallbladder was removed. She just got out of the hospital yesterday afternoon. She hurts so bad she can barely walk.

My dad will be going into the hospital on Monday for a biopsy on his lung. A lymphnode was found on his right lung. The doctor said that it is a huge chance that it's stage 3 or 4 lung cancer.

Luckly, my dad has medicare, a supplement, and cancer insurance. However, my mom is uninsured. I'm having to have to figure out a way to help pay for her medical bills even though my used book selling business and coupon clipping business are both still in the beginning stages.

I would love to be able to keep up my membership here and go to the meet and greet next August but I don't see how I'm going to be able to since Dad can't work anymore.

I just wanted to let everyone know what was going on.......

Sister of Mercy
 

Monday, September 19 2011


It's been quite sometime since I've last written. My life is going through a lot of changes. I've started a new business called Sister Goes Shopping. It's an online personal shopping business. I'm also selling used books at fairs and festivals.

I'm also on a site called Listia. Here is the link if anyone wants to check it out.

http://www.listia.com/signup/730478

It's a great site to get free or low cost stuff like clothes, books, DVDs, cosmetics, coupons for free products, gift cards, ect. I'm also running five auction on there.

I've also been selling items on ebay under pcockrell35. Be sure to check that out. I have 2 DVDs on sale there and coupon packs (I'm selling my services as a coupon clipper, not the coupons since that is illegal).

I've also joined a site called Inbox dollars. It's a site that pays members to read e-mails, fill out surveys, and complete offers. I have earned almost 13 dollars and will receive a check when I hit 30 dollars. If anyone would like more info, just let me know and I'll send you an invite.

I've also lost 20 pounds so far and almost two clothing sizes. I'm even beginning to wear Misses XL instead of a plus size 1 or 2 X. Wheat and corn free is the way to go! Cutting back on dairy helps too!

I've started eating broccolli for the first time. It is absolutely delicious!

I've went to two nice towns recently, Martin, TN and Red Bay, AL. I helped my friends sell t-shirts in both towns at festivals. The one in Martin was called The Soybean Festival and the one in Red Bay was called Founder's Day. Also while I was at the Soybean Festival in Martin, I got to see three different music acts, Uncle Cracker, Kansas, and Diamond Rio. At Red Bay, I learned what "Buck Dancing" is. It's kind of like clogging. It was fun to watch.

I want to appologize for falling behind with WDC. I'm currently working on catching up now.

If anyone is looking for an online personal shopper, just drop me a note.

Yours Truly,

Sister of Mercy


 

Saturday August 20th 2011

I've been working on this novel, "Bloodshed on the Setting Sun" , what feels like a lifetime. However, I haven't worked on it quite a liftetime. Here's the progression of my baby.

My novel was orignally born in 2006 as The Faerie Realm. While I was working on this baby, another baby was born, but it was a series of stories that took place in a small town called Deacon, Mississippi. These two were crying out for more, but both needed more for them to survive. As a result, the two became one. I combined them into one novel called All Roads Lead to Deacon, Mississippi in 2009. Then around October 2010, I decided to scrap this child because she was becoming too unruly. I deleted this child from my port and shredded her hard copy. The only things I kept were some notes and character sketches.

I gave birth to a new child called "When the Sun Sets on Deacon, Mississippi"  in Nov 2010 during NaNo. She behaved much better, not perfect mind you, but was definetly an improvement. After NaNo, I enrolled in classes for the first time at New Horizons. I ended up writing additional material as class assignments that will be included in the final draft. Here are the pieces, "Lesson#2-Writing Assignment" , "Lesson# 3- Writing Assignment" , "Lesson#6- Writing Assignment" , "Punctuation Lesson#2 part B" , and "Punctuation Lesson# 4" . I also have another piece called An April Affair that may end up in the novel (it's in my port in the folder Welcome to Dexubee County).

My baby is now growing up and has now become "Bloodshed on the Setting Sun" . I hope my child will turn 18 by October, so I can write the query letters and send her out into the world.

I'm currently expecting again. This one is going to be a little girl too. I'm naming her Blood on the Blue Moon. I'm enrolled in the NaNo class in October, so I will have a midwife to help me out with the birth in Nov.

Sister of Mercy
 

Wednesday August 17 2011


When I was 15 years old, my grandma Laveil moved from Goshen, Indiana to my neck of the woods in Mississippi. She moved during the summer and lived in a little apartment. I practically lived there with her.

She got me addicted to bagels and cream cheese (this was way before I found out that I was allergic to wheat). She taught me how to fix homemade bannana pudding (can't have that anymore either ).

