National Freedom Day

February 1^st is National Freedom Day

By Donna Germany

 

On June 30, 1948, Harry S. Truman wrote a proclamation declaring February 1st as National Freedom Day.  Why February 1^st?  On 1865, Abraham Lincoln signed the resolution that led to the adoption of the 13^th amendment of the constitution.   In his proclamation, Truman wrote about this day we should pause and remember “the glorious blessings of freedom which we humbly and thankfully enjoy.”

With this proclamation Truman supported the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approved by the General Assembly of the United Nations.  This declaration “recognized the inherit dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world”

The United Nations was borrowed this theme from the State of the Union address by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s January 1941 address.  “The Four Freedoms speech,” written before World War II,   identified the four freedoms that people everywhere should enjoy.  Those four freedom where freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.   

Norman Rockwell then did a series of oil paintings in 1943.  Those paintings were reproduced by Saturday Evening Post.  The Post and the US Department of the Treasury did a touring exhibition of those paintings that raised $132 million in war bonds.  My dad was an admirer of those prints and had copies above the dining room table.  I have searched for the essays that accompanied those artist renditions.  I have been able to find two through the internet, not the original magazine article.

Funny, one idea started the movement of another.  One writer started an idea that last eighty-three years.  History built on one theme:  Freedom.  Do you think that your writing can stand the test of time?  Will it be memorialized by artist and other writers?  Isn’t that what writing is meant to do?  We should strive to find a theme so others can build a platform that will stand the test of time. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=87188

One, Weekly Writing Piece

by: Donna Germany

Becoming a writer is just about writing one, weekly piece.  Of course that piece can be a poem, a short story, or a chapter in a book.  Make a poster of the Nike slogan: Just Do IT! Put it where you can see it while you work.  With the new computer programs, anyone can write.  I have been re-reading and reading for the first time, books about writing.  I did receive my interlibrary loan for Dean Koontz’s book How To Write Best-Selling Fiction.   Even though it was published in 1981, he still has great ideas to challenge you to write.  He even talks about getting his new word processor to make his writing easier.  He has a chapter about the changing publishing field, not about the eBooks entering the market but the publishing houses becoming big conglomerates.  But the market is always changing.  I recommend you reading his book, if you can find it.

Some of the other older books on writing tell you to start a notebook with pockets inside to keep the idea for each chapter idea organized.   

You learn to control your creativity. To keep this challenge from becoming a drudgery, try to work on your narrative hooks.  You know those first lines that “hook” the reader into wanting to read on. Or, you can come up with titles.  Choose one word.  Mine is always: Writing (because that is what this blog is about.)  Add word in front of or behind until you have a title.

You get into the habit of making a deadline when you challenge yourself to write one piece a week.  This will be the hardest of all for many full-time employees.  It is for me.

And finally, you can publish your work to a blog site, if you have created one.  There are many places on the internet that have writing challenges.  Fanstory.com, writing.com, fastpencil.com, legendfire.com that offer feedback.  These type groups are helpful to any writing process.  But like all internet creation, they may or may not stand the test of time. If you are interested in the internet writing groups, do a word search on “writing” in any search engine.  ITunes has several productivity sights as well. 

All of these ideas should help you become a writer, one piece at a time.  

copyright(C) 2016 DonnaGermany

Authors of UPCI

The published works by Mississippi authors from the UPCI amaze me.  There are so many titles that I haven’t read and so many I want to read.  Sadly, there are some no longer available.  I am glad I have them on by bookshelves already.  But to be able to go to one place and browse through the books available is wonderful. 

If your goal is to publish a book, then consider attending the Writer’s Conference coming in October.  Hopefully, you will be able to talk with published writers.  Bring your own unfinished stories. It is my opinion, before you can be a published author you have to send your story out into the world.  So many times, as writers we want to keep our written words as our own property.  Writers can be so shy sometime.  Maybe, because of past rejections you don’t want to be exposed anymore.  Have you seen the tag, “Writing can be somewhere between torture and fun.”   Writers are their own worst critic.  So start with a group of like-minded people.  Let this forum be the feedback that will not be harsh rejection but critical opinions that can improve your writing. 

If you just have a desire to write but haven’t put anything onto paper yet, start by finding a book by your favorite author, turning to page 51, go to the last paragraph on that page, and write that paragraph and the rest of the story with your own words.  Don’t have a favorite author.  Then find a book with your favorite color on the cover, or one you were supposed to read in school but didn’t.  It’s a good writing practice.  Allow yourself imperfections, which is part of the process. 

