Almost everywhere you go you see signs of support. Many organizations sell t-shirts, decals, pens, paper and other office supplies. Other groups are political in nature and their signs of support tend to be strong. Lately, there seems to be a decal for every kind of organization including governmental. Why is it so necessary to have all these signs of support? Let’s take a medical fighting organization. They have scientists around the globe all working towards the same goal – a cure. Yet, they claim they always need more money so they sell their signs of support. Why does everyone have to acknowledge that they donated money, their time, voted, gave clothing or other household goods, food, and any other related services? The anonymous gift giver no longer exists. They all need to be recognized, placed on a pedestal and fawned over for what should have been a good deed. The best part of all these sales products is that they are making millions yet no one knows where all the money is going or even if their accounting books are available to the contributing public. My late aunt worked for a charitable organization doing their accounting. Her salary was paltry yet the organization had millions and was constantly asking for more donations claiming they were in need. I am not criticizing all groups. However, the next time you are asked for any type of donation, check the organization out first. There may be truly needy groups who give without taking anything in return. In the Good Gus series there were no signs of support except in the sense that the community helped one another. Available on Kindle, the series gives children the chance to see the valuable lessons of being kind, generous and helping each other. There are no signs of support in “Misplaced Trust” because all the characters are just too selfish and greedy. It is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
Lately everything seems to be out of control in the news, on the TV and the internet. The continual bashing, shaming, insults, accusations, lies, fake news and more is all too much. These people do not have lives. They feed off of other people’s and feel they can condemn, criticize, make insulting remarks and in general show a total lack of good manners. As children we were raised that if you couldn’t say anything nice then don’t say anything at all. The other old phrase, “Silence is golden’ should still exist. People’s mouths and their computers are out of control. Does anyone believe that the writers of all this would like it written about them? There is little or no respect among individuals any more. People tend to say and do whatever they please regardless of the consequences. I have previously written about my condo association. Now, it is absolutely out of control. They are having recall elections, people are resigning including the current attorney, and the inflammatory remarks are flying faster than a speeding rocket. You would think that adults would have respect for their community and its residents. Their feelings, perceived sightings, insults, and innuendos are far more important that keeping the community safe and high property values. Their behavior is insulting and inconsiderate to the entire community. In the Good Gus series, in book two, “The Cattle are Restless,” they did become out of control. The young reader will need to read the book, available on Kindle, to see how the story ends. There are chapters in “Misplaced Trust” where the characters do seem out of control. The book is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino
The fear of the unknown can affect many individuals in a variety of ways. As children we had continual fears of the unknown. We didn’t understand and were too young to grasp many concepts so it left us constantly wondering. The first day of school for a child is full of anticipation and underlying fear. They wonder if they’re parents will return, if they will like school or the other children. Just recently the Hurricane Florence left many homeowners wondering and worrying about the huge storm. Their fears may have even overwhelmed them at times trying to guess if their homes would still be there or if they were, what condition they might be in. In relationships, we often have a fear of the unknown. If a partner begins to change or possibly come home at odd hours, the other person begins to wonder if they are cheating, or possibly have a drinking, drug or gambling habit. Sometimes their fears can cripple their thinking and make them say and do foolish things which they later regret. Dare devils may be scared but they hide it well. It is their goal to show bravery and not let anyone believe they are scared in any way. It takes a strong personality. In the Good Gus series, particularly in book four, “Johnny the Cat and Bronco Ride that Bull,” Jimmy Ray is willing to ride a bull and conquer his fear of the unknown. Available on Kindle and tomorrow at Balboa Park, San Diego, California, it is one of our most popular books. As anyone can attest, the fear of the unknown approaches as we age and realize we need our affairs in order before the big day. In “Misplaced Trust” the characters put forth their best efforts to make it go smoothly, but there are always those individuals who want the complete opposite. It is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
