Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Party with ANDREW REVELS!

We are still blog partying...and I have that N'SYNC song stuck in my head (I haven't played it for days). As far as I can tell, we hold the record for the longest continously running blog party. (If you know different, let me know.) Come join the fun! Everyone welcome! It is an 'open' party.

Nick (UK) was the winner yesterday for Erin's autographed copy of her book. Congratulations! Nick. (email me, please).


Andrew Revels is a long time friend. We met over in England at MyWritersCircle.com years ago, I think it was way before my moderator days. Anyway Andrew and I became mentor and 'grasshopper'. His was a quick and willing student. Andrew is a year, maybe two, older than my oldest kid. One time, I pulled the "This will make sense when you're older" line. Within 5 minutes, he rifled back to me one of the most beautiful and insightful poems I have ever seen, from anyone of any age. In about an hour, he sent me a YouTube link.





The next thing I know, he has a book through lulu.com. That book was his short story collection of Games Poor Kids Play.

The minute he emailed me, I went to lulu and bought the first copy - beat him to it! There were lots of 'oops' formatting moments in GPKP the (first) book, but the stories had both hubby and I rolling on the floor, laughing so hard we had tears running down our faces. I have the first copy of the first edition, and I'm hanging onto it!

My favorite game poor kids play was, wait for it, dart tag. Yes, darts...those sharp things with feathers on one end. Everything was going all right until someone got 'tagged'. Every kid knows the number one rule: don't tell your mom/mum when you get hurt doing something S-T-U-P-I-D!

Following shortly after GPKP came 32 Reasons I Need a Helmet. Yep, got that book too. I wrote in one book review that I was glad Andrew wasn't my kid, and his mom emailed me. She knew I was joking and she is very lovely. Andrew told me that Kathryn's Beach made his mom cry. Aaaah. See his other quotes on my website 'review page'.

Andrew has this writing late at night bug that I have, so just about every night he sent me a chapter of his novel, Belly of the Beast.



I have ALL of Andrew's books. The amazing thing about Andrew's writing is it is so nearly 100% perfect right off - first draft (I've seen them). Andrew is writing his second novel about a road trip. It's fantastic too.

Andrew is a natural and I can't wait to see where his talent takes him. He is a wild child with a gentle spirit and brilliantly creative mind. Can you tell I love this guy?

When he came to Arizona, we were able to get together for an afternoon at my house with my family. He is doing multimedia interviews of local bands and the FOX station did a feature on Andrew recently. It's on his website. http://www.planet-revels.com/

Andrew sent something to me he would like to add to this post. Here it is:

“Don’t go where the puck is…go where it’s going to be.”

I have become a huge fan of Wayne Gretzky as of late. Yet I’ve never seen him play a full game of hockey. I’ve never seen a full game of hockey period. Much like baseball, golf, and break dancing…it’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing more than watching.

I have frequented ESPN since I was a young lad in Wisconsin, so I am no stranger to the highlight reels featuring “The Great One” and his amazing performances. He made it look so easy. But as impressive as he was on the ice, he is twice as amazing as a man.

I’ve never seen a more genuine professional athlete in my life. Gretzky seems like such a warm, welcoming human being. Take a break from this for a second and google Wayne Gretzky’s charity work. It will blow your mind. This is a guy that got an opportunity, made the most of it, and became the best. He also became grateful. That’s one thing that we always need to be. Wherever any of us are, have been, or will go…we didn’t do it alone.

If I had never read Sherman Alexie’s The Loner Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, I probably never would’ve started writing my own collection of short stories. Had Nadine Laman never taken the time to mentor me and advise me in the writing industry, I never would not have written three books. Because of that, I will never stop giving props where props are due. I will always point people in their direction. Because I am grateful for what they’ve done for me.

But spreading the word on them is not enough. I asked Nadine how I could repay her for all of her help and kindness and she simply told me to make sure to do the same for other people. That was very Gretzky of her. I’ve tried to do my best to help other people out any time I can.

The internet is an amazing platform if you know how to use it. Two years ago I started inviting any unrecognized author to write a column on my web site. How did that turn out? I’m engaged to one of the writers that took me up on my offer. What goes around comes around. When I wrote my second collection of short stories, I wanted to include illustrations. So I scouted message boards and classifieds to find an unknown artist looking to make a name for himself.

When something happens for me, I want it to happen to someone else. And it goes beyond writing. I started PRTV as a way to help showcase any artist or entertainer who needed a place to showcase their talents. I’ve interviewed over 25 people so far, and for most of them it was their first interview. We have a local semipro football team that nobody has ever heard of. I am doing everything I can to get them noticed.

