tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27087972165955852012024-03-13T03:47:18.791-07:00Leslie Bratspis, AuthorThoughts and updates about my novels, writing, and other musings.Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-9797387725360421072023-11-04T12:21:00.000-07:002023-11-04T12:21:08.036-07:00<p> </p><h3 aria-level="3" class="x-el x-el-h3 c2-1 c2-2 c2-16 c2-17 c2-2u c2-22 c2-20 c2-1z c2-2v c2-3 c2-2w c2-2x c2-1a c2-2y c2-2z c2-30 c2-31" data-typography="HeadingGamma" data-ux="BlogMainHeading" role="heading" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #859c6d; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 36px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.125; margin: 0px 0px 8px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">WRITING AND RESEARCHING</h3><div class="x-el x-el-div c2-1 c2-2 c2-32 c2-3 c2-4 c2-5 c2-6 c2-7 c2-8" data-ux="Block" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 32px;"><span class="x-el x-el-span c2-1 c2-2 c2-16 c2-17 c2-33 c2-1z c2-21 c2-3 c2-13 c2-34 c2-1a c2-35 c2-36 c2-37 c2-38" data-aid="RSS_POST_DATE" data-typography="DetailsAlpha" data-ux="Details" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #595959; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">November 4, 2023</span></div><div class="x-el c2-1 c2-2 c2-16 c2-17 c2-33 c2-1z c2-21 c2-39 c2-3a c2-3b c2-3 c2-3c c2-4 c2-1a c2-5 c2-6 c2-7 c2-8 x-rt" data-typography="BodyAlpha" data-ux="BlogContent" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;"></p><figure class="x-el x-el-figure c2-1 c2-2 c2-3l c2-i c2-h c2-1r c2-22 c2-1z c2-20 c2-3q c2-4x c2-3 c2-4 c2-5 c2-6 c2-7 c2-8" style="align-items: center; box-sizing: inherit; justify-content: center; margin: 0px 0px 24px; max-width: 100%; text-align: center;"><div style="box-sizing: inherit;"><img alt="Purple Heart and American Flag" class="x-el x-el-img c2-1 c2-2 c2-4o c2-1r c2-1n c2-1o c2-1z c2-21 c2-s c2-4p c2-4q c2-3 c2-4 c2-5 c2-6 c2-7 c2-8" src="https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/880ba912-42e5-49b1-bae4-0b6db59e20d9/Vanilla%20Grass%20Banner.jpg/:/rs=w:1280" style="aspect-ratio: auto; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" title="Purple Heart and American Flag" /></div></figure><p></p></div><p><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;">Writing requires more than creativity. It also needs research to be accurate. I always do extensive research when writing about a topic I know little or nothing about. One day recently, by chance I came upon an email exchange from 2014 while writing VANILLA GRASS. At the time, I was unable to develop the story further until I spoke to someone at the Army Medical Center in Tacoma WA. From there, I was directed to call Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Pierce and Thurston counties WA. I explained I was an author writing a novel about a fictitious Vietnam War veteran who wanted to start a program for problem teens and have them visit the wounded soldiers at the Army base. I had questions about this and inquired who to contact. Once I received that information, I phoned the Army Public Affairs Office in New York City and got transferred to the proper authority. Success! I hope you find the following exchange between us interesting. Now, when you read VANILLA GRASS or give it as a gift to a veteran for Veterans Day, Memorial Day, or Christmas, you will know some of the backstory about what went into writing this book. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5e5e5e; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px;"></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><ul style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: left;"><li style="box-sizing: inherit;"><strong class="x-el x-el-span c2-2m c2-2n c2-3 c2-4h c2-1d c2-3i c2-4i" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">From:</strong><span> </span>"Ebbeson, Jay J CIV USARMY MEDCOM MAMC (US)" <<a class="x-el x-el-a c2-2m c2-2n c2-4l c2-16 c2-17 c2-4m c2-j c2-4n c2-3 c2-2q c2-2r c2-2s c2-2t" href="mailto:jay.j.ebbeson.civ@mail.mil" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #6c7a5d; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: unset; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: underline; text-transform: inherit;" target="_blank">jay.j.ebbeson.civ@mail.mil</a>><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><strong class="x-el x-el-span c2-2m c2-2n c2-3 c2-4h c2-1d c2-3i c2-4i" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Date:</strong><span> </span>April 2, 2014 at 1:12:18 PM MST<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><strong class="x-el x-el-span c2-2m c2-2n c2-3 c2-4h c2-1d c2-3i c2-4i" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">To:</strong><span> </span>Leslie Bratspis <<a class="x-el x-el-a c2-2m c2-2n c2-4l c2-16 c2-17 c2-4m c2-j c2-4n c2-3 c2-2q c2-2r c2-2s c2-2t" href="mailto:xxxxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #6c7a5d; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: unset; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: underline; text-transform: inherit;" target="_blank">xxxxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com</a>><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><strong class="x-el x-el-span c2-2m c2-2n c2-3 c2-4h c2-1d c2-3i c2-4i" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">Subject:</strong><span> </span><strong class="x-el x-el-span c2-2m c2-2n c2-3 c2-4h c2-1d c2-3i c2-4i" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: inherit; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: inherit !important; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; text-transform: inherit;">RE: Research questions for novel (UNCLASSIFIED)</strong><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Classification: UNCLASSIFIED<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Caveats: NONE<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Leslie,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Thanks for your e-mail. Your first step is to contact the Army Public Affairs Office in New York City (Office of the Chief of Army Public Affairs--Northeast). This Army Public Affairs Office is charged to assist authors on book projects. If they can help you with your questions, they will then most likely direct you to the Office of the Army Surgeon General for specific assistance.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Please call (212) 784-xxxx or (212) 784-xxxx. You can also click on: <a class="x-el x-el-a c2-2m c2-2n c2-4l c2-16 c2-17 c2-4m c2-j c2-4n c2-3 c2-2q c2-2r c2-2s c2-2t" href="http://www.army.mil/info/institution/publicAffairs/ocpa-northeast/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #6c7a5d; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: unset; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: underline; text-transform: inherit;" target="_blank">http://www.army.mil/info/institution/publicAffairs/ocpa-northeast/</a><span> </span>for additional details.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />I hope this helps. Good luck on your book project.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Sincerely,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Jay J. Ebbeson<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Public Affairs Officer<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Madigan Army Medical Center<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Tacoma, WA 98431<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />(253) xxx-xxxx<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Serving to Heal...Honored to Serve<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />-----Original Message-----<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />From: Leslie Bratspis [<a class="x-el x-el-a c2-2m c2-2n c2-4l c2-16 c2-17 c2-4m c2-j c2-4n c2-3 c2-2q c2-2r c2-2s c2-2t" href="mailto:xxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com]" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #6c7a5d; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", arial, sans-serif; font-size: unset; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration: underline; text-transform: inherit;" target="_blank">xxxxxxxxxxx@yahoo.com]</a><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2014 2:20 PM<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />To: Ebbeson, Jay J CIV USARMY MEDCOM MAMC (US)<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Subject: Research questions for novel<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Hello Jay,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />I was referred to you by the public affairs office to answer some research questions for a novel I'm currently writing. In this book a Vietnam war vet is attempting to start an on-going voluntary service program for the town's unmotivated teenagers with a harsh reality check, thus giving them perspective they've been lacking and motivating them to do volunteer work. This solider rescues and trains a Golden Retriever to become a licensed comfort dog through Pet Partners to visit the ward of active military recovering from injuries. He wants to rescue and train more dogs with the teens' involvement, and then take trained dogs and teenagers to visit recovering solders once a week. Here are my questions:<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />1. Is there a ward for wounded soldiers at the Madigan facility?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />2. If so, what types of injuries would they be treated for? How many beds to a room/ward?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />3. Would there be a separate burn ward?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />4. Are the men and women soldiers segregated?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />5. Would licensed comfort dogs be allowed to visit? Would there be a limit to how many dogs allowed per visit? My thought was 2 or 3.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />6. Can the teens bring cookies for the soldiers?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />7. I have 4 troubled teenagers I hope to rehabilitate with this fictitious program. Would all 4 be allowed to visit with only 2 adults supervising, or would it require one adult per teen?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />7. Is there a physical therapy ward where visitors would be allowed to observe and interact?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />8. What kind of voluntary service program is currently in place?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />9. If this fictitious veteran wanted to start a program with local teenagers, what guidelines would they have to abide by?<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />If there's any other information you think would be helpful as I write this novel, please include that with your response. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I hope to hear from you soon! Feel free to answer via email, but if you want to speak to me personally my phone number is xxx-xxx-xxxx.<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Best regards,<br style="box-sizing: inherit;" />Leslie Bratspis</li></ul>Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-21856517993393223822021-04-17T10:29:00.002-07:002021-04-17T10:31:00.712-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2i2Vuh2nnA/YHsaJqw3BYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/xeWmUx40P946MFrQ6ZERNc8NcedPRo5ygCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bird.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2i2Vuh2nnA/YHsaJqw3BYI/AAAAAAAAAf4/xeWmUx40P946MFrQ6ZERNc8NcedPRo5ygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">BIRD SONG</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> "</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Kill two birds with one
stone.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’d sure like to flip the
bird<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">to whomever thought of that
one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Do you suppose he–or she–<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">ate eggs for breakfast that
morning?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A gift of nourishment from a<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">non-violent feathered friend.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Maybe it rained that day<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and they donned a shiny blue
raincoat<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">that made the drops fall like<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">water shedding off a duck’s
back.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’m no duck, but I prize my
feathers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">plain though they be,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and preen from time to time<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">though I’m no vain peacock.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’m mostly gray, but<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I wish my feathers were<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">white as snow,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">yellow as the sun,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">red as love, green as grass,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">blue as the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sprinkles of color, like<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">wildflowers growing without a
border.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">At times, I’ve wished I had
sleek black feathers,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">elegant and important like the
quill pen<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">that wrote the Declaration of
Independence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’d have settled for black
feathers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">tipped with white; a feather
duster<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">cleaning books and all the
precious collectibles<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">gathered over years of travel
and<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">searching for just the right thing,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">the perfect accent on a table
or mantel.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Or pink feathers to make a
boa resting seductively,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">light as a feather draped around
a graceful<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">swan-like neck yearning to be
kissed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Once I dreamed of gifting<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">my feathers to a Native
American chief:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Tecumseh, Sitting Bull,
Tonto,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">doesn’t matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Wild West movies with a warrior
wearing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">a war bonnet made from my
feathers!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Each one a gift to signify an
act of bravery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">What an honor to adorn the
head of a warrior<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">instead of being one of
thousands of feathers<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">stuffed inside a down
comforter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Lost in the fluff,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">of no singular importance<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">other than naming a fabric
softener.</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #333333; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Who am I, you ask?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’ll give you some clues:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’ve got a bird brain and
bird legs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Steve Miller can fly like an
eagle<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">but <i>yo</i> no can do. I’m too old <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">to fly great distances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">From my perch in the tree<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’ve got a bird's-eye view<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">and one of me in the hand is<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">certainly worth two in the
bush.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">People sing a song and listen
to me,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Harper Lee and Gregory Peck<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">immortalized me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I’m a mocking bird<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">crazy as a loon,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">wise as an owl<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">no harm, no fowl.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Birds of a feather stick
together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, I think I’ll cross the
road now<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">just like…well…you-know-who.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">~ Leslie Bratspis<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">April 16, 2021</span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-66732789287491022952017-07-10T13:25:00.003-07:002021-01-02T13:29:48.833-08:00GOLDEN RING OF LIGHT AVAILABLE NOW!<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span face=""helvetica" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11.5pt;">YAY! After
12 months I completed the manuscript for GOLDEN RING OF LIGHT, the sequel to my
first novel, GOOD FORTUNE. I never intended writing a sequel, but I received so many requests how could I refuse?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span face=""helvetica" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;">If you
haven't read GOOD FORTUNE, now is the perfect time. Summer or winter, reading is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. (That's me at the far end of the table at a book club meeting.) GOOD FORTUNE and GOLDEN RING OF LIGHT are </span><span face="helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt; text-align: left;">available in both paperback