She also bought a beauty kit for me that was just like hers. It contained these products.

1. Rosebud Slave (this is a must have for lips and cuticles!!!!!!!)
2. Dr. Scholls foot cream (I use Dr. Scholl's For Her Ultra Overnight Foot Cream now)
3. Avon Cinamon foot scrub (I now use Avon Foot Works Scrub Watermelon scent)
4. Oil of Olay Moisterizer (This turned out to be to greasey for me,but I do use Oil of Olay Definity pore redfining scrub and Oil of Olay total effects 7-in-1 Anti Aging cream cleanser plus blemish control.)
5. Ponds Cold Cream Cleansers (This was a little too heavy for my skin. However, I did use it as a eye makeup remover when she gave it to me.)
6. Cucumber Peel Off Facial Mask ( I still get this from time to time to give my pores a good cleaning.)
7. Neutrogena hand cream (I use the Norwegian formula. It has a nice smell to it also.)
8. a nail file
9. a foot file
10. She gave me some kind of nail hardner, but I don't remember what kind she gave me. (I have recently started using Sally Hansen Miracle Cure.)


I also remember that halloween. We both dressed up as vampires to greet the trick or treaters at the doors. I think we scared more kids than we gave candy to. I dressed my collie up to look like a bloodsucking hellhound too.

She went back to Goshen around the beginning of Feburary. She reconciled of my grandpa Lloyd which was great. I just missed having a grandma around. I did spend the following summer with her, and I saw her two more times after that. I talked to her a lot on the phone and wrote to her constantly. She died when I was 27.

I always keep a tin of Rosebud slave and use it all the time. I feel as if I have a part of my grandmother with me.

Sister of Mercy
 

Monday July 15 2011

I'm taking my fourth class at New Horizons, and I'm quite excited about it. It's a class called From the Ground Up, a beginner's class for poetry writers. I really want to improve my writing skills when it comes to poetry. I've experimented with it ever since 05. I had my first poem published in 06 (it was free verse). I've had 27 free verse poems published in all (probably all medicore or bad). I have a few of them in a folder in my port if y'all would like to check them out. I've only started trying to write form poetry during the last year or so. The main forms I've tried and failed at are Tyburn, Trijian Refrain, Rondelet, Shadorma, and a Villanelle. These are all in my port. I challenge y'all to find them and help me correct them. These are the forms I've done and believe I've succeeded at (or come very close) Triolet, Skeltonic Verse, Gogyohka, Archimedes Pi, Haiku, Acrostic, Naani, Ode (a little on the silly side though), Senryu, Janaku (this one is not in my port yet), and a Decastich (an example of every one that I have attempted except for a Janaku is in my port).

I hope to learn the fundamental basics of poetry that I do not know in order to write good poetry such as meter(my biggest problem). Words like iambic pentameter mystify me at times along with stressed and unstressed syllables. I probably sound like a dumb dumb because I don't understand that.

Anyhow, I'm really looking forward to beginning the class in September, and I'm sure I will learn about some of that stuff that makes me scratch my head repeatedly.

Sister of Mercy
 

Sunday August 7 2011


I went shopping yesterday and was a little disappointed. The health food store I went to was a total bust. They didn't have anything I wanted, and the few interesting things they had were way overpriced.

I couldn't find the Neutrogena foundation I wanted or the Revlon lipstick either. There's a certain shade that I adore called cherries in the show. I have the nail polish to match it. I'm going to see my brother tomorrow, and there are places near where he lives that may carry these items. I sure hope so.

I guess everything wasn't a bust because I did find some gluten free rice krispies to make some rice krispie treats. I had a coupon for 70 cents off, so I only had to pay a little over two dollars. That was pretty cool because cereal is so expensive! I was also able to get some gluten free fruity pebbles. Yeah, I have to have those kid cereals some times. They actually satisfy my sweet tooth. I also had a dollar off coupon when you buy two, so I only paid about 2.49 a box. I was also able to buy some Philadelphia Cooking Creme. This is my guilty pleasure. I love putting this in pasta to give it a delicious creamy texture. I had a 75 cent off coupon, so it made it only about a 1.70 instead of the well over two dollar price. Gluten free hamburger helpers were on sale for a dollar a box, and I had a coupon for 75 cents off three boxes, so I only paid 75 cents for each box. Then at the register, I received a coupon for a dollar off of one box of any hamburger helper product. That means while this sale price is going on. I can get one for free. I'm going to do that tomorrow. I also got these cool smoothies for only 75 cents a piece because I had a coupon too. They were the Edy brand where you only have to put milk in them and stir them up. I also got the Silk soy milk for only 1.99 when it's usually over three dollars. I had a dollar coupon, and it was on sale.