Wayne Gretzky’s father tells a story about when Wayne was playing junior hockey and had scored something like 380 goals. Wayne was getting ready for a game and said to his old man, “You know there’s a kid on the team that hasn’t scored a goal yet? I’m going to help him score one tonight.” And he did. Twice. He was ten years old. That’s what it’s all about. People helping people. If something great is happening to me, I want it to happen to somebody else. It’s a cycle. You help me, I help him. You inspire me, I inspire her. We are all eager and hungry, and if we have each other’s backs…we will all succeed. This is an amazing thing Nadine started, and I am grateful to be involved.

Live long. Live strong.
AR

Party Game: Post in the comments below a sentence that includes the words, "I know what it's like" or tell one of your childhood antics. There ya go! Go win Belly of The Beast, an amazing debut novel.

By request from the comment section group:




You asked for it, here is the Games Poor Kids Play cast of CHARACTERS!



32 Reasons Andrew Needs A Helmet.



And the man behind all of this...Grandpa Revels turns 80 (YouTube disabled the sound)



Coming tomorrow ~ SUSAN GABRIEL!

**If you need help navigating blogger, here are some basic instructions: http://nadinelaman.blogspot.com/2009/08/just-few-basics.html

The comment section is below this line. Click on the word "comments." That's where you can leave a note. eMail me if you have trouble with this...NadineLaman(at)aol.com

119 comments:

  1. Wow. I can't wait to look! Carrie

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  2. I know what it is like to know the best writers and readers, ever!

    I know what it is like to have a rocking blog party!

    Happy Birthday, Maitiu!

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  3. Good morning, Andrew,

    Thanks for the lovely things you said. You are a sweetheart.

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  4. Good morning. I'm happy to be a part of this fiesta. Point me to the pinata.

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  5. Hi Andrew,
    It won't be long before the UK people get their coffee and stop by.
    The pinata is on the patio, don't fall into the pool...

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  6. I thought I should mention, there have been no reported casualties...

    After all that scary stuff with Erin yesterday, I had a nightmare when I tried to nap a bit ago. I think I'll send it to you and see if you can do anything with it. (email)

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  7. Very cool! I'm off to bed (haven't slept in almost 24 hours) but I'll be back in a little while. Hello in advance everybody!

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  8. Wow, I won a prize at the party yesterday. How cool is that?! I'll email you with my address, Nadine. Hope Erin doesn't mind posting her book to England!

    Welcome to the party, Andrew. Nice to meet a fellow Brit here. Of course, at this time of day, I prefer a nice cup of tea really...

    Nick

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  9. Great Nick! No, Erin understands you're in England. I've told her the customs form she'll need. All set.

    So far you and Carrie are the first Brits here. I'll put on the kettle. Andrew is from the US, but we did meet at MWC. You meet the best people there, you know! *smiles* You'll have to brag in the coffee shop that you've won!

    I've sent you a couple of emails tonight. One is a bit old from when I didn't have your email...

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  10. Thanks, Nadine. Yes, I've received all your emails and replied now - many thanks!

    Apologies to Andrew for getting his citizenship wrong. When you said you met in England, I just assumed he was British. Guess he can be an honorary Brit as well if he wishes ;-)

    Anyway, must go and check out his website now...

    Nick

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  11. Nick, we met in England on MWC... May I be an honorary Brit too? I'm taking ENGLISH lessons from Carrie and Cathy C.

    Loo, marmite (that stuff tastes nasty, ulk), chrisps, lift, car park...and some words I'm not supposed to post.

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  12. Ah, I see what you mean. Though I don't really think of Mywriterscircle.com as being in England - it's in cyberspace, with no passports or visas required!

    And yes, of course, you can be an honorary Brit as well. But I'm afraid you WILL have to learn to develop a taste for Marmite...

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  13. Okay, I'll eat it, but I won't like it.

    You should ask Cathy C. about it, she nearly fell off her chair laughing at me. She talked me into trying it (Carrie sent it) on webcam. Oh that stuff is so nasty tasting.

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  14. True MWC is international, I've certainly made many friends world wide, but the server has to be situated some place, besides, I think the idea of it being in England is cool.

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  15. You'll have to let me know what you think of Erin's book. I've only read an early draft. Maybe the winners who want to can post a review on their blog or mine, or both.

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  16. Nick,

    I've gotten so I like the 'folk art' quality of a draft (ms) quite a bit. I bet I read more mss than books.

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  17. I think I made the party game 'off putting' so I'm going to go make it easier so more people will post and keep me awake (2AM here)...brb

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  18. There. Try that. It is a lot like *chica* the other day, but you only have to do it in one post. Give it a try...

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  19. Hi Nadine

    Actually, I think MWC is hosted on a server in the US - but if you like to think of the forum being located in England, I guess I can live with that!

    And yes, I'll let you know what I think of Erin's book - maybe review it on Amazon too.

