Friday, September 27, 2013

Make My Saturday Sweet - Blog Hop #51

Welcome to my weekend blog hop! Here you get to link your favorite post of the week and share it with other bloggers. Just remember to visit the last two links before yours and leave a comment and make their Saturday sweet!

I'm joining two other great hops today and I've taken the challenge of answering their writing prompts for this Friday. My own hop doesn't have a theme, so you are welcome to link your family friendly blog below.

Warning: My second writing prompt has a heavy personal story and might not be suitable for sensitive readers.

My four kids: Jessica, Samantha,
Amanda and Jeremiah

The theme on Friendship Friday is Favorite Things

What book do I never tire of reading?
At the moment, I don't have a book that I can read over and over again. I used to read books all the time, but I slowed down once I had kids. After having said that, there is, however, one Book that I pick up on a regular basis; it gives me strength for the day and that is the Bible.

What song do I never tire of hearing?
The very first song that Barbra Streisand sang on Yentl, "Where is it Written?" It's my all time favorite song and the theme song to my life since becoming a mom. The lyrics are posted at the end of this first writing prompt.

What movie do I never tire of watching?
I'm never tired of watching the Bourne Trilogy. There's enough action, story line, and romance to keep my mind engaged.

"Where is it Written?"
There’s not a morning I begin without
A thousand questions running through my mind,
That I don’t try to find the reason and the logic
In the world that God designed.
The reason why
a bird was given wings,
If not to fly and praise the sky
With every song it sings.
What’s right or wrong,
Where I belong
Within the scheme of things...
And why have eyes that see
And arms that reach
Unless you’re meant to know
There’s something more?
If not to hunger for the meaning of it all,
Then tell me what a soul is for?
Why have the wings
Unless you’re meant to fly?
And tell me please, why have a mind
If not to question why?
And tell me where-
Where is it written what it is
I’m meant to be, that I can’t dare
To have the chance to pick the fruit of every tree,
Or have my share of every sweet-imagined possibility?
Just tell me where, tell me where?
If I were only meant to tend the nest,
Then why does my imagination sail
Across the mountains and the seas,
Beyond the make-believe of any fairy tale?
Why have the thirst if not to drink the wine?
And what a waste to have a taste
Of things that can't he mine?
And tell me where, where is it written what it is
I'm meant to be, that I can't dare-
To find the meanings in the mornings that I see,
Or have my share of every sweet-imagined possibility?
Just tell me where- where is it written?
Tell me where-
Or if it's written anywhere?

Now It's Time for Finish the Sentence Friday

The bravest thing I've ever done is...
give birth to my third (and fourth) child in a government hospital in South Africa. The third child's birth was the worst experience of my life. (The fourth child's birth was in another town and a much better experience, but still rough at certain moments.) Although I've done many other brave things, this was the hardest one of all. The staff was horrible, the sanitation was not up to scratch, the many other moms who shared a large room with me ignored me, and the doctor that did his rounds lectured me.

When we first arrived, the nurse on duty decided to break my waters. Then she told me not to push, so that I wouldn't tear, but once my waters broke, the baby began moving down and pushing was inevitable. 

My husband was allowed to stay with me while I gave birth, but we had to almost demand it. He was then told to leave once the baby was born. He was the only one who was there for me through the pain.

After the baby was born, she gave me a few stitches. I was given no anesthesia or pain killers for any of the birth process, not even for the stitches. The door was left open, so there was no privacy. Whenever I screamed from giving birth or getting stitches, the staff laughed from the doorway. 

I was then told to carry my bag to the only shower for that room, which had blood in it from the previous patient(s). The bag couldn't stay where it was, because they told me things could get stolen. I couldn't lift my bag and the staff were too proud to help (it was a race issue). One lady, the only African one among them, got annoyed with them and helped me. I couldn't find the hot water, so I had to have a cold shower. I only put the bottom half of my body in the cold water. 

Then I had to wait in a passage with cushioned chairs, which had dry blood stains on them from previous women, for them to bring my baby to me. It was at night, so I was alone there. Thankfully, they used a wheelchair, so that I could hold my baby while they wheeled me to the maternity ward. I don't think I could have walked many more steps other than the ones that I had already taken. I kept asking when I would be given pain killers. I was told the lady who administers medication was off duty and that I could ask for two paracetamol tablets once I was in the ward.