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<span face=""helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;">While
writing GOLDEN RING OF LIGHT, as before, I conducted extensive research into
Chinese culture and customs. This time I added some additional information
regarding Hawaiian folklore and beliefs. Otherworldly spirits also play their part in both Michael and Wu's journeys toward happiness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face=""helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face=""helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Wishing you good fortune and light,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face=""helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Leslie Bratspis</span></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-25799014773046594392017-03-07T15:15:00.002-08:002017-03-07T15:21:10.577-08:00DOGS HELP VETERANS AND CIVILIANS WITH PTSD<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
After Vietnam Vet, John Carrows rescues an abandoned puppy he starts to emerge from decades of self-imposed isolation. Here are some excerpts from page 112 "Vanilla Grass":</div>
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“Look at your new bed,” he said laying it on the floor. “Here’s a Nylabone and how about these biscuits?” He opened the box and offered her one, but she backed away. “C’mon, these are doggie treats. You’re gonna get them every day. Try it.” He held it toward her to tempt her. He watched her hesitate at fir<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">st. She sniffed and finally grabbed the biscuit between her teeth. She finished it off, whined, and begged for another. “Oh, so you decided you like these? Okay, one more now, but you’ll have to wait till after dinner for dessert.” He held out another biscuit and this time she snapped it so eagerly she grazed his fingers with her teeth. “Ouch! You’ve got to learn some manners,” he said, rubbing where she bit him. “Sit, Sage.”</span></div>
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“Tomorrow, after you have your check-up, I’d better get a phone. What do you think?”</div>
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Sage continued chewing and he laughed at himself for thinking she’d have an answer.</div>
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He fixed himself a fresh pot of hobo coffee and put on one of the old scratchy gramophone records. He watched Sage laying on her new bed gnawing on her Nylabone. The fire was roaring and he felt content for the first time in forty years.</div>
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It's known that dogs are able to calm people battling PTSD when other attempts at conventional therapy have failed. Dogs have heightened senses and know when triggers such as loud noises are about to cause panic and upset. They are trained to react by licking and being vocal to distract their human, and restore calm. Service dogs and comfort dogs are both emotional healers. Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks. Comfort dogs are pets. To learn more about both, visit <a href="http://www.therapydoginfo.net/petpartners.html">http://www.therapydoginfo.net/petpartners.html</a></div>
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Writing "Vanilla Grass" was important to me. There are two military bases nearby, and I often see military personnel walking around town in their fatigues. For decades the trauma of PTSD wasn't talked about. Things have changed and it's no longer a taboo subject. Also, where therapy for battle induced PTSD was only available through the VA and Tricare, new laws now make therapy available to see any licensed therapist in private practice contracted with the military.<br />
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To find some organizations devoted to matching veterans with trained service dogs, and resources for PTSD, visit my website and click on the Links tab. <a href="http://www.lesliebratspis.com/">www.lesliebratspis.com</a></div>
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"Vanilla Grass is available for Kindle download and is always free on KENP. Also available in paperback.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/">https://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/VANILLA-GRASS-redemption-Leslie-Bratspis-ebook/dp/B00PVFS15K/">https://www.amazon.com/VANILLA-GRASS-redemption-Leslie-Bratspis-ebook/dp/B00PVFS15K/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "lucida handwriting";">Leslie
Bratspis, Author<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-50887238118576421522017-03-05T07:00:00.001-08:002017-03-05T07:00:29.921-08:00FEMALE SLEUTHS!<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_38" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38;">
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As a preteen I had the whole collection of Nancy Drew books. I'd settle in with one of her mysteries and read for hours, fascinated by the way a young girl about my age pieced clues together. That's why I featured female Detective Viola Hendricks in "White Dunes." What begins as a case to bring down a corrupt judge leads to several murders. Detective Hendricks doesn't stop digging for evidence until she arrests double-crossing thugs in the small desert town of White Dunes, California. As secrets are revealed through a combination of dogged sleuthing, coincidence, and fate, unexpected events emerge. Lives are changed in ways persons living on both coasts never could have predicted.<br />
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Page 133 "White Dunes"<br />
Detective Viola Hendricks stood outside with her partner, Manny Santos, and a search team.</div>
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“Hello, Mr. Fielder. Good to see you again,” Manny said and the men shook hands. “We’re here to do an evidence search. Here’s your copy of the warrant.” He handed it over.</div>
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Josh glanced at the warrant. “Everything looks in order. Come inside, boys.” Josh nodded to Viola. “And you, too, Miss? I didn’t get your name.”</div>
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“Hendricks. Detective Viola Hendricks. And for the record it’s Mrs., not Miss.” She walked past him.</div>
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Just then Viola came into the room and heard the question. She shook her head making her short curls bounce. “You guys will never make detective if you don’t improve your observation skills.” She walked over to the collection of fossils. “This is what I mean.” She picked up the phony rock and turned it over, removed the plug, and pulled out the contents. “In less than a minute I found the safe combination and I’ll bet one of these keys unlocks that door in the floor. Sharpen your skills, boys.”<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">I
began writing "White Dunes" after I saw a news report about young
girls on Seattle's street corners being pandered for decades. Often, it's a trusted relative or other adult
responsible for getting underage children of both genders into the sex trade. I
think this problem is so important I had to write about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Yet "White
Dunes" is primarily the tale of a kidnapped 12-year-old girl (by her
father) and the longing she has for her mothe<span class="textexposedshow">r,
whom she believes died. The core of the story is about the special
mother/daughter relationship that endures over time and distance. No obstacle
or lie can destroy their bond. Neither time, corrupt justice, criminals, nor
murder will stand between them.</span></span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-fareast;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">It's a book about never losing hope, and the kindness of people
who reach out and lend a helping hand in even the darkest of times. As one
reviewer on Amazon wrote: "The author has woven a tapestry of the best in
people and the worst in people and show us how strangers can help each other.
And, oh, the sweetness of revenge when it is well deserved. The characters will
stay with me even though I've finished the last page."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Free download on KENP.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-46884043396590789382016-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:002016-09-13T09:46:49.463-07:00"GOOD FORTUNE" FEATURED ON BOOK OF THE DAY!"Good Fortune" is being featured on Book of the Day!<br />
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<a href="http://bookoftheday.org/good-fortune-leslie-bratspis/">http://bookoftheday.org/good-fortune-leslie-bratspis/</a><br />
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If you are interested in synchronicity, symbols, dreams, spiritual growth, life lessons, and even romance, you will enjoy reading this novel. All my books explore current social issues and share common themes of life lessons, compassion, personal growth, and the importance of service to others based on the Buddhist teaching that suffering and compassion are linked.<br />
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;">Chinese wisdom secretly passes through handwritten fortunes from Chow Lee Tong to an unsuspecting customer dining at Good Fortune restaurant.</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;"> Tong is an aged scholar who, in his youth, was tutored by Grandfather in the small Asian village of Tong’s birth. Grandfather elicits a promise from his young grandson he will help others in need when they cross his path. “Good Fortune” is the tale of this promise kept. It chronicles the struggles Tong and his pupils face in their personal lives. When two men from different cultures unknowingly become connected by Tong’s wisdom, each must learn to overcome adversity through journeys of change. One pupil is an unsuspecting American stranger who never learns Tong is his secret mentor; the other is Tong’s obstinate son. Both men must learn in order to achieve happiness one must look beyond the obvious and have faith in a stronger, unseen source.</span><span style="font-family: "palatino linotype" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "palatino linotype" , "serif";">What readers are saying:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "serif";">“The author completed extensive research into Chinese tradition and culture, and juxtaposes it excellently with the immigrant experience and transition into a new world. The idea and premise of the book sends an insightful and hopeful message about our past, its impact on our present and how we develop our own Good Fortune.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "serif";">“The author intertwines the lives and struggles of people from different cultures and generations in a memorable and heart-warming tale of love and hope. I particularly enjoyed reading about the Chinese culture/traditions and found the characters to be both interesting and authentic.</span>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "serif";">“I love this book, bought randomly never expecting to enjoy its simplicity and lessons within. Good Fortune can make imagination soar and yearn for traditions that we often ignore and can be applied to our own life.</span>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "serif";">“Ms. Bratspis melds two cultures into a story which reminds us that when times are the toughest, it may be a sign that it is time to change directions and abandon the path most trod.”<span class="apple-converted-space"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "palatino linotype" , "serif";">“Synchronicity, life lessons, multi-cultural, patience, acceptance and much, much more ... all woven together into a masterfully told story ...</span>”<br />
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For more information about my books and to read free samples, visit my website: <a href="http://www.lesliebratspis.com/">www.lesliebratspis.com</a> and my Amazon author page <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/">https://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/</a></div>
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May you have a wonderful day and be blessed with good fortune!</div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-4698618190548970592016-02-04T19:17:00.000-08:002016-02-06T16:31:04.204-08:00THE IMPORTANCE OF UNSELFISHLY SERVING OTHERS & EBOOK SALE!!!!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I wrote two novels about service to others from different
perspectives. Service is so meaningful to me it's a theme I incorporate into my
novels. My third novel (in editing stage) will continue this principle.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I volunteer
for two organizations and donate to Disabled American Veterans and Golden
Retriever Rescue. To be able to help those in need, humans and animals, is a blessing. By serving others, we are serving ourselves. Whether it be through volunteering, teaching,
or donating money to worthy causes we believe in, it's all good.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">"GOOD FORTUNE" is a novel about
secretly helping others without expecting thanks. Tong, a wise, aged
Chinese scholar helps anyone in need when they cross his path, and guides them
on a personal journey toward happiness and success. This is a lesson instilled in him by his Grandfather when Tong was a lad.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Page 86 Grandfather
instructs young Tong: "At least once in his lifetime, a man of conscience
finds himself in the position of being a teacher to one in need of guidance.
When faced with this duty, he is obliged to respond. Always remember, you are
intimately connected from the moment you realize you have met one who is in
need of a teacher and it is you who holds the knowledge they seek."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Tong
devotes his life to doing good deeds. As an old man, when Tong overhears a
stranger, Michael Hamilton, who has come to Good Fortune restaurant despondent
over losing his job. Michael sits at a table outside Tong's </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">office. Hidden from view,
Tong listens to Michael's tale of woe and writes a guiding fortune that get
switched into a fortune cookie. This is the beginning of the clandestine
relationship with Tong as guide, and Michael his unknowing pupil. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">"VANILLA GRASS features John Carrows</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">, a
Vietnam Vet with PTSD</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">who becomes a hero to the
town's at-risk youth by teaching them perspective, responsibility, and
important life lessons. In doing this, John begins the process of emotional
healing and is able to rejoin society. He eventually meets a strong,
independent woman named Colleen, and falls in love. The catalyst to all these
changes in John's life is twofold.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">First,
John finds an abused one-eyed Golden Retriever puppy abandoned by his cabin,
and saves her life. He recognizes Sage is another wounded soul. They each need
each other and an immediate bond is formed.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Pgs </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">92-93</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Outside
he saw a bundle of red fur curled up beside his house. “What do we have
here?” He squatted down and the bundle of fur sprouted four kicking legs. John
estimated the female Golden Retriever puppy was nine months old and weighed
only twenty-five pounds. She growled when he touched her and he quickly
withdrew his hand. Shaking his head with disgust, he got up and walked down the
path to the highway where he saw fresh skid marks and tire tracks in the dirt
and assumed they were from the vehicle that dumped her. “Damn people,” he
muttered, “dumping a puppy like she’s garbage . . . What should I call you? You’re still a pup, but you’ve been
through so much already you’re wise beyond your age. Poor baby, abused and
starving. Somehow you pulled through and survived despite everything. You kind
of remind me of myself." </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Second,
when three teenage boys attempt to rob John at gunpoint, he is forced out of
hiding. Without planning to rejoin society, the years of self imposed isolation
are over.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pg 46, John took another step closer
and Brent panicked. He reached behind, pulled his gun from his waist and
pointed it at John. With one swift movement, John knocked the gun from Brent’s
hand, got him in a headlock and held the wrist dagger aimed at his throat. Evan
was so anxious he tossed his gun on the ground while his bladder
released. John took another step closer and Brent panicked. He reached
behind, pulled his gun from his waist and pointed it at John. With one swift
movement, John knocked the gun from Brent’s hand, got him in a headlock and
held the wrist dagger aimed at his throat. Evan was so anxious he tossed his
gun on the ground while his bladder released.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t you boys know better than to pull a gun on a
psycho like me?” John shouted. He kicked Evan’s gun aside with his boot and
gave Brent’s neck a painful squeeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Pg 50, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John took a breath and steeled himself before he walked into the police
station with a small duffel bag. He removed his dark glasses and approached the
front desk. “Can I speak to the deputy on duty?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Pg 51</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Have a
seat.” The sheriff indicated an empty chair and went around his desk. He
deposited his hefty frame into his chair and leaned back, placed a boot on top
of the desk and crossed his ankles. He folded his hands behind his neck and
grinned. “You surprised the hell out of me and not too many people can say
that.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’ve been surprising myself lately.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So tell me, John, what brought you into town?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“These.” John lifted the duffel bag and handed it
across the desk to the sheriff. “There are two loaded guns inside. I took them
away from a couple of punk kids.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Both E-books are on sale this month for $2.99.
