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 |  It's about adventure! Life, Scouting, Family, writing what else is there? |
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WELCOME TO: GEMINI RISING   UPDATED INTRO 25 OCT 2021: Just a little about me. I've been married for 30 years in NOV this year!! and currently live in Southern California, but I grew up in New Hampshire. I've got 2 boys in their teens. I work as a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. I enjoy my job a lot. I love to write, but since I've been so involved with the Boy Scouts program since 2015 (now Scouts BSA since girls were invited to come on board) I haven't written much. I hope to get back to more writing soon, as I'm scaling back my BSA commitment. Update on this: I was able to get out 2 stories that were previously published. The update/publishing is going slow. I like to get out in nature, take walks around Castaic Lake, drink coffee and watch football. Here's a little bi about my zodiac. GEMINI: Gemini, the sign of the Twins, is dual-natured, elusive, complex and contradictory. On the one hand it produces the virtue of versatility, and on the other the vices of two-facedness and flightiness. The sign is linked with Mercury, the planet of childhood and youth, and its subjects tend to have the graces and faults of the young. When they are good, they are very attractive; when they are bad they are more the worse for being the charmers they are. Like children they are lively, and happy, if circumstances are right for them, or egocentric, imaginative and restless. Their good qualities are attractive and come easily to them. They are affectionate, courteous, kind, generous, and thoughtful towards the poor and suffering - provided none of the activities resulting from expressing these traits interferes too greatly with their own lives and comforts. Geminians can be successful in many walks of life though their general characteristics tend to make them unreliable. They are often skilled manipulators of language, in speech and writing, and may be: debaters, diplomats (though in politics they are more interested in theory than practice), orators, preachers (brilliant rather than profound), teachers, authors, poets, journalists, or lawyers. This is me. I am a Gemini. Pure, Raw, passionate. The NEW focus of this blog is to share my adventures, book reviews, thoughts, opinions, and writing adventures from actual writing, writing/editing tips, marketing, research. I'll get there.  Find me at: WEBSITE: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor GOOD READS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart YOU TUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee Previous GRATITIOUS Warning, that I decided to keep in case I post about something that might offend.  WARNING I intend to be open, honest, and forthright. No topic is off limits from religion to you name it, I'm going there. If you think you might be offended...back up now - this blog isn't for you. For those who "dare"  check out the "Gemini Rising..." |
I just wanted to take some time today to give a shout out to my friend, Starr Phenix   I've known her now for over 10 years, but we first corresponded over the Internet when she was in Georgia. She was a big Roger Howarth fan and so was I. It was 1998 and I got hooked on "One Life to Live," during the "TnT" years. Shortly afterwards, she moved to Cali - the Victorville area which was about 1 hour from my house. It was great to have a friend since I wasn't native either. I used to visit Starr out in the desert. I always enjoyed my visits. We talked about Soaps and our writing. I loved how Starr expressed herself - so openly and honestly. I firmly believe we're kindred spirits. When it came to writing, Starr inspired me. We started on soap opera fan fiction but soon expanded to our own writing. When Starr showed me her "Once Upon A Time Series," she blew me away. That was fantastic writing. She had a fan in me for life, but then she already had...  She joined WDC first but I joined shortly thereafter. Anything she writes I know I'll read it and enjoy it. She does her homework. She's da' bomb. Starr moved back to Alabama shortly after Joseph was born. (Sep 2006) She's from Alabama and it was time for her to go home to her family. I know the Internet will help keep us in touch, but still I miss her daily presence on the Net. She's working now and just doesn't have the time like she used to get on. The other day she called, but I couldn't talk much because I was at work on my lunch break. I tried to call her back but her phone battery died. Sigh... If you get a chance, and you like fantasy/family saga, check out her "Once Upon a Time" series. Sniff...sniff...I just want to say I miss her. She's my muse, my devil's advocate, my writing buddy, my friend. |