Once I arrived in the large communal room, which was filled with about 20 women, I still had to ask the nurse on duty for pain killers. Every four hours, I watched the clock, so that I could ask for my two paracetamol tablets as the contractions that came with breastfeeding were very painful.

I'm a naturally friendly person, so I tried to smile at the other moms in the room, but they ignored me. Apartheid hadn't been over for very long and I was the only white woman there, so that divide between races could still be felt. I didn't live in South Africa during the apartheid and I wasn't raised racist, but they couldn't have known that.

The bathroom in the maternity ward (with toilet and bathtub stalls) was used by all of us and not cleaned after each use, so I was still worried about sanitation. I didn't take a bath and I never sat on a toilet seat. That little cold shower I had taken a few hours earlier had to sustain me.

A doctor came in the morning to check on the women and their babies. He saw on my form that this was my third child. He then went on to say why having two kids is enough and that I need to think about college and how would I be able to afford it for them. We were also all given a contraception injection in our rear ends by a nurse, so that none of us would fall pregnant again too soon. I felt like a cow.

I left with my newborn before 24 hours were up with the doctor's permission. I wished that I had written an article for the local newspaper, but I felt too much shame by the way I was treated to say anything at the time. Now I feel differently, but that was almost 13 years ago.

My daughter and I survived the government hospital experience. (She's the second one from the left wearing a black dress in the photo above.) It's the bravest thing I've ever done. I think I'd rather have a home birth, though, if I had the choice and could do it over again.

(Sorry for this negative report. I prefer telling happy stories.)


*********************

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on


Follow on Bloglovin


Leave me a comment with your link and I will follow back!

Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow Tina (your host) @ Amanda's Books and More.
  • Link up your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your most recent post or on your side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
  • Follow any new blogs that you like.


Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More


This is a blog hop!

Read More

Thursday, September 26, 2013

The Princelings of the East - Blog Tour

The Princelings of the East by Jemima Pett

About the Book

Title: The Princelings of the East
(Princelings of the East Trilogy, Book 1; 2nd edition)
Author: Jemima Pett
Year published: originally published 2011
Publisher: Princelings Publications
Number of pages: 103
Recommended age: 10+
Summary (Amazon):

The Princelings of the East is the first of a trilogy telling of the adventures of Fred and George.

When the King's Birthday feast is ruined by an unnatural power drain, our Princeling heroes leave their scientific experiments to set out in search of answers. They encounter the enigmatic businessman Hugo, the impressive Prince of Buckmore, the wise Lady Nimrod, the irrepressible barkeeper Victor, but find themselves threatened by those with vested interests. The scene shifts from a rural, feudal setting to the towers and heights of the curious Isle of Hattan, but where, or when, are they? Time is of the essence in solving this puzzle, and our heroes must keep their wits sharp and their heads clear if they are to survive.

Suitable for good readers aged 10 and over, The Princelings of the East is a fantasy adventure with the charm of the Wind in the Willows in a world reminiscent of Anne MacCaffrey's Pern.

************************************

Review by Christina Morley


This is a wonderful story with lots of adventure and well-developed characters and plot. I enjoyed reading every page. Jemima Pett is a creative storyteller and illustrator. Her characters are interesting. They are guinea pigs, but it's easy to imagine them as real people. She kept the plot moving by having the Princelings, who are twin brothers, get separated. There's cohesiveness throughout as the brothers face the same problem, the Energy Drain, from two different angles. It promotes problem solving and working alongside others to help resolve difficult issues. I think the story would look good animated.