Visit Amazon to read free samples and if you like what you read, please
purchase and download! Thank you.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Leslie Bratspis</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">,
Author</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Fortune-Leslie-Bratspis-ebook/dp/B0055AU4EC/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41up9F0wLwL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_&refRID=1EW8C8JZ4VQGAK480REW">http://www.amazon.com/Good-Fortune-Leslie-Bratspis-ebook/dp/B0055AU4EC/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=41up9F0wLwL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR107%2C160_&refRID=1EW8C8JZ4VQGAK480REW</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/VANILLA-GRASS-redemption-Leslie-Bratspis-ebook/dp/B00PVFS15K/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1454638955&sr=1-1"><span style="color: black;">http://www.amazon.com/VANILLA-GRASS-redemption-Leslie-Bratspis-ebook/dp/B00PVFS15K/ref=tmm_kin_title_sr?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1454638955&sr=1-1</span></a></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-62434740177378265442015-08-27T18:39:00.000-07:002015-08-27T18:57:06.600-07:00WHAT MADE IT ALL WORTHWHILE <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I was somewhat apprehensive about my "VANILLA GRASS" author event at Barnes and Noble in Silverdale, WA. Barnes and Noble! I took a deep breath and walked inside. I was thrilled to see my picture on the poster with my book cover. This was really happening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For weeks I planned what I was going to say, collected props, and got a mani-pedi the day before. My presentation was scheduled to begin at 1 pm. I arrived around noon to give me time to get my table arranged. Barnes and Noble also ordered copies of "GOOD FORTUNE." I brought a bowl of fortune cookies for everyone to sample.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As people began sitting down I recognized some familiar faces and relaxed. They gave me a microphone and I talked a little about my background and what brought me to the Pacific Northwest. Spoke about what it's like to be a writer. Showed scraps of paper where I scribble notes whenever ideas come to me. Explained I write about subjects that are meaningful to me--overcoming life's challenges, being compassionate, doing work for the greater good, volunteering for Golden Retriever rescue. I explained all the Golden Retrievers in "VANILLA GRASS" are my rescued dogs and I chose Sage to be the star because she was blind in one eye and injured when I got her from the shelter. Said how John Carrows feels damaged inside so when he finds Sage he recognizes another wounded soul and feels an instant bond with her. I read the pages where he first encounters her. Then I compared my two protagonists, Chow Lee Tong in "GOOD FORTUNE" and John Carrows in "VANILLA GRASS" who at first glance seem like complete opposites, yet are similar in many ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Then a Vietnam Veteran walked up with his service dog and approached me carrying a copy of "VANILLA GRASS" he'd purchased some weeks before. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He walked with a cane and introduced himself and his dog. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He wore a Vietnam Veteran's cap, jacket, and shorts that exposed a long scar on his right leg. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"My name is Richard and I came here to meet you and thank you for writing your book," he said, holding up his copy. "I want you to autograph it. This is my service dog, Chloe. My friend gave her to me. John Carrows is exactly like me. I have PTSD too. Where does he live? How do you know him?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"John Carrows is a fictitious character I made up. He's not a real person."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Richard's eyes blinked. "He's not? But . . . how did you know exactly what I've been going through? The way your write about it I was sure you were writing about someone you know."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I told Richard about all the hours of research I did about PTSD. How my former husband served two tours in Nam. That one of my friends shared his war experiences with me before he passed away of Agent Orange complications. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I was exposed to Agent Orange, too." Standing up, Richard became excited. "I want to buy another copy of your book for my friend who finds housing for homeless vets like me. Will you autograph it?" He gave me his friend's business card.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Of course."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Richard turned and began talking to the audience. Tears rolled down his cheeks when he told how he was the sole survivor of his unit, witnessed four of his buddies get killed, and has survivor's guilt. Lost all contact with his family until four years ago and discovered he's a grandfather.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone was so moved listening to him tell his story there wasn't a dry eye in the audience. We all thanked him for his service and Richard became choked up.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When things were starting to wind down I stood in line with Richard while he purchased his second book. There were a lot of people milling around and the noise and movement was distracting. Chloe stood by his side alert, silent, and protective.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a good day. People bought copies of both "VANILLA GRASS" and "GOOD FORTUNE." But what was most meaningful to me and has stayed with me was meeting Richard and realizing I touched his life. He hugged me and blessed me, said he was going to pray for me when he went to church Sunday. Repeated how he came just to meet me and thank me for writing this book. It was difficult for me to find the words to thank him for coming because I was so emotional.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Page 66 "GOOD FORTUNE" Grandfather is teaching young Tong life lessons and the difference between wealth and fortune. "D<span style="line-height: 15pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.4in;">on’t mistake the
abundance of costly possessions for a fortune. Money does not give you love. It
cannot nurse you back to health. Jewels may be beautiful to gaze upon, but they
will never give you sons; only a devoted wife can do those things for you. A
simple bowl of rice is as valuable to a starving man as a holiday feast is to
a king. Do you understand?”</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 15pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.4in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What I took home from that day was the knowledge I made a difference in a Vietnam Veteran's life and this experience was more valuable to me than anything. I was living what I wrote and believe. It wasn't the book sales or the accolades that I held inside my heart. It was the realization I wrote a book that was as meaningful to a reader as it is to me and it helped him. In this day of selfies, I realized on the drive home I hadn't taken my picture taken with Richard. I was so moved by our meeting and what he said it never occurred to me to snap our photo.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 15pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.4in;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A UK blogger is featuring me and "VANILLA GRASS" for the next month. I hope you'll read the interview.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://natashaorme.com/2015/08/26/author-interview-leslie-bratspis/">http://natashaorme.com/2015/08/26/author-interview-leslie-bratspis/.</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">For more information please visit my website: <a href="http://www.lesliebratspis.com/">www.lesliebratspis.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow me on Twitter: <a href="http://lesliebratspis/">@LeslieBratspis</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans">https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Amazon Author page:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1440722923&sr=1-1">http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1440722923&sr=1-1</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by. Namaste,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Leslie Bratspis, Author</span>Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-3462064157647291132015-08-02T18:59:00.001-07:002015-08-02T19:04:08.044-07:00AUTHOR EVENT FOR DOG LOVERS! LEARN ABOUT COMFORT DOGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever wanted to meet an author and ask questions about a book you've read? Or ask questions about what goes into the writing process? Come to my author event!<br />
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"VANILLA GRASS" is the story of a Vietnam Veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the Golden Retriever he rescues that changes his life. John Carrows finds Sage abandoned, hurt and afraid. He realizes she needs his help to survive and from that moment their mutual healing begins.<br />
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It's recognized that trained service dogs can help veterans and others with special needs, especially trauma survivors with PTSD. Comfort dogs are a different kind of dog. They're pets that provide emotional healing to their owners or give comfort to children and adults in hospitals, and survivors of any major disaster. LCC Canine Comfort Dogs is one organization that has licensed Golden Retriever comfort dogs fly all over the United States to provide comfort wherever needed. There are many other comfort dogs who accompany their handlers either on an individual basis, or with other organizations.<br />
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In "VANILLA GRASS" Sage is John's personal comfort dog. She brings him back from the deep depression and emotional isolation he has been living since his return from Vietnam. Sage accepts John as he is. She has no expectations and his flaws don't matter. Her love is unconditional. As their bond deepens, he trains her through the Pet Partners Therapy Program to become a licensed comfort dog. They visit wounded veterans in the hospital and then . . . well there's so much more to the story! You'll have to read the book to find out how they change the lives of many.<br />
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"VANILLA GRASS" is available through the usual online retailers and can be ordered through your local bookstore.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438566245&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis">http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438566245&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vanilla-grass-leslie-bratspis/1120803033?ean=9781611701968">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vanilla-grass-leslie-bratspis/1120803033?ean=9781611701968</a></div>
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<br />Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-18678410796056127762015-06-30T18:40:00.001-07:002015-08-04T15:32:04.085-07:00BARNES AND NOBLE "VANILLA GRASS" EVENT! COME LEARN ABOUT GOLDEN RETRIEVER SAGE<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This just in! August 15th from 1-3 p.m. I'll be at the Barnes and Noble book store in Silverdale, WA located at 10315 Silverdale Way NW. If you're in the area please stop by. Free bookmarks for all, and autographed books for sale.</span><br />
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"VANILLA GRASS" is the story of John Carrows, a Vietnam Vet with PTSD who rescues an abused Golden Retriever puppy that changes his life. John names her Sage because she's so young and yet, so wise for her age. Sage is blind in one eye, but that doesn't damper her spirit. She and John need each other and together, they begin the healing process. Finally, after living in isolation, John is no longer alone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br />Sage was a dog I rescued some years ago that sadly, passed away in 2006. Resurrecting Sage in this book was comforting because as I wrote about her, I felt as if she were with me again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You're probably wondering what does vanilla grass have to do with a Vietnam vet and a golden retriever? And what is vanilla grass, anyway? Vanilla grass, commonly called s<span style="color: #252525;">weet grass, was and is widely used by north Native Americans. </span><span style="color: #252525;">The Indians of the Great Plains
believe it was the first plant to cover </span><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_Nature" title="Mother Nature">Mother Earth</a>. Vanilla grass i</span><span style="color: #252525;">s one of the
"four sacred medicines." The other three being cedar, sage, and
tobacco. It's sweet smelling and has the lovely aroma of vanilla, chamomile and apples. </span><span style="color: #252525;">Leaves are dried and made into braids and burned as vanilla-scented incense. It's used in healing rituals, woven into baskets, and braided into jewelry.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #252525;">Throughout my novel, its fragrance and a certain bracelet are used to represent courage, love, healing, and promise. </span><span style="color: #252525;">"VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption" is available for purchase online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kindle download. Your local bookstore can also order it for you.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.lesliebratspis.com/">www.lesliebratspis.com </a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: xx-small; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/author/lesliebratspis">https://www.amazon.com/author/lesliebratspis </a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Twitter: <complete id="goog_1492965682">@LeslieBratspis</complete> </span></div>
Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-12702731373790179442015-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:002015-06-25T21:39:23.608-07:00e-BOOKS TO READ THIS SUMMERIf you're looking for summer reads to download onto your e-readers I'm offering two:<br />
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"VANILLA GRASS" Kindle & Nook<br />
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SOME 5-STAR REVIEWS OF "VANILLA GRASS"<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Every character in Vanilla Grass touched me in some way. The characters are developed through precise dialog and very realistic circumstances, whether an isolated Vietnam veteran or an alienated teenager. This novel brings to life not only the essence of redemption but does so through exploration of some very complicated and humanly challenging circumstances. The effects of war on life and identity are very real . The struggles of disenfranchised young adults and the search for connection that we all struggle to achieve jump,out of every page. The healing power of dogs not only brings together the commonality of the characters but highlights the essence of what really pulls our characters through PTSD and other live traumas. This is a very sensitive and important story. It is about all of us. It is about healing.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">This book kept me going from page one to the end. The author has developed the characters so deeply that I felt I knew each one. It taught me about many important aspects of life that I had not given much thought: the horrific physical and mental burdens returning soldiers suffer, the healing power of dogs trained to give solace; the redemption of wayward teens when someone cares enough to teach them their worth, and the importance of speaking up when peers attempt to lead you in a dangerous direction. Congratulations to Bratspis for this thought-provoking book with a plot I could not only immerse myself into, but I could even smell it.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Every once in awhile, a book comes along that causes you not just to read it, but sit in silence afterwards thinking about what you have been reading. Vanilla Grass is such a book. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Everyone thinks they know what veterans face when they have PTSD, and you tend to brush aside "at risk teens" with perhaps a unsympathetic view, and oh yes, of course we've all heard about how meaningful a dog can be to a handicapped individual or even one with PTSD, but when you put all three elements into a single story, blend their interactions, speak in their language, and realize how initially, all three were misfits in a throw-away society that really wants to move on and not ask "why," you have a powerful book. In Vanilla Grass you have a powerful document that forces you to mentally address each element. This book was carefully researched by the author giving it, although a novel, a book based in fact. I highly recommend it - especially to Golden Retriever lovers!</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/B00PVFS15K/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434852390&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis">http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/B00PVFS15K/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434852390&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis</a><br />
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For the first time "GOOD FORTUNE" is on sale for only 99 cents! This offer is available at www.smashwords.com. Enter coupon <span style="background: white; font-family: 'Segoe UI', sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">YT53J</span> at checkout. Available in all formats for download.<br />
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65462">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65462</a><br />
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Also available on Kindle & Nook for the regular price.</div>
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SOME 5-STAR REVIEWS:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">A wonderfully told story, weaving together in a beautiful way the blending and clash of Chinese and American cultures, personal and career choices, family and economic realities, traditional ways and changing values. All set against the magnificent central California coast with characters struggling and succeeding with many of the same issues we face in our own lives. The author completed extensive research into Chinese tradition and culture, and juxtaposes it excellently with the immigrant experience and transition into a new world. The idea and premise of the book sends an insightful and hopeful message about our past, its impact on our present and how we develop our own "Good Fortune".</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Good Fortune is a great read. I was captivated by the writing about 2 cultures that melded into one. I loved learning about the culture of the Chinese and was so impressed with the beautiful writing of the author. I was captivated by the first chapter and could not put the book down until I finished it. The story is very unique and yet very real. I would highly recommend this book. A very fast read!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Good Fortune is a lovely story that grabs you from the start as it is easy to read, well-written and easy to identify with the various characters, their individual struggles and their hopes for a brighter future. While Michael is searching for a renewed life purpose after losing his job, Anna longing for her husband to be present in family life at home, and Jennie hoping Michael will commit after finally finding love, each obstacle is a gentle reminder that everyone faces challenges in life. I especially enjoyed how the author encompassed the wisdom and insight of Tong, the older Chinese-born grandfather, as he seeks to share and preserve his grandfather's knowledge, skills and culture with his younger, American-born family members and a complete stranger. Good Fortune is a great book to read anywhere!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Thank you. Happy reading!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Website: <a href="http://www.lesliebratspis.com/">www.lesliebratspis.com</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Email: <a href="mailto:lesliebratspis@yahoo.com">lesliebratspis@yahoo.com</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Twitter: <a href="http://lesliebratspis/"> @LeslieBratspis</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans">https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans</a></span><br />
