Valle Pintado Writing Contest is a Tie

Valle Pintado Writing Contest is a Tie

Our First Visual Arts Junction
Writing Contest is a Tie.
Contgratulations
Ed Leonard & Jacki Donnelly

A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, and that was your assignment. Well, more accurately, 500 — 600 words. And writing about the above photo art, Valle Pintado by Aggie Villanueva, was the subject.
Our six judges returned a split decision, so without further ado Visual Arts Junction, and our many contest sponsors, take pride in introducing you to our two winners, and their winning entries. Click on the links below to see the entries on sponsors' sites.

Life in the Valle Pintado
by Ed Leonard (Papa Ed)
Ankles tucked and breathing slowed, I feel the tree dance, my wood platform sways and rocks in the hot southern trade winds. My sad, burnt, drought-stunted valley stretches before me. My humble ranch home swelters in a dry, coarse bunchweed field surrounded by stunted agreste woods that threaten to become caatinga.
Death menaces life like a Samhain specter. Gnarled stick trees grasp each other for desperate support. Their life juices drawn deep to survive the uncommon warm, dry winter. Earth spirits have driven the Numida fowl and the high plains antelope down the Tocantins to richer lands. The loss of precious water and the increased heat are taking a horrendous toll on animal and plant habitats in the Valle Pintado.
I have barely survived another winter. Spring has arrived with little promise, and my energy and will are suffering. I call out to the spirits of the jaguar and of the ocelot who once roamed here. But, they do not hear me.
I close my eyes, intent on escape. I release my saddened spirit. Hawk spirit enfolds me and I soar to a better time. I stroke the heavens and relish a gentle wind with a smooth glide. I alight to proudly perch atop a tall post and search the autumn grass for my choice of scampering breakfast.
The Valle Pintado proudly displays a dappled Autumn abstract quilt with primary colors blended and fused like fresh oils on nature’s canvas. My well-tended red adobe brick home blends quietly and comfortably before a large sugary wave of Palo Verde, Box Elder, and Hop Trees in full glory. My harvested corn patch glows golden yellow and my second growth wheat field rusty red.
A warm wind whispers, flicks leaves loose to float and flip their way to rich soil, and bathes my feathers in ripples. A hazy gray cooking fire screen rises among the trees with the rich smell of mesquite fired meat.
Two distant sandstone buttes, glimmer and flash with life, shrouded in milky early morning light. My world is balanced, healthy, and harmonious. I know now that the natural cycle of seasons will return my ranch to glorious life.
I spot a striped field mouse and launch, flapping lightly, then diving fast to my target. I dive and dive, but my prey remains distant. I linger, but the inevitable change reaches me. My spirit snaps back to my earth-bound body. Hawk has brought me hope and reminded me of the potential of my life in the Valle Pintado.
I resolve to exercise patience, to go back and seal my roof against the rain that must come again, to mend my fence against the predators that will return, to plant my corn and wheat knowing they will be nourished and watered. I resolve to hike to the top of the distant butte blessing all earth along the way. I resolve to come often to my tree platform and to meditate with the spirit of my totem animal, the hawk.
My sadness is gone.
Ed Leonard: My online name is papaed. I've been a compulsive reader and writer for nearly 50 years. I prefer poetry and have over 100 poems posted online. I've never tried to publish a book or articles in a magazine although I've done journalistic reporting freelance for several newspapers. I chose to place the Valle Pintado in the Tocantins watershed of Brazil and researched the habitat, geography, watershed, language, and native animals so that my 500 word piece reflects a possible mystical scenario there. I advocate meditation and peace issues in many of my writings and found your picture inspirational along those lines.
http://www.writerscafe.org/writers/edleonard/
http://papaed.multiply.com/
http://www.ipeace.me/profile/papaed
http://coldcoffee.ning.com/profile/papaed
http://nolan-ruizbooks.ning.com/profile/papaed
Judges Comments for Ed's Entry
What I liked: You made the what and why of your transformations clear without actually saying it. I liked that you didn’t insult our intelligence as readers. That’s good storytelling. I empathized with your transformations; physical, spiritual and emotional, that produced a trust in, and ultimately a submission to, the Great Spirit through nature – a trust that transforms despair into hope restored, and then finally seeing things as they really are.
What could be improved: I know you had a word limit, but I’d like to see it more developed.
What I liked: What an intriguing story of hope. Beautifully painted images; excellent use of the first person POV. Thank you for your contribution to the contest and good luck with your writing career.
What could be improved: My only criticism pertains to the structure of one sentence: Two distant sandstone buttes, glimmer and flash with life, shrouded in milky early morning light. I don’t understand the comma after buttes or the switch from present to past tense (glimmer, flash, shrouded). I wish my own writing problems were so small.
What I liked: The imagery of the story is good and the writer's effort to paint a story with apt descriptions works well.
What could be improved: The story reads like a synopsis for a much longer story. The grammar needs a little attention -- split infinitives and occasional change of verb tense.
d

