Finding Ben - Aspergers

Another good book I read recently is Finding Ben.
It's a mother's journey and perspective about dealing with a son who had Asperger's before anyone knew what it was.
Wow!

Love a Good Book

When I was younger, I would get a book, grab my parent's car keys, and sit in the car and read.

The warmth of the sun, the leisure time, a good book, there were very few activities which were better. Except maybe roller skating, gymmastics, and eating popcorn and playing scrabble on snowy nights with my family (because school was cancelled the next day).

Nowadays, I may not get in my car to read, but I still enjoy a good book. I recently read the book, George Obama. It's the life story of President Obama's Kenyan brother.

It provided a fascinating view into Kenya, about life in the villages and in the ghettos. It's a story of redemption and sacrifice. And I only paid $1 for the book at the 99 cent store. Even better.

L.A. Black Book Expo 2011: Empowering the Community Through Literature

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Charles Chatmon

Phone: 323-718-5678

Email: info@labbx.com

THE ANNUAL LOS ANGELES BLACK BOOK EXPO BRINGS INNOVATIVE IDEAS, PRESTIGIOUS AUTHORS, AND A PASSION FOR LITERATURE IN 2011

LOS ANGELES (JUNE 2011) – The Los Angeles Black Book Expo, the fastest growing book expo in the country, is a fusion of dynamic authors, brought together with the support of the African-American community to share in passion for literature. Founded by Itibari M. Zulu, Th.D, the mission of the expo is to expose the public to independently published books, encourage reading, and to showcase authors, editors, publishers, scholars, and writers. The Los Angeles Black Book Expo will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center Meeting Room Concourse #403 on Saturday, August 20 from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM.

The annual literary celebration is comprised of panel discussions, workshops, seminars and much more. In 2011, the Executive Circle has made it a goal to make this one of the most memorable events of the Los Angeles community. This year’s expo will feature lively panel discussions and workshops with topics such as publishing, urban lit, health, relationships, cultural issues, spirituality, creative writing and marketing tips for aspiring authors. Poetry, open mics and children’s programs will also be included throughout the day.

The L.A. Black Book Expo is sponsored by the California Crusader News. KJLH 102.3 FM, Sunset and Gumbo (Urban Soul Radio) and Authors N Focus are media partners.

Featured guests and programs will be announced at a later date.

For more information please visit www.labbx.com

Potential sponsors are encouraged to contact the Expo at (323) 718-5678 or info@labbx.com.

Ironic Events Happen When You Speak Up

It's interesting the situation of the former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn. After he was arrested he proceeded to say that the the occurences with he and the maid were consensual.

On T.V., Barbara Walters said that it seems that whenever a woman speaks out about sexual assaults, etc., that she is generally the one portrayed then to be in the wrong or to have asked for it somehow. That reality keeps women from speaking up when bad things happen to them because of the negative reaction from others.

As I have thought about this of late, I realized how true it is. How many women have been raped and never spoken up about it. And the person just gets away with it.

I know a woman who never had the courage to speak up about her being molested until she was an adult. When she faced her molester, he proceeded to call it mutual, even though she was a child when it happened. And she was looked at funny for talking about it.

Then, there is the situation with the priests sexually assaulting boys. Sometimes they are derided for speaking up, so many years later.

A wise proverb says because sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily, that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad.

How true that is when a victim doesn't speak up, he or she leaves themselves open to be victimized further or for others to become victims. A wise person once said to believe and speak your truth. How important that is for an individuals sense of self-esteem, self-worth, and peace.

Robert B Parker's death

I started reading Spenser novels by Robert P Parker back in 1985. A friend turned me on to them. By that time, Parker had been writing them for about 13 years. So I had to catch up on the past novels.

Every year he came out with a new novel and I always read it. Then, several years ago I got behind on them. I just wasn't reading them the way I used to except on occasion.

I just found out today that Parker died in January 2010. I felt sad. I had enjoyed his writings for a long time. As I was reviewing his website I found out that he wrote 5 pages a day, every day, except on Sunday and on vacations.

I thought to myself what dedication to write everyday. I am so sporadic with my writing. It's not like I don't have the time. I have so many unfinished writing projects.