    Nick

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  20. Whew! My cable was down and no way to let you know. How's everyone doing here?

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  21. I feel like I was cut off from the world when I couldn't access the party. Now I'm getting tons of auto updates. Do they really need to update IE that often? It slows down my computer. Anyone who knows how to make it ask me first, email instructions, please.

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  22. Media announcement: http://www.booktrade.info/index.php/showarticle/22785

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  23. *snif* guess no one wants to talk to me while we wait for Andrew to return.

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  24. Hey, Ivy's here! Hello! Glad you dropped by!

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  25. Hi, Andrew, hi, Nadine!!!
    Andrew's books sound like so much fun! And the YouTube left me speechless. That's what I call talent-say so much in as short as possible. Thank you for that, Andrew!

    Best wishes to Maitiu from my corner of the world. That's the coolest name I've heard in a while!

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  26. Ah thanks. It is old Gaelic for Matthew. I like the name, but not the usual spelling...so went hunting. The good thing is, he has never minded that we did that to him. Turns 21 today. Wish he was here. I'm sure he's partying with his mates.

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  27. Good morning from Ohio. I instantly thought of my father when I read the title of Andrew's first book. (Games Poor Kids Play) I need to read about this book and will do that today. It brought back memories of my childhood. My father grew up as poor as a church mouse. The advantage to that was he became a creator and master with his hands and mind. He made many of those home made toys for me and my siblings. We were certainly not poor as my dad was as a child but we loved the simple toys that entertained us for hours. And Andrew, you sound like one talented, young man.
    On to another cup of coffee.

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  28. Ivy,
    I agree about the poem. I was awestruck because he sent it back so quickly.

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  29. Quote from Nadine, "He is a wild child with a gentle spirit and brilliantly creative mind."

    (What a powerful decription of a child I'd be proud to be a parent of.)

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  30. Good morning, Connie. Here let me get you a refill, have a fresh pot just brewing.
    I have 27 first cousins and we always found simple games to keep us entertained for hours. But, the games Andrew and company came up with were certainly the kind you don't want to know about, if you're a mom/mum. I read most of that book aloud to my husband in one evening. We couldn't stop laughing and saying, "Oh my God!" It is amazing they all lived to grow up.

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  31. Hello again folks! I'm getting excited - not long before I jet off on holiday. But... I'm gonna miss the rest of the party! BOO HOO!

    Andrew is a very talented young man - quite something. Are his brothers creative too?

    Carrie

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  32. I have one first cousin. One brother (somewhere), husband and two kids, a mother, and ... and... that's it.

    Wow Nadine - how do you keep up with all that family. I guess you can't really...!

    Carrie

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  33. We keep pretty close tabs on each other. Don't dare tell any of them something you don't want them all to know, in about 30 seconds!

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  34. I know what it's like to come up with such mischief...when I was between 8-12 we lived in a street where there was 101 kid. It's arural part, with wide open fields, woods and a deep and dangerous river. Once we tried to swim over to Bosnia. BAD idea. Of course we couldn't tell our parents. In comparisson to their punishment, the river was a piece of cake.

    Really, sometimes I wonder how no one was severly injured...God forbid my son does stuff we used to do...

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  35. Carrie, Andrew plays scrabble online. There ya go!

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  36. Ivy, no way would I tell some of the stuff I did. When the boys were learning to drive, one of them kept telling me about near misses. I finally told him there are some things you just don't tell your mom.

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  37. Ivy, do you say "mom" or "mum" in Croatia?

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  38. Hi Jen! We'll miss you. Ella emailed me from school, she is thrilled about winning Say The Word.

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  39. My pal Paul and I nearly burned down his shed. We used to build fires, play with matches and sulfur and fireworks... totally safely of course! (gulp!)

    Carrie

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  40. Nadine, I really think it's for the best our parents did'nt find out many things...no one got hurt anwyay, right? And we certainly learned our lesson...

    Kids here call their parents mama and tata. When I write I use 'mom' and 'dad'.

    Oh, Carrie, that reminds me...first experiments with cigarettes...oh, dear Lord...

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  41. Oops! I think I answered Jen's email on here...oh well.

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  42. The reference to Jen is her electric will be off for 8 hrs today.

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  43. I have an idea...changing the game again to posting a childhood game or mischief.

    You guys inspire me!

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  44. Password game was one of those silly games. We separated into two teams, each team having a password that the other team had to find out by all means, beating the hell out of someone included...The good thing was you could run to Africa if you wanted. The sky was the limit, to the utter dismay of our parents who would search for us long after bedtime because being hidden so good we didn't know the password was cracked...

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  45. "The cousins" behaved, but I went for a 7 mile walk in the desert with neighbors. They had the police looking for us. Man, was I in big trouble! I used to jump off the garage to feel what flying was like. Never got hurt, would do that for an hour at a time.

