Frogs are Cute!

Today I am honoured to welcome guest writer, J.r. Barker.

Thank you Karen for having me here.

Today I would like to talk to you about Wildlife; or specifically the slimy, scaly aspect of it that isn’t as cute as say, a Kitten with some string.

Amphibians and reptiles are incredibly diverse species and can be found almost anywhere, the trouble is that they are also incredibly vulnerable. Any climate or environmental change can dramatically impact on the lives of these creatures, whether it’s their habitat or their general health. Many species have already become extinct or are on the endangered list, many within my lifetime.

A lot of work needs to be done to prevent further species following suit.

Why should we care?’ you might ask.

Well for a start they are good indicators on the state of the environment.They are crucial members of the food chain, birds, foxes and badgers all eat these creatures. If that doesn’t persuade you, it might help to remember that they also eat flies and insects. Those things we are so inept at squishing they literally eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, contrary to popular belief, they can also be incredibly cute.

What can you do to help?Well actually there is something you can do right here, right now, without any cost to you.

An organisation called Froglife is doing a year long survey about how people see reptiles and amphibians in the hopes of improving their image. All you have to do is take part in a survey and as a bonus you’ll be entered into a competition in which you could win fabulous prizes.

The competition is open for adults and children, so you can get the whole family involved.To find out more and to enter the competition click here.

I would like to thank the following sites for frog photo.

© Janpietruszka

Dreams Time Stock

Stocks Free Images

See ya next time!

Welcome Author Doug Simpson

Today I would like to spotlight an author that find interesting, Doug Simpson. Doug has five published books. His latest is The Soul of Jesus. You can find it at this link:

US Link
UK Link

Doug Simpson is a retired high school teacher who has turned his talents to writing. His first novel, a spiritual mystery titled Soul Awakening, was published in the United States in October of 2011, by Booklocker. It was reissued in October of 2012 by 5 Prince Publishing as Soul Awakening, Book I of the Dacque Chronicles.

The Soul of Jesusis Doug’s newest work. As part of His preparations for the long-prophesied birth of the Christ, God selected a devout group of primarily Jewish Essenes to oversee this monumental undertaking. The Soul of Jesus delves into numerous details surrounding these readily-available but little-known preparations which preceded the birth of Jesus, and then carries on to share delightful snippets concerning the birth and life of Jesus before the commencing of His Ministry, Jesus’ Healings and other Miracles, His Apostles, relatives, friends and the group of seventy disciples, the Crucifixion and Resurrection, His activities after the Resurrection, and Jesus’ Ascension, that are not recorded in the Scriptures.

One of my favorite questions for an author is what is your fondest childhood memory? I asked Doug this question and here is his answer:

Growing up, I loved playing hockey and following my heroes playing in the National Hockey League. That was back in the days when there were only six teams in the league. I knew all of the players by name and by face as they never wore helmets or face guards back then, not even the goalies. We lived about an hour outside of downtown Toronto and once or twice a year my father would take me to a Toronto Maple Leaf’s game. As I got older I developed the notion that I should try to collect autographs from my heroes and persuaded my father to not rush to the doors at the conclusion of games but to hang around outside the player’s dressing rooms or player’s exit and wait for the players to walk by. I not only collected their autographs but had brief conversions with some of them. Can there be a better dream than that for a hockey-crazy kid? I still have some of those autographed hockey programs framed and hanging on my wall in my computer room where I write. Can you have better inspiration than that?

You can stay connected with Doug Simpson here:

Amazon Author Page

Facebook

Twitter

Thanks for visiting Doug and I wish you all the best with your new book.

See ya next time.

When Your Reality is Shattered Part Two

Here is more on the story from Brenda Perlin.

I thought about all the weekends I spent on the beach to keep that perfect “sun-kissed” tan all year round. I would also regularly escape to my favorite tanning salon for a quick session in the tanning booth. It was very popular, mostly frequented by people in their late teens and early twenties, just like me. It was not something I talked about with my friends or family because it was not something I wanted to brag about. At that time, I wasn’t worried about wrinkles—I laughed at the thought of them—or the skin damage I always heard about. I was young, optimistic and carefree. As it turned out, I was also ignorant; I was about to receive a sobering awakening.

A few days later, I received the doctor’s call. I had a melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer. To make sure there was no cancer remaining, the dermatologist wanted to do a second, more extensive biopsy. He told me how dangerous a melanoma was and that if it had spread, he would have to do a major surgery and remove the lymph nodes close to that area.

Later at home, I found all kinds of information on the Internet about melanoma. I discovered that it can metastasize. At that point, there was little that could be done to stop the cancer. I was a “glass half empty” kind of a girl.

My dad would say, “Don't be such a downer.”

Like I have said, I was a realist! I could not believe that this was happening to me. After the phone call, I repeated that sound bite in my head. It was all so surreal and confusing.

I guess you could say I was thinking, “Why me? Haven’t I been through enough?”