A Painted Mountain Life
by Jacki Donnelly
It was almost a month since I resigned as Editor in Chief of New York’s most popular fashion magazine “Moda”, but my mental alarm clock was still sounding off promptly at 6 a.m. For the past 29 days this annoyed me, but today was different. Today I started my new life- I left my upscale life and the chaos in NYC. I traded it all in for what I hoped would be a more peaceful and meaningful life.
***
My dearest friend lost a life long battle with cancer. During her last few months I didn’t spend as much time with her as I should have. I didn’t have the time, you know, with being successful and all. Luckily I made it to her before she died. She reminded me to enjoy the life’s little things, and not always focus on money and work. “You are only what you let yourself become.” she gently whispered. And with that I gently embraced her frail hand for the last time.
I finally understood the meaning behind her unsolicited suggestions. She always wanted me to take time off work, to go on a date or read a book, which I refused. I always justified my disregard by her not having or wanting the lavish lifestyle I was accustomed to. I was wrong. Now I sat humbled and dissatisfied.
At that moment I decided to change. I resigned from my job, sold my apartment and packed only the necessities, which included a book I had been working on for over twenty years. I searched the internet for a cabin to retreat to in the mountains. Finally I found a quaint cabin rental nestled in the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest. After a short telephone call with the owner I packed up my car and headed west.
***
I slowly got out of bed letting my feet touch the cold wooden floor. The sunrise was creeping over the mountains and into the cabins’ windows. The fall air had a slight chill with a sweet smell to it. I managed a fire in the ancient woodstove, the only heat source for the small cabin. I walked to the kitchen and poured me a cup of coffee in my only mug. I grabbed a sweater from the pile of clothes on the floor and wrote a few items on a box lid I needed from the market. My chores today were to unpack, set up a space to begin writing again, and groceries.
That would have to wait I wanted to enjoy my first cup of coffee of my new life. I walked out onto the porch and sat down in a rickety, wooden rocking chair. The warmth of my coffee felt good as it trickled down my throat to the pit of my stomach. The scenery took my breath away.
I was overwhelmed with a feeling of awe and tranquility, foreign feelings to me. Such beauty greeted me with open arms on that porch. I listened to the sweet melody of the Mountain Chickadees’ and the Western Meadowlarks’ coming from the forest that surrounded me. The wind was swooshing gently through the Locoweed and Indian Paintbrush wildflowers that outlined the small wooden cabins land. The trees adorning the mountains were reflecting shades of crimson, wheat and amber down to me.
I sat captivated. At that moment, with that warm cup of coffee in my hands, I knew I had made the right choice. Today would mark the day I started to “live” life. A Painted Mountain Life - one I could only dream.
Jacki Donnelly: I currently live in the tropical state of Florida. I am new to writing and am currently discovering my talents. Any commentary on the attached piece would be greatly appreciated. This will be my first piece entered for review! I am very excited and look forward to continuing my path of writing. I am 30 years old, married to a wonderful husband and have a wonderful Boxer puppy named Baxter.
This picture reminded me of a trip we took recently to the Appalachian mountains - Life is so much different in a quiet country setting. I have recently returned to college in pursuit of a degree in English with a Creative Writing emphasis, and so far I am loving every minute of it. I hope to one day become an editor for a small press!
Judges Comments for Jacki's Entry
What I liked: I thought the story was well written and had a great story line. If the Author wished she could make this into a novel.
What could be improved: The one thing I would change would be to describe the picture more in depth.
What I liked: BROUGHT TEARS to my eyes. She obviously was drawn into the picture and let the emotions of it be real in her story.
What could be improved:
What I liked: I chose Jacki's story because of the creativeness of her story and how well it went with the picture. It showed a lot of imagination. That's a good thing! Keep up the good work!
What could be improved: The one thing I would've changed in the story, was that it was told in the first person, a pet peeve of mine. First person should be left for non-fiction stories, in my opinion, such as the author's biography in his/her own words or a memoir. Otherwise, it was great!
The Fine Print: Entries are judged on storytelling quality only. We do not judge on editing, manuscript prep, etc. Congratulations winners.
Sponsors
Your winning entry will also appear
at each of the sites below
Aggie Villanueva Visual Arts Junction: http://www.visualartsjunction.com
Rightfully Mine http://www.aggiev.org/rightfullymine/
Carol Langstroth The Frontpage http://www.carollangstroth.com
Author Meeting Place http://www.authormeetingplace.com/mindfogreviews.html
Linda Yezak 777 Peppermint Place http://lindayezak.wordpress.com/
AuthorCulture http://authorculture.blogspot.com/
Cindy Bauer Cindy Bauer Bookshttp://www.cindybauerbooks.com/
Reviews by Cindy http://reviewsbycindy.blogspot.com/
Nanci Arvizu Page Readers http://pagereaders.com/
Nanci’s Thoughts www.nanciarvizu.com
Shelagh Watkins http://shelaghs.blogspot.com
http://shelaghwatkins.wordpress.com
Kim McDougall Blazing Trailers Blazing Trailers http://www.blazingtrailers.com/
Melinda Elmore Melinda’s Blog Spot: Pen to Paper www.melinda.essentialwriters.com
Fran Lewis Fran’s Website www.gabina.49.webs.com
Fran’s Blog www.gabina49@wordpress.com
Bertha 160 xanga.com bookmarketing.ning.com/profile/FranLewis
www.myspace.com/hotauntiebertha
www.franifashionista.blogspot.com
http://writing4all.ning.com/profile/FranLewis
http://thewritespot.ning.com/profile/FranLewis
Amber Rigby Grosjean Amber Rigby Grosjean blog http://amberrigbygrosjean.blogspot.com/
D.K. Christi D.K. Christi , Consultant and Author www.dkchristi.com
Jhonny Thermidor Unexplored Oceans of Wisdom www.JhonnyT.wordpress.com
Johnny Thermidor www.JhonnyThermidor.webs.com
Robert Appleton Mercurial Times http://robertbappleton.blogspot.com/
Chelle Cordero Chelle Cordero’s Promo Page http://cce613.xanga.com/
Abe F. March Abe F. March http://www.abemarch.com/apps/blog/
Paidra Delayno Paidra’s Pen http://paidraspen.blogspot.com/
Sandra Kay Sandra Kay's Musings http://www.sandrakayauthor.blogspot.com/
Jo Fulkerson Writer’s Life http://www.freewebs.com/thedesertwriter/
Elena Dorothy Bowman Elena Dorothy Bowman’s Book Blog http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
Hank Quense Blog, the writing blog of Hank Quense http://hankquense.com/blog/
Mark Stephen Levy Overland http://authormarklevy.blogspot.com/
Jay Heinlein Publishing Professional http://heinleinpubservices.blogspot.com
J. Michael Orenduff author of the Pot Thief series www.ThePotThief.blogspot.com
Yolanthaiti Harrison-Pace YOLANTHAITI yolanthaiti.blogspot.com

Yvonne Perry and Why she wrote the Sid Series.