************************************ 

Purchase

The Princelings of the East by Jemima Pett
Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Barnes and Noble * Smashwords

The Buzz

"Jemima Pett has woven a suspenseful mystery featuring a cast of memorable characters headed by the two charismatic guinea pigs, Fred and George. Pett dives into the story right away introducing Fred and George and establishing the crux of the plot early in the book - namely, the mysterious Energy Drain. The plot line, with its many twists and turns, is very intricate and complex; thus, making it enjoyable for older tweens and even adults. Science fiction aficionados in particular will be interested in the element of time-travel in this book." ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews, 5 Stars


"It was easy for me to settle into Pett's writing style; it's been a while since I've read anything by Anne McCaffrey or J.R.R. Tolkien, and Pett's writing is a welcomed reminder of how that style of writing can really add to a good plot-line. I have to say that I was impressed with the novel overall. Although it is for older children, it's still written in a way that will appeal to many adults." ~ Megan, Amazon, 5 Stars

"After reading The Princelings of the East, I felt as if my IQ had gone up a few points with Ms. Pett's vocabulary choices - what refreshing text. This true adventure book which includes a fight, time travel and mysterious strangers is reminiscent of Wind in the Willows - with a twist...I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the next book in the Princelings series." ~Christine M. Goodreads, 5 Stars.

About the Author: Jemima Pett

Jemima Pett Author I've been writing since I was about 8 years old. When my mum died in 2003, I found a small booklet in her box of treasures, written in a very childish hand, entitled The Little Stream. I've been writing articles and reports for newsletters and magazines ever since, but I couldn't find interesting characters and plot for a novel!

I worked in business for many years. I wrote manuals, reports, science papers, blogs, journals, anything and everything that kept the words flowing. Finally the characters jumped into my head with stories that needed to be told, and THE PRINCELINGS OF THE EAST was born.

I now live in Norfolk with my guinea pigs, the first of whom, Fred, George, Victor and Hugo, provided the inspiration for my stories. And the picture is me with Fred. That's Princeling Fred, of course!




Author Website: http://jemimapett.com/

Twitter: @Jemima_Pett

Pinterest: Jemima Pett
Google+: Jemima Pett
Goodreads: Jemima Pett


The Princelings of the East Blog Tour Schedule (2013)

September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
September 28
September 29
September 30
October 1
October 2
October 3
October 4
October 5
October 6
October 7

*** The Princelings of the East Blog Tour Giveaway ***
The Princelings of the East Trilogy by Jemima PettAmazon 25 gift card



Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash + a paperback copy of The Princelings of the East Trilogy by Jemima Pett

Contest runs: September 23 to October 20, 11:59 pm, 2013

Open: World Wide (WW)

How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send us an email!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


MDBR Book Promotion Services


Read More

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Picture Perfect Party Linky #58


Amanda made this frog, milk jug, and beaded spoon in her
Beaux-Arts Kidz Kraftz class. Earlier this year I took
photos of her wearing her Beaux-Arts T-shirt.


This is Amanda taking our dog, Benny, for a walk.

Don't miss my latest photos on my
series, St. Augustine!

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

Here's your chance to link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Come join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow me. Please leave a comment so that I can follow back (as long as your blog is family friendly).
  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
  • Grab the button below and add it on your post or side-bar.
  • Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Read More

Friday, September 20, 2013

Make My Saturday Sweet - Blog Hop #50

Welcome to my weekend blog hop! Here you get to link your favorite post of the week and share it with other bloggers. Just remember to visit the last two links before yours and leave a comment and make their Saturday sweet!

I'm joining three other great hops today and I've taken the challenge of answering their writing prompts for this Friday. My own hop doesn't have a theme, so you are welcome to link your family friendly blog below.

The word prompt on Five Minute Friday is She


She came when I wasn't ready for a new baby. She messed up my schedule and changed my routine. She came with colic and couldn't sleep in the day at all. There were no naps. There were no easy moments.

She changed my life and that of our family for the better. She turned our world upside down. She showed us how to love and to appreciate each other. She grew into a little girl who knew how to demonstrate sharing and was gracious in spirit. She taught me how to be a better person.

I cannot express in words what she has meant to our family. God designed her to be beautiful on the outside and even more beautiful on the inside. She is friendly and caring. She is smart and creative. She loves to dance by expressing the music she hears with her body.

She lights up our world.

The theme on Friendship Friday is Fall

Morning fog: View from my kitchen

I love it when the trees change colors. My favorite memories are of Virginia and all the variety of yellows, reds and oranges that covered the landscape. It's also the time when we get away from the heat of the summer and enjoy cooler days.