Up until recently I was a writing fool. Around the time I wrote the Titan book, my creative juices were flowing all over the place and for years after that, writing was nearly constant.

But, lately, I find I have lost my writing groove. I suppose I just need to get off the couch and just discipline myself to write everyday, even if it is just a little something. I need to.

Walk/Ran in the Rain

Well, I did it. I completed the 10k on Sunday. Of course, just like when I did the half marathon, it started raining before the event.

It rained until about the last two miles of my walk/run. And yes, I said run. I actually ran quite a bit interspersed with the walking.

My goal was under a 20 minute mile definitely and then under a 17 minute mile at least. Well, I walked/ran at a 14 minute mile. Yippee!! Fastest ever.

The last mile was the hardest. And then afterward I was sort of zombie-like, not moving too far away from the couch, walking a little slow. But I overall felt good. Not big pains or hurt anywhere.

As I was leaving the marathon heading to the parking structure, there was a group of people surrounding this lady who was sitting on the ground. Another person was rubbing her back. I looked at her as I passed by and she was like in shock. At least I wasn't THAT bad afterwards.

Well, what's next? I'm not sure yet, but I need to line up the next big walk. The training for it is good for me.

So Not Ready, Ready

Well, after 1 week and 3 days of NOT exercising, except for one stretch of swimming 20 minutes and walking on the treadmill for 30 miles, I am doing a 10k tomorrow.

Oh, three days ago I got back on the stick and walked 30 minutes one day, then I walked 4 miles the next, and finally yesterday 30 minutes. Tomorrow, I walk 6 miles in the marathon, and today my allergies are bothering me.

I just took some benadryl, so we'll see what affect that has on me.

I have a feeling I'm going to be a mess tomorrow morning, but I'm going to rise early get down the street, find a parking space, and walk.

My clothes are ready, sneakers are, too.

I need to take a walk around the block to loosen up tonight. I'm getting my sneakers now.

Former Child

While I'm at it, here is my former child, my cat Fraidii. Ok, I'm really off to Blockbuster now.

Photo of Nemo

Well, it's Sunday, I guess I'm a little bored. I took a picture of my fish, after I fed him. And I'm uploading it for all to see, my little Nemo. Now, I think I'll go to Blockbuster and rent a movie.

21 days until marathon...

Well, I have 21 days before I do the 10k in the Pasadena Marathon. I have registered for it now.

Yesterday I walked 6 miles, approximately. So I am ready.

I just have to keep up the schedule and practice.

Tomorrow I start detox again for 5 days...brown rice and vegetables, here I come!

Winter/Spring Issue combined...

Well, needless to say, I was a little NOT on my game when it came to the new issue of Positivity IN FOCUS. Winter came and went, and no new issue.

Spring arrived, with its almost summer-like weather, and still no new issue.

I must admit it was two people who contacted me that really spurred me on to get it done.

One is a homeless filmmaker named Eric Moseley, and the other is a deaf pilot, author, and inspirational speaker. Now, if they weren't going to inspire me to get on my job and write, I'm not sure what else was.

Finally, I wrote their two articles and a few others, and the magazine was done. I combined Winter and Spring into one issue because the seasons came (and one went) too quickly for me.

It's online for the world (or whoever so chooses) to see at: http://www.positivityinfocus.com/

Nemo is his name...

Well, my good friend wrote me back and suggested calling my fish Nemo. So Nemo is it. Thanks, Rhon.

By the way, Nemo is still alive despite the sink debacle.

I am a Mother, again

For 15 years, I had a cat. Well, actually, for a few years I had two cats, then when one disappeared we were left with just the one. But he just kept living on and on.

My husband brought the cat "Fraidii" home one year after we were married. And we had him until December 2009.

At my job, we had fish, really two fish. Then, one fish died. Before the second one died and my workmate had to come be shocked and find the fish floating on its back with the water purid and cloudy, my boss said for me to take the one living fish home.

So I am a mother again, this time to a fish.

The fish is in a bowl on the shelf in the living room so I see it all the time. Consequently, I talk to it pretty regularly.

Today, after almost two weeks I decided to clean the little fishy's bowl. All was going well until, well, the fish plopped into the sink. My heart stopped. The fish squirmed around in my sink. I picked it up and put it back into the cup. Then, I cleaned his bowl really quick, and then poured him back into the fish bowl. I put in a few extra drops of water purifier/conditioner for it just in case.