Why I Wrote The Sid Series

I began writing The Sid Series as I did things with my grandson when he was very small. It was mainly for me to remember some of the cute things he said, but he was also manifesting some spiritual intellect and I was learning from this little boy who called himself an “old soul.”
Sid was able to communicate with me telepathically from the time he was born. He exhibited the gift of premonition at about age nine months, he channeled his higher self at age three, related his ability to see spirits and used a magic potion to heal a crippled dog at age four. When he would spend the night at my house, he would wake up with nightmares. From the descriptions he gave me, and from what my inner guidance was telling me, I was aware that his astral spirit was traveling to dark realms. Rather than discourage him from his astral travel, we created a mantra that we repeated before he went to bed: “Thank you, angels and guides for letting my spirit visit only the realms of highest light and love and travel only to safe places filled with loving beings.” Sidney is still very much in touch with his inner guidance. He receives most of his messages through dreams now that he is in third grade. He related one of his dreams to me when I interviewed him on my podcast.
I knew I had a special child on my hands and I wanted to do everything I could to help him develop his spiritual gifts—the same gifts I was accustomed to that had been strangely unappreciated by the churches I had attended. Sid’s spiritually-enlightened mother has been very encouraging to me and together we have taught Sidney how to use his gifts as a tool to help himself and others. I realize this is not the norm and that most psychically gifted children do not have this type of adult influence. In fact, many adults are afraid of the supernatural. That is my main reason for writing The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children.
I wrote the stories as much for parents as for the kids because a the time when most kids are at the peak of displaying their spiritual experiences, they are too young to read. Even though I used a lot of illustrations in The Sid Series, I wrote the text on a level that would require an adult to read the stories to their toddlers. The message would stir interest and help guide the adult, and the stories and illustrations would entertain the children. The Sid Series is my gift to the kids and parents of this special generation.
For more information about this book, please visit http://TheSidSeries.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and editor, award-winning Amazon.com bestselling author, podcast host, blogger extraordinaire, newsletter publisher, Internet marketing guru, and an outstanding keynote speaker. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics.

Yvonne Perry - Author of the Sid Series Guest Blogger Today

Hi, Everyone!

I would like to introduce you to Yvonne Perry, Freelance writer, editor, award-winning author, speaker, and owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services who lives in Nashville, TN.

Who is Yvonne Perry?

Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and editor, award-winning Amazon.com bestselling author, podcast host, blogger extraordinaire, newsletter publisher, Internet marketing guru, and an outstanding keynote speaker who enjoys making people laugh.

She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics. Her style of writing is lovingly controversial and challenges people’s belief systems in order to help them move past what she calls “Sunday School mentality.” She has earned Platinum Expert Author status for her 170+ articles on spirituality, death, afterlife, spirit communication, suicide, and politics published on ezinearticles.com as well as many other online article directories.

As a ghostwriter and editor, Yvonne enjoys helping people get their message into a well-written book or article that is ready to publish. Yvonne is the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services. Her personal strengths include excellent communication, writing and editing skills, publicity and marketing, team writing, and business management.

Children's Books by Yvonne Perry
The twelve stories in The Sid Series are offered as individual e-books, a consolidated e-book, and as a collection in a printed book. These body-mind-spirit stories highlights unique lessons about love, acceptance, self-worth, caring for the body, diversity, facing fears, dealing with change, experiencing the death of a pet, using spiritual gifts, and understanding paranormal experiences today’s children exhibit.

It's more than a series of cute little stories; it is a series of life lessons that every parent or grandparent can relate to on some level.



The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children (Printed version)

Meditate with Sid’s fairy, face an awesome storm, find the pirate’s treasure, be anything you want, ask your body if its hungry or sleepy, discover a ghost in Sid's closet, mix up a powerful healing potion, notice your friend’s skin, enjoy a puppy's love, learn to recycle, always be honest, and help make room for baby brother!

Each story is available as an individual e-book. The entire collection is available as a 142-page full-color e-book or. . .

Get all twelve of the mind-body-spirit stories in the Sid Series as a full-color, 52-page full-color printed book on Amazon.com for $19.95

You can read more about Yvonne and her books on her website: http://www.writersinthesky.com

Blog Tour for The Sid Series

Today we start the blog tour for The Sid Series...The Following is the schedule for the blog tour. I will be participating on December 4th, 2009. Join us on Yvonne Perry's Book Tour.