Four days passed before I heard back from the doctor that the lab results were available for the second biopsy. Those four days were the longest, most tedious days that I can remember. It was hard to sleep and difficult to think about anything else. Nothing seemed as important. By the grace of God (I like using that phrase for the drama and nothing more), my report said that the melanoma had not spread and I would not need to have my beloved lymph nodes removed. This cancer would not kill me.

Even though the cancer had not spread, I still had to return to the dermatologist for removal of the margins around the affected area of my butt. The three-inch scar I now have was the result of that procedure. It hurt like hell, but it was better than the alternative.

The procedure went well. It wasn’t until the knife like pain started about six hours after the procedure that I started to realize that this was not going to be an easy deal. Even if I had gotten lucky this time (as Tom Petty once sang), I would always have to think like a survivor. I would be living at my dermatologist’s office and my days of roasting like a chicken in the California sun or under a tanning booth were over. Gone were the days on my chaise lounge baking in the summer sun while chatting mindlessly on the telephone. I would have to be very diligent about the use of sunscreen and always remember to reapply. If I were to pick my God or savior, it would be my doctor.

Thanks Brenda for sharing that story of a difficult time in your life. Hopefully others can learn from it. I am happy that you are better and with us today. 

To find Brenda and her writings online, consult the following links.

Her wonderful books:
Shattered Reality
Burnt Promises

Youtube Book Trailers
Shattered Reality Brooklyn and Bo chronicles (Book One)
Burnt Promises Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles (Book Two)

website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Goodreads


I got these photos from Morguefile free photos.

See ya next time.

ontherightside suck it up buttercup

When Your Reality is Shattered

Today I have the first part of a guest blog by author, Brenda Perlin. Enjoy.

My tanning bed nightmare started shortly after I met Bo. One afternoon, I received a phone call from my dermatologist telling me that he had some very serious news to share with me. This shocked me because it came from out of left field. He proceeded to tell me that the small—no larger than a typical blemish—dark spot on my butt was the worst kind of skin problem: a “melanoma” skin cancer.

As he explained the details, I felt light headed, numb and definitely not present; it felt like I was floating over my body.

He told me in no uncertain terms that, “This is very serious.”

I felt bad for him, and scared for me, because I could hear his voice trembling. This was not an easy task for him. Wanting to make him feel better, I remained nonchalant and pleasant. As the conversation continued, I further digested what he was saying. The wires in my brain were slowly starting to connect. This was not a small little inconvenience, it could be another life threatening turn of events. This was all starting to sound extremely bad.

In February 2009, I noticed a small mark (like a freckle) on the very top of my butt. I had not noticed it previously and had heard that if you found a new mole or growth on your skin, you should have it checked by a doctor. Any new blemish or growth could be a sign of something sinister.

Shortly thereafter, I made a phone call to my primary doctor in Mission Viejo, California. The next day, I received a call back from my doctor’s office telling me that she would not refer me to a dermatologist without doing an examination herself. At that point, I was not overly concerned that the new freckle on my butt was anything life threatening, so I casually waited a few months before scheduling an appointment in August 2009 with that doctor. I rationalized to myself that I was probably being a hypochondriac, overreacting to every magazine article about various diseases and afflictions, so I just put this one out of my mind.

In August 2009, I was in my doctor’s office and remembered to show her the new freckle/mole on my butt. She took a quick look at it and said it was nothing to be worried about. I was relieved to hear good news from a doctor for a change, so I put it out of my mind. Basically, I crossed it off my list and planned on never thinking about it again.

Fast forward eight months later. While I was having some cosmetic procedures done at my dermatologist’s office, I contemplated whether or not I should ask about the same freckle on my butt. I felt guilty asking for this additional time. Certainly, there were other patients in the waiting room and, after all, my exam was completed, except for that freckle. 

In my most jovial voice, I asked the doctor if he thought this freckle was anything to be concerned about. I thought he would brush it off as fast as my other doctor had done. He took a good look at it and said that he didn’t think it was anything to be concerned about, but added that suspicious growths should always be biopsied, especially new growths. I liked his thoroughness and, maybe the attention too, so I agreed.

He did a biopsy and sent it to the lab for testing. I felt my worries were surely over. I was being safe, and felt good about taking care of myself in this fashion. I felt very mature. I never would have imagined that this small little mark would be anything that could have the power to alter the rest of my life. It made me start thinking about all the things that were important to me and all the friends and loved ones I would miss if I were gone. 

Stay tuned for the rest of this story. It is an interesting one.

Here are the links to find Brenda Perlin online.

Her wonderful books:

Shattered Reality
Burnt Promises

Youtube Book Trailers
Shattered Reality Brooklyn and Bo chronicles (Book One)

Burnt Promises Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles (Book Two)

website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Goodreads

The lady herself

See ya next time.

Life Is What You Make It

Today I am pleased to have this guest blog entry by Tamy Burns. Take it away Tamy!