I have said in past post that God is not the God of chaos.  When I was taking a math class in college, we had a reading assignment about the chaos theory.  (One of those books I have but didn’t finish.)  But in the chapters I did read it was proven that even chaos has its order.  And that only lead me to believe that God has His hand in even the chaos in our live.  Maybe I will find that book and take my own advice and bring that paper with me to the writer conference in October. I hope to see lots of faces there.

copyright(C) 2016 Donna Germany

The Art of Writing

Books should not intimidate. Books are essentially paper – sheets of paper printed and bound together.  Books convey information.  But let start simple.  Book lovers love words.  You can spot them by the books in their reference libraries.  Look at their electronic devices you may find dictionary, thesaurus, and writing apps. 

I love to read. Some bibliophiles have a few favorite books others have hundreds.  As a reader, favorite books are reread.  Readers become involved in book clubs.  Book clubs teach how everyone reads differently.  Some read just out of obligation.  While others read critically for function, information and emotional attachment. Many readers find the theme, plot, and characters important.  Then, there are those who read with a passion for the written word.  They find the cadence of the word, the sentence, and even the paragraph like a song to be sung.  These readers find the subdual way the author foreshadows events, leading the reader into the hidden meanings of the life’s of the characters.  The author wants the reader to seek the heartbeat of their story.  Sometimes there is one true passionate sentence that grips the reader with an epiphany.

Writers almost always love to read.  Writers, whether they are published or non-published, read.  Most read a variety of books.  Not as a requirement, but for the love of the written word. As a writer, start simple. Become a diligent learner.  Don’t hesitate with the words that you put to paper.  Writing can be a dialogue with one’s self, others or God.  Develop a love for writing. Doing something repetitively helps develop your decision making capabilities.  Writing daily helps build confidence in your judgments.  Writing daily sharpens the intuitive sense of what brings joy to our heart.  Keep a journal handy for those moments of inspiration that come upon you suddenly.  Sleep with a pen and journal beside your bed. Let your writing develop into a ministry that can only be quenched with a desire to put it to paper. 

Let me encourage you to take up a pen and write.  Use it to leave thoughts for your future generations or to publish publicly.  The art of writing is becoming lost with all the new technology that is available.  Make it a ministry that will edify God.  

copyright(C) 2016 Donna Germany

We, as writers, are in a unique place for God to be able to use.  As writers, we encourage the church into believing and having faith in the promises God has given the church throughout the ages.  We help others see their purpose and claim the promises God has already given to them. 

 

I need to remind myself of these things as well.  As writers, we sometimes forget God has a purpose for our lives.  We get bogged down in the creativity of writing and forget to look up at the things that are trending in this world.

 

I was talking with someone the other day who mentioned “the stethoscope” incident that is in the news and social media forums.  I had to ask what it was all about.  Of course, when she explained it I still didn’t “get it.” I guess because I know some really good people who are healthcare providers.  But, apparently the trending news has bogged down into the story of someone wanting to show how important healthcare people really are.

 

Wouldn’t it be great if someone would get bogged down in the story of how great Jesus is and how much of a hero he has been in their lives?

 

That’s an old story though.  Jesus just doesn’t wake people up like he used to. But what if, as writers we started writing things that He has done for us lately. 

 

Recently, my pastor saw that my son needed a vehicle. It would have been a second vehicle for him. But I believe God lead him to make his decision.  Because without that second vehicle, when I totaled mine, my son would not have been able to help me to destinations needed to get to.  But then, my son’s vehicle stopped working on him.  Without that second vehicle, He would not have been able to get to his work and destinations.  God saw the need before our pastor, and used him to meet that need. 

 

Are we meeting the needs of those around us?  When we see a fellow Christian in trouble are we trying to lend a helping hand? Are we letting God lead our every step?  Can you see the blessing on the other side of your trouble?  Can you see the hand of the Lord working through the problems you have? 

 

As writers we need to start writing about the goodness of God and how He orders our steps in everything we do.  God does have a way of working everything out.

 

I still believe God has a great sense of humor! Laugh with Him. He is good.

 

 

 

 copyright (C) 2016 Donna Germany

Practice Makes Perfect

Have you ever had your writer’s creativity energy flowing only to get to your keyboard or paper and find the ideas have gone?  There are ways to overcome this type of writer’s block, procrastination, laziness, or fear of writing something that is not good enough. Whatever you want to call it, don’t give up.  You just need to be disciplined enough to sit in front of that blank page or screen and work with what you have.