* Yvonne has written an article about psychic children and their imaginary friends for her appearance on Friday, November 20, 2009. Irene Watson of Reader Views will post this article on www.bloggingauthors.com
* Saturday, November 21 WITS Blog will feature an interview with 8-year-old Sidney, the inspiration for the writing of The Sid Series. Join him as he discusses with his grandmother the books and his spiritual gifts. http://tinyurl.com/SidInterview
* Sunday, November 22 Janet Riehl is hosting a question and answer interview about Yvonne's process for writing, publishing, and marketing The Sid Series https://www.riehlife.com.
* Monday, November 23 Yvonne will be the radio guest of Maxine Thompson on Dr. Maxine Show http://www.maxinethompson.com. The Shift Guru Barbara Joye www.TheShiftGuru.com will feature part 1 of a 3-part article on how Yvonne shifted from religion to metaphysics when her grandson, Sidney, (for whom The Sid Series was written) started manifesting psychic gifts.
* Tuesday, November 24 Yvonne will also be Suzanne Lieurance's radio guest on Book Bites for Kids http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bookbitesforkids
* Wednesday, November 25 The Shift Guru Barbara Joye www.TheShiftGuru.com will feature part 2 of a 3-part article on how Yvonne shifted from religion to metaphysics when her grandson started manifesting psychic gifts.
* Thursday, November 26 Yvonne will be visiting Karen and Robyn - Writing for Children at http://karenandrobyn.blogspot.com/ where Karen Cioffi is the hostess. Yvonne will tell how she self-published The Sid Series.
* Friday, November 27 Stephanie Ward will post information about Yvonne’s book on Stark Raving Bibliophile http://starkravingbibliophile.blogspot.com/. The Shift Guru Barbara Joye www.TheShiftGuru.com will feature part 2 of a 3-part article on how Yvonne shifted from religion to metaphysics when her grandson started manifesting psychic gifts. We hope to see you on both blogs that day.
* Saturday, November 28 Yvonne will post a press/media release about the book's debut. This will go to multiple online sources.
* Sunday, November 29 Amy, the owner of Equinaut and Vitesis has invited Yvonne to stop by and share an article titled, “The Writing of a Children’s Book.” http://www.equinaut.net/.
* On Monday, November 30, Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s blog, The New Book Review www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com, will feature a book review written by Katie Chalfont that highlights how The Sid Series has influenced her three children.
* Tuesday, December 1 Barbara Techel and Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog welcome Yvonne at http://www.frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com. You won’t want to miss this article on pet death.
* Wednesday, December 2 Shayne Packer of Grandparents TLC http://grandparentstlc.com will host Yvonne as she offers an article about young age grandparenting.
* Thursday, December 3 Dallas Woodburn’s Writing Life http://dallaswoodburn.blogspot.com/ will introduce authors to Skype an Author Network’s virtual classroom feature.
* Friday, December 4 Elena Dorothy Bowman will post an article titled "Why I wrote The Sid Series." This article features why Yvonne wrote the book and discusses some of the spiritual gifts Sidney manifested at an early age. http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/
* Saturday, December 5 Yvonne will upload to Youtube a book trailer for “A Powerful Potion,” one of the stories in The Sid Series. Jennifer Brown will post Yvonne’s “Love List” at http://www.jenniferbrownya.com/
* Sunday, December 6 Yvonne’s Facebook andTwitter friend, Lisa J. Jackson, has volunteered her blog, Lisa Haselton's Reviews & Interviews http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com, as the tour stop.
* Monday, December 7 Liana Metal will host Yvonne on Art Stories with an article about how she worked with 15-year-old Hayley John to create the illustrations for The Sid Series. http://LianaStories.blogspot.com
* Tuesday, December 8 Hal Manogue of Short Sleeves Insight will host Yvonne on with the posting of an article about children having remembered past lives. http://halmanogue.blogspot.com
* On Wednesday, December 9 Chelle Cordero will host a “Woman in Charge” interview of Yvonne as an author and business entrepreneur. You don’t want to miss “Combining Authorship and Free-Lance Writing Business” on Chelle Cordero’s Promo Page http://cce613.xanga.com/.
* Thursday, December 10 Sidney’s mother, Amanda McCurley, will host Yvonne on Fashionably Late http://fireofsorrow.blogspot.com/ by providing a book review and her thoughts about her son being the main character and inspiration for The Sid Series.
* Friday, December 11 Mama Paro and her three kittens: Elina, Bibble, and Tuktuk, will write a book review for The Sid Series. You’ll get a child’s perspective of the book when you visit http://mymamaparo.wordpress.com/.
* Saturday, December 12 Anita Revel has invited Yvonne to stop by Daily Blissings http://dailyblissings.blogspot.com/ and discuss why she is thankful for the learning process of self-publishing using Lightning Source.
* Sunday, December 13 More Than Meets the Eye (www.deathdyingafterlife.com) will feature an article, “Out of the Mouths of Babies! Channeling 101” about how Yvonne’s grandson at age three channeled an import message from his higher self.
* Monday, December 14 Lillian Brummet will host Yvonne Perry as she reads “Sid’s Fairy ~ Learning About Inner Guidance.” http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsread
* Tuesday, December 15 In a radio interview, Yvonne will discuss why The Sid Series was written for her grandson, Sidney. Hot Books - Great Authors is hosted by Valerie Connelly, publisher at Nightengale Press.
* On Tuesday, December 16, More Than Meets the Eye (www.deathdyingafterlife.com) will feature a flip book version of "Puppy Love ~ Dealing with the Death of a Pet," which is one of the twelve stories in The Sid Series.
* Wednesday, December 17 Heart Song's Hymnal will post a book review for The Sid Series at http://heartsongshymnal.blogspot.com
* Thursday, December 18. WITS blog will feature a question and answer interview with Hayley John, the 15-year-old student who illustrated many of the stories and the cover for The Sid Series.
* Saturday, December 19 stop by Dennis Martin's blog, I Write Some, http://iwritesome.blogspot.com/and read “A Book for Kids (and Adults) Who Love Fairies” and listen to an audio of the author reading the story, “Sid’s Fairy ~ Learning About Inner Guidance.”

Thank you so much for your help!
Yvonne Perry
http://writersinthesky.com
615-415-9861

Please tell your friends about The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children. These stories help kids learn about inner guidance, being true to one’s self, caring for the body, overcoming fear, recycling, and other health-conscious topics. See http://TheSidSeries.com.

Deadline for Writing Contest Extended

Valle Pintato Writing Contest: Deadline Dec 15, 2009

Tuesday, 20 October 2009, 16:43 | Category : Contests, Writing Contests
Tags : VAJ Writing Contest, Valle Pintado, Valle Pintado by Aggie Villanueva, Visual Arts Junction Writing Contest

Valle Pintado by Aggie Villanueva
Valle Pintado by Aggie Villanueva

See Aggie’s Limited Edition Photo Art

Join Aggie on her Virtual Photo Shoots

Be sure to also enter sister contest, our art Raffle,
“Become an Art Collector for Under $5.00”

A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, and that is your assignment. Well, more accurately, 500 — 600 words.

Write about the above photo art, Valle Pintado by Aggie Villanueva. Study the image, Valle Pintado means painted valley, and then write a story that this photo art inspires. You don’t have to write only fiction. Enter an essay if that’s what this image inspires in you. (No poetry please until we have poetry judges.)

Enter the sister art raffle here to win
limited edition print of Valle Pintado for yourself.

The Winner:
The winner gains triple exposure on Aggie Villanueva’s three sites, and a post on the blogs of our prestigious panel of judges.

Plus, and this is a huge plus; every one of our contest supporters (and this list is constantly growing) will also post your winning entry. See our sponsor list below. So, if this image inspires your muse, go for it. You’ll be read by thousands.


Rules:
This contest is open only to unpublished and amateur writers, or those who have been published less than 7 times in the past two years. Not qualified to enter if you have books published, either by traditional publishers or self published.

Study this image, “Valle Pintado”, which means painted valley, then write a story the photo art inspires. You don’t have to write only fiction. Enter an essay if that’s what this image inspires in you. (No poetry, please. We hope to have some poetry judges in the near future)

Deadline for the Valle Pintado Writing Contest is December 15, 2009. The winning entry will receive two critique statements from each judge; what that judge likes about your entry and what could be improved. See The Fine Print below.

Email your entry to Aggie at the Cabin. Be sure to type “Valle Pintado Writing Contest” in the subject line.

Include with your entry a short bio and attach your photo.

Include all links you want posted with your winning entry.

Include your telephone number if you want to be notified of a win by phone as well as by email. If you do not send you phone number, you will only be notified by email.

Winning entries will be posted at all participating sites as near as possible to the 25th of each month.