Right now it is hard for me to imagine fall as we are having spring. Yep, everything is backward in the Southern Hemisphere. No snow men at Christmas, but lots of sun and swimming at the beach.


I deserve a medal for the time I... cared for a colicky baby. I had four babies and each came with colic. There is nothing harder than having to give all your time and energy and then some to an uncomfortable baby. You wonder if today you'll get some rest. You wonder if today they will grow out of it. You wonder if today you won't lose your mind.

*********************

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on


Follow on Bloglovin


Leave me a comment with your link and I will follow back!

Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow Tina (your host) @ Amanda's Books and More.
  • Link up your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your most recent post or on your side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
  • Follow any new blogs that you like.


Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More


This is a blog hop!

Read More

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Picture Perfect Party Linky #57

Here are some photos of St. Augustine, Florida.
To see more photos of this historical place,

Lightner Museum

Flagler College

Trolley Tours

Samantha, Jessica and Jeremiah

Amanda, Tina (me), Grandma Lisa (my mom)
and Jessica

Boats on Matanzas Bay

Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

Here's your chance to link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Come join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow me. Please leave a comment so that I can follow back (as long as your blog is family friendly).
  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
  • Grab the button below and add it on your post or side-bar.
  • Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.


Read More

Friday, September 13, 2013

Make My Saturday Sweet - Blog Hop #49

Welcome to my weekend blog hop! I'm linking with two other great hops today and I've taken the challenge of answering their writing prompts for this Friday. My own hop doesn't have a theme, so you are welcome to link your family friendly blog below. Just remember to visit the last two links before yours and leave a comment and make their Saturday sweet.

The theme today on Friendship Friday is "Something Good."

I'd like to tell you a little bit more about my volunteer work at the Blind Institute, South Africa. The building I work in is the Pioneer Printers, where all the braille books are made. I have been with them for several years now. I'm scheduled to read for them every Wed. morning in a sound room. The reading I do gets recorded and put on to CD's.

I usually read any literature that the school for the visually impaired needs like poetry and plays. I also read exam papers, which can be challenging if there are diagrams that I have to explain in my own words. Last week, I put in a couple of extra mornings for them as their other readers weren't available and work needed getting done.

This last Wed. morning I finished reading a Christian devotional by Andrew Murray, The Throne of Grace. He had a wonderful ability of explaining deep spiritual truths in a clear way and wrote extensively.

This is where I volunteer every Wed.
The little dots at the bottom of the
sign are in braille. You can click on
the image to make it bigger.

This is me with Amanda and our dog, Benny.
The building I volunteer in is just behind us.

"My best summertime memory this year is..."

This is a really hard sentence for me to finish, since I have so many good memories of our time in the States. I'd have to say that my favorite day was walking along the water in Matanzas with my family, mom and step-dad. It was a perfect day in many ways. You can see all my favorite photos of that day on Amanda's Books and More and 1camera1mom, which I shared between the two, so you should check out both.


My other favorite memory was the 4th of July. My kids are U.S. citizens, but they hadn't experienced this great holiday. Only the two oldest kids had when they were both so small that they couldn't remember it. So, this 4th of July was extra special, because we got to spend it together with my mom, step-dad and grandmother. You can see all my favorite pictures on Amanda's Books and More.

3 Generations: My mom, grandmother and me
the 4th of July, 2013

*********************

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on


Follow on Bloglovin


Leave me a comment with your link and I will follow back!

Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow Tina (your host) @ Amanda's Books and More.
  • Link up your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your most recent post or on your side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
  • Follow any new blogs that you like.


Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More


This is a blog hop!

Read More

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Picture Perfect Party Linky #56

If you would like to learn more about this photo,
then check out my latest series on 1camera1mom.


Now on to my blog hop...

Amanda’s Books and More

Here's your chance to link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Come join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow me. Please leave a comment so that I can follow back (as long as your blog is family friendly).
  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
  • Grab the button below and add it on your post or side-bar.
  • Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.


Read More

Friday, September 6, 2013

Make My Saturday Sweet - Blog Hop #48

Welcome to my weekend blog hop! I'm linking with two other great hops today and I've enjoyed answering their writing prompts for this Friday. My own hop doesn't have a theme, so you are welcome to link your family friendly blog below. Just remember to visit the last two links before yours and leave a comment and make their Saturday sweet.

