Back in April, my 19-year-old son treated me to the Billy Joel concert up at Miller Park Stadium. Yes, I corrupted him... He loves classic rock. Other concerts he has gone to include ZZ Top and The Who. Definitely a boy after his mother's heart. I am fortunate.
I wonder if it is because growing up myself, I'd always been a music head, and love classical music, jazz, etc. I even play clarinet and tenor saxophone, sang in the jazz choir, and can't imagine my life w/o music. My son also is a musician. As a preschooler, he'd sneak my harmonica and play along to his favorite cartoon shows at the beginning. He now plays trumpet and is learning how to play acoustic guitar. Yes, I'm bragging just a little bit...
To make things more interesting, I'd been involved at a young age helping out with various campaigns to get people elected since I was about 9, and got him started around the same age, maybe slightly older. We also love Science Fiction. We try to see every sci-fi flick that comes out on the big screen together, even if it's on $5/Tuesdays or at the Value Cinema. It's pretty fun. Everything from Star Trek to X-Men to whatever else that comes out... Plus we love action, thrillers, and so much more. I hope we can continue to do things together as he goes on, though I realize it will be a lot less often.
So, when I found out that my friend, Soldwolf is writing a military sci-fi story filled with action, humor and even a little romance story called Meeting the Parents, I was interested. Because I like the story so much, I decided that I just have to share it, because it's too good not to share. It's a neat storyline featuring a hero from post-unification Earth, where he is serving in the UN military, and his love is from a prominent family on a planet called Tamal, a humanoid race that evolved from herbivores. This Tamalnii heroine is such an endearing character, you'll be cheering on for her and her people as well as for her and her studly to make it through to the end.
Chapter 41: Post Takedowns - With so much going on, people need to chill out to make out sensible reports... Oh, the info collected is huge. I'm just wondering what kind of smackdown is awaiting in the future...
Happy reading! I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.
Thursday, June 27, 2019
Sunday, June 23, 2019
People, Talents & Hey!
I met Soldwolf, the author of Meeting the Parents, a little over a year ago at one of the places I volunteer with. He'd been regular there for a while, and very established in his role there, and has been very active with the day to day activities that happen. The place is lucky to have him there, especially in the morning, and even the paid staff relies on him a lot. With all that he gives of himself to the center to serve the neediest people in the community, he still takes a lot of guff from fellow staff & especially the clients.
Because the clientele is highly needy to an extent, coming in for a variety of reasons, there are those who are thankful to be there to help make their ends meet, then there are those who want to get anything and everything they can get their hands on. My friend has no issues firmly telling people "no", and often, because he is firm with his principle, some people misinterpret him as being mean, rude, etc...
It is interesting, because as much flack as he takes, these people get forgiven, and he faithfully comes in ridiculously early to dedicate a part of his day to ensure that things are going smoothly. Many people seem to overlook that. Yet I think there are those who go in that makes it worthwhile for him to go in, such as the very talented resident artist who does an excellent job drawing & painting people/scenes there. There are also a couple of musicians (a pianist and an aspiring fiddler), and I think I remember someone bringing in a knitting or crocheting project along that line. Being that I'm pretty crafty myself, I understand why Soldwolf appreciates these people who help brighten the day, when others can be stressful.
In getting to know him, I find that he's smart, funny, and very accommodating. When he puts his foot down, there is always a logical reason for it. And, if people were to actually give him 10% of the slack he gives everybody else, they'd realize he's a good guy to know... And, I really enjoy his military sci-fi story, which is still a work in progress (I've posted chapters in previous blogs), and because I think reading is a good thing, I'm sharing since you know, sharing the love is the right thing to do.
Chapter 39 - Fireworks
Because the clientele is highly needy to an extent, coming in for a variety of reasons, there are those who are thankful to be there to help make their ends meet, then there are those who want to get anything and everything they can get their hands on. My friend has no issues firmly telling people "no", and often, because he is firm with his principle, some people misinterpret him as being mean, rude, etc...