You must respond within 5 days of the date on your winning email announcement. If you do not reply to your winning email announcement within that time limit, your prize will be assigned to the second place entrant.

The Fine Print: The judges’ critiques are confined to short comments; no in depth critique/editing. Entrants will be automatically added to the Visual Arts Junction newsletter. You many unsubscribe at any time. All rights to the Valle Pintado image remain with the creator, Aggie Villanueva.
VAJ Writing Contests Sponsors

Your winning entry will appear on each sponsors’ site.
Some sponsors post will post on multiple sites.

Aggie Villanueva
Visual Arts Junction: http://www.visualartsjunction.com
Rightfully Mine http://www.aggiev.org/rightfullymine/
Aggie Logic photographic art http://www.aggiev.org/aggielogic/

Carol Langstroth
The Frontpage http://www.carollangstroth.com
Author Meeting Place http://www.authormeetingplace.com/mindfogreviews.html

Linda Yezak
777 Peppermint Place http://lindayezak.wordpress.com/
AuthorCulture http://authorculture.blogspot.com/

Cindy Bauer
Cindy Bauer Bookshttp://www.cindybauerbooks.com/
Reviews by Cindy http://reviewsbycindy.blogspot.com/

Nanci Arvizu
Page Readers http://pagereaders.com/
Nanci’s Thoughts www.nanciarvizu.com

Kim McDougall Blazing Trailers
Blazing Trailers http://www.blazingtrailers.com/

Shelagh Watkins
http://shelaghs.blogspot.com
http://shelaghwatkins.wordpress.com

Melinda Elmore
Melinda’s Blog Spot: Pen to Paper www.melinda.essentialwriters.com
Fran Lewis

Fran’s Website www.gabina.49.webs.com
Fran’s Blog www.gabina49@wordpress.com
Bertha 160 xanga.com
bookmarketing.ning.com/profile/FranLewis
www.myspace.com/hotauntiebertha
www.franifashionista.blogspot.com
http://writing4all.ning.com/profile/FranLewis
http://thewritespot.ning.com/profile/FranLewis

Amber Rigby Grosjean
Amber Rigby Grosjean blog http://amberrigbygrosjean.blogspot.com/

D.K. Christi
D.K. Christi , Consultant and Author www.dkchristi.com

Jhonny Thermidor
Unexplored Oceans of Wisdom www.JhonnyT.wordpress.com
Johnny Thermidor www.JhonnyThermidor.webs.com

Robert Appleton
Mercurial Times http://robertbappleton.blogspot.com/

Chelle Cordero
Chelle Cordero’s Promo Pagehttp://cce613.xanga.com/

Abe F. March

Abe F. March http://www.abemarch.com/apps/blog/

Paidra Delayno
Paidra’s Pen http://paidraspen.blogspot.com/

Sandra Kay
Sandra Kay’s Musings http://www.sandrakayauthor.blogspot.com/

Jo Fulkerson
Writer’s Life http://www.freewebs.com/thedesertwriter/

Elena Dorothy Bowman
Elena Dorothy Bowman’s Book Blog http://elenadorothybowmansbooks.blogspot.com/

Hank Quense
Blog, the writing blog of Hank Quense http://hankquense.com/blog/

Mark Stephen Levy
Overland http://authormarklevy.blogspot.com/

Jay Heinlein Publishing Professional
http://heinleinpubservices.blogspot.com

J. Michael Orenduff
Author of the Pot Thief series
www.ThePotThief.blogspot.com

Yolanthaiti Harrison-Pace
YOLANTHAITI yolanthaiti.blogspot.com

The VAJ Writing Contest

The VAJ Writing Contest just went live. Deadline is November 15, 2009

A picture is worth a thousand words, as they say, and that is your assignment. Well, more accurately, 500 — 600 words.

Write about the above photo art, Valle Pintado by Aggie Villanueva. Study the image, Valle Pintado means painted valley, and then write a story that this photo art inspires. You don’t have to write only fiction. Enter an essay if that’s what this image inspires in you. (No poetry please until we have poetry judges.)

Here's the link to the contest and for all the rules and regulations. Good Luck!

http://www.visualartsjunction.com/?p=3585

Book Review from Ruby Moon-Houldson-Gene Roddenberry Website

http://www.roddenberry.com/communityblogs/index/detail?id=254

Review of Sarah's Landing Book 1
By: Ruby Moon-Houldson
06/04/2009
Sarah's Landing - I * C o n t a c t

A 111-year-old mystery - people who vanished ten years before the new millennium - the first space-exploration starship, Earth Star-I, lost in deep space fifty-one years later - Is there a connection between these unexplained disappearances and a village situated along the rocky coast of New England, a place out of time, called Sarah's Landing?

Joshua Morgan, the Astronaut/Biologist scratched from the ill-fated flight, searching for answers, is unaware his quest will take him to the far reaches of space and to an alien planet no one knew existed. Joshua's love for two different woman on world's light years apart, results in the birth of sons - siblings - one from the alien planet, one from Earth, both empowered with mind-linking capabilities.

Set in the year 2055, the book centers around the hero’s attempts to solve the 111-year-old mystery of people who vanished 10 years before the new millennium, and the loss of the first starship, Earth Star-I which vanished 51 years later.

A software engineer turned author, Elena Bowman offers the reader a story filled with unexpected twists and turns. You’ll want to read this series.

I give this book 4 out of 5 moons. - Author: Ruby Moon-Houldson - Roddenberry.com

Visit Ms. Bowman’s webpage to check out all her books at
http://home.comcast.net/~www.sarahslanding.com/sarahslanding.html

Reviews and Excerpts of My Novels on Yvonne Mason's Weblog

Hi, Everyone!

Just wanted to share with you that Yvonne Mason, has graciously posted reviews and excerpts of all of my novels on her weblog. The following links will take you to each page that they reside on. I really appreciate her doing this for me and for all authors she graciously does this for.
Thank you!


http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/sarahs-landing-contact-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/the-telepaths-of-theon-book-2-sarahs-landing-series-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/the-barbarians-book-three-sarahs-landing-series-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/genesis-book-4-sarahs-landing-series-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/02/the-house-on-the-bluff-book-one-the-legacy-series-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/the-gatekeepers-realm-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/adams-point-book-iii-of-the-legacy-series-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/time-rift-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/the-odyssey-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

http://yvonnemason.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/the-imposter-by-elena-dorothy-bowman/

Is There a Duty for the Elderly to Die?