Often people never listen to their gut feelings when they really should. They make mistakes including marrying the wrong person. Both men and women realize right before they are about to get married that their gut feelings are telling them not to do it. Unfortunately, once everything is in place they feel obligated to go through with the ceremony. Sadly, it eventually leads to divorce. Making decisions in life should be logical and well thought out. Yet often people’s gut feelings take over. If they followed them, they might make the best decision for themselves. It’s difficult. How frequently have you hear someone say, “Go with your gut!” Sometimes there is just something inside your brain that is desperately trying to tell you to change your mind, stop, don’t go forward, cancel a trip or even go on holiday at a certain time. We all need to listen to our inner being. You can make a chart, a list, a comparison, or even do research when trying to make the right decision. Yet, in the end, those gut feelings may prevail. There are occasions when those gut feelings will send you in a different direction be it driving, selecting a new job, going on a date or even selectinchoosing a new home. In the Good Gus series, available on Kindle, gut feelings play a part in a variety of the stories. In several instances Sheriff Gus decides to take an alternate route which works out very well in the books. If the characters in “Misplaced Trust” had listed to their gut feelings, they might have made better choices in selections of the individuals to be in charge after they were gone. The book, according to several readers, will keep you interested en every chapter. It is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
How often do you hear older adults say that the kids today are different? But are they really different or have the times changed so much that the adults have fallen into the new technology and allowed it to manage their lives. Many of my readers didn’t have the amount of technology that is available today when they were growing up. They played outside, rode their bikes, built forts and generally played any type of sport that didn’t require too much equipment. A quick game of baseball, kickball, soccer, or even tag football didn’t require more than a ball and possibly a bat along with enough kids to play. Today, everything is different. Most sports for children are organized and structured. There are trophy’s whether a team wins or loses. The competitive edge seems to have slowly vanished due to political correctness. Children need to learn how to play, and whether they win or lose how to handle it gracefully. All the technology leads to video game addictions, general TV or tablet programming that must be watched and much less outdoor activity. A number of schools, particularly in the United States, have limited or completely eliminated any type of physical activity. Then, as the governments complain that children are gaining too much weight, in most western countries, have they ever stopped to think that they have made it so different that children don’t get enough exercise? In the Good Gus series, available on Kindle, the times were different. The children played outdoors and there were a few stories with a variety of games and activities. “Misplaced Trust” is a different type of book. It tries to make people aware that they need to make sure everything is in place before they depart the planet. What they are never quite aware of though, is the greed that overtakes beneficiaries when they are no longer around to keep it in check. The book is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
Have you ever noticed that animals seem more important than humans? People are literally flocking in droves to help rescue animals in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Please understand, I love animals. However, why is there nothing about helping the people who have already been devastated by the storm and possibly lost a relative? Of course, the usual big agencies are there assisting utilizing publicity to make sure they increase their donations because they are in the area. Everyday on the internet there are countless articles about saving animals yet where are the stories about helping the needy, sick and the poor? The quiet silent people continue to volunteer and assist are rarely recognized. Many of the stories posted on the net are interesting and heartwarming. Just today, a person found four baby squirrels tied together by their tails. That was cruel. The poaching of wild life in Africa is very unkind to the animals and the citizens of that continent. Consideration should be given to these animals who are existing quietly on their own lands. Pets for the most part are fun. They are also very expensive to own and maintain. When I had two Doberman Pincers they were very loyal dogs. However, I made their dog food which was far more cost effective. Pets tend to become part of a family and it is heart breaking for all when they pass. In the Good Gus series, available on Kindle, the animals were the livestock and the income for many of the families. There are a few stories, not yet published, that include animals such as an elephant, an armadillo, raccoons, beavers and of course, seeing it’s Texas, a snake. There are no animals unless you call the greedy ones animals, in “Misplaced Trust.” The book is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
If the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words bad cycles, if you are thinking it’s about bicycles you would be incorrect. We all hit them in our lives even the rich and famous. Sometimes its only a few days, but often it lasts much longer. Look at the economy. It has bad cycles frequently. Changes occur and then it rallies. The Wall Street predictors generally have an idea of when and how the economy will turn around. However, they are not always 100% accurate. Even in our personal lives, we have bad cycles that no matter what we do we can’t find a decent job, our cash flow is poor or we just can’t keep up with inflation. We try everything to escape from the negativity and unfortunately, there are periods that it almost seems hopeless. There are individuals who believe that the moon gives us good and bad cycles. It certainly regulates the tides. Others believe they have done something wrong or made a grave mistake and they are being punished. In any event, the best approach is to figure out why everything is falling apart and then take the necessary steps to correct it. If you are out of work, you can’t sit at home wishing a job would come to you. You need to actively pursue all avenues of opportunity. Someone in a company will see your CV/resume and recognize your talents and then your bad cycles will become positive. In the Good Gus series, available on Kindle, there were bad cycles of weather. However, the stories always had an interesting twist. The importance of the events for the young reader is that everyone banded together and lent a hand wherever it was needed. “Misplaced Trust is full of bad cycles for many of the characters. It is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