Friendship Friday's Topic is on Change

I love change. That's because I don't enjoy routine and change allows me to dream new dreams for the future. When I was younger, though, I was more willing to go through huge life-changing experiences.

As my kids grew older, I slowed down with activities and short-term mission outreaches. It was just getting too much for me. I started to feel like I've "been there, done that" and it's time for someone else to go instead. For instances, I went to Zambia twice and Namibia once with two little kids and a breast-feeding baby in tow. Once they were at the school-going age, we settled down.

Hubby, baby Samantha,
Jeremiah and Jessica

A missionary friend with her baby
and me with my baby, Samantha

I slowed down even more when I fell pregnant with Amanda, our fourth child. I don't regret the change of pace. My kids are happy, well-adjusted human beings and that's the main thing. I don't mind if the pace picks up again, but in a different direction. Hahaha! That's just me. Thankfully my hubby likes change too.

The sentence to finish on Finish the Sentence Friday is...

If I had a magic wand, the first thing I'd do is...

...make my belly fat disappear. I don't like exercise too much, so doing it the easy way would make me very happy. "Magic wand, here you go... and, presto!"

After that, I'd have to keep the magic wand a secret, because I wouldn't want to have to deal with all the needy people out there. I'm not God and the job would be too much for me. I'd use it for good, to help others and myself when I needed it, but secretly. And to keep it a secret would be very difficult for me, because I'm a "shout-out" about it kind of person.

*********************

It's time for another Make My Saturday Sweet blog hop!

Join me (your host) for this fun and easy hop.
All family friendly blogs are welcome!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free to
link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on


Follow on Bloglovin


Leave me a comment with your link and I will follow back!

Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow Tina (your host) @ Amanda's Books and More.
  • Link up your family friendly blog.
  • Please try to add my hop button on your most recent post or on your side-bar.
  • Share about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
  • Visit at least the last two blogs before your link and leave a comment.
  • Follow any new blogs that you like.


Blog Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More


This is a blog hop!

Read More

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Picture Perfect Party Linky #55

We celebrated my grandmother's 85th birthday at the end of June and my mom's 60th birthday at the end of July. Both occasions were very memorable, especially since we don't get to see them often. As some of you already know, my mom flew us out from South Africa to be with her for her big birthday. She organized a professional photographer for the event. I'm first posting the photos from the photographer and then my own photos, which also includes my Oma's (grandmother's) 85th.

Here's a little history about my roots. My grandmother is originally from Brazil. She married an Austrian aristocrat and had three children with him, but she was young and life wasn't easy. The impact of W.W.II also took its toll on them. They fled to Brazil with their first child. My mom was their second child and she was born in Brazil. Later they immigrated to the United States.

Here's an interesting fact about my Oma. She speaks 4 languages: Portuguese, German, English and Spanish.

Don't forget to link your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) below!

4 Generations of Women

My step-dad, mom, me and hubby

The Morley Family

The Morley Kids

The Morley Kids

Amanda

Amanda with grandma Lisa

Amanda with grandma Lisa

Lisa's 60th Birthday Party

Jeremiah with his great-grandma

Jeremiah and Amanda

Samantha and Amanda

Amanda

My Grandmother's 85th Birthday

3 Generations of Women

Make sure you also check out my latest post on 1camera1mom!


Now on to my blog hop...


Amanda’s Books and More

Here's your chance to link up your Wordless Wednesday
(with or without words) or any picture post
at this Picture Perfect Party Linky.
Come join me on this fun and easy blog hop!


If you host your own blog hop(s), then feel free
to link them on my Blog Hops page!


I would love for you to follow me on
and
Follow on Bloglovin



Here are the easy rules:

  • Follow me. Please leave a comment so that I can follow back (as long as your blog is family friendly).
  • Link-up your post with a picture and follow as many new blogs as you like.
  • Grab the button below and add it on your post or side-bar.
  • Tell others about this hop on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.

The Button Code:

Amanda’s Books and More

This is a Wordless Wednesday blog hop.

Read More

© 2011 Amanda's Books and More, AllRightsReserved.

Designed by ScreenWritersArena