Is There a Duty for the Elderly to Die?
Apparently the Democrat Congress and Obama seems to think so.

________________________________________
In 2004 former Governor of Colorado Richard Lamm lit a firestorm of controversy when he suggested that old people have a duty to die. This concept has been elaborated by others. The reasoning is that our society, at least in the Western world, have no good financial plans for long-term care for the aged when they become incapacitated because of illness or mental debility. Often these persons become a financial and emotional burden for family members and may require family members to alter their own lives and goals simply to care for their aged relatives. It has been suggested that these burdens are not acceptable and that the aged should find a duty to terminate their lives before they have reached such a dependent state. This means that an elderly person while mentally competent and not terminally ill should arrange to die. The argument is that their life is almost over naturally and they should not interfere with the lives and careers of others who have yet many years of life ahead. Also implied is that society's monetary costs for caring for the elderly infirm could better be spent on children and younger people.
=========================================================================
I received this email today and posting it exactly as it was received:

"I heard this on the news today, Now the provision is being circulated for all to understand. This is no joke, unfortunately. When I heard this on CNN & Fox this morning, I thought they were kidding, but they quoted the provision that is proposed.

Paul

"Page 425 of Obama's Health Bill

"You’re not going to believe this because it’s so absurd, but here is what it says.

“The Federal Government will require everyone who is on Social Security to undergo a counseling session every 5 years with the objective being that they will explain to them how to end their own life earlier.”

"THEY ARE GOING TO PUSH SUICIDE to cut medicare spending!

Click here: Obamacare for old folks: Just 'cut your life short'"
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=104719

So, I checked it out and This is a WorldNetDaily printer-friendly version of the article which follows. To view this item online, visit http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?pageId=104719

Friday, July 24, 2009
________________________________________
WorldNetDaily Exclusive
Obamacare for old folks: Just 'cut your life short'
Health plan provision demands 'end-of-life' counseling
________________________________________
Posted: July 22, 2009
8:21 pm Eastern
By Bob Unruh
________________________________________
WorldNetDaily
The version of President Obama's universal health care plan pending in the U.S. House would require "end-of-life" counseling for senior citizens, and the former lieutenant governor for the state of New York is warning people to "protect their parents" from the measure.
At issue is section 1233 of the legislative proposal that deals with a government requirement for an "Advance Care Planning Consultation."
Betsy McCaughey, the former New York state officer, told former president candidate Fred Thompson during an interview on his radio program the "consultation" is no more or less than an attempt to convince seniors to die.
One of the most shocking things is page 425, where the Congress would make it mandatory absolutely that every five years people in Medicare have a required counseling session," she said. "They will tell [them] how to end their life sooner."
The proposal specifically calls for the consultation to recommend "palliative care and hospice" for seniors in their mandatory counseling sessions. Palliative care and hospice generally focus only on pain relief until death.
The measure requires "an explanation by the practitioner of the continuum of end-of-life services and supports available, including palliative care and hospice, and benefits for such services and supports that are available under this title."
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Excerpt from health care plan:
(B) An explanation by the practitioner of advance directive, including living wills and durable powers of attorney, and their uses.
(C) An explanation by the practitioner of the role and responsibilities of a health care proxy.
(D) The provision by the practitioner of a list of national and State-specific resources to assist consumers and their families with advance care planning, including the national toll-free hotline, the advance care planning clearing houses, and State legal service organizations (including those funded through the Older Americans Act of 1965).
(E) An explanation by the practitioner of the continuum of end-of-life services and supports available, INCLUDING PALLIATIVE CARE and hospice and benefits for such services and supports that are available under this title.

Excerpt from health care plan
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
It also recommends a method for death: "the use of artificially administered nutrition and hydration."
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Another excerpt from the Obamacare plan
(l) the individual's desire regarding transfer to a hospital of remaining at the current care setting.
(m) the use of antibiotics, and
(n) the use OF ARTIFICIALLY ADMINISTERED NUTRITION AND HYDRATION
(2) PAYMENT- Section 1848(J)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C.) 1395w-4(j)(3)is amended by inserting(2) (FF), after (2)(EE).

Another excerpt from the Obamacare plan
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Then there's a third reference that sets out reporting requirements for doctors to monitor how such end-of-life orders are followed.
Under "QUALITY REPORTING INITIATIVE," the bill says, "For purposes of reporting data on quality measures for covered professional services furnished during 2011 and any subsequent year, to the extent that measures are available, the Secretary shall include quality measures on end of life care and advanced care planning that have been adopted or endorsed by a consensus-based organization, if appropriate. Such measures shall measure both the creation of and adherence to orders for life-sustaining treatment."
________________________________________________________________________________________________
A third excerpt from Obamacare

(3) Physician's Quality Reporting Initiative:
(A) IN GENERAL – For purposes of reporting data on quality measures for covered professional services furnished during 2011 and any subsequent year, to the extent that measures are available, the Secretary shall include quality measures on end of life care and advance care planning that have been adopted or endorsed by a consensus-based organization, if appropriate. Such measures shall measure both THE CREATION OF AND THE ADHERENCE TO orders for life sustaining treatment.
(B)PROPOSED SET OF MEASURES – The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register proposed quality measures on end of life care and…

A third excerpt from Obamacare
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

McCaughey said she was stunned.
"As a patient advocate I am so shocked at the vicious assault on elderly people and the boomer generation," she told Thompson. "I hope people listening will protect their parents from what is intended under this bill."
She cited the federal provision that such counseling sessions must be administered every five years. If there's a significant change in the person's health or status during that time, such as an ordinary move to a nursing home because of declining physical abilities, the counseling must be administered again.
The message, she said, is "to do what's in society's best interests, and cut your life short."
"Can you imagine the response of the American people (when they find out)?" Thompson asked..
McCaughey is a health policy expert who founded HospitalInfection.org to stop hospital-acquired infections as well as DefendYourHealthCare.us concerning the proposed nationalization of health care.
The law also allows preferences that treatment levels set up by patients "may range from an indication for full treatment to an indication to limit some or all … interventions."
McCaughey also said the Obama administration is suggesting that medical care be withheld from seniors based on the expected years they have left to live. Such a program already is in effect in the United Kingdom, where patients losing their eyesight to age-related macular degeneration cannot be given an eyesight-saving medication until they lose sight in one eye.