 

Try to mix and match stories as a way to work through the writer’s block.   Take David and Goliath and let them met Peter on the road going to tell others about Christ.  Or take two of your favorite authors and mix their stories together.  How do you think that would turn out?  Writing prompts such as this help to give ideas to get that writer’s creativity flowing.  Two different stories coming together make for an interesting tell. 

 

How about taking the story of Deborah and turning it into a sci-fi adventure with the battle raging in outer space! What an idea.  Do you think that would help get the juices flowing?

 

Then there is always asking the question “what if.”  Suppose that Joseph had been the one to get the message about the birth of Jesus first, instead of Mary.  What if the Jewish nation had been faithful all these years, instead of being taken captive by the two different nations?  What if Babylon had not been a great nation?  What if the Assyrian had never come to power?  Where would our world be today? These would make great stories if you could only work out the detail. What if the story of one of your favorite authors ending changed to what you would like to have read, the boy doesn’t get the girl in the end, the problem doesn’t work or the protagonist and antagonist change places. 

 

Practice makes perfect. Let the juices flow with ideas such as this and writer’s block will soon be a thing of the past.  Inspiration for a new story idea is just a daydream away. You will have so many stories ideas, writing will not be a problem.  You will not be without a story in the works at all time.   So put your blinder’s on and stay focus with what you have to say. 

 copyright(C) 2016 Donna Germany

Imitation to Authenticity

 

 

We are often told we should be original.  But copying is the best way to learn something.  Unconsciously we have the tendency to imitate others. We mostly imitate others we like. We imitate the things we desire.  A desire is triggered by another person desire.  If we think something is attractive it is because someone else thought so first. If we see a person reading a book, we want to read that book.   

Imitation makes us more empathetic toward people.  We are always inspired by example. Remember what touches, moves, stimulates, and inspires you and use those insights in your own life.   Input can be from anywhere.  A favorite author’s writing style can become your own. Remember it is not where you take things from it is where you take them to. 

Everything you do and think you borrowed at some point from people around you. 

The crux is trying to turn our imitations into following our own inspiration.  When we are inspired we put certain qualities we see in others into practice in our own lives.  Select only things to imitate that speak directly to your soul.  If you do this, your work will be authentic.  Authenticity is invaluable.
copyright (C) 2016 Donna Germany

Did you know there was an “International Day for Failure,” a day meant to encourage people to “celebrate our shortcomings and failures, share our experiences and promote the understanding of failure as a learning experience.” The creators of the “Day for Failure” encourage people to quite literally “share” their stupidities, errors and awkward moments with others.

The Old Testament recognizes the importance of learning from the errors we make and actually records how the foundations of human history are built on failures.  Old Testament writers could elaborate on their failures in life. Present day writers should do the same. 

The failures of early humanity recorded in the Bible are epic. Following each failure, however, humankind moved forward. Our present day failures can become great stories, maybe not epics, to share with others. To err is human - but to strive to do better is to aim for the Divine.

With our failure comes doubt and fear of rejection. However, that does not mean we should turn your back on someone in need.  If you see a fellow church member in need, reach out to them. A helping hand can come in the form of a friendly smile or a simple hello. Let them know you are praying for them and pray with them.

                       

At the same time, express gratitude to God for our lives through prayers. We are so blessed.  Everyday has a blessing that we need to express with thanksgiving to God.  Offer prayers of thanksgiving for all things. We don’t always understand the actions of God. 

 

Be aware of your spiritual health as well as your physical health.  In this time of flu season, so many of us are looking at our physical health but we should be aware of our spiritual health as well.  It is a season for being busy. Remember to included God in the things that you do.

 

Why bother denying your failure.  Take responsibility for your actions.  We become better Christians because of it. Sometimes we have to learn and relearn.

 

copyright (C) 2016 Donna Germany

Resolutions

 

 

What New Year’s resolution did you make this year?  Popular ones are to lose weight and exercise more.  Years ago, I decide mine would be to learn one new thing during the year.   That first year it was to eat sushi.  Then, learn a new craft.    But now, I have goal is to finishing a book.  Not just any book, but one that I have knocked around in my head for years.  I believe I can do this.  There are writing challenges that have you finish a book in a month.  But I think I will take a few months. 

I read blogs about writing, blogging, and getting published.  I read books about writing styles and techniques.  Some author say writing has to be a calling on your life. Anything else is self-oriented and can never really satisfy. You have to write or feel out of the will of God. 