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-35038315223253952942015-06-11T11:39:00.005-07:002015-06-11T12:17:50.742-07:00BOOK FOR MATURE TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify;">Until now I’ve only
been promoting “VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption” to adults because of the
strong language and sex, and drugs.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> It’s the story of a Vietnam veteran with PTSD who rescues a
dog that changes his life. But it’s also about a group of delinquent teenagers
who need someone to care enough to stop them from self destructing. These teens
lived inside my head for over a year and drove me slightly crazy with their bad
behavior and stunts that got them into trouble.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> At times the things they
did shocked me. And I’m their creator!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recently, a high school teacher who previously read “VANILLA GRASS” attended a book signing and informed me they
act and sound just like the kids in her school. She added she hopes teens will
read it because of the positive messages the book promotes. I also heard from a
mother who said, “I think all parents of at-risk
teenagers should read your book.” Okay, I'm listening, and now I'm reaching out to mature teens and YA readers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An excerpt from a newly
posted 5-star review on Amazon says: “...</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I found myself
really pulling for the kids to turn their lives around AND for John and
Colleen’s relationship! Anyone who loves animals, wants to learn about therapy
animals or is looking for a positive message will enjoy this book. Teen readers
will especially find the journey of their peers to be compelling.</span>” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Are there any mature teen
readers out there? Here's some of what you'll be reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pages 20-21 – “VANILLA GRASS”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Got a loosey?” Monica asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Look in my purse; got a new pack from Mom’s stash.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bonnie said, “Light me one too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The signal turned red and Summer rolled to a stop. “What do
you <i>beyatches</i> feel like doing?” She looked at Bonnie in the rear view
mirror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Shoplifting at Target,” Monica said. “I need some makeup.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Absofuckinlutely good idea,” Bonnie agreed leaning forward
to talk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hey bitch! Keep that ash offa me.” Summer brushed hot
cigarette ash off her shoulder and scowled at Monica.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sor-reee.”</span></i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Monica flicked her ash out the window.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The light changed to green and they took off heading for
Target. Summer circled around the parking lot until she found a space close to
the entrance in case they had to make a fast getaway. “Don’t get caught—if you
do you’re on your own,” she warned as she parked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Chill, I know what I’m doing,” Monica assured her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She does,” Bonnie said. “We’ve done this before.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They got out of the car and tossed lit cigarettes on the
ground without crushing them out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“There are hidden cameras taping you,” Summer warned again.
“Be careful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m all over it.” Monica sounded annoyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Meet at the car in twenty minutes. I won’t wait.” Summer
turned and headed for the entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They watched her walk away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She’s so uptight,” Monica said with disgust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah, lame,” Bonnie agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">Pages 69-70</span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Summer spied Evan strolling across the quad and wished he’d
stay away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Here comes one of the moronimated brothers,” Monica said, speaking
loud enough for him to hear. “’Sup dawg?” She flashed him a superficial smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Evan’s mocking laugh ridiculed her. “Someone’s got pretty
girl syndrome.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monica made an “O” mouth and pressed her hands to her cheeks.
“Wow, I’ve got a doctor diagnosing me. I’m so impressed—<i>not</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Summer couldn’t stand listening to anymore bullshit. “Shut
up! I’m sick of all this dumb snarking.” She got up and stalked off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What’s got her panties in a knot?” Evan asked innocently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monica never passed up an opportunity to be cruel to him.
“Lookin’ at your ugly shaqdick face<b>.</b>”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You bitches think you’re so hot. Do you eat with that nasty
mouth?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you asking me for a blow job?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“In your dreams, skank. I’m outta here, something stinks.”
Evan held his nose and walked away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; text-indent: 0.3in;">Page 125</span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bonnie stuck her tongue out and glared at Evan with utter contempt,
but in spite of herself, Summer couldn’t stop herself from laughing. “You’re
such a dweeb,” she snorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah, a dick with eyebrows is what you are,” Bonnie said
cruelly. “Get it moron? D W E E B spells dweeb.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Evan’s cheeks flushed and he retaliated. “Oh yeah? Well
you’re a cunt. C U N T.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Dude!” Jason grabbed the front of Evan’s shirt and shoved
him on his back. In a flash he straddled him and balled his fist to strike, but
instead he lowered it, shoved Evan again and climbed off him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m givin’ you some slack ‘cuz I know you miss Brent. Now
watch your mouth or I’ll knock your teeth out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Okay, chillax.” Evan rearranged his hoodie and smoothed his
hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Now, can we talk about what happened at school today?”
Summer asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Book Antiqua', serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; text-indent: 0.3in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Page 179<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The weed was strong and Evan felt very
stoned already. He took another drag and this time his eyes stayed open. Summer
and Zach had moved to the corner and were sharing a joint, talking and
laughing.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’re kinda cute. Guess I just didn’t
notice before.” Bonnie started unbuttoning her blouse and reached for Evan’s
hand. “Wanna touch?” She placed his hand over her bare breast and allowed him
to fondle it.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I always thought you were beautiful,” he
said in a husky voice, silently thanking God she wasn’t wearing a bra. Evan
pulled her down and stretched out on the mattress. When she didn’t resist he
finished unbuttoning her blouse and started licking her breasts. His tongue tickled
and she laughed.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What’s so funny?” Summer asked joining
them. “Wanna make it a threesome?” She knelt down to French kiss Evan first,
then Bonnie.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hey! Don’t forget about me,” Zach said
pulling off his T-shirt and unzipping his jeans.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is awesome!” Evan stripped down to his
briefs showing his hard-on. He and Zach finished off a joint and he rubbed
himself while watching Bonnie and Summer make-out.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“All right girls, time for some real
action,” Zach said, getting on his knees. He was completely naked.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Zach stroked Summer’s back. She rolled over
and he started to remove her lace panties. Bonnie pulled off Evan’s briefs and
began to lick and suck his swollen dick. Everyone was high and horny.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hey Jason! What’s going on up there?” a
masculine voice shouted from below.</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What the hell?” Evan jumped up and grabbed
his briefs and jeans. Summer, Bonnie, and Zach scrambled for their clothes.
Evan hopped on one foot while he struggled to pull up his Jockeys. “Jason’s not
here,” he shouted. “Who’s askin?”</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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“VANILLA GRASS” is available in paperback from Amazon and Barnes
and Noble. Download on Kindle to your e-reader, cell phone, computer or tablet.
Your local bookstore can order it without adding shipping charges.</div>
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<span style="color: windowtext;">WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Every once in awhile, a book comes along
that causes you not just to read it, but sit in silence afterwards thinking
about what you have been reading. Vanilla Grass is such a book. Once I started,
I couldn't put it down. Everyone thinks they know what veterans face when they
have PTSD, and you tend to brush aside "at risk teens" with perhaps an
unsympathetic view, and oh yes, of course we've all heard about how meaningful
a dog can be to a handicapped individual or even one with PTSD, but when you
put all three elements into a single story, blend their interactions, speak in
their language, and realize how initially, all three were misfits in a
throw-away society that really wants to move on and not ask "why,"
you have a powerful book…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Vanilla Grass…touched me in so many ways. I
loved John, the Vietnam vet, and the teenagers he got involved with. The
animals in the story were also so sweet. For me, this was a story about love
and the gifts we receive from unconditional love of our fellow humans and
animals. I have to say this was an uplifting 'page turner'. I couldn't put the
book down.</span>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Every character in Vanilla Grass touched me
in some way. The characters are developed through precise dialog and very
realistic circumstances, whether an isolated Vietnam veteran or an alienated
teenager. This novel brings to life not only the essence of redemption but does
so through exploration of some very complicated and humanly challenging
circumstances…The struggles of disenfranchised young adults and the search for
connection that we all struggle to achieve jump, out of every page. The healing
power of dogs not only brings together the commonality of the characters but
highlights the essence of what really pulls our characters through PTSD and
other live traumas. This is a very sensitive and important story. It is about
all of us. It is about healing.</span>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">“…The author has developed the characters so
deeply that I felt I knew each one. It taught me about many important aspects
of life that I had not given much thought: the horrific physical and mental
burdens returning soldiers suffer, the healing power of dogs trained to give
solace; the redemption of wayward teens when someone cares enough to teach them
their worth, and the importance of speaking up when peers attempt to lead you
in a dangerous direction. Congratulations to Bratspis for this
thought-provoking book with a plot I could not only immerse myself into, but I
could even smell it.</span>”<o:p></o:p></div>
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website: <a href="http://www.lesliebratspis.com/">www.lesliebratspis.com</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="http://lesliebratspis/">@LeslieBratspis</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl"><span style="color: black;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl</span></a></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-83545620762323356432015-05-16T08:53:00.000-07:002015-05-16T09:02:47.166-07:00NEW "VANILLA GRASS" 5-STAR REVIEW ON AMAZON HAS ME EXCITED!<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); color: #444444; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so thrilled with the newest Amazon review for "VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption" that posted yesterday, May 15th, I had to share it. I hope you'll indulge my excitement because this is what authors dream of and hope for after investing months, sometimes years, researching, writing and editing, not knowing if all their hard work is successfully coming across.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">REVIEW: Every once in awhile, a book comes along that causes you not just to read it, but sit in silence afterwards thinking about what you have been reading. Vanilla Grass is such a book. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Everyone thinks they know what veterans face when they have PTSD, and you tend to brush aside "at risk teens" with perhaps a unsympathetic view, and oh yes, of course we've all heard about how meaningful a dog can be to a handicapped individual or even one with PTSD, but when you put all three elements into a single story, blend their interactions, speak in their language, and realize how initially, all three were misfits in a throw-away society that really wants to move on and not ask "why," you have a powerful book. In Vanilla Grass you have a powerful document that forces you to mentally address each element. This book was carefully researched by the author giving it, although a novel, a book based in fact. I highly recommend it - especially to Golden Retriever lovers! ~ Joy Viola, verified Amazon purchase</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I extensively researched while writing this novel. I already knew about dog rescue because I've been involved with rescuing Golden Retrievers and other breeds for 25 years so that part was easy. For the writings about PTSD caused from battle trauma, I drew upon memories of my former husband who served two tours in Vietnam. He came back a changed man from what he saw and did there. Although we divorced some years later, we're still friends and keep in touch. I also read extensively on the subject of battle-induced PTSD--articles and interviews. I watched many videos on YouTube and an HBO special featuring returning combatants from Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. A close friend who also served in Vietnam shared many stories of his Vietnam experience with me before he passed away from complications due to Agent Orange exposure. It's all included in the book. My husband is a licensed therapist in private practice who has some military clients. Due to confidentiality he cannot give me any specifics about clients, but he was able to tell me many facts about the symptoms and effects of battle-induced PTSD.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">Then, there was the challenge of writing teenage slang. While not all teens speak this way, many do and I wanted to be accurate in my depiction of them. I didn't know the first thing about how to write slang. So, I rode the bus to observe and listen to kids going to and from school. I watched weekly TV shows such as "Twisted" and "Graceland" featuring teens and young adults to get ideas of mean things they say to each other (snarking). I also watched movies featuring high school teens. While doing this, I took copious notes. Whenever I needed a particularly descriptive word I didn't already have, I referred to a slang dictionary. Since the book has been released, I've had readers contact me to let me know the kids in the book sound just like theirs!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">One more thing--the character of Colleen is based on one of my closest friends (of another name). I asked her permission, and then she started talking about herself while again, I scribbled notes as fast as I could! Everything Colleen reveals about herself through conversation is exactly what my friend told me. I already knew things about her, but I wanted to capture them in her own words.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;">I wrote this novel as a way to acknowledge our soldiers' internal battles and challenges, and the wounds they live with when they return from war, some visible and others unseen. My dedication page reads: "For all who carry unseen scars." I hope you'll read "VANILLA GRASS" and take something with you to appreciate and remember.</span>Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-4798155762815070762015-05-04T13:50:00.002-07:002015-05-04T14:06:53.612-07:00ACCOUNTS OF POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER DATE BACK 1000s OF YEARS<div style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">The news reports stories of returning
combatants from Iraq and Afghanistan with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
but did you know the first written accounts of battle trauma date back
thousands of years? The written history of traumatic stress begins with ancient Egypt's physicians. Their reports of hysterical reactions became one
of the first known medical textbooks to be published in 1990 B.C.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Twenty-seven centuries ago, “The
Iliad” and “The Odyssey” written circa 700 B. C. parallel accounts of modern day PTSD.