Advance Review of There and Back by Trisha Fitzgerald-Petri

Trisha Fitzgerald-Petri's Novel was not released at the time I was privileged to do an advance review of it.

Book Review: There and Back
Reviewed by Elena Dorothy Bowman
March 20, 2009

There and Back by Trisha Fitzgerald-Petri
Publisher: Wings ePress – 298 Pages


Trisha's novel There and Back is a mesmerizing tale of three Irish sisters and the complications that seem to dog two of them throughout their lives. Theresa Sullivan, the younger of the two, is a free spirit who believes all she ever dreams for would come to her naturally, which to her made her life more interesting if not perilous. On the other hand, her older sister, Gwendolyn has a more conservative view of life. Then, of course, there is Anna, the quiet one. From the beginning it is Gwen who copes with her sister's devil may care attitude, which causes a great deal of apprehension in Gwen's life. So much so that Gwen begins to believe it is her lot in life to look after her younger sister no matter what the consequences to her own desires and expectations.

Sprinkled within the story one can almost feel the atmosphere of the Irish Countryside. Trisha's description brings to mind the smells of the land, the food, the people's lives, all entwined as one. Traveling along the road through the villages one could actually believe that they are there in spirit if not in body. And behind this quiet, peaceful land, there is the threat of danger as Tessie manages to get herself into one pickle after another.

The many twist, turns and humor, in just the right places, take the reader from the land of the Irish to a different and strange culture and into the mountainous territory of Yugoslavia. Beneath the beauty of this troubled land bordering on the edge of war and suspicion, where earthquakes are as normal as the day is long, the precarious turn of events is heightened when Tessie manages to get herself entwined in the most dangerous and deadliest escapade of all. Tossing her own desires aside, Gwen, with the help of one of Tessie's discarded suitors rushes to her sister's aid only to find herself in a situation that is just as dangerous and deadly as her sister's and wondering if they will ever see Ireland again.

Trisha takes her time weaving this story together taking the reader deeper and deeper into the intrigue she so cleverly unwinds. She deftly exposes the depth of her characters' tribulations, and emotions, while emerging them into an environment that has all the intrigue and life–threatening danger waiting to engulf them. Although not a fast-paced novel, it moves at a steady pace, capturing the reader's attention and wondering where it would all end. It is without a doubt a page turner and well worth the read.

~~ Elena Dorothy Bowman, Author of:
The Sarah's Landing Series, The Legacy Series, Time-Rift, The Odyssey and The Imposter.

Review of Diamond Star - Catherine Asaro's Newest Release

Review of Diamond Star
Author: Catherine Asaro
ISBN#978-1-4165-9160-3
1-4165-9160-5
Publisher: Baen Books – 2009
Reviewed by: Elena Dorothy Bowman

Diamond Star, the newest novel in Catherine Asaro's Award-Winning Skolian Empire Series is the story of a Prince of the Ruby Empire who longed to be somewhere and someone other than who he really was, and to that end kept his true identity a secret. At the time his family returned to their own planet, he was not with them, causing his family to believe he was being held captive by Earth's Hierarchy. Feeling that his family would not appreciate his desire to stay on Earth and be a rock star, he kept that information from them. Intent on proving that he could do more with his talent than what was expected of him, he set about promoting his music and his voice. He soon discovered that he was entwined in the dark side of the holo-rock industry, with attempts on his life, people wanting to own him, use him, kidnap him, and enslave him. Not to mention the interstellar conflagration he could bring about between three civilizations: Earth, Skyfall, and the worst of them all—The Traders— if Earth couldn't protect him. Then, too, there was woman he loved, a love he couldn't or wouldn't believe possible. He did not want to cause his family any worry or anguish, but he had to do what he was born to do—sing. If only he could believe he was as good as everyone was telling him he was, that he truly was worthy of the talent he was given.

Catherine Asaro's Diamond Star will keep you turning the pages as she takes you from one world to another as easily as going to the corner grocery store. The vivid worlds she creates makes one want to sign up for the next flight to the stars. A romantic science fiction novel that will keep you thinking about it long after you've closed the book on the last chapter.
~~Elena Dorothy Bowman
Author of: The Sarah's Landing Series, The Legacy Series, Time-Rift, The Odyssey and The Imposter.

The Iman Speaks the Truth of his Faith - Very Scary

I just received this e-mail and I really want you to read it now!!!! Very scary and very true!!!

This is a true story and the author, Rick Mathes, is a well-known leader in prison ministry. The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose.

The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in the United States, especially in the minority races!!!

Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my state prison security clearance. During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs.

I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.

After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.

When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'

There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, Non-believers!'

I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'

The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'

He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'

I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!

Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the Diversification training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in the U.S. to elect the President!

I think everyone in the U.S. should be required to read this, but with ACLU, there is likely no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us send it on! This is our chance to make a difference...

FOR GODS' SAKE! SEND THIS ON!

And so I did and also decided to post it to my blog because it is too important not to.

Grand Opening Scavenger Hunt on March 20th

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! In celebration of the grand opening of the new Books We Love Reader's Group at yahoo, BWL_Readers@yahoogroups.com, we're asking you to get acquainted with some of our authors by participating in a fun scavenger hunt. We promise it isn't hard. You just have to follow the provided links listed on the loop the morning of March 20th and answer some really easy questions. The answers are all there...you just have to find and collect them all to be entered into a drawing for one of eighteen books. Some will even be personally autographed. You'll have two days, with the contest ending Saturday at midnight. All entries must be received by Ginger Simpson at mizging@gmail.com by noon on Sunday, 3/22. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Whether you come to play or not, we hope you will join us in celebrating the beginning of what we hope will be a stimulating and pleasant group experience. If you aren't familiar with us, please visit http://www.bookswelove.net and get an idea of who we are and what we're about. I'm sure you may have already played in a contest or two there. Jude Pittman has assembled a wonderful group of talent, but without readers, we don't have much purpose. Come join us, won't you. Remember, Saturday, March 20th.

Join us in welcoming Spring!

