tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86742856138515043332024-03-12T18:33:40.086-07:00Suzie TullettWelcome to my blog. A place where I hope to keep everyone updated on my journey into the world of novel writing... and other stuff! Thank you for visiting xSuzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-56915467558514774022013-06-03T08:35:00.001-07:002013-06-03T08:35:54.355-07:00My New Virtual Home Is Now Live!<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Courtesy of the lovely Nettie Thomson at Meldrum Media, I now have a lovely new website - the place I'll be keeping in touch with everyone from now on.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">You'll find info on my books, can catch up with my blog, read news and reviews etc. So please head on over and have a ganders. </span><br />
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<a href="http://suzietullett.com/">http://suzietullett.com/</a><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Thank you to everyone who's followed me here, I hope to see you all at my new virtual home too.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Can't wait to hear what you think of it.</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Suzie x</span><br />
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"></span>Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-72472618199739185532013-05-08T06:28:00.002-07:002013-05-08T14:47:24.432-07:00The Bookworms of CarnforthAs both a reader and an author, it's always nice to chat to fellow book lovers. So when the Bookworms in Carnforth invited me along to one of their meetings obviously I was more than happy to join in the fun. <br />
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And what fun it was too...<br />
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I met a great bunch of women, each of them sharing a lively interest in all things literature. Which is probably why, after giving me the warmest of welcomes, they happily dove straight in with their questions and why the next two hours or so seemed to pass by so quickly. <br />
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During this time we talked about Going Underground, a discussion that included some wonderful and very much appreciated feedback (thank you, Ladies); we discussed aspects of the writing process, as well as the publishing industry in general; and we even touched upon author Stephen King and novel Fifty Shades of Grey... The latter providing an opportunity for one of the group to produce a photograph she'd previously taken - a photograph of a cloud shaped just like a man's... ahem!<br />
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And finally, I was asked to do a reading, enabling me to introduce the group to Little White Lies and Butterflies. <br />
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As its author, it was lovely to hear everyone spontaneously laugh out loud and in all the right places. Such instant feedback isn't just invaluable from a writing standpoint, it makes the book's up and coming release all the more exciting x<br />
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The Bookworms, from left to right:</div>
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Mandy Griffiths, Sue Smith, Kay Postlethwaite, Georgina Peacock, Judith Southall, Jeannette Prescott</div>
Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-34325302754873481942013-04-17T03:47:00.002-07:002013-04-17T03:47:52.448-07:00Stationery LoveI'm blogging over at Jera's Jamboree today, talking about my love of stationery... <br />
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<a href="http://jerasjamboree.com/2013/04/17/jeras-jamboree-stationery-love-with-suzie-tullett/">http://jerasjamboree.com/2013/04/17/jeras-jamboree-stationery-love-with-suzie-tullett/</a><br />
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Please hop over if you get the chance. As well as featuring the likes of me, it's a great place to get the latest in book reviews! xSuzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-16569096925813392013-04-05T02:44:00.000-07:002013-04-14T05:49:05.292-07:00Let the New Chapter Begin...Six years ago this Summer, I found myself moving to Greece. It wasn't planned; it sort of just happened. I mean my dream had always been to find a little cottage somewhere in France.<br />
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I'd often envisage myself meandering through the French countryside behind the wheel of a little Ape 50 or Citreon Dolly, nipping into the boulangerie for freshly baked bread or just savouring a coffee whilst watching elderly gentlemen play boules in the village square. Naturally, in my imaginations I was also fluent in the lingo... All very romantic, I know.<br />
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We even organised a house hunting trip. The campervan was packed weeks in advance, the ferry tickets were booked and our excitement was building. But then it started to rain... and rain... and rain... and not just in England either, France was drowning as well.<br />
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Honestly, it felt never ending and like most people in the UK that year, we became desperate for a bit of sunshine. Although I suppose Rihanna's 'Umbrella' being at number one in the music charts for seven weeks during that time didn't exactly help any. So out we came to Greece instead, ready for some well earned respite and I've been here more or less ever since.<br />
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Tomorrow, however, I leave for good.<br />
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Of course, I'm excited about starting a new adventure somewhere else, but I have to admit I also feel a little sad. Although it's not hard to see why, is it?<br />
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Kalymnos has been my writing retreat all these years and not only has it provided me with a fantastic setting for the latest book, I've met some wonderful people along the way, some of whom I've included in my blogs from time to time and who I'll no doubt miss. <br />
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People like my neighbour, Birgitta. Not that you can really see her in this picture, she's worse than me when it comes to getting in front of the camera and would only let me finally show her face if you can't actually see it!<br />
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Then there's the lovely Birgit. A German lady who runs the dog rescue shelter here and is responsible for introducing me to both Roma and Nanos, the newest members of the Tullett clan - both of whom I couldn't be without, so for this I'd like to say a big thanks.<br />
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And I can't forget Nicolette and Daniel. Not only does Roma seem to have a crush on their little dog, Gina, they're also lovely neighbours and run the most fabulous ice-cream shop on the island! On the planet even! Something else that I'll definitely miss when I leave... Wonder if once I'm settled I could pursuade them to up sticks themselves and set up nearby? <br />
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Next is Ruth and Carl, fellow Brits and again such lovely neighbours even if they do like to spend their time hanging off one rock face or another! I know, I much prefer the safety of terra firma too, but hey, who are we to judge? <br />
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As you can see, Kirsten is more like me - much prefering the calming effects of a glass of wine to the excitement of an adrenaline rush. Although to be fair Carl and Ruth have also been known to partake every now and then - something I saw with my own eyes only the other night.<br />
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Next in line is Geraldine, a very nice lady who's become a fixture around these parts over the years. A fantastic climber, who also kayaks and sails and does all the other mad stuff I try to stay away from. Although I'm more than happy to cheer her on from the sidelines, a gesture I'm sure she appreciates. <br />
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She's stood with Stelios, a Greek chap from Athens who spends his Summers here doing Yoga and surprise, surprise climbing... He also likes reading and tried to introduce me to Edgar Allan Poe last year. Unfortunately, the cover alone was enough to put me off but you've probably already guessed that 'scaredy cat' could quite easily be my middle name. Although for those of you who've read my previous posts, as middle names go, 'scaredy cat' is probably preferable!<br />
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Last but certainly not least, is the Klonaris family. From left to right - Sakis, Theme, Panormitis, Petrula and Dimitra... Such a welcoming family you wouldn't believe - they've plied me with coffee every time I've needed a change of environment when writing, fed me and as a woman here on my own a lot of the time, looked out for me. A truly wonderful family that I will never forget. I thank you with all my heart.<br />
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Missing from the Klonaris picture is Eleni. I'm not saying she was purposely avoiding the camera, however, she did seem to keep disappearing off in the car whenever I was around yesterday... Sorry Eleni, but I couldn't leave you out and despite what you say, you look as lovely as ever here...<br />
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Now I suppose it's onwards and upwards in the next chapter of my life... An exciting prospect tinged with a little bit of sadness as it goes without saying that I'll miss everyone above and everything the island of Kalymnos has given me.<br />