Achilles, the hero of “The Iliad” was undergoing traumatic battle experiences
and suffering stress reactions similar to combatants of the Civil War, World
War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Similarly, “The
Odyssey” describes the psychological state of Odysseus returning home from the
Trojan Wars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">A more current literary figure, Charles
Dickens wrote of his emotional trauma after he was involved in a train accident
in 1865. Dickens wrote, “I am not quite right within, but believe it to be an
effect of the railway shaking.” He summed up his psychological condition: “I am
curiously weak-weak as if I were recovering from a long illness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Modern accounts of PTSD—or shell shock as
it was originally coined—began during World War I. After WWII and the Korean
War this term was replaced by war neurosis or traumatic neurosis. The current
name, post traumatic stress disorder, became official in 1980.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">After so many years, why is PTSD now getting
so much attention? One reason is there are a growing number of veteran suicides—22
reported daily. The numbers are so staggering one organization dedicated to assisting
our veterans, K9s for Warriors, has started a STOP 22 campaign to spread
awareness. K9s for Warriors rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service
dogs. Veteran and his assigned dog go through training together. This type of
program has been proven successful for veterans battling PTSD. Other
organizations such as Paws and Stripes, Northwest Battle Buddies, and Gunnar Center
are only three of many similar groups around the country dedicated to saving the
lives of both shelter dogs and veterans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">The problem of veteran suicides has
become so dire, early this year the Clay Huntley Act passed the House and
Senate. Here’s a brief excerpt taken directly from the website:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">“Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for
American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act</span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">(Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) arrange for an independent third party
evaluation, to be conducted by September 30, 2018, and each fiscal year
thereafter, of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs; and
(2) submit a report to Congress, by December 1, 2018, and each year thereafter,
containing the most recent evaluations not yet submitted to Congress and any
recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .25in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Directs the Secretary to submit interim
reports to Congress by September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2017, on the VA's
mental health care and suicide prevention programs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">A study from June
2014, published online in Current Psychiatry Reports states: “Veterans are more
likely to take their own lives when they feel they have become a burden to
their family, friends<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="textexposedshow">and community, and are socially isolated with little to
no meaningful personal connections . . . ”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">The Vietnam War produced thousands of
veterans returning home with PTSD. Their greeting was often unwelcome and as a
result they suffered in silence. Decades later there are still homeless Vietnam
Vets living on our nation’s streets with untreated PTSD. Those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are welcomed home, but have trouble readjusting. Many are in a constant state of hyper vigilance and depression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">What exactly is PTSD, and what are the
symptoms? Flashbacks, constantly on alert/hyper vigilance, insomnia,
depression, anxiety, anger, nightmares, guilt, associated triggers that induce
flashbacks, drugs and alcohol, relationship problems, social withdrawal, and
isolation. Those with PTSD continue to react to minor stimuli as emergencies
i.e., fireworks, car backfire, flashing lights, noisy crowds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">An Army’s
PTSD training document provided to medical staff in December 2014 reports that
more than half the soldiers with PTSD and other mental health problems still
don’t receive care. When they do seek help, sadly many don’t continue and drop
out of treatment. Soldiers believe that reaching out to a mental health
provider will be held against them by their peers and leaders, and could damage
their careers. If they have families to support losing their career would not
only bring shame, but would remove their source of income and benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">If you know someone battling PTSD let them know
you care and are deeply concerned for their well being. Encourage them to seek
help because things are changing and more help is available. This conversation
could save their life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Bibliography<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">After years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is
overhauling its mental health services.</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"> Article
written by </span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"><a href="http://www.seattletimes.com/author/hal-bernton-adam-ashton"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Hal Bernton, Adam Ashton</span></a>,
April 11, 2015 updated April 12, 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Congress.Gov – H.R. 203 – Clay Hunt SAV Act 114th
Congress (2015-2016)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-weight: normal;">Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act signed February
12, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Current Psychiatry
Reports published online, June 2014 Volume 16</span><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Suicides
in the Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran and the Hemingway Effect</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">
by Carl Andrew Castro, Sara Kintzle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"><a href="http://www.militaryconnection.com/articles/health/ptsd-chronological-account"><span style="color: black;">http://www.militaryconnection.com/articles/health/ptsd-chronological-account</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="style1"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Post
traumatic Stress Disorder: A Chronological Account </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">written by Kevin Roberts, Ph.D.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-13884890768622560202015-04-05T07:45:00.000-07:002015-04-05T15:03:11.178-07:00SYNCHRONICITY: MORE THAN COINCIDENCE<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Synchronicity.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">You’ve heard the word, but<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; outline: none 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></b></span>what does it
mean? In the 1920s Swiss psychotherapist and psychiatrist, Carl Jung, the
founder of analytical psychology, coined the term to describe the phenomena
when two unrelated events occur simultaneously experienced in a meaningful
manner. More than coincidence, it can be manifested by strong intent.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">We’ve all experienced
synchronicity at one time or another. For example, you’re gassing the car and
you start thinking of someone you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. You
make a mental note to phone or text them and a moment later they pull up at the
next pump and get out of the car. “I was just thinking about you,” you greet
them with a laugh. “Really? I was just thinking about you too—and here you
are!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; outline: none 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">”<i style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; outline: none 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">GOOD FORTUNE’s”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i>recurring theme of synchronicity
is something I commonly experience in all areas of my life, so it came as no
surprise that while researching Chinese culture and customs, the information I
needed often appeared as if I’d attracted it like a magnet. One of many such
examples is how I learned about the history of Shuikou noodles.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I was well into writing chapter
40 devoted to the annual Chinese New Year dinner hosted at the Chow household.
After consuming a feast, the Chow family and friends listened to elders tell
after dinner stories. I wanted this section to be interesting and not read like
a textbook. I’d already researched and written about the history of the Chinese
calendar and the art of calligraphy through the vehicle of two elders relating
tales about these topics. I wanted a third tale to be something different and
attention-grabbing, yet relating somehow to traditional Chinese food.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The next morning while getting
ready for work I mulled this over, wondering where I’d find just what I needed.
When I got home that night and collected the mail I was still thinking about
this dilemma because I still had no idea where to find exactly what I needed.
Among the mail that day I noticed an Auto Club magazine. Usually, I’d put it
aside and wouldn’t look at it until much later, yet for some reason I felt
compelled to sit down and read it immediately. I placed the magazine on the
table and, as if by magic, the pages popped open to an article about the
history of Shuikou noodles. There was my research—problem solved! This is the
actual article.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">If you’d like to share examples
of synchronicity in your own life, send me an email via ljbratspis@gmail.com
and I’ll post them in another blog. I wish you good fortune!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Leslie Bratspis</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“GOOD
FORTUNE” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble in paperback and e-Book
formats. The eBook is on sale now for $2.99 through Smashwords using coupon
GY25V. Offer good through May 1st. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65462">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65462</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-91880541410716501472015-03-27T16:46:00.000-07:002015-03-27T16:48:08.790-07:00PTSD AND VETERAN SUICIDE IS WHY I WROTE "VANILLA GRASS"<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">My former husband was twice deployed to Vietnam. I have memories of how changed he was when he returned. He looked the same, but looks can be deceiving. I had no idea what was going on inside his mind. While he was overseas he wrote letters about missing me and looking forward to coming home, but they never revealed anything about what it was like being there. His fear. His trauma. These were his guarded secrets. Years later, long divorced and both of us remarried, we finally had a long phone conversation about his Vietnam experience. It was cathartic. We cried.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I wrote “VANILLA GRASS, a novel of redemption” about the challenges Veterans past and present face with flashbacks and depression as part of their daily struggle with PTSD. Until recently, post deployment integration has offered little help readjusting after coming home from war. Thankfully that’s beginning to change. This is so important because there are 22 reported military suicides daily. It's a national tragedy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">“VANILLA GRASS” shows the healing power of dogs for those struggling with PTSD when conventional attempts of therapy have failed. With their heightened senses of empathy and instinct, dogs are capable of bonding with humans to become their emotional healers. With this book I’ve attempted to raise awareness of the challenges our veterans and active military are coping with in their day-to-day lives. The story also exposes current problems with a fictitious group of at-risk teenagers who are promiscuous, talk slang, swear, smoke pot, rob houses, and have no goals. I’ve written how through example, the importance of community banding together to make a positive change in these kids’ lives brings forth surprising results.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The "star" of my book is Sage. She was a nine-month-old abused Golden Retriever puppy, blind in one eye, being chocked to death by a chain around her neck that had been slipped over her head when she was much smaller. I rescued her on her "last day" at the shelter and she lived five happy years with our two other Goldens who became her canine pals. Sadly the early abuse she suffered cut her life short. I have resurrected Sage in my novel because her courage and spirit made her the perfect companion for my Vietnam Vet battling PTSD. Writing about her brought her back to me for a little while. I miss her every day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica Neue, HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">"VANILLA GRASS" is available from the usual online retailers and directly from Robertson Publishing. You can also purchase it from my website www.lesliebratspis.com and there's a "shop now" link on its Facebook page: </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Thank you!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Leslie Bratspis</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.lesliebratspis.com/">www.lesliebratspis.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.rp-author.com/bratspis">www.rp-author.com/bratspis</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427499318&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis">http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1427499318&sr=1-1&keywords=vanilla+grass+by+leslie+bratspis</a></span><br />
Twitter: @LeslieBratspisLeslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-50084053565902930772015-03-12T14:41:00.000-07:002015-03-12T14:41:01.156-07:00IT'S ALMOST SPRING! TIME FOR BOOK CLUBS TO SELECT THEIR READS<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Hello book club readers and others who just like to read! After a cold dark winter in Southwestern Washington, I'm sooooooooo ready for lots of warm and sunny spring days leading into summer. This morning our cherry tree finally bloomed. It was great to see the blossoms after watching the buds slowly develop over the past couple of weeks. Spring is just around the corner and my excitement is mounting.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0n6flON2B4/VQH_2cq_EbI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gcPDPuOp-xc/s1600/blossoms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0n6flON2B4/VQH_2cq_EbI/AAAAAAAAAI0/gcPDPuOp-xc/s1600/blossoms.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The other day w</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">hile perusing through my computer, I came across a couple of photos of book clubs that selected "GOOD FORTUNE" as their monthly read. In the top one </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I'm the red head sitting at the end of the table with a flower in front of my nose! I actually snapped the photo below at another book club meeting, which is why you can't see me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">It was great fun to be the guest of honor talking about researching Chinese culture and customs, answering questions, and enjoying the company of fellow readers. If you've read "GOOD FORTUNE" you know the topics of dreams, symbols, and synchronicity appear often. I shared personal experiences that I included in the book through the lives of my characters.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Since Spring is almost here why not plan ahead for your book club? What could be better than spending the day outside in the garden discussing a good book with friends? If you select "GOOD FORTUNE" I'll be happy to mail you autographed bookmarks to pass out to your book club members. With enough advance notice I can also send autographed books. Just send me an email with your request to lesliebratspis@yahoo.com. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Wishing you warm sunny days, and lots of good fortune. Have a great day!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><i>Leslie Bratspis, Author</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><i>Follow my "GOOD FORTUNE" Facebook page: </i></span><i style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans">https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans</a></i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Follow me on Twitter: @LeslieBratspis</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">New website under construction. Until then, <a href="http://www.rp-author.com/bratspis">www.rp-author.com/bratspis</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Amazon Author Page: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">http://www.amazon.com/Leslie-Bratspis/e/B005EJ438W/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1</a></span><br />
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<br />Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-60820888327571727272015-02-21T11:37:00.000-08:002015-02-21T12:57:45.980-08:00MY EPIPHANY WHILE MAKING VEGETABLE SOUP – SPOILER ALERT!!!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"> THIS
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">What
triggers the mind is fascinating. Yesterday while chopping vegetables for a pot
of homemade soup I found myself thinking about two main characters in my novels,
“GOOD FORTUNE” and “VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption.” My two protagonists are
vastly different, yet I realized they share the same virtue. Chow Lee Tong, an
aged Chinese immigrant, scholar and bookkeeper, and John Carrows, a Vietnam
veteran with PTSD, couldn’t be more opposite. At least that’s what I thought
when I created them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Tong
is an immigrant from a small village in China who came to the U.S. as a young man
with his wife and young son, full of hopeful plans for their future. Soon his
hopes are dashed. John was born in the United States and grew up on a farm in
the Pacific Northwest. When he turned eighteen he was deployed to Vietnam and
is badly injured. What could an immigrant scholar and a wounded veteran with
PTSD possibly have in common?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">As
I sliced a head of cauliflower into small chunks my mind came up with an answer:
Each man had suffered greatly, felt like he’d lost everything, and as a result
of years of emotional suffering had developed a compassionate heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“GOOD FORTUNE” Page 51 – “The much-anticipated journey to the
United States ought to have been the beginning of a shared dream for Tong and
Mei-li. But as fate would have it, Mei-li's tragic death so soon after their
arrival was to be only one of the painful losses Tong would have to endure.