    I have some family YouTubes of Andrew that I'm going to post. Might not be able to comment for a few minutes while I do that, but it is worth the wait, I promise.

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  46. I went to a fight once, in Hartford Conn., and the darndest thing happened. A Hockey game broke out. Let the party continue.

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  47. My Goodness. How can one live without electric for 8 hours? I guess we will find out from Jen in about 8 hours.

    I need to share with Andrew and all of you the funny, simple game Dad taught us. He and his 6 siblings played The Purse Game for hours under the same bridge where I grew up. And of course he taught it to us as Mom shook her head telling him we shouldn't play it. I wrote a short story about it years ago and I have often thought of submitting it to the Good Old Days magazine.

    The story could go on and on but the skinny to it is this:
    We'd tie a purse to a string, lay it on the road, sneak under the bridge and sit very quietly, waiting for a vehicle to come by. Of course, they'd fly past the purse before they realized what they'd just passed. As they backed up, we'd be pulling the purse in. they rarely so the purse being tugged in because like all of us, we concentrate on backing and of course you get lost trying to remember where you thought you saw it.

    We giggled and about peed our pants. (my sister did pee her's) as we listened to the cars go back and forth up and down the road, looking for that purse in hopes of hitting a gold mind of money.

    We grew up on a very quiet road in the country and back in those days, it was easy for a car to drive in reverse without being busted by a cop or rear-ended. It was amazing how long we'd sit under the bridge waiting for our next victim.

    Today, my parents still live on that road which has populated a lot but that same bridge is there. We still laugh about those many summer days gone by and all the people we fooled.

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  48. Hey Kev! You and Andrew can talk hockey all day (when he gets back from running an errand for his mom).

    Everyone, Kevin is my best mate from childhood. From K to 4th grade we were always together, then my family moved. I was devistated.

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  49. Connie, that is a great story. Yes, we'd do the simplest things for hours. Andrew, if you read his book, did dangerious things. They usually only lasted until someone got hurt.

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  50. Maybe Jen thought to make sure her laptop is fully charged and will pop in a couple of times.

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  51. One time we'd been out and came home and the pillows were all in a bunch on the sofa. When I straightened them, I saw that the arm had been busted. No one ever confessed.

    They get that from their dad. I flew to California for my aunt's funeral, when I came home one of the dishes was the wrong color/colour. He had broken it and replaced it, but got the wrong color...he was so busted!

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  52. I listened to Andrew's poem on youtube. Wow. It made me sad but gives hope, doesn't it? Powerful stuff. ;o)

    I must go work. Catch ya all later.

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  53. OMg...we broke the leg on the couch. We carefully put the leg upright in hopes when Dad came home from work, showered to watch TV, he'd get blammed for falling down hard on the couch. It worked. Ok, I really have to go.

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  54. I'm going to add a couple other YouTubes of the Revel's family that Andrew made. Check them out while I catch a short nap.

    Keep telling your childhood antics. I'll reply when I get back. Andrew might be back by then too.

    What do you want to bet that Connie pops in again too?

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  55. Shouldn't this be REVELS with REVELS? LOL.

    Byeeeee....

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  56. There ya go! I posted several of Andrew's videos. That should keep you out of trouble while I take a nap...or inspire you to get into trouble!

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  57. I stopped back in for a few and do not see the new you tube videos. I will assume it is my fault since I am not a computer giant like many.

    And Ivy, we used to beat the hell out of each other, too. My brother would also pin be down to the crowd with my arms above me head, staddle me and threaten to drop a big lugie on me. (spit) Grooosssss! Did I spell the word, lugie right which is slang I betcha.

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  58. Great stuff! Glad to "meet" you, Andrew.

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  59. Ahhhh, sibling fun.
    I used to chase my two older brothers with a broom and if I hit one of them with it, I'd go lock myself in the bathroom till my Mom came home from work. ROFL...but they deserved it.
    They wouldn't clean up the house like she said to do. They would pick on me. But don't let anyone else do it, or the Haley Brothers would go hunt down the culprit. LOL Go figure.

    We're close now and I love them very much.

    Andrew, I'll be in and out of your blog. Thank you for posting on mine.


    Erin

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  60. Hi again, that nap felt good.

    Connie, if you can't see new comments or things I've added to the blog, refresh the page. If you or anyone don't know how to refresh the page, then close it and reopen. I suspect the reason you can't see it is because you've left the page open to pop in and out easily. PS. I knew you'd be back!

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  61. What’s shakin’ everybody? Sorry I’m late. It’s been a hectic day thus far.

    Hey Nick. I would love to be an honorary Brit. I’ve never been to England, but I kind of like The Beatles…

    Hi Ivy! Thanks for the kind words!