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I just hope wherever I end up next it isn't raining... otherwise I just might have to come back! xSuzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-91312947459041372432013-02-14T11:49:00.000-08:002013-02-14T12:21:34.782-08:00I Can Now Reveal...!A couple of weeks ago, I told you all that I've been keeping the biggest secret ever. Of course, I understand the reasons why I've had to keep schtum, but maintaining my silence has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. In fact, I'll go one step further and say it's been torture. I'm such a scream and shout it from the rooftops kind of person!<br />
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Anyway, having been given the go-ahead to reveal all (drum roll, please) I'd like you to raise a glass for my son, Benjamin, and his beautiful wife, Cindy... <br />
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Yes, everyone, (getting tearful as I type this) they're going to have a baby!<br />
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I know, I know, I'm way too young to be a grandmother (and too glamorous, I hear you say - obviously) but I soooooo can't wait. This baby is an absolute gift. And to us, at least, already the most adored little being on the planet. <br />
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I wonder if we'll have a little boy to add to our fine male Tullett specimens?<br />
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Or a little girl to make the numbers up?<br />
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Not that it matters, either way, as long as the baby's healthy. <br />
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Although the happy parents-to-be do plan on finding out the sex and I, for one, can't wait... Knitting needles at the ready.<br />
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So there you have it. That's what I've been forced to keep to myself these last few weeks.<br />
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Anyone of you got any happy news you'd like to share? xSuzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-44260424551173073602013-02-13T00:20:00.001-08:002013-02-13T00:20:24.886-08:00First Paragraph, Teaser Tuesday!Every week, the lovely Paulita Kincer (Author of The Summer of France) takes part in a weekly bookish meme. The point being to introduce the first sentence of her current read, along with a random teaser, to all the other Tuesday Teaser participants. <br />
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A great way to share books and grabs a readers interest, don't you think?<br />
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Anyone can play along, so if you want to join in please head over to Paulita's blog <a href="http://paulita-ponderings.blogspot.gr/2013/02/first-paragraph-teaser-tuesday-going.html">http://paulita-ponderings.blogspot.gr/2013/02/first-paragraph-teaser-tuesday-going.html</a> where you can find all the details.<br />
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And guess what, Guys, this week she's featuring Going Underground! <br />
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Will my first sentence grab you? xSuzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-26036519581380012402013-01-30T13:30:00.000-08:002013-01-30T13:30:32.134-08:00That was quick!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20wS3uDVR6QQLy8u1vAUye3zF23MUDuqaJRgPivJEXIIhn20vM841oAWbCcGtfOsQcaUvQkMHraXsmAy6qt4gzpQxz_0m09w-ys8bFnqPizxgY7xme3l1yYUl0WjeMhCrP1B6JTwuWm3M/s1600/little+white+lies+and+butterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20wS3uDVR6QQLy8u1vAUye3zF23MUDuqaJRgPivJEXIIhn20vM841oAWbCcGtfOsQcaUvQkMHraXsmAy6qt4gzpQxz_0m09w-ys8bFnqPizxgY7xme3l1yYUl0WjeMhCrP1B6JTwuWm3M/s1600/little+white+lies+and+butterflies.jpg" /></a></div>
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How exciting, Little White Lies and Butterflies is now showing on Amazon!
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Yes, there's still a little while to go before the publication date, but if you
pre-order now from the UK you get the price guarantee: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-White-Butterflies-Suzie-Tullett/dp/1908208198/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359394185&sr=1-3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-White-Butterflies-Suzie-Tullett/dp/1908208198/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359394185&sr=1-3</a><br /><br />And
on Amazon US you can sign up to be notified once it's available:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Little-White-Butterflies-Suzie-Tullett/dp/1908208198/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1359462211&sr=8-4&keywords=suzie+tullett" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Little-White-Butterflies-Suzie-Tullett/dp/1908208198/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1359462211&sr=8-4&keywords=suzie+tullett</a><br /><br />Hope
you like the cover and blurb; this book was certainly a lot of fun to write.<br />
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Happy reading, everyone and as always, thanks in advance for your support x</div>
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Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-46596187320028830842013-01-24T07:40:00.002-08:002013-01-24T07:58:32.116-08:00The Very Inspiring Blogger AwardWhat a compliment! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlc1zgTzk_qdsB-pypufTE4YoScuhLZskK6vrejW9Lyxu4R8waoyUq8KsN8-3-ohxFdRNtwOsYm0Ryvoc0Aa8cddHXnpIGpcderCu8-eKXOme5SwiIT5Q-ttNbbARtCGjdNaU4HOS7sOZ/s1600/badge+veryinspiringbloggeraward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQlc1zgTzk_qdsB-pypufTE4YoScuhLZskK6vrejW9Lyxu4R8waoyUq8KsN8-3-ohxFdRNtwOsYm0Ryvoc0Aa8cddHXnpIGpcderCu8-eKXOme5SwiIT5Q-ttNbbARtCGjdNaU4HOS7sOZ/s1600/badge+veryinspiringbloggeraward.jpg" /></a></div>
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The lovely Catherine Green has nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Catherine is the author of the Redcliffe novels - dark fantasy, horror and paranormal stories and you can check her books out here <a href="http://www.catherinegreenauthor.blogspot.com/">www.catherinegreenauthor.blogspot.com</a><br />
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Thanks, Catherine.<br />
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So, here are the rules:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Display the award logo on your blog. </li>
<li>Link back to the person who nominated you. </li>
<li>State 7 things about yourself. </li>
<li>Nominate other bloggers for this award and link to them. </li>
<li>Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s
requirements. </li>
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And here goes:</div>
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<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">
It's long been my dream to live in France. Of course, dreams do come true, which is why I've decided to try and learn French this year - in preparation for the day this becomes a reality. </div>
</li>
<li>I'm a housework freak. Oh yes, I do like to keep a nice, clean and tidy home, although sometimes probably to excess. So imagine my horror when today I decide that for once I'm going to let things slide, only for surprise visitors to go and turn up... Naturally, a patio full drying laundry, washing up in the sink, work out on every available surface, bathroom towel discarded on the floor (need I go on?) isn't exactly the best environment in which to receive guests! So yes, everyone, guess what I was doing the second they finally upped and left?</li>
<li>I once spent about nine months living in Northern Sweden and despite temperatures getting as low as -36, I absolutely loved it. Anyone else ever had the pleasure of experiencing the hairs in their nostrils freezing?</li>
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Memory foam matresses make me sea sick... Don't ask me why, but when looking for a new bed I once sat on one and within seconds I came over all nauseous. As I hadn't been drinking at the time, I'm putting this down to the fact that I'm simply one of life's delicates - living proof that images can most definitely be deceiving.</div>
</li>
<li>My biggest 'blonde' moment was when my other half and I were watching the start of the Oscars ceremony on TV one year. All the stars were arriving on the red carpet looking as glamorous as ever and from his position inside the building, one of the hosts announced it was 'Limo Gridlock' down there. Well I'd never heard of this particular actor so obviously needed clarification... that's when I turned to Robert and innocently asked "Who's Limo Gridlock?"</li>
<li>Most people seem to think I'm as mad as a hatter and reading some of the things on this list, I'm beginning to see why!</li>
<li>I'm currently keeping the biggest secret no individual should ever have to keep! </li>
</ol>
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So, if you now want to check out my nominations to find out if these gorgeous people are as balmy and/or inspirational as I am... here they are:<br />
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://joskehan.com/">http://joskehan.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://donna-lostandfound.blogspot.com/">http://donna-lostandfound.blogspot.com</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://itswhatigotnotwhoiam.blogspot.co.uk/">http://itswhatigotnotwhoiam.blogspot.co.uk</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/">http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://guernseygirlie.blogspot.gr/">http://guernseygirlie.blogspot.gr/</a></li>