Like his wife, he too felt despondent to leave behind the village of his birth,
members of his family whom he knew he would never see again, and his life's
work from which he derived so much pleasure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“VANILLA GRASS” Page 151 – “<span style="background: white;">After my family died I felt like I had no reason to
live. All my plans to go to college—gone. No family, no career, no wife and
kids. I got drafted and sure, I served my country, but for <i>what?</i> To
breathe poison chemicals that fucked up my lungs and get blasted up so bad I’ve
got a metal plate in my head?” He clenched his fist and raised it at the sky.
“Can you tell me why the hell I had to lose <i>everything</i>?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">I
dropped in the chunks of cauliflower and stirred the vegetables sautéing in the
pot, added garlic, ginger and a sprinkle of curry. Then I poured in homemade
chicken broth and began peeling carrots while my mind continued thinking about
the similarities between Tong and John that I’d never before considered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">The opening sentence of “GOOD
FORTUNE” reads: “Tong’s arduous
journey through life prepared him to help others. H</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">e discovered that kindness outlasts suffering, and
finding skillful ways through challenges mattered more than any indignity.”
Tong’s suffering and endless sorrow over losing Mei-li—the love of his life—made
him a compassionate man who dedicated his life to helping others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">In “VANILLA GRASS,” John’s suffering from the loss of
his family and the hell of having PTSD turned him into a total recluse—that is,
until his life gets invaded by the town’s delinquent teenagers. He finds
himself the target of false accusations that could ruin his reputation yet instead
of reacting with anger, he tells the mother of a girl responsible for starting
the false rumor something she never expected. “VANILLA GRASS” Page 221 – </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">John stared at
his glass and watched a drop of water zig zag down the side like a tear. “I’ve
suffered too much and seen and done too many awful things to want to inflict
pain on anyone unless my life is threatened.” Like Tong, John’s years of suffering
made him a kind and compassionate human being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">While mulling
this over, I added chopped carrots and celery to the 12-vegetable soup, lowered
the flame, put on the lid, and started cleaning the kitchen. I rinsed out the
sink and thought about how interesting it was that I’d unconsciously given both
men in my novels</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">—</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">who I’d
thought were complete opposites</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">—</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">the shared quality
of compassion. A Chinese immigrant scholar and an American veteran with PTSD were
both men of honor. Each had to overcome painful obstacles and were survivors
who overcame personal pain to help others in need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“GOOD
FORTUNE” Page 331 – “</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', serif;">Yet, until he grew to adulthood and
experienced his own pain after losing his father, Wu had no way of measuring or
understanding the depth of the wounds inflicted upon his father when he was
robbed of his cultural roots, his profession, and even his wife. In the face of
such terrible losses, Tong stoically accepted all the changes life thrust at
him with what Wu now realized was the strength and courage of a warrior. Reflecting
on that early time of his life, he was finally able to grasp that his father
relied on his Herculean inner strength and courage to forge ahead, despite the
enormous intensity of his personal grief. For the first time he comprehended
the unselfishness of his father's motive to hide his pain and sorrow from him,
and the love that made him believe this was the right thing to do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">“VANILLA GRASS” Page 308 &
309 – “<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">For some
unknown reason after I did you wrong more than once, you didn’t give up on me.
Anyone else would have cast me aside as a lost cause, but not you, John
Carrows. You had a big heart and opened up a world of opportunities for me I
never thought possible…You were a man of few words. Your actions spoke for you.
You were a human being with a compassionate heart who understood the pain of
others because of your own painful experiences.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Until I got busy yesterday chopping
soup vegetables it hadn’t occurred to me how I wrote characters I admired. In
my own life, being compassionate towards humans and animals is of paramount importance.
Like everyone, I’ve had my own share of challenges to face, bitter
disappointments to overcome, and pain to suffer through. Writing has been a way
for me to express myself creatively and say what I believe is important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Both my books are available in
print and eBook. You can follow the links below, or on their Facebook page click the "shop now" link.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">To purchase “GOOD FORTUNE” on Amazon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Fortune-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611700280/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424545695&sr=1-1&keywords=good+fortune+by+leslie+bratspis">http://www.amazon.com/Good-Fortune-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611700280/ref=sr_1_1_twi_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1424545695&sr=1-1&keywords=good+fortune+by+leslie+bratspis</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">To purchase “VANILLA GRASS, A
novel of redemption” on Amazon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Twitter: @LeslieBratspis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-25021605132896612462015-02-19T20:20:00.001-08:002015-02-20T06:48:08.650-08:00"VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption"<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My new novel is finally released! In fact, it's re-released. I had some issues with the original publisher and was able to cancel my contract and publish elsewhere. While arrangements were being made I updated the Kindle, notified the Library of Congress of changes, had a book signing, ate too much chocolate, and somehow managed to remain sane! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"VANILLA GRASS, A novel of redemption" looks at some important and timely issues: Veteran PTSD and the need for post deployment reintegration into society; comfort dogs and service dogs, and the important roles they play in emotional healing; 22 reported veteran suicides daily and some measures being taken in hope of stopping this tragedy; at risk teenagers who abuse sex and drugs while talking slang and lacking motivation; domestic violence and alcohol abuse.I know this sounds serious--and it is! Yet my book is a fast read and entertaining. I know this because I hear from readers:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"It made me laugh and cry. I loved it."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I read your book in two days. I couldn't put it down and I didn't do anything else except stop to eat."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"I haven't gotten any work done because I can't stop reading your book."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are some early reviews:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"This book kept me going from page one to the end. The author has developed the characters so deeply that I felt I knew each one. It taught me about many important aspects of life that I had not given much thought: the horrific physical and mental burdens returning soldiers suffer, the healing power of dogs trained to give solace; the redemption of wayward teens when someone cares enough to teach them their worth, and the importance of speaking up when peers attempt to lead you in a dangerous direction. Congratulations to Bratspis for this thought-provoking book with a plot I could not only immerse myself into, but I could even smell it."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111;">"Every character in Vanilla Grass touched me in
some way. The characters are developed through precise dialog and very
realistic circumstances, whether an isolated Vietnam veteran or an alienated
teenager. This novel brings to life not only the essence of redemption but does
so through exploration of some very complicated and humanly challenging
circumstances. The effects of war on life and identity are very real . The
struggles of disenfranchised young adults and the search for connection that we
all struggle to achieve jump,out of every page. The healing power of dogs not
only brings together the commonality of the characters but highlights the
essence of what really pulls our characters through PTSD and other live
traumas. This is a very sensitive and important story. It is about all of us.
It is about healing."</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"This turned out to be one of the best books I
have ever read. Growing up through the Vietnam era, I know that some of our
soldiers came back with debilitating conditions. While having heard of
"service" dogs, I had not heard of "comfort" dogs, and I
found this story to be so touching on so many levels. Leslie's characters all
had an amazing depth to them, and made me feel more like I was IN the story,
rather than just reading it."</span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To read more, go to the Amazon website.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top">http://www.amazon.com/Vanilla-Grass-Leslie-Bratspis/dp/1611701961/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you for your support. STOP 22!</span></span></div>
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<br />Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-53488974206801684692014-11-05T19:02:00.000-08:002014-11-06T06:36:57.690-08:00A MODERN DAY SEQUEL TO "REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE"<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Time had taken on another dimension; no one
had enough of it anymore. Details led to more details, and were it not for Eric's
past experience as a contractor and his friends and connections in the
construction business that pulled strings and moved things along, the
renovation of the empty restaurant would have taken longer. Eric pushed hard
for things to happen quickly, but unexpected delays were unavoidable. The days
whizzed by at warp speed, and then it was Wednesday, the day before
Thanksgiving." ~ page 228 "GOOD FORTUNE"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is what I wrote when Michael was working part-time and getting ready to open his new business. He and his partners were overwhelmed with details and trying to get everything done in time. Indeed, "time had taken on another dimension" and no one had enough hours in the day to get everything done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For the last two months this accurately describes what my life has been like as I've been getting ready to release my new novel, "VANILLA GRASS." The title is derived from the wild-growing sweet vernal grass that grows in the woods of Western Washington, and smells like vanilla. Five rounds of edits and a final read-through, working with my cover designer to make everything just right, formatting the manuscript, getting the Library of Congress Catalog number assigned and the Publisher's Cataloging-In-Publication Date and a CIP number assigned so libraries can purchase and catalog my book--these are just some of the details I've been attending to!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I wrote "GOOD FORTUNE" my heart was immediately connected with the story and characters. I wasn't sure if I'd feel the same way while writing "VANILLA GRASS" because for the first few chapters it felt more like the start of a "project" than something meaningful. Then as often happens while writing, things shifted, my story took a direction I hadn't planned, and I found myself totally immersed and emotionally invested in the characters and plot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"VANILLA GRASS" is a book about a Vietnam Veteran suffering from PTSD, a subject I've researched and learned a great deal about in the last year. Rather than attempting to explain the plot, I've decided to post the synopsis that appears on the back cover:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Suffering
from PTSD, Vietnam Vet, John Carrows lives off the grid in self-imposed exile.