    Happy Birthday to your boy Nadine. I can’t believe I turned 21 five years ago. Is this one of your sons that I met? I remember them, but I’m horrible with names. How’s your chef doing?

    Hi Connie. Ohio, eh? Browns fan? If so…sorry about that game Saturday night. Go Pack! The funny thing about me is that I had no idea I was even poor until much later in my youth. I was never hungry and I don’t remember ever ‘wanting’ anything. There is a chapter (two actually) on the different games my friends and I created when we didn’t have much…but it’s kind of a metaphor for the whole book. Granted they are funny short stories, but almost every one of them is a situation where I found humor in (what could’ve been) a negative situation. I also like the way Nadine described me! Never heard that one before. I’ve gotten “foul-mouthed kid with big dreams” though.

    Hey Carrie! I have an older brother who isn’t very creative. We didn’t “hang out” much when I was a kid because he’s eight years older than me. He didn’t let me play with his stuff, so I had to come up with my own. My mom was very creative though(still is).

    Ivy…my mom learned quite a bit about me from reading my book. She was shocked, entertained, and grateful that I survived all at the same time.

    Carrie…fire is still one of my favorite toys.

    Connie…I’m going to try playing the purse game tomorrow and getting it on film!

    Glad to meet you too Joy!

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  62. Hello Andrew! Boy you can tell when you hit the door. (Middle kid).

    Carrie is in a jet to Spain, actually a tiny island. Probably won't hear much from her for a week.

    I think everyone else is popping in and out. I'm glad you have so many YouTubes to use to entertain everyone.

    Nadine

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  63. Hey Erin,
    There's nothing like sibling fun. I broke my brother's nose with a metal crutch when I was about eight. That was in retaliation to him duct taping me to a chair and spinning me around. I also remember throwing a hatchet at his first car after erased my high score on Zelda. He used to make me play a game called "Mike Tyson" where we would put pillows on our hands and box. Of course he was eight years older than me, so it was no contest. He would knock me out and then bite my ear off. Okay...all of that is true but the ear thing.

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  64. Andrew, tell me a little about your next book.

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  65. I am and was a fouled mouth kid, too Andrew. Ya know, you are right. If you have lots of love in a home, you don't think about all those material things. Unfortunately, my dad had a very abusive father who was a huge drinker. Drank the family farm right up.

    And to think you will try to get the purse trick on film is sooooo exciting. Oh my gosh, I can't wait to see it. You have to share it.

    Just remember don't start reeling the purse in, until you see them start to back. Hide good, too. I can smile just thinking about the purse trick. We didn't do it just once. We did it summer after summer and many days each week.

    Sorry to Carrie that I missed blogging yesterday. I totally forgot even though I was super busy. Blogging has not be part of my routine but I'll try hard from now on.

    Andrew, your books look and sound wonderful. I write mostly humor, too. I love making people laugh with words. That is a gift you know when words bring out belly laughs.

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  66. Connie and Andrew, you both do write humor/humour quite a lot alike. I'm not surprised you two hit it off.

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  67. Oh Connie, don't work at blogging, it will spoil all the fun. That's why I don't twitter or facebook, it wasn't fun. Life's too short...

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  68. The way to read back through the party you missed is in the link in the green text below Andrew's last YouTube.

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  69. Great book promotions on youtube. Nadine, I do know how to hit refresh. (bless your heart) Silly me thought the new you tubes you added would be at the bottom here. I scrolled and well, there they were. I like Andrew's style and such great music choices. I am trying to get a you tube built for my book. I will have it up and going........someday.

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  70. My mom didn't have an abusive father...he was just a cold guy. Soldier to the max. He provided for his family, was never abusive, but he was just never very affectionate. I've heard that from my uncle too. But it blows my mind because to us grandkids he has been amazing. I think he took extra care of my brother and I because neither of us had a dad. My grandpa is the one that got me to embrace my sense of humor and love for storytelling.

    Humor will always be my comfort zone. The book I'm writing now is a novel that is mainlky humor based (I didn't think I was capable of writing something like that). Check out www.drhumor.com. I've known this man for about twenty years (my mom used to clean his house). I interviewed him on my show last night and he is an amazing man. He started out as a special education teacher/professor. Then he was sued by a student that he gave a failing grade and decided to take up law. Now he is the founder/CEO/president of the National Association for the Humor Impaired. He's a motivational speaker and a brilliant man. He's also got a book of stories he's collected over the year.

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  71. I tried to get my kids to make mine, they showed me how to do it. I spent the weekend playing with MS movie maker and had the youtube done and figured out how to upload it to youtube. It isn't hard if you have patience with it. You have time to make one in time for your day. Don't use copyrighted music or photos unless you pay for use rights. Joy Collins can tell you how to do the rights thing, that's what she did.

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  72. You have a week, I dare you. No, I double dog dare you!