<li><a href="http://janerisdon.wordpress.com/">http://janerisdon.wordpress.com/</a></li>
</ol>
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So that's it. Can't wait to read all about Jo, Donna, Kate, Nicky and Marilyn... and please feel free, readers, to reveal something about yourselves, too x<br />
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Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-85765966184784491152013-01-15T06:31:00.002-08:002013-01-15T09:46:09.126-08:00A poet in the making?It doesn't happen very often, but every now and then my other half, Robert, does something romantic. Like the time he didn't just make me a plate of chips, but a plate where each chip had been individually and paintstakingly cut into a love heart... I know, must have taken him hours! <br />
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Then there are the occasions when he's written me poetry. Oh yes, I've had a few poems over the years, all for my eyes only on account of his embarrassment, of course. Although he did read one of his verses out to those in attendance when we renewed our wedding vows a few years ago.<br />
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Anyways, the other day he asked me if I'd read another one of his poems, except this time it wasn't written with me in mind; he just wanted to know what I thought about it. Obviously as an author I know the last person able to give objective feedback is a family member, so with his permission I wondered if you'd all do the honours on my behalf?<br />
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Gone</div>
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A poem by Robert Tullett</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i>Finally, he's fast to sleep</div>
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Of no distraction was my weep</div>
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I'll bathe my arm, I'll cover my bruise, </div>
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I'll clean my face that he abused</div>
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I can no longer dance this song</div>
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Just having to simply play along</div>
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Then after making sure it's calm</div>
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I'll gently wake our broken kids</div>
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I now invoke my strongest charm</div>
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So not to raise immense alarm</div>
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I reassure to stem their fear</div>
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And wipe away their frightened tear.</div>
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The light once far and often dim</div>
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Now screaming out and well within<br />
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Down the landing, to
the stair</div>
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Scared to death we
pass the lair</div>
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Relieved, we hear a
drunken snore </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Memory of a bully's roar</div>
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Tears now streaming
down my face</div>
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Gulping hard &
quickning pace</div>
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Its time to leave
this bad, mad, place</div>
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That screams of
utter, sheer, disgrace<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Please cry quietly,
little ones </div>
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I promise soon we
shall be gone</div>
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Into the darkest cold
of night<o:p></o:p></div>
We huddle close to
beat the fright<br />
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We grip, we cling, we
feel its sting<o:p></o:p></div>
Hearts now loud and
echoing<br />
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And so to safety, so
to light</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>eradicating all our plight</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did I fear take all my might </div>
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But now at least, we
can sleep tight!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Personally, I like it. I think it's powerful. But despite having had poetry published I have to say I'm no expert. Which is where I'm hoping you'll all come in. </div>
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So, guys, what do you think? Could Robert be a poet in the making? x</div>
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Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-46209293640528538512012-12-30T09:15:00.003-08:002012-12-30T09:15:59.798-08:00Cover Reveal and Release Date!<span class="userContent">What a great way to start the New Year!</span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Safkhet Publishing have been hard at work and not only does Little White Lies and Butterflies now have a cover, it also has a release date! x<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.safkhetpublishing.com/books/soul/9781908208194/Little_White_Lies_and_Butterflies.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.safkhetpublishing.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>books/soul/9781908208194/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>Little_White_Lies_and_Butterfli</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>es.html</a></span><br />
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<span class="userContent">What do you think, guys? x</span>Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-33232769309509960182012-12-24T06:22:00.000-08:002012-12-24T06:22:27.700-08:0012 Books of Christmas!<span class="userContent">Apologies for being a couple of days late with this, but with no internet access at home I'm catching up as and when I can. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Anyways, the lovely Donna Trinder has featured me in her 'Twelve Books of Christmas' countdown. </span><br />
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<span class="userContent">Happy reading everyone... and a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year too x<br /> <br /> <a href="http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/12-books-of-christmas-day-9-suzie.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/12-books-of-christmas-day-9-suzie.html</a></span>Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-36019155505190414012012-12-16T04:17:00.000-08:002012-12-16T11:28:36.942-08:00It's going to be a very different Christmas for me this year...<div align="center">
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Christmas is such an exciting time for me. Every year, come the 1st December the tree goes up and the Christmas CD comes out and from that point on there's a constant stream of mince pies in the oven as I sing along to the likes of Band Aid, Slade and Wizzard. The Christmas cards are written and of course, I put together my lucky dip sack so anyone who comes a calling gets a surprise gift. And throughout all of this I'm eagerly anticipating Christmas Eve - not just because I know that's when Santa drops down the chimney, but because I get to spend a whole few days with Robert, Adam, Ben and now the lovely Cindy and all without interruption.<br />
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You see there's been this unwritten rule in our house that from Christmas Eve onwards no-one goes anywhere and whilst some of you might think I'm a control freak (which I probably am when it comes to Christmas) let me explain.<br />
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When I was about eight years old, my two sisters and I got up one Christmas morning to find Santa hadn't actually visited our house. Not because we'd been naughty or anything, you couldn't get three more well behaved little girls if you tried even if I do say so myself. But having gone out for a celebratory drink with friends the night before, Santa was too busy trying to save my mother's life to finish his deliveries; a drink driver having ploughed straight into her, ramming her against a brick wall, as she and Dad made the leisurely walk home. <br />
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That was the year we celebrated Christmas at the end of February - the first time she was allowed home for a couple of days during her recovery and, no doubt, the reason why the fun side of Christmas is so important to me. <br />
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So imagine my horror when way back in June my children decided things would be different this year... that they had other plans for Christmas 2012 - plans that didn't include me!<br />
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To be fair, they did give me six months notice to get used to the idea and after the initial "Oh my goodness, I don't think so" period I slowly began to come to terms with a Christmas without them. Let's face it, I've been lucky they've shown such understanding for as long as they have - I'm sure at their ages, foregoing the Christmas parties outside of the home must've felt like they were missing out. <br />