Whew! Near heart attack for me. The fish is floating around, and seems okay. I apologized to it. I hope it forgives me.

That's why I don't have any real babies, can't take the stress.

What should I name my little fish, assuming he survives the day after the sink trauma.

Any thoughts? By the way, he is a boy.

Following Inclinations

I was inclined to visit, then to call one of my friends. She was heavy on my mind. But I let days go by.

Then, I found someone in her family member was sick. I felt bad I didn't follow up on my thoughts at the time that I did, for then I would have known earlier what was going on in her life.

I have another dear friend who has been on my mind for weeks. I need to call her for real.

Ashley Judd's book

I watched Ashley Judd being interviewed on T.V. She has a new book.

Interestingly, she talked about her ability as a child into adulthood to adapt. But, sometimes in our adaptation, we don't get to the core or heart of issues within ourselves as far as actually dealing with experiences that are part of our our past.

That's what I understood in so many words. I think her book will be my next read.

Walked 3.1 miles near the beach

Well, I did it. I did the 5k. I woke up at 5:30 that morning so I could drive to the beach.

I finished it in 42 minutes. One minute below my goal of 43 minutes. I even ran a little bit. Especially the last 3 blocks. At that point I thought I was going to DIE, but I make it.

I thought I might be weak from doing the detox, but I actually felt pretty good.

Now that I am post-detox, I find I don't have a taste for the "junk" food much. I'm conscious of eating more healthy. Even though I did have two pieces of pizza today. Blame it on my boss who ordered it for lunch. But I also has some collard greens with it, so that hopefully balanced the dough, cheese, and pepperoni. HA!

Ready to go...

Well, yesterday, I walked 1.5 miles at a 4.5 incline in 25.15 minutes. So I think I'm ready for my marathon on Saturday. Less than 43 minutes is my goal.

It's All About Timing...

I decided to detox on Sunday. Then, I decided to participate in a 5k on Monday. Little did I know that when you detox, you get headaches and an achy body as the toxins are released from your system. Finally after three days of detoxing, the headache has waned. I don't have body aches now. So I should be ready to go in three days. I walked three miles on Monday, so I can do it on Saturday in the warm air, next to the beach. Hopefully by Saturday, I'll be toxin-free and REALLY feeling good. Maybe I'll even run a little. But I doubt it.

A 5K maybe?

My friend told me she is running in a 10k marathon in Seal Beach on Saturday. I checked it out and they also have a 5k race starting about the same time. I'm thinking I may do the 5k, even though this is kind of a last minute decision. I walked 2 miles last week in my training. The 5k would just be 1 more mile. I have to be somewhere at 10:30 on Saturday, but I can probably do the 5k in 45 minutes or less, giving me enough time to finish it and get to my meeting. Should I? Hmmmmm......

Walking in the Rain

When I say marathon, people automatically think running. However, I don't run. I never liked running even in school. Running always made my legs itch.

I am a marathon walker. It takes longer, but I do finally reach the finish line.

As I saw pictures of the participants in the L.A. Marathon, my heart when out to them because it rained dogs and cats and horses. In the end, they say 97% of the people finished the marathon. Although, many had to be hospitalized afterward due to hypothermia.

You might say, they must be crazy. But I can understand it. You spend months and months training for this event. You've trained, and practiced and gotten strong and ready. The weather is the one thing you don't have control over. And if and when it rains, you have to keep going, something inside you just makes you want to see it through, rain or shine.

I did it myself, a few years ago when I WALKED a half marathon, 13.1 miles. And it started pouring rain a few minutes before we were supposed to take off. I asked the gentleman next to me do we still do this? He said yes. That was all I needed to hear.

So, off and on during the day, we marathoners got rained on. But I walked for almost 4 hours until I finished the full 13.1 miles. When I crossed the finish line, I felt good. I was exhausted and still fairly soaked, but I felt I had accomplished something.

As I am preparing for the 10k in less than two months, I try to keep that feeling of invigoration I felt when I crossed the line a few years before. Today, I walked for 2 miles, then I went to weight train. I'm working on my endurance and strength, so I can reach my goal.