    The refresh comment was 'general' instructions for anyone.

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  73. I wish youtube wouldn't have blocked the sound on my grandpa's video. For your information...the songs I used were "Desperado", "I Walk the Line", "Big Bad John", "Johnny Be Good", and "Times Like These" by the Foo Fighters.

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  74. Hi! Really loved the poem... I know- What its like.
    And Nadine, there are so many of us who think ( and Know) you to be their guardian Angel!

    Thanks for everything.

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  75. Dr. Humor is right.I checked out his web page. Humor and laughter does relieve stress and should be applied in the work place. I might have gone too far though on the job. I used to get in big trouble at times. God, I loved to pull pranks.

    I worked as a medic for 25 years and we worked a 24 on schedule and 48 off. The emergency squad I worked for was county funded and it was a wonderful job. I used to kid about sleeping with 2 men at work and then home to sleep with my husband. (that was a joke although we did sleep while on duty when we didn't have squad runs) Anyway, my partner at work hated shoes and was part hilly-billy. He'd sleep in the recliner at times and I sneak up and paint his toe nails bright red. Our tones would drop for a squad run and he'd go to put his socks and shoes on to find his pretty, red toes.

    My next book might be about all those squad runs and about my crazy co worker days and the nutty things people did to get in to some big emergency situations.

    As for your grandfather who was not affectionate but was more with the grandchildren. My dad had to learn love and affection from my mom. His childhood was so bad. I always, always knew he loved us kids but he was not one to show it. Now as he is older, the old guy's heart had grown to be so tender and he kisses me each time I am heading out the door.

    Where is the show you do, Andrew? That is cool. I write for my local paper and interview interesting people. Small town people with big stories!!!

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  76. Yes, that was great with the sound, but I think all of your videos point to the family you have and the person you are1

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  77. Hi NatureWalker! Glad you are commenting...I know you have been here.

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  78. Dare me all you want, Nadine. no way will I have it figured out in time for my day on here. I just don't see that happenin'!

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  79. You might! The day is full of possibilities.

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  80. FYI, Naturewalker and all, it has been pointed out that I've told stories on everyone, and that isn't quite fair that I didn't have a place to tell stories on me...so you can do that on the weekend, true or made up stories...

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  81. Is anyone having trouble with blogger loading slowly?

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  82. While there is a pause here, I'm going to go take care of a few housekeeping things on the blog. You might not be able to post while I'm doing that, but I'll hurry.

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  83. Connie...my show is filmed i La Crosse, WI. A much smaller town than it's original location of Houston, TX. It's very rewarding. I love hearing other people's stories. Sounds like you're involved in something similar.

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  84. Andrew, can you snag the embedding code on I Know What It's Like for me? Use, show frame, middle color in the top row, size 340x285...it keeps snagging on aol, so I want to get the code from off aol. Email it, please. Thanks.

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  85. I don't know how to change all of the settings.

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  86. Hey folks, the Europeans are here for the nightshift! Coffee refill anyone? Pancakes maybe?

    I spent the day thinking of more silly things we did. Then someone here mentioned siblings...my two years older brother broke my left arm. Twice. He swears it was accidentally.

    Then I almost broke his neck. Once only, and I swear it was accidentally. Not my fault he was so eager to catch that stupid ball.

    I read through your comments, catching up since last time I was here, then I noticed Andrew mentioning Foo Fighters and my mind went black.
    So now I'm off to read the rest.

    Hugs,
    Ivy

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  87. Hi Ivy, you are such a treasure!

    I'd stick with the 'accident' story too.

    I'm doing the same thing, reading back through the entire party. I'm still so amazed with everyone. Just one little, "Let's have a party" and everyone was on board.

    All of this is really a reflection of all of you, this isn't about me.

    I love you guys! (chica)

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  88. I can only speak for myself, but my relationship with my brother hasn't changed much to this day. Scott didn't talk to me for two months this year because I covered his house with toilet paper when I came home to visit for Thanksgiving. But that was just because every time he leaves a party before me he makes sure to turn EVERYTHING up in my car. Radio volume, heater, windshield wipers. Fun times.

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  89. "Belly of the Beast" ... sounds like a great Iron Maiden song! (rockband, anyone?) Just kidding.

    Hey Nadine, I put a link on my Facebook page to your blog. Let me know if you get any traffic from it.

    Joyce

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  90. YouTube instructions: Bring up the page. Top left, below picture and blurb, you have URL and Embed. To the right of embed is an flower/starburst looking button. Click that.
    It drops down a menu where you can select those values I posted a bit ago. Select each item, the right click on the inside of the Embed box, chose select all, the whole code should be highlighted, right click again and select Copy. Open and email and paste that into it...send it to me. Easy! My web designer told me about it. See Joyce in the post above! That's her...the best web designer...