There are blogs posting about insights to getting your book written in 2016.  Here are some ideas from Jerry Jenkins’ new writing class “Finish Your Book in 2016” for getting started.

• Set a goal/deadline of pages or word to write per day.
• Schedule your daily writing plan.
• Expect delays.
• Manage your procrastination.
• Relax and sleep well anyway, knowing your subconscious is working on your book.                                                                                                                                  
• Manage time wisely, adjusting your pages-per-day, but don’t let the days or number of pages get out of hand.
• Keep your deadline, if at all possible.
  Other blogs and magazines suggest reading about writing.  William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White, The Elements of Style was a book my high school English teacher recommended.  William Zinsser, On Writing Well: An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction was mentioned in Writer’s Yearbook 2016 magazine as a book that sold more than a million copies.    Jerry Jenkins’ blog also suggested Dean Koontz’s How to Write Bestselling Fiction.  I didn’t have this book so I did a search on Amazon. It is only in hard back and is out a publication.  Imagine my shock when the price was $170.00.  WOW.  I made out an interlibrary loan in hopes that I can get it just to read.  I told the librarian that this book was gold, treat it with care.  I will, too. 
  What do you really want from your writing? Do you know what truly matters to you?  Is it fame or glory or just getting words on paper in hopes that it will inspire someone else?  Do you know what you stand for?  Are you fixed in your belief and have your eyes set on God?  Are your priorities God oriented?  Without having inspiration or a calling from God your writing may not stand for anything important. 
  I want to be a writer in the worst way. The passion of writing keeps me up at night.  I want to tell my story and really reach to inspire readers. So, if that is what you want from your writing you'd better believe in what you write. 
   
  Works Cited
  Jenkins, Jerry. "FINISH YOUR BOOK IN 2016Lesson 1: How to Overcome Fear and Procrastination (So You Can Finish What You Start)." Finish Your Book in 2016: Lesson 1-3. N.p., 2016. Web. 20 Jan. 2016.
  Friedman, Jane. "2015 The Year in Review." Writer's Yearbook 2016 Winter.2016 (2016): 5-9. Web. 2016.

            copyright 2016 DonnaGermany

Originality, Overrated

Writers who admit to not being original with their ideas.

Edith Wharton, a secular writer, said of her book Ethan Frome, “I make no claim for originality in following a method of which “La Grande Bertêche” and “The Ring and the Book” had set me the magnificent example; my one merit is, perhaps, to have guessed that the proceeding there employed was also applicable to my small tale.”  She admitted to having her ideas come from other writers and was a bestselling author of her time.

Many other writers admit the same.  They read an article in the local newspaper, magazine or hear a radio broadcast, their story line explodes into their own ideas of “what if.” 

Even Einstein was inspired by the likes of mathematician Minkowski, physician Lorentz, the Latin poet Lucretius and Gandhi.  Again, someone whose inspiration came from others.

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

C. S. Lewis

So if it is your dream to be a writer, professional or hobbyist, just look around.  There are plenty of ideas for stories from everywhere.  It makes your work no less brilliant, but something unique does not always come from nothing.

 

Now is the time to get inspired to write a story of the newspaper article you read this morning.  That radio journalist your listening to can give you the inspiration you need to be the next great author of our time.

I have read RL Stine's new book, Red Rain.  It is an adult novel of horror.  If you loved Stine as a youth with Goosebumps, this should terify you as well.  

     My library receives advanced copies of upcoming books.  I was lucky enough to read a copy of The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury.  Few editorial mistakes were noticed.: page 60 has "bigat" which should be big at and page 160 has "theyever" which should be they ever.  Maybe they will catch it before print time.
     The story is a great Christmas miracle story. The plot so typical of our times.  She brought to light the great gulf between wealth and poverty.  The struggles with the economy and the natural disasters that are destroying so many lives.
However, she didn't seem to have any scripture references in this one! One that kept coming to my mind while I read was 1Corinthians 10:24; Let no man seek his own but every man another 's wealth.  Maybe she could have used it somewhere with one of her characters.  Even if it wasn't the main ones.
    Overall, the story was true Karen Kingsbury.