| I hate to say it, but for the most part, I believe in Astrology. No, I don't hate to say it. I sing it loud and proud. It is UNCANNY how much the description for "Gemini" fits me to a "tee." That said... My son, Joseph, was born on 20 September 2006, putting him under the sign of Virgo. Truth be told I don't know JACK SHIT about Virgos. I know a little about Picses and a little about Aries and Scorpios but I know NOTHING about VIRGOS. So I thought I'd do a little research... From: http://horoscopes.aol.com/astrology/zodiac-central/virgo The Virgo is highly discriminating, but not necessarily as prudish at some might believe. In ancient times, a Virgin was a woman who was not the property of man, and therefore had the legal right to just say "no." Now, in modern times, you Virgos are known for your ability to be highly discriminating -- especially when it comes to matters of personal desire. When Virgo is ready, however, to say yes, the laser-like focus of your passion is anything but prudish. Yes, Joseph can be very discrimating. He can tune Mommy out in a heartbeat if he doesn't want to hear what I have to say. You Virgos have the uncanny sense to see what's wrong with a person, a situation or your environment. It's why Virgo makes such natural critics. Virgo practical analytical abilities are second to none. Your mental process may not be the most creative, but Virgo's razor-like thinking is highly effective. Like the maiden pictured in the Virgo glyph, you separate the useful wheat from the unneeded chafe, the good from the bad. Virgo might be a "clean freak," but most Virgos have a messy closet somewhere or a disaster under their bed. He's too young to be a clean freak. One thing I have noticed though is how obsorbed he can get when he's checking something out. Like he's studying and anaylizing it. The Virgo motto could be "Perfect is almost good enough." On one hand, this trait makes you very employable, for you're not likely to do shabby work. On the other hand, you can be so finicky that you put limitations on your interactions and experiences before they happen. You'll be happier if you can learn to be selectively less critical, both of others and yourself. Element: Earth Earth signs are naturally practical. In this lifetime we are bound to Earth. There is no escaping the reality around us The Earth is about as real as it gets; it can be felt, weighed and it has substance. Accordingly, the earth signs base their life on what is real, not what is imagined. Sensation is valued over thoughts or feelings. Earth signs live with their feet on the ground. Others seek their advice because of their basic sensibility. For earth signs, seeing is believing. The earth of Virgo is a changeable earth, light to the touch. It's about practical analysis -- using mental tools to discern the best use for what is around us. Sixth House: Work The Sixth House is about the regular performance of work-related tasks. This isn't necessarily about career. It's about the job you have that buys the bread for the table. This sector is also where we look to find out about health and healing, for it's not only work routine, but also our daily habits of hygiene. Key Planet: Mercury Mercury, the Messenger of the Gods, moves around the Sun faster than any other planet. He symbolizes our thoughts -- not only how we think, but how we communicate. In fact, Mercury is in charge of all language. Mercury is our active and rational mind. It is not only "just the facts" but also what we do with them. As the key planet of Virgo, Mercury is about intellectual discrimination. It's the binary function of the neurons in our brain. They either fire and impulse or they don't. Mercury here is about the basic "yes" or "no" decision that must be made for every piece of information that enters our consciousness. We have Mercury in common! Virgo Greatest Strength: Your ability to focus your attention OMG - Yes. He can do that! Virgo Possible Weakness: Need for perfection gets in the way of enjoyment *********** From: http://www.astrology-online.com/virgo.htm Virgo is the only zodiacal sign represented by a female. It is sometimes thought of as a potentially creative girl, delicately lovely; sometimes as a somewhat older woman, intelligent but rather pedantic and spinsterish. The latter impression is sometimes confirmed by the Virgoan preciseness, refinement, fastidious love of cleanliness, hygiene and good order, conventionality and aristocratic attitude of reserve. They are usually observant, *red*Yes he is! shrewd, critically inclined, judicious, patient, I think he is practical supporters of the status quo, and tend toward conservatism in all departments of life. On the surface they are emotionally cold, and sometimes this goes deeper, for their habit of suppressing their natural kindness may in the end cause it to atrophy, with the result that they shrink from committing themselves to friendship, make few relationships, and those they do make they are careful to keep superficial. But the outward lack of feeling may, in some individuals born under this sign, conceal too much emotion, to which they are afraid of giving way because they do not trust others, nor do they have confidence in themselves and their judgments. This is because they are conscious of certain shortcomings in themselves of worldliness, of practicality, of sophistication and of outgoingness. So they bring the art of self concealment to a high pitch, hiding their apprehensiveness about themselves and their often considerable sympathy with other people under a mantle of matter-of-factness and undemonstrative, quiet reserve. That's something I have noticed about Joseph. He's very matter-of-fact, practical, and he has a quiet reserve. He's not as high strung as his brother, who is an Aires. They are still waters that run deep. Yet in their unassuming, outwardly cheerful and agreeable fashion, they can be sensible, discreet, well spoken, wise and witty, with a good understanding of other people's problems which they can tackle with a practicality not always evident in their own personal relationships. Owww... Both sexes have considerable charm and dignity, which make some male Virgoans appear effeminate when they are not. In marriage they can be genuinely affectionate, making good spouses and parents, but their love making is a perfection of technique rather than the expression