Battling daily with violent war memories, he is forced out of hiding when
pot-smoking teenagers make a failed attempt to rob him at gun point. Teenagers
and the town at large aren't prepared for the consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">An abused
dog will become the catalyst to heal John's deep psychological wounds. When he
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and deep depression -- setting forth a chain of events that affect his entire
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As with "GOOD FORTUNE" I did countless hours of research while writing this book. Part was taken from memories of my ex-husband's post deployment after his return from serving two tours in Vietnam. Some was based on a friend's experiences while serving there. Much of it came from interviewing Vets in my writer's group, reading numerous blogs and articles, and watching YouTube videos of wounded combatants suffering from PTSD. Many Vets go decades suffering with trauma and flashbacks until they get paired with, or go to a shelter themselves, and rescue a "comfort dog" that works miracles helping them cope and heal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What about the teenagers? Perhaps I was destined to write a book about juvenile delinquents because my father, Irving Shulman, wrote "THE AMBOY DUKES," a novel about an actual street gang in Brooklyn, New York, that was made into the film "CITY ACROSS THE RIVER" starring Tony Curtis and Rita Moreno. He also penned the original screenplay for the iconic film "REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE," starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. His book based on the film is entitled "CHILDREN OF THE DARK." Later, he wrote the first book to be released concurrently with a film. That book was the paperback version of the play that was then made into the film "WEST SIDE STORY."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Am I trying to follow in my father's footsteps? Perhaps. Every writer dreams of writing a best-seller. But at first it didn't occur to me what I was doing was carrying my father's torch by writing about this generation of teens until I'd completed half a dozen chapters. My teenagers aren't much different from the ones my father featured in the 1940s-1960s. My present day delinquents are sexually promiscuous, talk slang, smoke pot, carry guns, and have no goals. They lack motivation and compassion until a Vietnam Vet shocks them into reality.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"VANILLA GRASS" will be released by mid-November. Watch for it on Amazon and I'll announce it here. Until then, you can follow and "Like" on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leslie-Bratspis-Vanilla-Grass/1459047377684683?ref=hl</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFzaC9susqc/VFrjO9V_SjI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/btTlsUXdDmw/s1600/fb-cover---leslie---scorched-earth-medal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFzaC9susqc/VFrjO9V_SjI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/btTlsUXdDmw/s1600/fb-cover---leslie---scorched-earth-medal.png" height="118" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I look forward to having you join me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yours in good fortune,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leslie Bratspis,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Author "GOOD FORTUNE" and "VANILLA GRASS"</span></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-88589008080427449482014-08-27T17:00:00.000-07:002014-08-27T17:00:50.643-07:00RHYTHM OF LIFE<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Often on my “</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GOOD</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> FORTUNE” Facebook newsfeed I come across posts that relate to things I
wrote in “GOOD FORTUNE” and I share them with my followers. Today I decided to
share this one on my blog. It’s about being in touch with the changing rhythms
of our bodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Zen Heart writes: “There is a right
time for each of the things you do. If you try to live counter to your personal
rhythms, you will expend more time and energy to get things done. Body and soul
suffer when you force yourself to wrestle against your own rhythms. Listen to your
rhythms and follow them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Page 161 of “GOOD FORTUNE” aged Tong
is speaking to his son, Wu, who is alarmed at his father’s aging. Tong attempts
to reassure Wu that he’s fine:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
"Life has its own rhythm that conforms to our daily existence. It changes
with us as we grow and mature. </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">For most of my life I have worked
hard, and now, I am getting ready to slow down my</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span class="textexposedshow">pace and take the
needed time to rest. I have earned that right, which did not come easily. Do
not deny an old man the reward he has labored toward his entire life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Page 162 the conversation continues:</span></span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">“</span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Occasionally my joints ache, but I have nothing
hurting me in the way you fear. I’m slowing down, so if I work less and keep
myself warm, that will be my best tonic. My biggest comforts in life now are a
bowl of hot noodles and watching my grandsons tumble on the floor the way Cho
and I once did when we were boys.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-86148974408781822292014-08-25T08:47:00.001-07:002014-08-25T08:49:04.689-07:00WISDOM WAITS<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Do you
have the patience to wait until your mud settles and your mind is clear? Can
you remain unmoving until the right action arises by itself?” ~ Lao Tzu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is
a question that presents a challenge because we live in a modern age where
everything happens in an instant. If our computers are slow or our texts aren’t
answered immediately we feel impatient. The instant the red light turns green
if we don’t take off right away we get honked at. We hate to wait in line for
anything. Cultivating and practicing patience takes . . . patience! Often, I’ve
had to remind myself of the advice a friend gave me some years ago, that has
prevented me from making snap decisions I’d regret later. Her two words are
simple: “wisdom waits.” The theme of practicing patience and waiting for the
right moment to act appears throughout “GOOD FORTUNE.” Here are two examples:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Page 32 - Grandfather is instructing young Tong
on the virtues of patience and quiet thoughts as a way to settle his mind so he
can “hear” what he must do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background: white;">“Listen for your inner voice to guide you.
Trust your instinct.” As if it were yesterday, Tong remembered Grandfather’s
voice instructing him when he was ten. “It may be no more than a whisper, but
if your intent is</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> <span class="textexposedshow">pure, you will hear the voice clearly.
Follow where it leads you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I’ve tried, Grandfather, but I hear nothing,”
Tong insisted with frustration. “What am I doing wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“If you try too hard, the noise from your
thoughts will obliterate all other sounds, thus making it impossible for you to
hear your heart speak.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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160-161 - Much later in the story, Tong’s son, Wu, enters his bedroom to share
an intense dream where he actually sees his Great-grandfather whom he’s never
met. At first this seems like the perfect opportunity for Tong to have an
important discussion with his son that has been on his mind for years. With Tong’s
advancing age his declining health, he feels the urgency to pass on the wisdom
Grandfather taught him. Tong is bitterly disappointed when he realizes the
conversation he has waited for years isn’t going to take place. Patience is his
only solace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“In
that instant, Tong's hopes shattered like a crystal vase that fell to the floor
and splintered into a thousand tiny shards of glass. Bitter disappointment replaced
hope when he realized the conversation he had so often prayed for was not going
to take place that morning. He was so close to saying the words he’d kept
bottled up inside him, and they were almost out of his mouth when he was forced
to swallow them. Tong knew that in order for Wu to fully comprehend what he
wanted to teach him, his son would first have to have an open mind or his words
would fall on deaf ears and be wasted like spilled water. Now, any further
attempt to pursue this line of thought or explain that the dream foreshadowed
Wu’s future would be futile. Above all else, Tong desired to teach his son what
he still lacked in perception and values, but once again, he would have to be
patient and wait for the right moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Some reviews:</span></div>
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<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Synchronicity, life lessons,
multi-cultural, patience, acceptance and much, much more ... all woven together
into a masterfully told story ... what's not to love ... I did and I think you
will too."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"...one will find him-or herself
reflecting upon their own life experiences. Finally, it is a pleasure to read a
book with a positive and uplifting outcome. Definitely recommended!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="background: white;">"Bratspis tells the story of two young men
from different cultures who face challenges in their lives. An elderly Chinese
man who learned ancient wisdom from his grandfather is the human instrument who
influences both of these men in working toward life-changing goals."</span></span><span style="background: white;"><br />
<br />
<span class="textexposedshow"><a data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/patience" style="cursor: pointer;"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">#Patience</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="textexposedshow"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/laotzu"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">#LaoTzu</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="textexposedshow"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/listen2yourheart"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">#Listen2YourHeart</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="textexposedshow"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/bepatientandwait"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">#BePatientAndWait</span></a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/goodfortunebylesliebratspis"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">#GoodFortuneByLeslieBratspis</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="textexposedshow"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/lifelessons">#LifeLessons</a></span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2675">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2674" style="font-style: italic;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2673" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Leslie Bratspis, Author<br /><b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2676">"GOOD FORTUNE"</b> is available at Amazon.com & Kindle, Barnes&Noble.com & Nook, Smashwords.com</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2671" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2677">By request from yo</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2670">ur local bookstore</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2602" style="line-height: 1.22;">Websites </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/author/lesliebratspis" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2668" rel="nofollow" style="line-height: 1.22;" target="_blank"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2667">https://www.amazon.com/author/lesliebratspis</span></a><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2680" style="line-height: 1.22;"> </span><a href="http://www.rp-author.com/bratspis" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2679" rel="nofollow" style="line-height: 1.22;" target="_blank"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2678">http://www.rp-author.com/bratspis</span></a></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2592" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: italic;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2601">Faceboo</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2600">k:</span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2599"> </span><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2591" style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans?ref=hl" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1408981542986_2590" rel="nofollow" style="outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1356639428_2">https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans?ref=hl</span></a></span></span></div>
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-65044375600811545602014-03-31T19:16:00.000-07:002014-03-31T19:22:57.844-07:00MY LIFE INFLUENCED ME AS I WROTE “GOOD FORTUNE”<br />
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<span class="readable"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Recently
I was approached by a book club that selected “Good Fortune” as their monthly
read. The members inquired if I’d be willing to attend their meeting and
of course, I answered I’d be delighted. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It had been two years since I’d read my manuscript
and I thought it wise for me to refresh my memory. I started reading it again
and at once it became apparent how much I loved my characters, but also how much of my own
life was revealed on the pages. At the time I started writing “Good Fortune” my
father was dying from Alzheimer’s. Once a brilliant author, scholar and
teacher, he was deteriorating rapidly and I was experiencing grief at how he’d
radically changed. As I read about the conflict between Wu and his father, Tong,
I realized I was writing about my yearnings for my father to be well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
complicated relationship between Wu and Tong as Tong's health declines runs prevalent throughout “Good
Fortune,” but there is much more from my life captured on its pages. I've heard it said an author writes about what they know. Chapter 8 tells
about a letter that foretells the future. I wrote about an actual letter my
husband received from his grandfather while he was anxiously waiting to find
out the results of an important state exam relating to his position as pastry
chef for a major hotel. Somehow, the letter got tucked inside a book and was
forgotten for six years until once again, my husband was waiting to learn if
he’d passed his state exam to become a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. Back
then things weren’t computerized, so he had to wait three months to learn the
outcome. One morning he dreamt about his grandfather with whom he’d had a close
relationship. He woke up missing him, wishing he could talk to him one more
time. Without knowing about his dream, I watered the plants per my usual weekly routine and noticed a
letter protruding from a book. Curious to see what it was because it hadn’t
stuck out before or I’d have noticed, I slipped it out and read it. When I saw
it was from Grandfather, as a surprise I set it on the reading table for my
husband to find next time he sat there to read. At the end of this blog is a
photo of the actual letter which predicts my husband is going to pass his exam.
The reproduction is small, but it reads: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“Your
father keeps informing me of your progress. I trust and feel confident that you
will pass your state exams with flying colors…” </span>When he read it that morning, he knew he had!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Another
example from my life is written about in Chapter 17. The ballerina painting Jenny
shares with Michael was the first oil painting I ever attempted. I came across
a photograph of a prima ballerina after her final performance and was struck by
the beauty of her pose, her long hair flowing down her back. I’d taken many
figure drawing classes with live models and I thought the pose so beautiful I
wanted to paint her. When I showed the finished painting to a friend they
remarked it was “so sad.” Until that moment, I hadn’t seen the sadness, only
the beauty that inspired me to paint her. Page 97 Jennie is talking about
herself to Michael as they are getting to know each other:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“<span style="-ms-layout-grid-mode: line; color: black;">While I was still in school, an
artist friend gave me a beautiful gift. She made an oil painting depicting a
ballerina after she danced her final performance…She's seated backstage with
her torso bent over and her head resting on folded arms across her knees.
Flowing down her back, her long black hair makes a graceful veil…When I hung it
on the wall, I only saw the dancer's sadness. My friend viewed it strictly from
an artist's perspective. Her eye appreciated the shape and form of the dancer's
body draped in the chair and she painted what she saw, but I felt as if I were
seeing into a mirror reflecting what could be my future… The painting showed me
the depth of the dancer's sadness after her final performance, and every time I
looked at her I felt her pain, too. I knew I didn't want to end up like
her…Then one day, I found myself looking at the painting in a different way. I
realized I was also an artist, and I had the power to paint my future. My life
was a canvas and the future my work of art. Once I came to that realization, I
was able to take the steps to protect myself from such a heartbreaking fate.