I have finally found an author my 3rd grader will read!  It came after many searches.  We went through vampires, fairies, witches, all kinds of fantasy, even graphic novels before we hit this one.  It is one that has been around a few years. Even one she said no to several times.  Then I checked one out from the library with the only requirement being at least 100 pages.   Since she has become a moody little girl, I thought the title was appropriate!
Judy Moody Was in a Mood Not a Good Mood a Bad Mood by Megan McDonald.  She had even watched the movie and didn't think she would like the books.  But low and behold, we hit pay dirt! She can not put the down.  Even finished one in a day.  Keep them coming Megan McDonald.  I finally have her reading like I want her, a book a day.

Past Relationships

Happy people don't trawl through the past looking for answers.  A quote from  The Wedding Girl by Madelein Wickham.
But this is what I did with a boy I went to a church Valentine dinner with one weekend in 1973.
This is an exert from our conversation.  The Wedding Girl is a great read, by the way. Funny and entertaining.

DSG: You know, I was trying to remember how we met! and couldn't remember. Do you?

KJH: We met at the little Coffee House out on Hwy 61. You were the love of my life and I never forgot about you. I've thought about you often throughout my life.
Do you remember one evening when I was at your house, we wanted to make-out, but your mother made us play Spirograph?

DSG: My mother tried to keep me pure! I am sure you are going through the same with your own children. My own children did stay pure until marriage! Given my track record, that was a shock!

KJH: Yeah, you were a hot little number alright. I had 2 boys, so they pretty much followed my track record. No chance of keeping them pure.

DSG: I remember the drawing you did of your hand drawing your hand, do you still have it? You were (are) a good artist. Ya know, I think that coffee shop is a Mexican Place now??? I'm not so sure anymore. If we had stayed together, you would have made the same decision my ex did: Someone ten years younger and willing to do anything. Its not good to dwell on the past. Glad you are doing great. Hope you find the Savior in your life.

KJH: You can see some of my recent work at (my website) if you like. I've made a good living with my art and it's taken me all over the world. When I first wrote to you, I was in Las Vegas working on a project in China. I've been to China 8 times since 2001.
I never look back, but I remember how much I adored you at the time. Just a little heartbreaker. You were boy crazy at the time and not interested in being with one guy for very long. I remember that you broke up with me at the Canteen in Duncan Park.
We should have met a little later in life. I think that would have been much better.
I'm not much for religion these days, but since I was raised Baptist, I'll always look at the world from that perspective. I'm married now to a girl from Colombia. She's 44, two teenagers from a previous marriage and is as sweet as can be. I married SB from Natchez in 1977 and that lasted 7 years. We had 2 boys and they are 30 and 27 now.

DSG: All I remember about the break up is that I couldn't handle the sexual activity.

KJH: An innocent Angel such as yourself, had no business with a boy like KJH. I'm sure that after we broke up that you wisely saved yourself for marriage.

DSG: After my parent found out what happen in the back seat of that car, I was given a reprimand about reputations. The parent of the girl driving were friends of my parents. Must have been blood left over somewhere. We both got into trouble. So, I figured my reputation was gone to hell so why not continue in the same vein. Everytime my parent found out what I was doing with the next "boy," I could not see "the boy" anymore. Maybe that is why I looked to all in town that I was boy crazy. I was looking for Mr. Right the wrong way! We should not have done what we did. I have lots of regrets about my life. I deal with them and I'm sure you do, too. I was 14 when I knew you and didn't have all the answers. I am sorry I broke your heart, wish it could have been different.

Glad to know you are successful.
I'm at work, about to go home, don't have the internet at home and I'm off tomorrow. Don't get the wrong idea if you don't hear from me in a while. Don't get the wrong idea, anyway. Its not good to dwell on the past. I am not involved with anyone because I don't want to have to deal with no sex (before marriage). Just once I would like to find someone who didn't think sex before marriage was a good thing. I would probably stick with him until death.
I'll follow you on facebook. Let me know about your trips over seas. I have only been to Belize. Would love the oppurtunity to travel around the world but I don't have the travel savey. Post pictures of your trips. Your web site is awesome.

KJH: Thanks Donna,
That answers a lot of questions for me. I always felt that you broke up because you met someone else, or maybe I wasn't cute enough or didn't have a cool car.
Yes, the past is past, but I would like you to know that I have always thought fondly of you and would love to keep in touch. You still represent a special moment in my life and I'm glad we can talk now.
I'd like to be your friend.

DSG: Glad to a have friend,can't have enough of those. Sometimes I think I don't have any.

Also, glad to get that cleared up.  When the the KJ become just K?
KJH: So when I was in Art School in Sarasota, there were about a hundred K's, so I changed mine to something different. KJ was a little too country. LOL
It stuck and now, I'm known as K.
Have a nice weekend Hon, Which of the Germany boys did marry?