of desire, and they must be careful not to mate with a partner whose sex drive requires a passion they cannot match. They are intellectually enquiring, methodical and logical, studious and teachable. They combine mental ingenuity with the ability to produce a clear analysis of the most complicated problems. They have an excellent eye for detail but they may be so meticulous that they neglect larger issues. Also, although they are realists, they may slow down projects by being too exact. They are practical with their hands, good technicians and have genuine inventive talents, Thoroughness, hard work and conscientiousness are their hallmarks, and they are such perfectionists that, if things go wrong, they are easily discouraged. Because of their ability to see every angle of a many-sided question, they are unhappy with abstract theorizing. Appreciating the many different points of view as they do, they find philosophical concepts difficult, and they vacillate and have no confidence in any conclusions at which they arrive. With these qualities, they are better as subordinates than leaders. Responsibility irks them and they often lack the breadth of strategic vision that a leader needs Virgoans are essentially tacticians, admirable in the attainment of limited objectives. Their self distrust is something they project on to other people and tends to make them exacting employers, though in the demands they make on those under them they temper this attitude with justice. They have potential abilities in the arts, sciences and languages. Language especially they use correctly, clearly, consciously and formally, as grammarians and etymologists rather than for literary interests, yet they are likely to have a good memory for apt quotations. Although they are well suited for careers in machine drawing, surveying and similar occupations, they are better fitted for a job in a library or office than a workshop. Their minds are such that they need the stimulus of practical problems to be solved rather than the mere routine or working to set specifications that need no thought. They are careful with money and their interest in statistics makes them excellent bookkeepers and accountants. They also make good editors, physicists and analytical chemists. They may also find success as welfare workers, ministering to those less fortunate than themselves. They can be doctors, nurses, psychologists, teachers, confidential secretaries, technologists, inspectors, musicians, critics, public speakers and writers especially of reference works such as dictionaries and encyclopedias. Both sexes have a deep interest in history, a feature recognized by astrological authorities for at least two hundred years. We have something in commmon! I love history. If they go in for a business career their shrewdness and analytical ingenuity could tempt them into dishonesty, though they usually have enough moral sense to resist temptation. Female Virgoans may find a career in fashion, for they have a flair for dress, in which they can be trend setters. In any profession they choose the natives of this sign readily assimilate new ideas, but always with caution, conserving what they consider worth keeping from the past. They love country life but are unlikely to make good farmers, unless they can contrive to carry out their work without outraging their sense of hygiene and cleanliness. Their faults, as is usual with all zodiacal types, are the extremes of their virtues. Fastidious reticence and modesty become old-maidishness and persnicketiness; balanced criticism becomes carping and nagging; and concern for detail becomes overspecialization. Virgoans are liable to indecision in wider issues and this can become chronic, turning molehills of minor difficulties into Himalayas of crisis. Their prudence can become guile and their carefulness, turned in on themselves, can produce worriers and hypochondriacs. Possible Health Concerns... Virgo is said to govern the hands, abdomen, intestines, spleen and central nervous system. Illnesses to which its natives are prone include catarrh, cold, coughs, pleurisies, pneumonia and nervous instabilities. Their natures make them inclined to worry and this makes them vulnerable to stomach and bowel troubles, including colic and ulcers. Male Virgoans may have trouble with their sexual organs. Both sexes are strongly interested in drugs and esoteric cuisine and as their delicate stomachs require them to be careful about their diet, it is essential that they treat their fascination with exotic food with extreme care. |
| Well, I'm game. Here's my book review policy. Send me an email here or at Botrina_Buchanan@yahoo.com. Put "Book Review Request" in the tagline so I know I'm not being spammed. 1 - If you send me a review copy of your book, I will review your book FASTER than if I have to buy your book. 2 I will post my book reviews on Amazon, B&N, My official blog, My official Website, My Writing.com blog, do a Writing.com Product Review and my MySpace page. If you have an Author's Den account, I will post one there Any questions? Let me know. I'm be putting up an In & Out here as well to take requests. Steph |