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  91. I actually stole the title from a song by the band Danzig. It's a really dark, evil song...but something just drew me to it. The lyrics, the bass groove. It fits well with my novel. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't an inspiration.

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  92. Gosh, can't remember the last time I laughed so much...

    My brother just reminded me of a story that would maybe better fit into yesterday's party.
    There is a legend about our cemetery. It is said to be haunted by the spirit of an old homeless man (named Perica) who used to sleep in one of the mausoleums, grow tomatoes on graves and sing to the death. We kids were eager for the cherry trees lining up the cemetery, and despite our parent's warning us not to play there, we went there one evening.

    Someone thought it would be funny to shout out: "Perica, wannt some cherries?"

    You bet Perica wanted some. He shook us off the tree with a rake and informed all of our parents what we were doing.

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  93. *Nadine smiles* Joyce, thanks! Glad you came by! You have all my passwords, you'll know more about my traffice than I do. What would I do without you?

    Want to see something neat? I know you love photography. This is from Andy in France. http://poty2009.dcmag.co.uk/3913562626761222378/just-press-start.html

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  94. It's a good novel, you wrote it in a snap too. I was/am impressed!

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  95. Wow! Ivy, do you still eat cherries or did that cure it?

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  96. :)

    The Perica that reported our mischief was the owner of the cherries. Our parents arranged that "lesson" for us.

    Andrew, Joyce, more rock fans down here...

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  97. Thanks Andrew, it is still giving me an error message. AOL has zero tolerance on coding errors, while others will skip over them. If Joyce is still around, I'll see if she can look at the code and fix it.

    Your parents were on to you Ivy!

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  98. Just so you guys know...this has been a difficult day for me on a personal level. This blog party has helped me cope with a tragedy in a positive way. So thank you all. If it weren't for reliving some of these great memories I probably wouldn't be able to deal with the fact that Brett Favre officially signed with the Minnesota Vikings.

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  99. I'm glad we could be here for you, Andrew. Big group hug!

    For the non-American football fans, that is what Andrew is talking about...one of the quarterbacks (isn't he?) the guy who throws down fiend and they all run after a ball that doesn't even bounce right...oops, guess you know there is way too much football at our house for me!

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  100. Yes...he is the quarterback. Not only that...he was the greatest face of sports for the state of Wisconsin in the past twenty years. He played sixteen seasons with Green Bay and retired. Then came out of retirement. Then he retired again. Today he came out of retirement again and signed with Minnesota. The arch rivals of the Green Bay Packers. It's a giant slap in the face. Wisconsin doesn't have much. The Green Bay Packers and a huge Oktoberfest celebration. So this is a pretty low moment for us cheeseheads.

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  101. I know, Andrew, he is popular at our house. He is a heck of a nice guy too! He does lots of work with autistic kids, I think. I was just winding you up. Pre-season has started, I'm a widow until after the last post-season game.

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  102. Lunch here...Andrew, you're in charge!

    (I can't believe I said that with you and Ivy and Connie all together!)

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  103. Ivy, loved the cherry pickin' story. I bet you guys were scared senseless. We had a weird neighbor that Mom demanded we not ride our bikes near his home. He was a window peeper. I thought that was a lie to scare us. He was caught peeking in on my mom when were were youngins. Dad was working night shift. Howard was a harmless, dirty old man.

    As for football, my husband is a huge Cleveland Brown fan. A true die hard because he always watches them even when they get beat miserably.

    What is your take on the creep that was involved in dog fighting? I am so against him being given a 2nd chance in the NFL. Shoot, I forget his name.

    My daughter was a kicker in high school football for 3 years. Talk about proud. I would love to send the video from national news on her. I have it and should (yes I know) learn how to put it on YouTube. It is awesome to watch. Just seeing a girl kick like she could will give you football fans goosebumps.

    I'll check out Andrew's photography later. I am fixing a early dinner and off to a class reunion meeting. Don't ask what year reunion. I'd have to lie.

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  104. Yes, everyone here agrees, no NFL for the dog fight guy. I forgot his name too. That sends kids the wrong message.

    Andy is here (a Brit from France, look how beautiful his daughter is, son is smart with the computer too)

    And Andrew...is not Andy...kinda confusing.

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  105. Dinner is simmering so I ran over to check out Andy's (not andrew's) photography. He is quite good. I love the one of the little girl in the big hat. They are excellent shots. I need a better digital camera.

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  106. Connie, we still get goosebumps when we go to the cemetery...

    Andy's pic is great. Reminds me of the cartoon where a guy hugs his computer saying 'I love my computer because all my friends live in it' LOL

    I got to go too, but I'll be back in an hour or so, time for my Naturalism Literature shot..and maybe some writing. Probably more writing than Naturalism. Maybe I write something naturalistic. :)
    See you guys later!