DSG: James, nicknamed Peco. He went to TJ.

Brenda Seab is his older sister.

Vampires

Has every author everywhere gone to vampire stories?  Some more than others.    After starting the Passage,  I had commented so much time into it that I had to finish. It was okay as far as vampire stories go. Way to long to be that interesting.
I finally caved and started reading The Twilght Saga. Reading the Twilght Saga has helped me understand the hipe from the teenagers I know. They love this story. Purity of love, action, adventure and horror, all rolled into one.
Glad I 'm so far behind. When the next one comes out, I will not need to be standing in line to get it!

review of Reluctant Pilgrim

     I love to read.  I can usually be found reading any time of day, anywhere.  I always carry a book in my purse just in case the wait is too long and I get bored.  I usually finish a book even if I don't like it.
     Right now, I am reading a book I pick up at the local library that is an advanced reader's copy.  It is Enuma Okora's  The Reluctant Pilgrim.  I guess if I were someone who was not sure of my plan of salvation or religious doctrine, this would be a good starter book to read.  The writer is a theology graduate and still questions her own beliefs.  How she received her degree with all her doubt is a mystery to me.  She does not even understand her doctrine well enough to try to explain it. However, the writing is well written if you can get through the constant underlining of words that are stressed.  It just the subject matter I have a hard time understanding. Maybe, a future book she writes will be a better subject matter.

Jail Ministry

September 26, 2009 - Saturday


Ministry

Category: Religion and Philosophy

Ministry, we all should have one, right? I have been in such a slump and I didn't know why. But last night I went with some ladies from another denomination to a prison!

(You have to do what you have to do right.) It was awsome. I loved it!

We started out at 4pm and finally reached the prison at 6. Then had to wait to get in because of shift change.

We had to go through locked doors. ( a small room which has two locked doors on both sides) Inside there were fences with barbed-wire on top.

The common room we were in had 112 ladies inside.

We had songs and speakers. They responded like I never would have thought. Many came forth for prayer. Several with tears. It was just like church.

I think I have found my nitch. Pray for me, ya'll.

Ministry

October 3, 2009 - Saturday


Ministry

Category: Religion and Philosophy

You know, I really like going to the jails and prisons. The inmates are really needy for attention! They like just hearing from other. I think they get tired of doing nothing all day so the interaction with someone new must be a plus. The coordinator is going on vacation and out of town most of the month of October. She has ask me and another lady take over her part. I hope I can be as uplifting as she is. She really knows her stuff! and has the right answer for all questions. Pray for me on Monday. On October the 9th she is going to a ladies prison in LA. She is teaching on homosexuality. Pray for her.

Also, we are taking up things to fill goody bags for the inmates for Christmas, 560 exactly. If you want to help get in touch.

MEN

Well, it happened I did not take my own advice I have been giving for 23 years. Yes, even I can be stupid. It started out as a very innocent meeting. I needed help with my lap tap. A malware virus from you-tube got on it. It shut down everything. He said he could fix it. It took me weeks to get the money to fix it. When I called to ask if it was possible to met, he said sure come over to Comfort Suite where I work as the computer tech. Well, I was going to leave it with him but he ask me to stay and watch him and let him instruct me on what to do with all these programs he was installing. And let him explain what I was getting for my money. And it was still an innocent meeting. He was charming with all his non sexual/sexual connotations. Of course, I was still set to not let him get next to me because he didn't believe like I believed. He is Mormon (ARGH!!!).  You  may not have anything against Mormon, but I do.  Well, 12 hours later my computer was fixed and back in its bag and I was on the way home. But he was slick, oh yes. He talked me into getting RAM for the laptop and oh yes, he would be glad to order it or we could go to Office Depot and see what was out there. Well, he looked up the online prices and office depot had the same RAM for the same price it would take to order with shipping and tax. So yes I bought it. He then said, Come with me to get the oil changed in my daughters car. LIKE A DUMMY I GET IN THE CAR. MY FIRST CARDINAL RULE BROKEN. HE HAD ME AT HIS MERCY.

After the oil change we go for a ride, to the Natchez trace, to a sand bar with a wading pool, and blankets don't let me go further it is too disgusting. I hate myself. What a weakling.

Why can't I find someone like Elizabeth Gilbert's Filipe.  He waited and ask politely before sex.  He didn't rape her.