| There are a couple of agent that blog which I like I read. One guy is Nathan Bransford. You can find him at http://www.nathanbransford.blogspot.com/ He comes across as honest, decent and departs a lot of practical knowledge about the traditional publishing arena which I'm trying to break into. He put up a link to an article in the NY Times were it was talking about books and publishing. Over 400,000 books were published last year, up from 300,000 the previous year. Self-publishing was the driving force of it. The article implied though you might not get the quality you're looking for if you do self-publishing because there's no quality control. Anyone can publish a book, using that mind-set. It was pointed out that Self publishing makes publishing affordable. Susan Driscoll, IUniverse's CEO said that a majority of writers using IUniverse barely sell over 200 books. Heck - and I can tell you this - IUniverse has a wonderful publishing system put in place, but the marketing falls back on the author and most authors find it hard to market. They're simply out of their water, or if they do understand it, it's too time consuming to pursue - they'd rather get back to writing! I have to admit, that's the driving force for me to find a traditional publisher. I have no time to focus on marketing and I'd rather be writing. I've just wrapped up a paranormal romance I've been working on, but the 5 agents I quiered said, "Not what I'm looking for." Reader's Views offers help with book proposal so I'm hoping they'll be able to help me out here. Is self-publishing the wave of the future? I think there's a strong demand to it because people like the concept of being "published" but I think traditional publishers are going to stick around because they offer the quality control that readers can count one. Whewww.. That said, let's move on to something else. I'm curious - A - what was the LAST book you read? B - what book are you reading now? C - what genres do you like to read? D - where did you buy your last two books? Me? A - Last book I read was "Rehearsal," by LK Hunsaker. It was over 600 pages and a time consuming read partially because reading time is limited. B - I am currently reading "Against A Crimson Sky," by James Conyrod Martin. The book is about 300 pages. I just started and am about 50 pages into it. It's about a polish noblewoman in the late 1700's when the Russian invaded and partioned Poland. It's something a little different for me, but it's historical and that's the appeal. C - I like to read, romance, supernatural, true crime, true life stories. D - I bought my last two books online. It's too hard to get to a book store with little ones. Smiles, Steph |
I just had this idea from typing to Max Griffin 🏳️🌈  He's got a new book out called, "The Frog King," and I like to review self-published authors for my monthly newsletter that I put out through my website, "SG CARDIN ONLINE." So, I got this idea...I'm going to put together something - a forum - maybe an in and out and something on my official website's messageboard and my other blogs were I take review requests. Are you an author looking for a review? Let me know. Tell me what your book is and what it's about. I'll put it on my reading list and review it for my official newsletter. All reviews will be posted on MySpace page as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you send me a review copy, that review will take priority over a book I have to buy. I'm going to work on this later on in the day and get something up. **** Last night we went to retirement dinner for one of the LT's from work. He's a good man and it's sad to see him leave. It was a pleasure working for him. I liked the theme of the dinner. "Hawaiian." The atmosphere was laid back and fun. It was nice for Brent and I to go out on a date. Baby Joe is up but I'll pop back in later |
Well, I just finished reading a book called, "Rehearsal, A Different Drummer," by LK Hunsaker. You can find find her Writing.com as Voxxylady  and on MySpace.I enjoyed the rich characterization of the book the most. My favorite character was Kate. She came across as very real to me. Susie's loyality to her friend was very commendable. As for the guys, I liked Evan the best. He was a true, steadfast friend throughout. For me, he's the kind of guy that I wish I'd known growing up. The time period of the novel is the 1970's. I thought Loraine did a great job capturing the feel of the 70's. Here's my review. ******* Rehearsal, A Different Drummer By: LK Hunsaker 623 pages ISBN 0-7414-3267-6 $26.95 Infinity Publishing Rehearsal assembles an ensemble cast to tell the story of a rock band, Raucous, that comes of age in the 1970's. The main plot focuses on the relationship between Evan, Susie, and Duncan. Ultimately, Susie pursues a relationship with Duncan, leaving Evan, her childhood friend, to wonder where he fits into her life. There are various subplots involving Kate and Mike, and the band's adventures on the road as an opening act for an established band. Hunsaker tells an engrossing tale that takes the reader through every facet of the character's lives. There are numerous references to the 1970's that evoke the era. The characterization is "spot on," but the pacing slows the reader down. A satisfying ending leaves the reader looking forward to the sequel. |