It is interesting, because as much flack as he takes, these people get forgiven, and he faithfully comes in ridiculously early to dedicate a part of his day to ensure that things are going smoothly. Many people seem to overlook that. Yet I think there are those who go in that makes it worthwhile for him to go in, such as the very talented resident artist who does an excellent job drawing & painting people/scenes there. There are also a couple of musicians (a pianist and an aspiring fiddler), and I think I remember someone bringing in a knitting or crocheting project along that line. Being that I'm pretty crafty myself, I understand why Soldwolf appreciates these people who help brighten the day, when others can be stressful.
In getting to know him, I find that he's smart, funny, and very accommodating. When he puts his foot down, there is always a logical reason for it. And, if people were to actually give him 10% of the slack he gives everybody else, they'd realize he's a good guy to know... And, I really enjoy his military sci-fi story, which is still a work in progress (I've posted chapters in previous blogs), and because I think reading is a good thing, I'm sharing since you know, sharing the love is the right thing to do.
Chapter 39 - Fireworks
Now, who doesn't love a good fireworks show? But who am I kidding? Us Asian people love our light & sound shows. It would be neat to learn how to become a pyrotechnic, and the hero's Japanese friend won't miss it, either. I like how the author captured authentic cultural characteristics in the story. It is also cute how certain things can sound really strange to someone from another planet when they don't have a basis for reference. You're going to have to read about which sweet treat it is...
But of course, even during a celebratory fireworks show, not everything is fun and games. The hero is in charge of some military operations, and of course, there are always things that need to be done, especially with personnel. Other things are going on in the background. Do heads roll? Is there a death toll? You'll have to find out what kind of damage control is being done yourself.
Chapter 40 - Takedowns
Oh, and what a takedown... I'd really hate to be in the position of this guy... When a retired military officer comes out of retirement to see you, you know it isn't good! And the intel that is being dug up, wow... It's HUGE!
And with the Hero & his lovely (among those there to support them), being that they have pull within the military, still have to balance the work/life cycle delicately... The tension & excitement grows, as to what will happen next.
The author's highlighted name at the top will bring you to his writing profile, and for those who want to read from the beginning, the title of the story will take you to chapter 1. With more people stopping in to read, the better chance he gets of having publishers taking his story, once he's done, and actually printing it into a book. With how he gives his time, also being a veteran, this would be a great way to be able to give back to him.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Father's Day Facts
In the USA, we take for granted that every year, we celebrate Mother's Day in May and Father's Day in June. Not every country does this. Certain countries expect that every day, you honor your parents in some form or another, especially when you still live at home. In Japan, they celebrate Girls' Day on 3/3, Boys' Day on 5/5 - though it's starting to shift to having 1 Children's Day per year.
Here are the countries, other than the United States, which celebrate Father's Day on the 3rd Sunday of June every year: Argentina, France, Netherlands, Chile, Canada, United Kingdom, India, and Japan. Other countries do celebrate but on different days.
It is interesting though, how different cultures celebrate. Breakfasts and brunches are somewhat popular around the world. Going fishing or on other outings that the dads enjoy are also popular. One that is underrated yet great, especially for dads who have everything, is to donate to a good cause in his honor would also be something cool.
Speaking of giving to dads, an author friend is a giving dad. While I don't know how he pulls it off on occasion, but, evidently, his military background helps him keep a good regimen going. He gets to the Hospitality Center before 0600 all 4 days in the morning and helps set up for breakfast to feed the people who come in, make the coffee for everyone, and all of the things that need to get set up to run smoothly. Once that is in place, it's taking in and organizing all of the various donations which include food from multiple sources, among other donations for clothing and more come in, on top of getting called to make more coffee, get supplies for the main meal into the kitchen, and everything else... These people are lucky to have him there helping.
Would you be a dear, and give this Navy dad of 3 grown daughters a read? It would cool to be able to make Plans & Tours (Chapter 37) and treat our families, like in Soldwolf’s story, Meeting the Parents. Children can be handfuls. You either know how to handle 'em, or you don't, and they still crack me up to pieces. It's also interesting learning a little bit about Military etiquette. And, just like any place else, you have young ones who wander off, and adults who can't keep track of themselves, much less anyone else... Let's just hope the mischief is kept to a bare minimum!