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And I suppose on the plus side, Robert and I get to spend our first Christmas in a long time as a couple, which will certainly be different. As will our Christmas venue, having decided to spend it here in Greece so I don't think my children are so near, yet so far... Thus, reducing the risk of me crying into the turkey, which I'm guessing wouldn't be pretty!<br />
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But come what may I'm at least going to try and have fun and I hope you all will too. <br />
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Merry Christmas, Guys, and stay safe x<br />
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<br />Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-21839348716910157662012-11-27T13:16:00.001-08:002012-11-27T13:16:48.592-08:00Even more excitement in the Tullett household!Two blog posts in one day... I know, very unusual for me!<br />
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However, in an up-date to my earlier news I just wanted to let you all know that Little White Lies and Butterflies has since been accepted for publication.<br />
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Oh yes, late this afternoon Safkhet Publishing contacted me with the offer of a contract and I'm pleased to say, it's one I accepted - which is why I'm now off to celebrate with a glass of wine x<br />
<br />Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-50906735136944670392012-11-27T04:32:00.002-08:002012-11-27T05:17:58.117-08:00It's all happening in the Tullett household...It's been an exciting time for we Tulletts these last few weeks and all of it on the work front.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij20R60Q1eaU64FoQnFbG-jXRgDyfDf15lOxFhoiKP1m95TWv_dvEY-MwTPxXyjc8GWrPahR1j7s7bdZbbEijKC3oXGDpI1GnUqCHJ_lQBus980Yu_zoq9WqGIaQFtvoHQq9jUMZvjnyUc/s1600/robert+and+andy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij20R60Q1eaU64FoQnFbG-jXRgDyfDf15lOxFhoiKP1m95TWv_dvEY-MwTPxXyjc8GWrPahR1j7s7bdZbbEijKC3oXGDpI1GnUqCHJ_lQBus980Yu_zoq9WqGIaQFtvoHQq9jUMZvjnyUc/s320/robert+and+andy.jpg" width="214" /></a>Firstly, there's my other half, Robert. <br />
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Having been a Dog Handler for the past sixteen years, he's finally decided it's time for a change. So, three German Shepherds, two Spaniels and a black Labrador later, he's handed in his ticket and is heading off for pastures new. <br />
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Oh yes, he's made the step to start the up and coming new year back on section, so it's bye bye, doggies... hello stab vest.<br />
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I have to admit I'm a bit nervous about his move. I think I got a little too comfortable knowing there was a dog standing between him and the bad guys. Suddenly though, it feels a bit like when he first began in the job, not knowing what he's going to be walking into and who or what he's going to come face-to-face with. But at least now he has experience on his side and I just have to trust he'll continue to stay safe.<br />
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Then there's Benjamin, who earlier this year was entered into the UK leg of the World Skills competition. A competition described on Wikipedia as the 'global skills Olympics'; one that gives young people the opportunity to demonstrate their excellence in skilled professions.... And demonstrate Benjamin did! </div>
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Suffice to say, a few gruelling rounds and a lot of hard work later he found himself making his way to Birmingham's NEC for the three day final. And I can now play the proud mother and tell you he came in second, taking home the Silver Medal. </div>
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Well obviously we're<em> all</em> very proud of him; for a young chap he's achieved so much in his working life already. And we're keeping everything crossed that he makes the UK team to compete in the World Skills International heats. Although if he does, with 50 member countries taking part there'll be a lot more hard work ahead of him. </div>
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And now we come to Adam, my other gorgeous son...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4QpLWCsFHDPW0yzwzU_AkA5rYLvQMcOqp9og6IpAAjKNptcUDFCiIj72voarz4TkeYv1ROrJhv0J7eYjhjrLX3UiRhxNIW4iPpCDMBrC7vlw0b0AU6X-Xdn0p8r7PjosMEFm-glJvduh/s1600/adam+in+the+red+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4QpLWCsFHDPW0yzwzU_AkA5rYLvQMcOqp9og6IpAAjKNptcUDFCiIj72voarz4TkeYv1ROrJhv0J7eYjhjrLX3UiRhxNIW4iPpCDMBrC7vlw0b0AU6X-Xdn0p8r7PjosMEFm-glJvduh/s1600/adam+in+the+red+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a>I've already talked about how he headed off to China a while ago, a move that I supported even if I did feel nervous about it at the time. I mean, as parents what else can we do <em>but </em>encourage our children when it comes to their hopes and ambitions? <br />
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Anyway, having had enough of living so far from home, much to my relief and two years on, he finally decided it was time to come back. Although not to the UK (he's probably having way too much fun to have me on the doorstep) but to Holland.</div>
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He's been there a couple of weeks now and tells me he's settling in really well. His colleagues have been very welcoming, he's been rushed off his feet at the salon and all going well, he's found a great little apartment in which to live. One that I hope to be visiting some time soon, once he's had chance to settle in, of course.</div>
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Which brings us to me...</div>
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Not that I've done anything anywhere near as exciting as changing my job, entering an international competition or moved country. But I have, at last, finished my book. </div>
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Oh yes, Little White Lies and Butterflies has finally been sent on its way and hopefully some very interested publishers are reading as we speak. So just like I have my fingers crossed for the rest of the Tullett clan, I'm guessing they've got their fingers crossed for me!</div>
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So now you know the recent comings and goings in my household, what exciting things have you all been up to? x</div>
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Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-86559593597062043842012-11-16T00:15:00.001-08:002012-11-16T00:15:46.198-08:00A big welcome to my very first guest blogger!I'm excited to introduce you all to my very first guest blogger today, the lovely Janie Reinart. A lady I first <em>met</em> a few months ago when she invited me to appear on her own website <span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.loveyoumorethanyouknow.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">www.loveyoumorethanyouknow.com</span></span></a></span><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></strong> giving me the opportunity to talk about my experiences as a Forces Mum. <br />
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Anyways, without further ado here she is... Please feel free to leave a comment in support of the fabulous work she does. <br />
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Happy reading, everyone x<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;">I Will Dance at Your Wedding by Janie Reinart</span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;">When my son, Joe was deployed to
Iraq in 2004, he wrote us a heartfelt letter after the loss of one of his fellow
soldiers and several of his own brushes with death. A part of the letter said:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think a lot of nights, restless
nights, of the days to come. I ponder and daydream of the good and the bad and
the anxiety weighs on me like a ton of bricks. Will I make it back? Will I be
so different from when I left? What will I do with my life? Will I be
successful? Will I be happy?</span></em><br />
<em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></em><br />
<em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></em><br />
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<em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></em><a href="http://neomilitarymoms.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/joe-uniform-iraq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://neomilitarymoms.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/joe-uniform-iraq.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<em><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></em> </div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;">I answered him back:<em><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I
will dance at your wedding and sing lullabies to your children.</span></em></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;">Joe made it back in 2005. He is
happy and successful. In two weeks my son is getting married. I will dance!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;">Fast-forward to <strong><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Joe and Katie’s wedding day. Mass