| Last weekend kept me on my toes. I love wine. One day I hope to write a story about Napa wine country in Califorina. Anyhoo, the local collage, "COC" (College of the Canyons) has been offering personal enrichment wine classes. This past weekend, Brent and I went to a class called "Wines of the Old World," about wines from Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. It was so informative! We learned about old World wine making and how to tell the difference between old and new wine. We had a blind taste test and I did well. The instructor is a Master Sommiler (sp?) and he teaches regularly at COC. The next class is wines about the New World next month, but I don't know if Brent and I will go to that one. We're more interested in California and Old World wines. My toe is healing well and there's no more pain. I need to get back to my weight watchers. I put on 4 pounds instead of losing. Now, trying to take them off is a challenge. I have to buckle down and two things which is my weakness: #1 JOURNAL!! and #2 eat more FRUITS & VEGGIES. Wish me luck for this week. Writer's Digest came out with their JUNE 2008 with a 101 BEST writing websites. Writing.com made the list! Yay!! There are some wonderful resources listed and even if you don't subscribe but are serious about writing, pick up a copy of it. Also, I just went through my 2008 NOVEL & SHORT STORY MARKET book and there are a ton of resources that you can take advantage from agents to markets who are looking for your short stories. Highly recommended. Smiles, enjoy DWTS and have a great week! Steph |
| Well, I'm happy to announce that I'm hosting an Internet book signing for my book, DESTINATION:BERLIN!! The book takes place in 1988 in Germany. My heroine is Army Corporal Sharon Cates. She's on a trip to Berlin and her train gets derailed in the middle of East Germany. Both the Stasi and KGB are after her because she's carrying top secret information. The only help she has to make it to Berlin is from an unlikely source - a Soviet Soldier! I'll be selling the book for 14.50 on my website. It comes with an autograph, bookmark and pens. The book has good reviews, including one from Midwest Book Reviews. If you get a chance, just pop in and say "Hi," even if you don't intend to buy a book. I'd love to see you visit my official website. An account on EZBoard is free. Here's a link to my website: http://p219.ezboard.com/ftherogerhowarthphotogallerycommunityfrm5 And here's a review for the book by MySpace reader, "Reviewer of the Moment" which is posted on my Amazon page: After reading the back of this book, I was feeling a little iffy as I started it. Sometimes military stories catch my attention, and other times I get overwhelmed by the lingo and the violence and quickly lose interest. "Destination: Berlin," kept my rapt attention from the first page through to the last though. As I finished the story I realized with a smile that I actually quite enjoyed it. Sharon Cates is a model American soldier stationed in Germany. On her way to attend a routine orientation tour in Berlin, she meets a Russian soldier named Dimitri. The two share a meal and agree to put aside their military and political differences and "be friends for the day." Shortly thereafter, an explosion derails the train, mildly injuring Cates. After overhearing a conversation by the train bombers, Dimitri quickly realizes that Cates is carrying more than just her identification papers in her briefcase. Somewhere in that case, unbeknownst to her, are nuclear launch codes that people are willing to kill to get their hands on. Injured and completely confused, Cates finds herself with few options other than following the enemy soldier to safety. From here we follow Cates and Dimitri as they attempt to get to a safe and neutral part of the country; all the while hoping to guard the codes and prove Cates had no knowledge of the codes being in her briefcase at all. There's a little bit of everything mixed into this story. There's history, adventure, suspense, romance and of course so military jargon. The author does a good job though, of simplifying the military lingo, so that it never becomes a burden to understand. The story flows well, and moves along quickly. If you're looking for a good story to keep you occupied for a night or two, I'd highly recommend this one. |
| Hi all! Hope all is well with you .  It's very hard for me to get out to do a real book signing, so I like to host Internet book signings. I'll be hosting my next Internet book signing on 16 APR which is this coming Wednesday. I'll be selling copies of my book, DESTINATION:BERLIN. You can take a peek in my port if you want to check it out. I'll be selling it at the discounted price of 10.00 plus 4.50 for shipping and handling. I'll have a PayPal button on my official messageboard on that day so just pop on over and if you're interested, pick up a copy. Books come with an autograph and a bookmark. Here's a link: http://p219.ezboard.com/ftherogerhowarthphotogallerycommunityfrm5 ALSO: Check out my messageboard for my official APRIL/MAY contest. Sign up for my newsletter on the front page of my website at: http://sgcardin.tripod.com Thanks so much for your support. Smiles, Steph |
| Well yesterday I was up bright and early and went to take out the trash in my pajamas. I was barefoot and after dropping off my load, I stubbed my toe on a sprinkler. Ouch! I didn't think it was bad, as the pain was manageable, but a couple of minutes later I discovered blood all over the rug. I had to wake up Brent who is NOTORIOUS for sleeping in. He watched the boys and I went to urgent care. It's a bad cut, but the doctor said it was in such a place that made stiches not a good choice to help it heal. I'm taking Anti-botics, banadging it, using an ontiment and I have a flat shoe to wear which is almost impossible because Joseph likes to peel off the velcro. I did manage to limp my way to the Dodger game. We had field level tickets in the right outfield. They were cheap. Haha. They redid the concession stands and they look nicer now. The Dodgers lost though. Andrew couldn't stand the noise. It was too loud for him, poor thing. |
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I love gyros. We have a Greek church and restaurant in town and a festival. But... I'm not there. 