“This life is what you make it. No matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends – they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything – they’re your true best friends. Don’t let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they’ll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them – actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can’t give up because if you give up, you’ll never find your soul mate. You’ll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don’t, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”
― Marilyn Monroe

For all of us, at one time or another, we find ourselves, well, by ourselves.  It's those times in life that instead of concentrating and dwelling on how we feel, i.e. lonely, abandoned, sad, relieved, etc, we should take stock of:

~~ where we are -- are we safe? fed? warm? If not, call on friends and family to provide the help you need.

~~ who we are -- did we compromise our own integrity in the last relationship? What can we do to make a positive change in ourselves and not repeat the pattern?

~~ where are we going -- now's the time for new goals and renewed dreams
.
~~ who is taking the journey with us --  keep people around you who love you for you.  Surround yourself with people who will be there for you and who challenge you to be a better person.

Here are some simple life rules I have picked up along the way:

~~ Make peace with your past so it won't mess up the present, or the future.
~~ Time heals almost everything, give it time.
~~ Don't compare your life to others and don't judge them. You have no idea what they have been through.
~~ Stop over thinking things, it's okay not to know all the answers. Let life surprise you.
~~ No one is in charge of your happiness, except you.
~~ And, last but not least; smile, you don't own all the problems in the world.

Marilyn really said it best. Always, always, always believe in yourself. People will come and go, things will come and go, jobs will come and go, loves will come and go. The one thing that is constant? You. You will always be with you. Never give up. Never stop learning, loving, dreaming, striving, growing. Stop settling.  If you don't like your life, make a change.  After all, it is your life.

Blessings,

Tamy Burns

 Thank you Tamy for such an inspiring entry.

Here's where you can find this talented and lovely woman online:
International Link for Fateful Night
International Link for Darkest Day
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Goodreads
Pinterest
Blog



The photos I have of Marilyn Monroe are compliments of MorgueFile Free Photos. The photo of Tamy Burns was supplied by her!

See ya next time!

Those 1%ers

Welcome to the premier entry for the On The Right Side. Get ready to read what I have to say. Today, I am talking about that one percent of the population who allegedly have most of the wealth in the world. But this is not going to be a post where I cry about the advantages the wealthy have. No, instead I want to look at differences between those who have the wealth and those who don't.

I am not only talking about the elite but also about those who have wealth and are able to do things that many of us are unable to do. Those who have the freedom that money allows them.

A person who has reached the level of success in which he or she is worth the amounts of money that the wealthy make haven't gotten there by accident. They have worked long and hard to get the things in life they now have.

The CEOs of major corporations, the successful entrepreneur and those in the higher income brackets don't take a year maternity or paternity leave. They realize they can't afford to take that much time away. As well, these people may not make it to every one of their child's school productions or sports events. That doesn't mean they are bad parents or love their children any less. They are just needed elsewhere.

The really wealthy in our society aren't afraid to fall - they just get back up. They take responsibility for their actions and mistakes and then move on with life.

In order to be uber successful, these people don't spend hours watching television. Unless it is something pertaining to their industry. They don't get wrapped up in soap operas and most assuredly could not tell you the latest antics on one of the numerous reality shows.

The really successful people in the world make sacrifices to get where they are and they love what they do. He or she doesn't drag themselves out of bed to go to a job they hate nor do they dread Mondays and the start of a new work week. No, they are eager for the world to start working again so they can do what they love.

The wealthy give back in the form of charity. I have been told that the only reason they do that is to get a tax break. So? I don't care about their motives just that they are spreading the funds around and helping others.

I realize that the non wealthy also give to charity and some give until it hurts. Many more though don't give anything at all because they say they are waiting for things in their life to get better. They haven't realized that if you give a bit here and there, things will get better. The wealthy realized this fact long ago and it is part of why they are where they are.

If you want to take a year off work to bond with your newborn, that's great. If you want to make sure you attend every game and school production your child is in, good for you. If you want to watch the clock, waiting impatiently for quitting time and put in the required hours but not much more, that is your right.

If you want to turn away from giving to help others because you don't have the money, that's up to you. If you want to blame others for your failures and lack of progress in life, it's your choice.

Realize though these actions and attitudes are what separate you from the mega successful people. And if you are not willing to emulate what the 1%ers do, then you cannot expect to share in their wealth. You will not be on the upper levels of wealth and if you are happy with that, great. I wish you all the happiness in the world.

On the other hand, don't expect to take more of the wealthiest's money just because you do not possess the temperament or passion or drive they do to earn it and create the opportunities. It isn't your right.

As for me, I have made a lot of mistakes which prevent me from being more financially successful but I am working to correct those now. I want to be in the upper echelon of the wealthy and am finding my way to doing that now.

I got these photos from Morguefile free photos. I welcome comments and you don't have to agree with me! I do have to approve each message so that no spammers get through.

See ya next time.