took place at</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></strong></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.stmaryberea.com/Public/index.asp?place=about"><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: blue;">St. Mary’s</span></span></a></span><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></strong><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">in Berea</span></strong><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></strong><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">on July 28,2012</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"> The presider was the </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://home.catholicweb.com/holyangelschurch/index.cfm?reinit=y"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue;">Rev. Dan Schlegel. </span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Father Dan sang the wedding mass</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> and gave a wonderful homily. <strong><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">He compared a giant redwood to
the love and support of family and our church community.</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>The huge tree has a root system that
is only 4 to 6 feet deep. In the redwood forest, <strong><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">the roots of that tall tree
entangle with neighboring trees improving its stability.</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b><strong><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Our family and church community will support the newlyweds so that they
will stay strong in their union</span></strong> surrounded by our love and
prayers.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://neomilitarymoms.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/378255_10151979001195343_1751442903_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://neomilitarymoms.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/378255_10151979001195343_1751442903_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">I am blessed to have the lovely Mrs. Katie Reinart as a new daughter and
friend.</span></strong><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /><span style="font-family: Times;">
</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;">The reception was so much
fun. We celebrated the joining of our two families. <strong><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And I danced with my son.</span></strong>
I am waiting for the day when the second half of my prediction comes true and
practicing my lullabies.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://neomilitarymoms.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/joe-dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://neomilitarymoms.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/joe-dance.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Click </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://wp.me/PtO5M-16j"><span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to enter free giveaways of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love You More than You Know</i> Mothers’
Stories About Sending Their Sons and Daughters to War eBooks in honor of our
Veterans and their families.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">A portion
of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to charities
benefiting wounded veterans:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://remind.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;">ReMIND.org,</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> a Bob
Woodruff Foundation initiative for injured service members and their families. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.semperfifund.org/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: blue;"> Semper Fi Fund</span></span></a></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> will also
receive donations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am committed to continue bringing
you true stories of our heroes in uniform, sharing with you the bravery and
sacrifices that our troops and their families make everyday for all of us. <strong><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You are invited to share your story
about your soldier here at </span></strong></span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.loveyoumorethanyouknow.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">www.loveyoumorethanyouknow.com</span></span></a></span><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> as a guest blogger. </span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Send stories to </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="mailto:storiesfrommoms@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: blue;">storiesfrommoms@gmail.com</span></span></a></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About Janie Reinart </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As an author, teacher consultant, National Writing
Project Fellow, storyteller, and poet, words are my tools.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Janie
seeks ways to give people a voice to tell their own stories through prose and
poetry. She and her husband, Ed, are grateful for their five children and 10 grandchildren.
Most weekends, you will find Janie praying and singing with the choir at Holy
Angels Catholic Church.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Janie's chapter, “Boots to Ground “ in <i>Love You More Than
You Know,</i> won second place in the National Federation of Press Women's 2010
Communications Contest in the category of a chapter/essay in a nonfiction book.
Her chapter won first place in the Ohio Professional Writer's Communications
Contest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Janie's blog <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Love
You More Than You Know</span></i> is a finalist for the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2012 Milbloggies (6th Annual)</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Best U.S. Military Parent Blog Award</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Synopsis<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In these stories, 45 mothers of U.S. service men and women
open their hearts and share what it feels like when your son or daughter leaves
home to fight a war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some were stunned when they learned that their “baby” had
enlisted. Others had long been familiar with military life. But all of these
mothers knew their world had just changed the day their child called home and
said, “Mom, I’m being deployed . . .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They discovered the strange mix of pride and fear. The
anxiety of not knowing exactly where in Iraq or Afghanistan your son is,
whether your daughter is facing mortar fire or enduring heat and boredom.
Elation at the arrival of the briefest postcard or email message. The daily
dread, when returning home from work or a trip to the grocery store, of seeing
a government car in the driveway and two soldiers at the door . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anyone who reads their stories will admire their faith and
courage–and better understand the sacrifices made by our U.S. service men and
women and their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: x-small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-18336782627973737592012-10-26T05:04:00.000-07:002012-10-26T05:04:04.281-07:00'Look' Here...!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Playwright, Michael Sands,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"> has tagged
me in this blog game which involves searching my current WIP (Work in
Progress) for the word ‘look’, with a view to posting the surrounding paragraphs.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">Now, this couldn't have come at a better time considering I'm in the process of writing the very last chapter of my latest offering, giving <em>me</em> the opportunity to give <em>you </em>a little taste of what's to come.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">So, without further ado, here's a sneak peak excerpt from Little White Lies and Butterflies...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 105.75pt 335.25pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">A
throng of unfamiliar voices tried to work their way into my head, but my brain
had different ideas and refused to acknowledge them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
the voices kept on coming irrespective, compelling me to come sufficiently
enough to, so I could at least try and survey my surroundings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I smacked my lips in an attempt to overcome
the dryness of my mouth, at the same time putting my sunglasses back where they
belonged – on my nose instead of resting on my cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And lazily lifting my head expecting to find
myself enveloped by a frolicking crowd of mere mortals, alternatively I found
myself surrounded by an abundance of perfectly toned, tanned and attractive
bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously I’d died and gone to
Greek God and Goddess Heaven, I deduced and happy to be there, I focused my
attentions on not one but quite a few of the Adonis’ in my midst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 105.75pt 335.25pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Then
I realised I hadn’t died at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
simply woken up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 105.75pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
bolted upright and in a bid to tidy myself up a bit it very quickly became
apparent that either A) I’d awakened to find myself slap bang in the middle of
some glamorous photo shoot – one that I would, no doubt, be airbrushed out of
thanks to my somewhat slovenly display; or that B) upon my arrival I’d
accidentally chosen a section of the beach solely reserved for the islands