4th of July is coming up in just a few weeks, where it’s like a Festival (Chapter 38) all by its self. Who doesn't love festivals? And a designated driver? But no, it isn't because of what you might think... It just would be nice once in a while. Of course, with every festive gathering, there are always gifts. Now I'll have to find what happened to MINE (you'll have to read the chapter to figure out what of mine I'm talking about) to show off & take pictures of... And it's so fun to introduce people to customs familiar to me but new to them, so I almost wish that I could be this type of gift bearer! The Lady is also Japanese, so I am relating with her as she gives her omiyage to people (okay, so I'm only half, and was a child in coming here, but...)
Just remember, every read he gets, gets him one step closer to being able to be found by publishers to turn this work in progress into a book. And what would YOU give to a Navy dad if you knew one, anyway? I don't know...
Here are the countries, other than the United States, which celebrate Father's Day on the 3rd Sunday of June every year: Argentina, France, Netherlands, Chile, Canada, United Kingdom, India, and Japan. Other countries do celebrate but on different days.
It is interesting though, how different cultures celebrate. Breakfasts and brunches are somewhat popular around the world. Going fishing or on other outings that the dads enjoy are also popular. One that is underrated yet great, especially for dads who have everything, is to donate to a good cause in his honor would also be something cool.
Speaking of giving to dads, an author friend is a giving dad. While I don't know how he pulls it off on occasion, but, evidently, his military background helps him keep a good regimen going. He gets to the Hospitality Center before 0600 all 4 days in the morning and helps set up for breakfast to feed the people who come in, make the coffee for everyone, and all of the things that need to get set up to run smoothly. Once that is in place, it's taking in and organizing all of the various donations which include food from multiple sources, among other donations for clothing and more come in, on top of getting called to make more coffee, get supplies for the main meal into the kitchen, and everything else... These people are lucky to have him there helping.
Would you be a dear, and give this Navy dad of 3 grown daughters a read? It would cool to be able to make Plans & Tours (Chapter 37) and treat our families, like in Soldwolf’s story, Meeting the Parents. Children can be handfuls. You either know how to handle 'em, or you don't, and they still crack me up to pieces. It's also interesting learning a little bit about Military etiquette. And, just like any place else, you have young ones who wander off, and adults who can't keep track of themselves, much less anyone else... Let's just hope the mischief is kept to a bare minimum!
4th of July is coming up in just a few weeks, where it’s like a Festival (Chapter 38) all by its self. Who doesn't love festivals? And a designated driver? But no, it isn't because of what you might think... It just would be nice once in a while. Of course, with every festive gathering, there are always gifts. Now I'll have to find what happened to MINE (you'll have to read the chapter to figure out what of mine I'm talking about) to show off & take pictures of... And it's so fun to introduce people to customs familiar to me but new to them, so I almost wish that I could be this type of gift bearer! The Lady is also Japanese, so I am relating with her as she gives her omiyage to people (okay, so I'm only half, and was a child in coming here, but...)
Just remember, every read he gets, gets him one step closer to being able to be found by publishers to turn this work in progress into a book. And what would YOU give to a Navy dad if you knew one, anyway? I don't know...
Friday, June 7, 2019
Advocacy & More
As the founder of Youth Voice Initiative, I get called upon often to do advocacy work, whether it's for a single parent who needs a letter written to the courts, or to speak up for a special needs child, or to help see what kinds of programs are available for various things whether it's a support group or just information in general. It is truly rewarding to know that I can help make a difference for some people, including the lives of children.
Because of the experiences I've had, I'm also a volunteer advocate for Sexual Assault Services, and take the crisis phone to offer peer support as well as to make hospital visits for recent survivors. It's not always easy work, but very worthwhile, because sometimes as the advocate, I might be the only one they see as being on their side. One thing I enjoy doing, when there are small children present, whether the survivor is a child or the adult survivor brings their children in, is that I like to read age-appropriate books with them. Reading often reduces stress and allows people to feel more normal.
In my own free time, I enjoy reading as well, and my favorite genre is Science Fiction, just because it's filled with action, technology, culture, and more. It fascinates me. The current story I'm reading is still a work in progress by a friend of mine, Soldwolf, called Meeting the Parents, which is a military sci-fi set in the future, where Earth is unified and has allies culturally and militarily with other humanoid type species intergalactically. Please check previous blogs for more information, if you'd like.