That changed everything. Now, whenever I look at the sad ballerina, all I see
is a beautiful painting.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">These
are just two examples from my life I incorporated into writing “Good Fortune”
while attempting to share some personal experiences of synchronicity, wisdom
and learning. There are too many to include, so I will only list twelve of
them. The names are fictitious, the incidents all true.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Discovering how to actually open a
fortune cookie without breaking it. My friend described how her daughter
received her engagement ring the day before I wrote Chapter 7.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Learning about Chinese culture and
customs from unexpected sources wherever I went such as the conversation coming
from the next table while dining at the commissary at work. A magazine delivered
in the mail with an article about <span style="color: black;">Shuikou noodles</span>
after I’d just begun writing Chapter 40.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Brothers Andy and Michael fighting and
ruining their mother’s new lamp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">4.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Pretending to be pirates and fighting
with swords made of cardboard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">5.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chapter 18 - Michael’s reflections
about the hurdy gurdy man in Monterey, CA, how he respects this man for being
independent and his own boss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">6<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Contemplating the universe while star
gazing around the fire pit at Nepenthe. A silver fox appeared and scared the
diners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">7.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Michael standing all day and being
exhausted from working so hard on Valentine’s Day. As a floral designed, I
experienced such fatigue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">8.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Meditating by the ocean and hearing a
voice in the wind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">9.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Creating a beach sculpture from
driftwood, shells and seaweed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">10.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Referring to “A Dictionary of Symbols”
after waking up from a dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">11.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Jennie studied ballet and jazz. I took
ballet 6 years and lyrical jazz for 25 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">12.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Grieving over the death of my father. The
poem Wu tucked into his father’s breast pocket is in the grave with my father tucked
inside his breast pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">13.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Achieving a state of enlightenment during
meditation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I hope
you enjoy reading “Good Fortune” as much as I loved living it and writing it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Yours in
good fortune,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Leslie Bratspis, Author</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"GOOD FORTUNE"</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> is available at Amazon.com & Kindle, Barnes&Noble.com
& Nook, Smashwords.com<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>By request
from your local bookstore<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It’s
almost Thanksgiving. Time to eat too much turkey, cranberry sauce,
mashed potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin pie. We celebrate with family and
friends and pay homage to the pilgrims who made it through the first harsh
winter in their new home with the help of the local Native Americans. It’s a time for reflection and giving thanks for all our
blessings and good fortune throughout the past year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In “Good
Fortune” I wrote about Thanksgiving from two perspectives. The first is when
Michael and Jennie go to Eric and Susan’s house for dinner. The second is what’s
happening in the Chow household across town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanksgiving
is the first time Eric and Susan meet Jennie, Michael’s newest girlfriend. Michael
is a confirmed bachelor who never commits to any relationship. When
he senses things are becoming serious he breaks up with whoever he’s dating. The mere fact he’s bringing someone he’s recently met to meet his best
(happily married) friends is a big step for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For Anna
living in Chinatown, her husband Wu is treating Thanksgiving like any other
work day. He leaves her alone all day to care for his father and their two young sons who were born
in the United States and are completely Americanized. Dennis and William are excited
about Thanksgiving and Anna’s hopes to have a traditional American Thanksgiving
dinner with her family are crushed because Wu refused to stay home from work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Page 246 begins:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Susan and Jennie took an instant
liking to each other and within minutes of their introduction, chatted in the
kitchen like old friends. Their compatible personalities, similar style of
dress, sense of humor and shared worldview made them an instant hit with each
other. As kindred spirits, they discussed their respective careers while they
worked side by side completing preparations for the holiday feast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
turkey received a round of applause when it came out of the oven, and Susan
took a well-deserved bow. The small group gathered around the candlelit table
resplendent with all the traditional mouthwatering Thanksgiving fare. With full
hearts and hearty appetites, they toasted the holiday, their plans for the
future and each other. Then the feasting began. Nearly an hour later, after shamelessly
stuffing themselves with generous second portions of everything followed by
Jennie’s sumptuous pumpkin pie and coffee, the ladies retired upstairs to the
room set aside for the nursery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rubbing her full stomach, Susan showed
Jennie, who was loosening her belt, the wallpaper swatches she had selected to
choose from.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I like the one with the cloud border around
the ceiling,” Jennie said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“That's my first choice, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now they were away from the men and couldn't
be overheard, Susan confided in Jennie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The other morning Michael was talking about
you, and I could tell he really likes you a lot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jennie smiled. “I like him, too.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“He hasn't been involved with anyone since he
broke up with his last girlfriend a couple of years ago. The women he dates are
usually gone before you know it. But I know he's getting serious about you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“That's good because I’m very attracted to
him. I think I could get serious about him, too. How did the three of you
meet?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Eric and Michael knew each other years
before I came along. They were college roommates. From the stories I’ve heard, during
their hippie days they were a wild pair. Back then you probably wouldn’t have
given Michael a second glance. I know I wouldn’t have looked at Eric twice.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I can just imagine those two with long hair
and tie-dyed shirts and bellbottoms.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Don’t forget the love beads.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">They shared a good laugh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“As to how we met? Would you believe on a
blind date?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Really?” Jennie’s eyes widened. “I’ve never
gone on one of those, never wanted to.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Me either, but my friends were so persistent
they wore me down until I agreed to do it. They must have known Eric and I
would be good together because I was hooked on our first date.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jennie lowered her voice to practically a
whisper. “I'll tell you something in confidence, but you must promise not to
tell Eric.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I promise,” Susan said, crossing her heart.
“I love secrets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“When I opened the door tonight and saw
Michael standing there smiling that sexy smile of his, I felt butterflies in my
stomach.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh, I love that. I remember those
butterflies when Eric and I first began dating. Why is it they don't last? Now
instead of butterflies I look as if I've got a beach ball in here.” Susan
clasped her hands beneath her expanding belly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“What are you two ladies laughing about up
here? What's all this girl talk anyway?” Eric chided, barging in from the hall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Oh, you know, the usual. We were talking
about men, what else?” Susan shot back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I should've known. Well, these two men
request your company downstairs. We want to play Truth or Dare. Are you both up
to the challenge?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You bet!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the
evening drew to a close and it was time to leave, Jennie and Susan hugged each
other and promised to keep in touch. As Michael bent over to kiss Susan goodbye,
she whispered, “She’s a keeper. Don’t screw this up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I
won’t,” he promised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">During the drive back to Jennie's apartment,
Michael had visions of making passionate love to her until the sun came up. He
was aching to live out the fantasy he’d been having about her since the night
they went dancing. Jennie had been having her own similar thoughts, so imagine
her surprise and dismay when her younger sister flung open the door at the
sound of their approaching footsteps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Miles
away in Chinatown, Anna’s Thanksgiving isn’t going well. She’s angry and
frustrated with her husband:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Page 250:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanksgiving in the Chow
household was not much different from any other night. Good Fortune was open
for business, and Wu was there to manage it. Alone in her kitchen, Anna roasted
a turkey and prepared Chinese stuffing of soy sauce, ginger, mushrooms,
chestnuts and sticky rice. She also prepared traditional American side dishes
of cranberry sauce, peas, and mashed potatoes and gravy for Dennis and William
who were completely Americanized and excited about the holiday. At school their
class learned about the Indians and how they helped the settlers get through
the first winter. They made Thanksgiving turkeys for the table from pine cones
and construction paper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The boys
could barely wait to eat and while dinner cooked, they complained it was taking
too long. Now seated at the table, they wolfed down their food while Tong
picked at the turkey and vegetables on his plate until Anna noticed he wasn't
eating. She brought him a dish of beef and noodles hastily warmed in the microwave.
He thanked her and picked up his chopsticks. Wu never made it home in time to
join them at the dinner table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Anna was
torn between two worlds. Her sons were born in the United States and knew only
this country and its ways, but like Wu, she had been born in China. She still
retained fond childhood memories of her affectionate aunties far across the
ocean, and her sparrow-like elderly grandmother who grew all her own vegetables
and cooked everything over hot stones in the backyard. Leaving them behind had
been hard on her, especially on holidays.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Anna
never doubted that Wu was a devoted husband, yet he never seemed to be able to
spend enough time at home anymore with her and the boys. Over time she grew
used to it, but that night she felt especially lonely and resentful because she
knew of other Chinese families who, like other Americans, were assembled and celebrating
Thanksgiving with their children. While she was alone in the kitchen putting
away the leftovers, Anna longed for her mother who moved to Los Angeles so her
father could be near his brothers, with whom he jointly owned a bakery and two laundromats.
It wasn't often she felt this way, but why couldn't Wu have stayed home tonight
just this once?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">By the
time he finally did arrive, it was late and the boys had been put to bed hours
ago. Anna was seated at her dressing table brushing her hair and was still
feeling annoyed, as her image in the mirror clearly reflected. Upon entering
the bedroom, Wu immediately noticed the anger etched on her face and was
confounded to see it, because one thing he could always count on when he came
home from work was that Anna would be happy to see him and greet him with a
kiss and a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sensing
that something was vexing her, he braced himself for an argument while
attempting to act casual. He came up behind her and kissed her gently on top of
her head where her hair parted; this gesture annoyed her beyond words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How dare
he!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Angrily,
Anna removed his hands and got off her stool, wheeling around to face him with
an angry scowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Why
couldn't you have stayed home with us just this once?” she accused. “I tried to
make it a nice Thanksgiving for the boys, but how nice could it be without
their father here to celebrate with them? The restaurant didn't need you tonight,
but <i>they</i> did. You've got your priorities all mixed up!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You know
I always work on Thanksgiving. It's not my holiday so why shouldn't I be at the
restaurant?” Wu defended himself. “I’m not the only one who isn’t celebrating.
The restaurant was busy tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Because
your sons don't share your feelings, that's why. They were born here, and they
know all about the Pilgrims and the Indians and the first Thanksgiving. Their
teachers taught them that our people are just like the Pilgrims who crossed the
ocean and came here to make a new life for themselves. Tonight I fixed turkey
and mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce and . . . oh what's the use!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Anna
flung her brush down and stalked off toward the bathroom to have a good cry,
but Wu came after her and held her at arm’s length.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“I had no
idea how strongly you felt about this. Why didn't you tell me before?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Do I
have to spell out everything for you? You knew I was preparing Thanksgiving
dinner and the boys brought home those cute turkeys they made at school from
pine cones. You could have scheduled someone else to run things tonight, or
better yet, you could have stayed home all day with us.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You know
I can’t do that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="line-height: 15.0pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-indent: .4in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“See what
I mean?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Michael
and Wu’s lives parallel, but from opposite directions. Michael never commits
to anyone he dates. When Susan whispers in his ear “don't screw this up”
she suspects he will do the same thing with Jennie. He has no desire to get married and has always been candid about that. In contrast, Wu is married
and has a loving family, yet he’s letting work interfere with his relationship
with his wife and sons. He doesn't appreciate what he has and takes them for granted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Will
Michael and Wu change? Both are driven to succeed, but at what price? Purchase "Good Fortune" and find out what happens. For the past few weeks it has been in the top 100 on Amazon in the genre of Visionary Fiction. If your library doesn't have it let them know it's in other libraries and can be ordered from the catalog.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Like" me on Facebook and visit my page. https://www.facebook.com/GoodFortuneFans?ref=hl</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">WISHING YOU AND YOURS A HAPPY VERY THANKSGIVING AND GOOD FORTUNE!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Leslie
Bratspis</span></div>
Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2708797216595585201.post-33773661249818631092013-08-30T21:31:00.003-07:002013-08-30T21:36:31.100-07:00SMASHWORDS INTERVIEW<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's been much too long since I've added a new post, but I've been busy writing another novel. Will you please forgive me? The working title of the new book is "VANILLA GRASS" and I've completed the first 18 chapters, but I've got a long way to go before it's finished. This is going to be a totally different genre than "Good Fortune." My fellow writers at my weekly writer's group were a little shocked at first because the characters are "bad" teenagers. There's slang, profanity, sex, drugs and crime. What a stretch for me as a writer!</span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I recently took the time to publish an in-dept Q&A interview at Smashwords.com that I hope you'll read.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/interview/LeslieBratspis" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.smashwords.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>interview/LeslieBratspis</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Please let me know your comments and let me know if there are more questions you'd like answered.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yours in good fortune,</span><br />
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Leslie</span><br />
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Leslie Bratspishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11670061055170477949noreply@blogger.com0