‘beautiful people’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whichever of the
two it was, I was convinced someone was going to come along any second now, tap
me on the shoulder and tell me to move on to the area set aside for the ‘uglies’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 105.75pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
looked about me, just in case, much to my disappointment clocking that the climbers
had, at last, descended from their great heights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Speaking of which,” I said, watching them
somewhat raucously partaking in a game of football over to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“At least they know their place!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that I had any intentions of joining Team
Ugly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, I might’ve been a
little curvier than all these other women, but my curves were in all the right
places.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Oh yes,” I maintained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I can carry a bikini off as well as the best
of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So just let anyone try and say
any different.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 105.75pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
thought about all the time and money I’d spent over the years, turning myself
into the ideal woman for when I did happen to chance upon the man of my
dreams.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What with beauty products,
waxing, exercising and dieting – the latter not exactly an easy task for a
woman who loves her food…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And let’s not
forget the elocution lesson,” I reminded myself, something which I doubted any
of these Ladies would deign to put themselves through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And surely it’s time these efforts were
rewarded somehow,” I told myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Even
if the prize is only to stake my claim on a bleeding sunbed!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I knew I stood a better chance of
not being booted off if I actually looked the part, which needless to say
called for a cool, calm and collected composure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; tab-stops: 105.75pt; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
began the process of arranging myself into a model-esque type pose, a position
that felt a lot more precarious than they’d made it out to be on one of those
modelling TV shows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if I could
just perfect my balance I was sure I’d be okay…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Ouch!” I screamed<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A searing sting suddenly swiped my face as
something ricocheted off it, catapulting me, legs akimbo, off my much coveted
sun lounger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;">So, everyone, what do you think? x</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px;"></span></span> </div>
Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-31737701946159401312012-10-17T05:16:00.000-07:002012-10-23T13:52:36.018-07:00The Next Big Thing!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks to the lovely historical fiction author, Sue
Millard, it’s now my turn to take part in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The
Next Big Thing! <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So here goes, the answers to ten questions about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Little White Lies and Butterflies</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>What
is the working title of your book?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Little White Lies and Butterflies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Where
did the idea for the book come from?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Years ago, I remember reading something somewhere
about a woman who’d gone on holiday on her own for the first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whilst there, she re-invented herself, making
up a job, a personal life etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought
what if someone found out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if
someone realised she was fabricating a whole life story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so the initial idea was born…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>What
genre does your work fall under?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chick Lit, Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Humour –
yes, definitely Humour!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Which
actors would you choose to play your characters?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lydia is quite a curvy, gorgeously confident, fuller figured
woman so I’m thinking someone like Jennifer Neala Page would be perfect – as
long as she wouldn’t mind dying her hair black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Then there’s Sam, tall with an athletic build, so an actor like Darren
Boyd would be great. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>What
is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When you’re digging yourself into a hole, stop
digging.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Will
your book be self-published or represented by an agency?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I don’t have an agent at the moment,
it’ll be sent direct to publishers and I’ll take it from there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>How
long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Taking everything into consideration and including
the planning stage which I absolutely love, probably about four or five
months. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>What
other books would you compare this story to within your genre?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Because the book is primarily set in Greece, it
would be easy to think along the lines of a Shirley Valentine, Mama Mia or My
Big Fat Greek Wedding storyline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
apart from the setting and the comedy element they don’t really compare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This story is something different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>Who
or what inspired you to write this book?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You could say my inspiration came from a variety of
sources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve already mentioned the
piece I read about a woman re-inventing herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But add to that my home here in Greece, the
Hellenic way of life, alongside the most colourful of characters and attitudes…
there’s so much to draw upon for any writer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em>What
else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Greece, climbing, cooking and characters – now that
is an interesting combination!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, those are the answers for the next Suzie Tullett novel. All that remains now is for me to introduce the writers who'll be picking up the mantel next Wednesday. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These lovely authors will be sharing information about their up and coming releases and introducing yet more writers taking part in The Next Big Thing:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.emilyharvale.com/blog">http://www.emilyharvale.com/blog</a> Emily writes about love, fun, friendships, drama, sex and romance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.lizzielamb.co.uk/">http://www.lizzielamb.co.uk/</a> Lizzie writes contemporary romance and her novel Tall, Dark and Kilted is due for an Autumn release.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.gr/">http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.gr/</a> Celia Yeary is an author of romance and every story she writes, be it long or short, is based in her native home of Texas, the state she knows so well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://catherinegreenauthor.blogspot.com/">http://catherinegreenauthor.blogspot.com</a> Catherine is a British paranormal romance author and a writer of occult non-fiction.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://thefearlesspen.wordpress.com/">http://thefearlesspen.wordpress.com/</a> Fran and Caro, who juggle life as mums and that gnawing need to write.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks for stopping by, everyone, and I hope you're looking forward to reading Little White Lies and Butterflies as much as I've enjoyed writing it x</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-52145365885012339462012-09-30T03:52:00.004-07:002012-09-30T03:52:54.849-07:00Another Review!I'm seeing that Brit writer/Brit Lit title again and I have to admit, I quite like it! <br />
<br />
Thanks to Donna Trinder over at her reading room for a great review! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.gr/2012/09/going-underground-suzie-tullett.html?showComment=1348999682358">http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.gr/2012/09/going-underground-suzie-tullett.html?showComment=1348999682358</a><br />
<br />
Would be great if you could check it out xSuzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-82474441443207617292012-09-09T07:17:00.000-07:002012-09-09T07:17:14.619-07:00Love You More Than You KnowI'm a guest over at Love You More Than You Know - a site dedicated to Mothers who have children in the Forces.<br />