I didn't find the books I wanted at Books-A-Million,but I found them on Amazon.com for very good prices. I bought The Kind Diet by Alica Sliverstone, No Plot No Problem by Chris Baty, and the movie The Legend of the Phantom Rider all for a little over 26 dollars with the free shipping option.

I guess my shopping trip wasn't too bad between all the places I went too. I saved 25 dollars because I used coupons.

I hope I didn't bore y'all too much with the I saved this much and that much stuff.

Sister of Mercy
 

Wednesday August 3 2011


Life is pretty good for me right now. I may not have much money. May not be much to look at. However, I've got a man who loves me and two beautiful children. What more could a woman ask for?

I'll also get to see my soulmate tonight! *iinlove* I've also lost two more pounds! That makes 12 pounds in all.

I'm going shopping this weekend for groceries and household items. I plan to splurge on the book The Kind Life by Alicia Silverstone if I can find it at Books-A-Million if not then I will buy it on Amazon.com. I might look for the book Breakthrough by Suzanne Sommers too. The reason I want these books is that I'm getting into being healthier.

I've made a realization recently. I'm never going to be a size 2 or 4, not even a 10. I may always be a plus size (I may be able to get down to a 14 naturally and be able to keep it off because of the meds I'm on.). I've already gone from a 20 down to an 18. However, I'm much healthier than I use to be because of not eating wheat and very little corn products. I've cut back on dairy by more than half too. I don't eat eggs either. I'm also flirting with the idea of switching to soy meat and cheese. The only dairies that I will probably still eat will be cottage cheese (just to cook with) and cream cheese. I know that I may never follow all of the vegan rules, but who says I have to. I can do my own thing, but still become incredibly healthy at the same time.

While I'm shopping this weekend, I also plan to visit a healthfood store that I haven't been to. I'm hoping to find a kind of marshmallow that is corn free. I've found them online but would like to save the shipping if possible. I would love to be able to make some gluten-free/corn-free rice krispie treats. Mine are also lactose free because I use the low cal, fat free, lactose free butter. A woman has to have a sweet treat every once in a while.

I also want to see if I can find some gluten free breads and tortilla shells/wraps. I will look for the ones made with rice flour. I've seen these online too, but they are quite expensive online. I would like a taco sometimes. My healthy version of one of course. A hot dog or cheeseburger would be nice too, and yes , those can be healthy too. Extra-lean ground turkey is heaven sent. Ground soy meat is also heaven sent. These are both great options for healthy tacos and burgers. Turkey wienner are great for hot dogs. I've been thinking about trying soy dogs too.

I wasn't planning on talking so much about food, but I love to cook and figure out how to make delicious foods in a healthy way.

I've got to go now and get some sleep.

Sister of Mercy
 

Tuesday August 2 2011


Here's the last part of my Got Debt series. Mortgages will be discussed.

Here are some tips to consider when looking for the best mortgage for you.

1. Don't be house poor! Make sure the monthly payment will fit your monthly budget.
2. Save up at least a twenty percent down payment to avoid private mortgage insurance known as PMI. Having a sizable down payment will make your application look more attractive to lenders too.
3. If you are looking to buy a condo, you will need to consider housing association fees. These are known as HOA fees. These are in addition to your mortgage payment. These fees normally cover maintance, water, garbage, amenities such as the swimming pool and fitness center, parking, and sometimes gas and cable. The higher the fees the more they will cover.
4. Try to avoid piggy back mortgages. This is where you have two mortgages, one to cover the main loan and a smaller one to cover the down payment. These are very expensive. It is always best to have a down payment.
5. Try to go for a fixed interest rate. ARMs (adjustabled rate mortgage) are usually more expensive in the long run because the interest rates will go up after a period of time.
6. If you can afford if, go for a 15 year fixed interest rate mortgage. These are usually the cheapest, and you will pay it off quicker. However, if you need a lower monthly payment, go for a 30 year fixed interest rate.
7. Make sure you always keep up with the interest you pay on your mortgage each year. This is tax deducitble. Just fill out a Schedule A along with a 1040.

Other things to consider.
1. Order your credit report from each bureau before applying for a home loan. You want to make sure it in the best shape possible.
2. Know your FICO score. The higher the score the better the interest rate you will get.
3. Make sure you can even afford a home. Can you afford to pay taxes on a home? Can you afford to maintain a home? Can you afford home owner's insurance? There are more things to consider than just the monthly payment.


Sister of Mercy
 

Saturday July 30 2011


Write a story, poem, essay, composition including: Love at first sight and an ideal or an impromptu vacation.