    Hugs,
    Ivy

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  107. Not to bring it up again Connie, but are you referring to a beating like the one The Browns took Saturday night (17-0) at the hands of The Packers?

    Michael Vick was the QB involved with dog fighting. He served a year and a half in prison and now he signed a big contract to return to the NFL. I so low of professional sports because of things like this. But it makes me that more appreciative to guys like Wayne Gretzky and Tiger Woods. Shaquille O'Neal too (he'll be a nice addition to Cleavland).

    I talk smack about Favre as a fan, but he is genuinely a decent guy. Watch this and try to not get teary eyed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZV0WFKUt2k

    Professional athletes are treated like Gods in this country and it's sick. The economy is so bad, yet Michael Vick (a convicted felon) gets to make millions of dollars again...because of his name. Dante Stallworth is another example. This guy drove drunk and killed a man. What did he get? 24 days in jail and a one year suspension. I know people who have been punished worse for a DUI alone. Great example to send his country's youth too.

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  108. Yes,
    We could get into a lot of trouble as youth.
    But hopefully, we mature and get over it. LOL.
    I know my brothers did and I did too.
    However, some don't as in the Dante Stallworth case, and sadly, he took another life when he decided to drink and drive.
    My son's natural mother was killed by a drunk driver too, when he was seven. He came to live with me and his father after that. He was in the car when the wreck happened, and he's never gotten over it.
    He's doing well now, but he still has repurcussions (sp?) from the trauma.

    We all need to think before we act.


    Erin

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  109. There was a writer here yesterday, Mickie, whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver.

    We need to keep it clear what is the difference between hero and hype.

    I'm going to do an "Ivy" for about an hour while you two talk sports! Be back soon...

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  110. Andrew, I'm really sorry to hear about your personal tragedy..I know nothing about baseball, in Europe it's all about soccer. Don't know more about it either.

    Same thing with publishing. I'm reading a "book" by a well-known actress whose father was an acting legend. But she is a spoiled brat, living on his father's laurels. To quote:"I decided to act, and I did it. I decided to make a CD, and I did it. Now I decided I wanted to publish a book, and there's nothing you can do about it."
    DUH. How about burning it?

    The sades thing, she is with a major publisher...makes me want to cry for all those talented writers who don't get a chance because of people like her.

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  111. That's so annoying. There are so many of those. I read a book by a comedian from the Opie and Anthony show, and right away he said "I never even wanted to write a book. Somebody brought the idea to me and thought I would be good at it so I did it. I don't even like writing." And now he's a New York Times Best Seller.

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  112. Those guys need a PR coach. They have no idea how they sound to the rest of us.

    Ivy, a Cheesehead is a team fan from where Andrews is, they make lots of cheese from that area of the US. They wear this strange (oh sorry Andrew) cheese wedge hat thing to the games. I'll look for a pic for you.

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  113. Yep, I'm still here. Just danced out, sitting in a comfy chair thinking about all of you and the party. Isn't this fantastic? Aren't you wonderful?

    GROUP hug!

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  114. I had a lot of fun today. Everything that happened today was good. Especially after two great interviews last night. Now I'll be featured on the front page of the La Crosse Tribune next week. My grandpa also had successful surgery on his elbow today. I'll be hanging around for the rest of the party! Thanks for all the comments!

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  115. Andrew, this was fun, is fun! Thanks for doing this.

    I'm glad to hear 'Grandpa John' is doing well. WHAT? You were interviewed for the La Crosse Tribuen today? WoW! Congratulations!

    I'll be here too...just hanging out...

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  116. Boy Andrew, I can't figure out why your poem YouTube errors out part of the time for aol users. Maybe I wore it out listenting to it?

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  117. Yep, I knew the poor old Browns got beat the other day. My husband just shook his head.

    As for Stallworth, I put him in the same disrespectful category as Vick. Awful people, just awful.

    Erin, bless you for stepping up to the plate for your son. I am sure his memories of that wreck are awful to deal with.

    There was a writer in here yesterday that also lost a child to a drunk? So sad, just so sad.

    Congrats on the interview with La Crosse Tribuen, Andrew.

    And about these writers who don't have a passion for it like US...makes me think of all the celebrities that decide to write a book, usually with lots of help and they auto. to the NY best seller list. I have concluded that many that make the NY best seller are not good reads.

    Chelsea Handler from the late night show, Chelsea Lately wrote two books. I bought the 2nd one because although she is very vulgar on her late night show, she is funny. But, her book was not good at all and yep, it was on NY best seller for months.

    Oh well, I was told once, write, just write if you love it. And I do.

    Andrew, it was wonderful to meet you on your special blog day. I doubt I'll be back tonight but the best to you and keep on laughing!

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