<br />
Here I talk about when my youngest son signed up for the British Royal Air Force... a traumatic yet very proud day for me as his Mum.<br />
<br />
Happy reading, everyone x<br />
<br />
<a href="http://neomilitarymoms.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/what-a-difference-a-day-makes/">http://neomilitarymoms.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/what-a-difference-a-day-makes/</a>Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-35350076725340081172012-08-30T04:47:00.003-07:002012-08-30T05:10:01.270-07:00Ten Things I've Never Done!The idea for this post came from the lovely Amanda Egan <a href="http://mummymisfit.blogspot.gr/2012/08/ive-never-seen-star-wars.html">http://mummymisfit.blogspot.gr/2012/08/ive-never-seen-star-wars.html</a> who challenged her blog readers to come up with 10 things that they've never done. <br />
<br />
Now coming up with such a list seems easy at first thought - after all, not many of us have ever parachuted out of an aeroplane or swam with dolphins, have we? But as for coming up with a list of 10 seemingly ordinary, everyday things that we maybe should've done or experienced... well this actually takes some thinking about!<br />
<br />
Anyways, think and think some more I did and here's what I came up with:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never had brain freeze. </li>
</ul>
<br />
You know, that apparent pain that shoots up the side of your face when you eat something cold, like ice-cream? In fact, before I met my husband I'd never even heard of it and unless my children hadn't complained of the exact same thing from time to time I'd probably still think it was something my other half had made up!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never been to a music festival. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Of course it would be wonderful to see all the great bands taking part and soak up the carnival-like atmosphere of these events, but I do like a shower block nearby when I'm camping and a proper toilet as opposed to a porta loo... and booking into a local hotel would rather miss the point, wouldn't it?<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never been hospitalised, broken anything or even been sick.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I know, hard to believe isn't it? The nearest I've come to flu is having a bit of a blocked nose, the only nausea I've experienced is through pregnancy or travelling and even when it came to childhood illnesses like chicken pox, three spots or so and I was done. I'm obviously more of a carrier than a sufferer and as I don't want to tempt fate in any way shape or form, long may this continue!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never ridden a horse.</li>
</ul>
<br />
When I was growing up I loved all things horsey and was desperate to have my own pony. Every Christmas, I'd keep my fingers well and truly crossed that this year was the year and each December 25th I'd race downstairs in the hope of finding Black Beauty in the living room eating the Christmas tree... Alas, it was never to be - I didn't even get a whiff of a riding lesson, let alone my very own horse. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never flown a Kite.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Of course, having two sons I've had the opportunity to partake in such an activity - it's just that I've also always chosen not to. And if you've ever seen me run per se (never mind run whilst dragging a long line of chord with a large piece of plastic attached to the end of it) then you'll understand why!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never smoked a joint.</li>
</ul>
<br />
When it comes to drugs, I have the same attitude as Robert Carlyle does at the beginning of the film 'Train Spotting'. There he is, pint of lager in one hand, cigarette in the other, saying something along the lines of him not understanding how people can put chemicals into their own body... Hypocritical but true!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never changed or put air into a tyre.</li>
</ul>
<br />
In fact, I've never done anything with a car except drive it and when I really, really have to put petrol in the tank - anything else and I just wouldn't know where to start. Although to be fair when it comes to vehicle related questions I'm not a complete lost cause; for example, if you asked me about mine, I can tell you it's red.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never driven a car in Greece</li>
</ul>
<br />
For the last five years, I've been spending more and more of my time out in Greece and continuing with the aforementioned four wheel theme, in all this period I've never actually driven out here. It's the wrong side of the road thing, coupled with the maniacal scooter riders that prevents me from even trying. Honestly, tackling the roads here is like undergoing some sort of extreme hazard perception test and without eyes in the back of my head, I'd well and truly fail!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never changed a plug.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Electrics scare the hell out of me and if anyone is going to blow the house and electrocute themselves, it's gonna be me! In relation to plugs, however, I did once hear Max Bygraves say: 'Blue to the left, brown to the right. Don't get it wrong, or you might get a fright..." The thing is, he was also known for saying "I wanna tell you a story..." so I've never plucked up the courage to test his theory!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I've never eaten Sushi</li>
</ul>
<br />
Rice is bad enough for me, but as for raw fish... well it's just plain wrong!<br />
<br />
<br />
So that's my list done... Now it's over to you. What things have you never done that by now you maybe should have? x<br />
<br />
<br />Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-14698156680574802762012-08-01T05:27:00.003-07:002012-08-01T05:27:26.035-07:00And The Winner Is...As you may know for the last month I've been running a competition giving Going Underground readers the chance to win a brand new Kindle.<br />
<br />
All readers had to do was answer three book related questions and here they are with their corresponding answers:<br />
<br />
1. How far into her pregnancy is Tracey Parkes?<br />
<br />
<em>8 3/4 months </em><br />
<br />2. When Jonathan deserts
Tracey, where is he heading?<br />
<br />
<em>To Brighton</em><br />
<em></em><br />3. What name is given to Tracey and Jonathan's
baby at the christening?<br />
<br />
<em>Ruby Melanie</em><br />
<br />
Anyways, thank you to everyone who entered and now to the important bit - the winner! Chosen at random by my next door neighbour - after all names were written on slips of paper, folded into the minutest of pieces and placed into a cup as I don't have a hat....<br />
<br />
Drum roll, please...<br />
<br />
ZOULA LEONTI !!!!<br />
<br />
Well done, Zoula - your prize will be winging its way to you once you've emailed a delivery address.<br />
<br />
Now I just want to take the opportunity to thank not just those who entered this competition, but every single person who's supported me on this past year's journey - long may it continue... <br />
<br />
And I hope everyone past, present and future enjoys reading Going Underground even more than I did writing it x<br />
<br />Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-60224088708520165722012-07-21T05:03:00.000-07:002012-07-22T03:13:44.197-07:00The Cat's Out of the Bag!Well, everyone, I didn't expect to be doing another blog post so soon, but thank's to my lovely friend, Donna Trinder, ( <span class="url"><span style="color: #0084b4;"><a href="http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.co.uk/">http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span> ) I didn't think I had much choice... Oh yes, the cat is well and truly out of the bag! </span><br />
<br />
<span class="url"></span><span class="url"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGET9DGAVPo645doCtFc89jFq_gZVw3IZTP1mc_c8GKpoX-3QzFfAlCGsNg8i0R-yWxaRAs8b-zRJwp7uvjGtuYASPcoqkwln-07HPhELPPTIwD1OFBxpNFu6v-C8t5As5vV31BPXfVLPV/s1600/donna+trinder+scootering+mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGET9DGAVPo645doCtFc89jFq_gZVw3IZTP1mc_c8GKpoX-3QzFfAlCGsNg8i0R-yWxaRAs8b-zRJwp7uvjGtuYASPcoqkwln-07HPhELPPTIwD1OFBxpNFu6v-C8t5As5vV31BPXfVLPV/s320/donna+trinder+scootering+mag.jpg" width="240" /></a><span class="url">Of course, I knew Going Underground was about to feature in August's edition of Scootering Magazine, but it isn't supposed to be available until 26th of July. So imagine how surprised I was when Donna posted this onto her Facebook page this morning... and what a lovely suprise it was too!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="url">As you can see, there's an interview entitled 'A Quick One with Suzie Tullett' - a title that made me giggle. However, it's the review of Going Underground that really made me smile... and I thought I'd share Mark Sargeant's words with you today.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="url">Here's what he says:</span><br />
<br />
<span class="url">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"On opening the cover of Suzie Tullett’s debut novel,
Going Underground, you find the proclamation ‘It’s not about living in the
past, it’s about living with it…’ a single sentence that is an accurate and
prophetic overview of the forthcoming story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her main characters introduced in the first few chapters, where they are