Parties, Friends & Guests (Ch 33) We all like to eat. Sometimes it's nice to not have to cook, and it's even better when you have your special place with that special someone. The earth hero, Scott, even found a favorite spot on his lovely's planet that he even wants to show off to his family! But the question is, though, are the potential in-laws going to get along with each other? Or will it be a disaster? The dynamics can get interesting, so just read & find out for yourself. I just have to wonder though, where are MY Kyoto hair sticks?
Gathering Friends (Ch 34) It's fun to meet new people, especially when they're going to be important connections. While exciting and comforting, it can get overwhelming. I'm feeling the hero, who is anxious about remembering names, but fortunately, his lovely & her family are there for support. Even with his military friends, it's all about balancing work & life. I'm just wondering though, will they get to introduce Cajun cooking to these nice Tamalnii people? If this chapter doesn't tug at your heartstrings, I don't know what will.
Friends Reunited (Ch35) It's refreshing to find that even big tough guys can have a gentle soul, and how often, they could use a personal hero, too. heartwarming stuff, and when reuniting with friends, who are also formally connected, what better than hosting an official dance? And then of course, what is a dance w/o doing more party planning? So much fun stuff going for sure!
A Circle of Friends (Ch36) Everyone needs a good one of these, and I tell you, the hero and his lovely are lucky to have who they have. I'm really digging the new characters introduced, and how they get back to business on both work and personal fronts! Oh, and some huge things are brewing, so you don't want to miss out on the action!
Now, please be a dear, and click the highlighted areas, they're hyperlinks to where you need to go to read.
Because of the experiences I've had, I'm also a volunteer advocate for Sexual Assault Services, and take the crisis phone to offer peer support as well as to make hospital visits for recent survivors. It's not always easy work, but very worthwhile, because sometimes as the advocate, I might be the only one they see as being on their side. One thing I enjoy doing, when there are small children present, whether the survivor is a child or the adult survivor brings their children in, is that I like to read age-appropriate books with them. Reading often reduces stress and allows people to feel more normal.
In my own free time, I enjoy reading as well, and my favorite genre is Science Fiction, just because it's filled with action, technology, culture, and more. It fascinates me. The current story I'm reading is still a work in progress by a friend of mine, Soldwolf, called Meeting the Parents, which is a military sci-fi set in the future, where Earth is unified and has allies culturally and militarily with other humanoid type species intergalactically. Please check previous blogs for more information, if you'd like.
Parties, Friends & Guests (Ch 33) We all like to eat. Sometimes it's nice to not have to cook, and it's even better when you have your special place with that special someone. The earth hero, Scott, even found a favorite spot on his lovely's planet that he even wants to show off to his family! But the question is, though, are the potential in-laws going to get along with each other? Or will it be a disaster? The dynamics can get interesting, so just read & find out for yourself. I just have to wonder though, where are MY Kyoto hair sticks?
Gathering Friends (Ch 34) It's fun to meet new people, especially when they're going to be important connections. While exciting and comforting, it can get overwhelming. I'm feeling the hero, who is anxious about remembering names, but fortunately, his lovely & her family are there for support. Even with his military friends, it's all about balancing work & life. I'm just wondering though, will they get to introduce Cajun cooking to these nice Tamalnii people? If this chapter doesn't tug at your heartstrings, I don't know what will.
Friends Reunited (Ch35) It's refreshing to find that even big tough guys can have a gentle soul, and how often, they could use a personal hero, too. heartwarming stuff, and when reuniting with friends, who are also formally connected, what better than hosting an official dance? And then of course, what is a dance w/o doing more party planning? So much fun stuff going for sure!
A Circle of Friends (Ch36) Everyone needs a good one of these, and I tell you, the hero and his lovely are lucky to have who they have. I'm really digging the new characters introduced, and how they get back to business on both work and personal fronts! Oh, and some huge things are brewing, so you don't want to miss out on the action!
Now, please be a dear, and click the highlighted areas, they're hyperlinks to where you need to go to read.
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