The art of negotiation is a talent that many individuals lack. As a parent, we learn the art of negotiation very quickly. Everything is about how to get a toddler to do just about everything. The best part is that they are really good at it. If you try to get them to do chores you need a reward system. Stickers only work so long. They are smarter and brighter and clearly understand that treats, prizes, or gifts are the only way they will deal with you. By the time they are teenagers, they have truly mastered the art of negotiation. For only a short period we have the upper hand and that is because they need our permission to drive. When applying for a job, the art of negotiation is necessary in order to start out with a good rate of pay. If you accept a low offer that is not affordable, you may pass on the job but you will be ahead at the next position. If you try for a raise, your skills need to be outstanding in order to achieve the maximum. Even in real estate, everything is about the bottom price. Once you make a selection, the art of negotiation takes over. Unfortunately, some individuals are unscrupulous and at the last minute will want further concessions and force you to reciprocate when you are out of time and have no options. In the Good Gus series, available on Kindle, Sheriff Gus used the art of negotiation when he resolved Bad Bart’s demand for chocolate ice cream. The art of negotiation is certainly in many chapters of “Misplaced Trust.” The book is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
Often we don’t recognize it, but many people whether family, friends or co-workers are lonely. It’s not because they are difficult to understand or associate with. It’s because they feel a certain disconnection with life and it affects them. It may not even be depression but rather an empty, lonely feeling that won’t go away. Often, a person who is lonely finds it difficult to even discuss it. There are individuals who can’t face it so they escape into alcohol or drugs. Many become promiscuous thinking that they will make a connection. Sadly, its only a one night stand and then they become even more lonely. Downing your loneliness in alcohol doesn’t help either. You are still alone at the end but with a hangover. The drugs give a temporarily reprieve but it still doesn’t relieve the emptiness. Sometimes its easier if you are lonely to talk to someone who understands you and how it feels. They can hold your hand even if its on the phone and help you. The world seems to be full of pairs and when you are lonely it appears as if you are the only person who feels that way. Counseling or therapy may help but its quite possible that a close relative can be the person that will understand and help the most. In the Good Gus series, the only person who was lonely was Ray. His sister was married and had a child and he really wanted a family. Available on Kindle, or tomorrow at Balboa Park, San Diego, California, “The Special Gift” is a wonderful story with a very happy Christmas ending for Ray and Liam and neither are lonely ever again. “Misplaced Trust” is full of lonely characters who ended up making foolish mistakes hoping to cure their sadness. The book is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino.
Have you ever noticed how quick tempered people are? The often speak before they think. They don’t take the time to listen, understand the facts or what is going on, they simply react. It’s frequently negative. First of all they hear only partial sentences or words and then jump to conclusions. Most of the time the conclusions are wrong. With the amount of reading that we have to do for many of our jobs, we frequently skim documents often missing data. Then, the obvious happens with a co-worker. They become upset and there goes their quick temper. It is probably the result of more fist fights, bar fights, road rage arguments that have lead to severe injuries, and even taking out misinterpretations on the playing field. It’s all the same. People just do not listen nor take the time to understand what is really happening rather than react. Being quick tempered might be fine in the old west when you needed to defend yourself, but this is the new age where we are supposed to be civilized. It also sets a very bad example for children. If they grow up with a quick tempered parent, they will have learned reactions and duplicate it. The only person in the Good Gus series that was quick tempered was Bad Bart. Available on Kindle, “Pecos Meets Bad Bart” along with three other books plus the Christmas book is an ideal gift to reward the child for doing their chores, getting good grades, or tolerating that obnoxious relative for half a day. Many of the characters within “Misplaced Trust” are quick tempered. They all believed they were getting all the money and when they weren’t you can just image their reactions. The book is available on 24 Symbols, Apple, Nook, Kindle, Kobo, Page Foundry, Playster, Scribd and Tolino. It’s an ideal gift for an office mate’s birthday.
Products
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The Special Gift
$ 8.97
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Cory Returns
$ 8.97
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The Cattle are Restless
$ 8.97
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Pecos Meets Bad Bart
$ 7.97
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Johnny the Cat and Bronco Ride That Bull
$ 8.97