attending the funeral of what is essentially the eighth main character whose
demise was due to a freak accident involving his scooter.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Going Underground explores relationships pushed to breaking
point, friendships tested to the limit and beyond, as the three respective
journeys take in a number of interweaving experiences heading to the trio of
lads’ goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clever use of song titles
for each chapter gives a reflection of what is coming next, which adds a kind
of comfortableness for the reader, identifying with the characters through the
song lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve purposely avoided
giving much of the plot away, as that would be a spoiler, suffice to say it’s a
road trip on scooters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For me, Suzie Tullett’s debut book would be a must
watch film or mini series, should, and I do think it should, make the
transition from written word to celluloid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Going Underground is among one of the best fictional
books I’ve read, it works on many different levels as well as embracing and
incorporating contemporary Mod and scooter culture of today as the background
to the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A highly recommended read with wide appeal."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sarge</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How lovely is that? Now if you want to read the whole piece, Scootering Magazine is available through any newsagents and the likes of WHSmith - although depending on where you live you might not be able to pick a copy up until the 26th July!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy reading, everyone x</span></div>
<br />
<br />Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-32785586122602403842012-07-20T07:26:00.001-07:002012-07-20T07:26:31.188-07:00You've heard of Chick Lit, it would seem I'm Brit Lit!Well I've never been referred to as a 'Brit Lit Babe' before, which is how best selling author Kit Frazier describes me! <br /><br /><a href="http://kitfrazier.com/wordpress/?p=3134" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://kitfrazier.com/wordpress/?p=3134</a><br /><br />Feel free to leave a comment and if you do head on over, happy reading, everyone xSuzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-50427536491040594452012-07-18T05:59:00.001-07:002012-07-18T05:59:46.337-07:00Put The Phone Down...!I've never been technology minded. As long as the computer does what I want it to do I'm happy, which is usually nothing more than to let me email, surf the net and word process... anything else and I'm flumoxed. And yes, I'm the same when it comes to mobiles; fancy applications for this, that and the other are wasted on me - all I want to do is make a call or send a text.<br />
<br />
My other half, however, loves his smartphone. Not that he's an expert, but what he lacks in knowledge he certainly makes up for in enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
At first, it was the quality of the photos he could take that excited him, but then he discovered downloadable apps. This is when he realised not only could he take pictures, he could also create pictorial collages and despite being no David Bailey he set about putting quite a few compositions together. From dogs, to our children, to me, can you believe? And rather proud of his achievements, he insisted I view each and every single one of them. However, there are only so many images of the family pet a woman can look at before they all start to get a bit samey... and not being the best model in the world, I struggle to see anything positive in individual pictures of myself, let alone having loads of them staring back at me, all at the same time! <br />
<br />
But like any caring wife, I simply smiled politely and told him how wonderful his creations were... Big Mistake!<br />
<br />
Because that's when he decided to take his new found talent one step further - now moving on to producing slide shows with these rather dodgy photos; slide shows that came with music! Oh yes, he went from collage to montage... his snapshots now fading in and out with some sentimental tune playing in the background, themed special effects included as standard.<br />
<br />
Much to my frustration, I again became one of his favourite subjects, but before you all go thinking I'm just being mean, have you ever tried emailing these things? No...? Well let me tell you my other half has and they take absolutely forever to attach. But guess what, growing ever more confident in his technology skills Robert found a much quicker way to enable me to enjoy his latest photographic conceptions... By uploading the damn things onto Youtube! <br />
<br />
Now you can only imagine my reaction when I was told that not only did <em>I</em> have the mispleasure of viewing my not so photographic self, but that everyone on the World Wide Web did too! And of course, after a fair bit of screaming at him to take them off he duly did, thank goodness. Nevertheless, it would seem the story doesn't end there.<br />
<br />
Just when I thought I'd saved not just me, but also all of you from my other half's extraordinary visions of loveliness, he tells me he's now discovered Pinterest!Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8674285613851504333.post-34493748435508573492012-07-03T12:53:00.000-07:002012-07-03T13:22:31.391-07:00Celebrating With a Kindle Comp...<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, Guys, it's been a year since the official launch of Going Underground and what a year it's been. I've met some lovely supportive people along the way, both in person and virtually and even though I wish I could give one to everybody, to both celebrate and show my appreciation I'm giving away a brand new Kindle e-reader to one lucky winner!</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
To be in with a chance to win, all you have to do is answer three easy Going Underground related questions, email me the answers and leave a comment on this post letting me know you've entered... How simple is that?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFRqik2DAUXZCN6CVluG3pxwLbVJCi8mGhQr7UocUc3i0sWsW2fmgvqy-lS4SMmazq3CMI5kGgglYV3z3_KeLs_-P5JiutmEhZ1tZNaDU1G8Mqw-Iy4juAi9m7GfYdIDA4IbLibLOZdAk/s1600/imagesCA39DHVN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFRqik2DAUXZCN6CVluG3pxwLbVJCi8mGhQr7UocUc3i0sWsW2fmgvqy-lS4SMmazq3CMI5kGgglYV3z3_KeLs_-P5JiutmEhZ1tZNaDU1G8Mqw-Iy4juAi9m7GfYdIDA4IbLibLOZdAk/s1600/imagesCA39DHVN.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-PZvAzKMHUyGNtfkg7aRLuYIoAaERdtApEKT_ywW-PfpYxGR1a3BhI2lwfz0s60bDeUU-adNjR57gUz_INR1HW2h5r6o94z0f8BPZy3c9Gizj6VYqujxVtqUkD-jR6JnX9SPnnnI92v2/s1600/FS-KT-135__V135295771_.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-PZvAzKMHUyGNtfkg7aRLuYIoAaERdtApEKT_ywW-PfpYxGR1a3BhI2lwfz0s60bDeUU-adNjR57gUz_INR1HW2h5r6o94z0f8BPZy3c9Gizj6VYqujxVtqUkD-jR6JnX9SPnnnI92v2/s1600/FS-KT-135__V135295771_.gif" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFRqik2DAUXZCN6CVluG3pxwLbVJCi8mGhQr7UocUc3i0sWsW2fmgvqy-lS4SMmazq3CMI5kGgglYV3z3_KeLs_-P5JiutmEhZ1tZNaDU1G8Mqw-Iy4juAi9m7GfYdIDA4IbLibLOZdAk/s1600/imagesCA39DHVN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFRqik2DAUXZCN6CVluG3pxwLbVJCi8mGhQr7UocUc3i0sWsW2fmgvqy-lS4SMmazq3CMI5kGgglYV3z3_KeLs_-P5JiutmEhZ1tZNaDU1G8Mqw-Iy4juAi9m7GfYdIDA4IbLibLOZdAk/s1600/imagesCA39DHVN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFRqik2DAUXZCN6CVluG3pxwLbVJCi8mGhQr7UocUc3i0sWsW2fmgvqy-lS4SMmazq3CMI5kGgglYV3z3_KeLs_-P5JiutmEhZ1tZNaDU1G8Mqw-Iy4juAi9m7GfYdIDA4IbLibLOZdAk/s1600/imagesCA39DHVN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" unselectable="on">
<br /></div>
</a>Please DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANSWERS HERE for obvious reasons, lol. Instead, send them to <a href="mailto:susan-c-t@talk21.com">susan-c-t@talk21.com</a> and I shall look forward to receiving them.<br />
<br />
The competition will run until the end of the month and a winner will be chosen at random on the 1st August 2012.<br />
<br />
So, here are the questions:<br />
<br />
1. How far into her pregnancy is Tracey Parkes?<br />
2. When Jonathan deserts Tracey, where is he heading?<br />
3. What name is given to Tracey and Jonathan's baby at the christening?<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZxjbMfnX9VcFxUfsuKL0D9xDdo90ix_z50BAzd4hqg7cyerAKNG35QSmX5BJqpoQDJN620Vvccj0xG3Tc9j_LGV9punY7fAJHJa1vlpyj96g_vIXBDtOPApicWLU-yvT5mf93vhpH9Sg/s1600/51Ok0MkqU-L__SS500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZxjbMfnX9VcFxUfsuKL0D9xDdo90ix_z50BAzd4hqg7cyerAKNG35QSmX5BJqpoQDJN620Vvccj0xG3Tc9j_LGV9punY7fAJHJa1vlpyj96g_vIXBDtOPApicWLU-yvT5mf93vhpH9Sg/s200/51Ok0MkqU-L__SS500_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Underground-ebook/dp/B0058RMC4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341343457&sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Underground-ebook/dp/B0058RMC4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341343457&sr=1-1</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Going-Underground-ebook/dp/B0058RMC4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341343515&sr=1-1&keywords=suzie+tullett">http://www.amazon.com/Going-Underground-ebook/dp/B0058RMC4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341343515&sr=1-1&keywords=suzie+tullett</a><br />
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Good luck, everyone... <br />
<br />
Can't wait to announce the winner!!!!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>Suzie Tulletthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00159636843517813033noreply@blogger.com8