Messengers from God

Messengers from God
by
Elena Dorothy Bowman

Six-thirty every morning, Julia stood on the beach and watched her marine mammal friends frolicking in the ocean. She listened in on their banter as they dove in and out of the water splashing and crashing into the waves coming from the open sea and roaring toward the shore.
If anyone ever told her she would be communicating with these mariners on a daily basis, she would have looked at them as if they had lost their marbles. But, she was just as surprised as anyone else that the dolphins spoke to her, or rather that she could understand what they were saying.
This morning was no different than any of the others she spent watching her friends, except that the Christmas Season was upon them. It was their quiet time, she loved it as much as the they did. Usually not many people came to Makaha Valley on the West side of the Island of Oahu to see them. But those who did, would never forget the day they went swimming with the dolphins.
***
Julian and Karyn James, from Boston, Massachusetts were spending Christmas in Hawaii, and were the first to arrive. They stood on the beach alongside Julia and watched the young whales playing.
“Do they do that all the time?” Karyn asked.
“Every day,” Julia said laughing.
When the others arrived Julia gathered the group together and told them under no circumstances were they to touch the dolphins. They will swim alongside you, only inches away, but as much as you might like to, don’t touch, okay?”
When everyone agreed, Julia then said, “Okay everyone into the water.” She laughed, as they looked at her bewildered.
“We have to swim out to them,” she said, quietly, “they don’t come to you...well almost never. It’s only 300 yards out, come on everyone you can do it. The dolphins are waiting.”
Karyn looked at Julian. He laughed and nodded, “Don’t worry, if you falter, I’ll be close by.”
Karyn’s laughter was a bit strained. But she went in anyway. The dolphins waited until the people reached them, then started to swim alongside. Everyone marveled at the friendliness, beauty and grace of their companions. Later, they would swear their sidekicks were talking to them as well as to each other.
Sensing the people were secure with them, the cetaceans began playing games, chasing, tagging, and romping with the swimmers. Soon the aquatic mammals perceived the people were tired and herded them toward shore as they swam alongside. When the group reached the beach, the dolphins turned and went back out to their favorite spot.
Karyn and Julian loved every minute of it and wouldn’t have missed it for the world, they promised to return. Julia said she would look forward to seeing them again, and added, the dolphins would, too.
A few days before they were to leave to go back to Massachusetts, Karyn slipped on a wet floor and seriously injured her back. She was in agony. Julian thought about taking her home early, but she wanted to see the dolphins one last time. Reluctantly, Julian agreed and brought Karyn to the beach at Makaha Valley.
Julia greeted them and asked Karyn how her back was.
“How did you know?” Karyn asked.
"My friends told me. They said you were in a lot of pain and would like you to swim out to them."
“No,” Karyn said. “I wish I could, but I can’t. It hurts too much, Julian will go.”
“Julian can come along as well, but the dolphins want you to come into the water with them...look, they’re coming in for you...see!"
Karyn looked and was surprised to see the young dolphins dangerously close to the shore and making such a racket she had no choice but to go in and meet them. They swam alongside her, taking her further and further out. Julia and Julian went along as well. The dolphins kept Karyn close to them and she could feel the love, peace, and tranquility they transmitted to her. She felt at peace and was no longer in pain.
Tired, Karyn wanted to return to the shore and panicked when a giant Sting-Ray barred her way. Her dolphins came to the rescue. Swimming in front of, and encircling the entire group, they moved as one safely through the waters and past the Sting-Ray to the land beyond. When their charges were back on the beach, the dolphins signaled their good-byes and swam back out. The pain in Karyn’s back was completely gone, she could move about freely and she felt wonderful.
Karyn turned to Julia, “This is one Christmas I’ll never forget... how did you know?”
Julia smiled, “The dolphins told me. That’s why they wanted you in the water... where they could help you.”
“They are such beautiful creatures,” Karyn said. “Once with them I felt no pain, just peace and tranquility. I could feel their warmth engulfing me. The purity of their love and the tranquility they transmit is unbelievable.”
“I know,” Julia answered, “That’s why I call them my “Messengers from God!”

* * * * *

WWII Movie Stars

If this has been around, enjoy again! WWII MOVIE STARS Below are the patriotic and military accomplishments of movie stars including Audie Murphy so slow down when you read that section. Audie Murphy is a guy that the Post Office refuses to dedicate a postage stamp to. Think of all the silly things you have seen on our postage stamps, such as cartoon characters. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WW II MOVIE STARS In contrast to the ideals, opinions and feelings of to day's 'Hollywonk', the real actors of yesteryear loved the United States . They had both class and integrity. With the advent of World War II many of our actors went to fight rather than stand and rant against this country we all love. They gave up their wealth, position and fame to become service men & women, many as simple 'enlisted men'. This page lists but a few, but from this group of only 18 men came over 70 medals in honor of their valor, spanning from Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguish Service Cross', Purple Hearts and one Congressional Medal of Honor. So remember; while the 'Entertainers of 2007-2008' have been in all of the news media lately I would like to remind the people of what the entertainers of 1943 were doing, (65 years ago). Most of these brave men have since passed on. 'Real Hollywood Heroes' Alec Guinness (Star Wars) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day. James Doohan ('Scotty' on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day. Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans. David Niven was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy . James Stewart Entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany , and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty. Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France's Croix de Guerre, and 7 Battle Stars during World War II. In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950's. Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II, Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles. He attended the Officers' Candidate School at Miami Beach , Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942. He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where he flew operational missions over Europe in B-17's. Capt Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat. Charlton Heston was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak. Ernest Borgnine was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945. Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart. Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29's in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan. George C. Scott was a decorated U. S. Marine. Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943. Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabal in the Pacific. Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart. John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal . Robert Ryan was a U.S. Marine who served with the O.S.S. in Yugoslavia . Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the U.S. Marines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa . Audie Murphy, a little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Texas who played cowboy parts: Most Decorated serviceman of WWII and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with 'V', 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France), World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm. So how do you feel the real heroes of the silver screen acted when compared to the hollywonks today who spew out anti-American drivel as they bite the hand that feeds them? Can you imagine these stars of yester-year saying they hate our flag, making anti-war speeches, marching in anti-American parades and saying they hate our president? I thought not, neither did I! I hope you enjoyed this bit of history.