Love at first sight
when I met Big Daddy.
Now, I wish we could go
on a romantic trip
to the green island
called Ireland.



I told y'all I'm not a poet, but I really wish I could go on a romantic trip with Big Daddy.


Sister of Mercy
 

Friday July 29 2011

Write a story, poem, essay, composition including- summer and mysterious stranger


Summer's night was
so hot and sultry.
As I stared upon,
that mysterious man.

Gazing into blue eyes
of the stranger standing
before me with fangs
popped out of his mouth.


I know I'm not much of a poet, but I thought I would give it a whirl.


Sister of Mercy
 

Thursday July 28 2011

Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think. Ralph Waldo Emerson


To me, character is higher than intellect. It takes a very good person who will go beyond intellect and see a person for what's on the inside such as loyalty, honor, strength, honesty, in other words, someone a person that can be counted on in the long run. Then this person will also have a great soul that will be strong and guide the person to live and think as one should.

Sister of Mercy


 

Wednesday July 2011

Today is an open prompt day, so I've decided to write about how I've adopted a healthier life style.

1. Since I found out that I'm allergic to wheat and corn gluten, I've mostly cut out all of those bad carbs because of this.
2. I'm also mildly lactose intoterant, so I've switched to soy milk and lactose-free butter. Cheese doesn't seem to bother me, but I try to choose low fat and fat-free cheese whenever possible.
3. I rarely eat pork any more. I may have a some link sausage once a month, but I've hadn't had any in two months, and I don't miss it. I sometimes cut up a hot dog wiener(most of the time, they are mixed with chicken or turkey) in some turkey chill. This is something else I have about once a month or less.
4. I've cut back on red meat too. Instead of eating it a couple times a week, I only eat it about once a week or less.
5. I do eat a good bit of chicken/turkey and fish/seafood. However, I've thought about limiting or cutting these out because I'm thinking about becoming a vegetarian or a vegan for health reasons.
6. I'm eating more fruits and vegetables than ever. I love raspberries. I'm also beginning to like cucumbers because they are a great palette cleanser.
7. In addition to taking a multi-vitamin and folic acid, I've also started taking calcium.
8. I drink mostly water and herbal teas. I will sometimes drink a small glass of fruit juice at breakfast, but only if it's low cal and low in sugar.
9. I do not eat processed foods such as frozen dinners and canned soups (unless they are organic).
10. I've stopped eating condiments like mayonnasise and have limited ketchup and mustard to the organic kinds.


What I still need to work on.

1. I need to exercise more. I've been kind of lazy about this.
2. I need to get more sleep every night.


Results from my changes
1. I've lost 10 pounds.
2. Dropped 1 clothing size
3. My skin looks great.
4. My hair has improved.


Sister of Mercy



 

Tuesday July 26 2011

Describe your favorite fairytale, myth or legend from your childhood. Discuss why it's your favorite and how it has influenced your beliefs and morals throughout your life so far.

I remember watching a movie called Dark Crystal when I was about seven years old. It was also a graphic novel. I also had that book and read it over and over again until the pages started falling out.

This story/fairytale taught me not to judge a book by its cover, For example, when Jen meets Augora (the lady with the shrill voice, messed up hair, and pot belly), I first thought she was a villain until she gave him a crystal shard and clues to solving the prophecy.

I also learned that the "nuclear family" (father, mother, children) isn't always what makes up a good family. Jen was raised by a group called the Mystics. They were gentle and wise, but very brave creatures. The other main character Kyra was raised by the Podlings. They were these little dark creatures who loved to party.

In all, this story opened up my mind to new things and ideas.


Sister of Mercy
 

Monday July 25 2011

Fukijima, Japan March 12 2011


When I first saw this prompt, I scratched my head and thought to myself "a goggling I must go". After clicking on the first article, it refreshed my memory that it was the place and the date when that nuclear power station exploded over in Japan. This happened a few days after they had that bad earthquake and tsunami. All I could think was "those poor people". A lot of them were homeless, without food, injured, searching for loved ones, and on top of that they had to worry about radiation getting into the air and water. From what I read, their government turned a blind eye.

It kind of reminded me of the tornadoes that happened a couple of hours away from my neck of the woods back in April. There's a little town about two to three hours away from where I live. The tornadoes destroyed it. I mean flattened it. That town is still in shambles. I believe the government has pretty well ignored the fact they need help. Now the big college town in Alabama that got torn up received loads of help from the government (now, I'm not saying they didn't need it just that it wasn't fair that some receive help and others don't).

I guessed I digressed, but it seems to me that everyone should pull together in times like that.

Sister of Mercy