Granny Pannies are not the bad guy

 Good Morning my fine readers. Today is Monday, the beginning of a new week, and almost the beginning of a new month. With that I've decided to begin anew with the blog. Once again I'll be going into a bit of a schedule. And to start off this new schedule I introduce the Caveat Queen. Well yeah she's a queen as if a diva would associate with anyone less. I digress. Her highness is a writer from my local writer's guild and a woman who essays I come to highly respect. However, unlike most royalty shes is a bit shy. Which is why I refer to her title. Below and hopefully for now on she will share with us her royal musings each Monday. But just to give her a little incentive I think that comments would really help her confidence and reveal or identity.

I had a bad underwear experience today.  I know it seems a small thing, but at 6:00 this morning it was a pretty damn big deal.

Attention Attention: Hey Y'a'll look over here! The Belle has an announcment

Good morning Ya'll!!

Over the last month you have received some amazing guest blog posts. This was all part of my "Guest Post Win a Kindle" month long event. However, there were some hiccups. 

Such as my internet forcing me to institute a cursing jar because of it's unreliability. Or the fact that my email (Yahoo) must have heard about said cursing jar and wanted to build it's content. Or maybe just maybe Blogger who decided not to let me post or comment or share my own blog for say own and off a couple of weeks. 

But I digress. 

Buttcrack of Dawn

Crap there are even t-shirts. Maybe there is a club too!

 Now some of you may not know what the buttcrack of dawn is. It's that time just before dawn when it's still really dark and then you are in full view of the sun. I know...I know it's a bad metaphor since a full butt is a moon. But I'm southern do we ever make sense.

Anyways, I digress why am I up at this dark hour?

I'm working.

My friend who quotes his poppa oh so much, Vincent Zandri, did a post recently about how Hemmingway, (that's poppa) would wake everyday at dawn and work. He'd make sure to always stop at a point in his MS so he would have a starting point the next day. But if you want to read more about Hemmingway and his advice click Vince's name.

I'm not up writing...well since I'm writing this post I guess I am. The point is I'm up before dawn because in the West the sun doesn't rise early enough for me to begin my day. And the reverse of that is in the summer it won't become dark until like 11:00 pm. Boy does my schedule get off in the summer.

The point is I'm an entrepreneur as an author and as a literary strategist. In the first five years of any start up you are going work your butt crack off if you are successful. Even then you might not succeed. It really depends on what your definition of success is. Initially I've had amazing success in both just in my first year. When I look back I'm going to be able to say that I gave it my all. Including making time for my family and friends. Because in that potential fail/win situation they were there before and they will be in the end.

The road to....

Today I learned the road to hell is not paved with good intentions.

Good intentions are a characteristic of the heart and only Jesus Christ and God can know your heart besides yourself.

Everyday of my life is a battle against negativity, the world's influence, and the adversary. In no particular order but each in equal and constant attack on my home, my marriage, my kids and my family.

Today I was wounded.

But most days I win.

So I'll lick my wounds...say my prayers...cry my tears and draft my battle plan for the coming week.

I will never stop serving or be weary in well doing. I will endure to the end and the end is not here.

Farsighted: This review is more than about a book

In this post I decided to go a step beyond. With my business where I help authors as a consultant, Belle Consulting, I have learned a lot about the dynamics of what compels a reader to buy a book. What makes this book climb the Amazon charts vs this one. A common denominator in this study is the social media platform an author has. Or author platform as it is often called now. People will buy a book if they like the author initially, then if the cover art, blurb, and price all come together. If the book was enjoyable they will buy others. Nevertheless the key ingredient, where it all begins, is liking the author. With that said in this review you will get a book review and an author review. We will start with the book first.

Book Review

Product Description

Alex Kosmitoras's life has never been easy. The only other student who will talk to him is the school bully, his parents are dead-broke and insanely overprotective, and to complicate matters even more, he's blind. Just when he thinks he'll never have a shot at a normal life, a new girl from India moves into town. Simmi is smart, nice, and actually wants to be friends with Alex. Plus she smells like an Almond Joy bar. Yes, sophomore year might not be so bad after all.

Unfortunately, Alex is in store for another new arrival--an unexpected and often embarrassing ability to "see" the future. Try as he may, Alex is unable to ignore his visions, especially when they begin to suggest that Simmi is in danger. With the help of the mysterious psychic next door and new friends who come bearing gifts of their own, Alex must embark on a journey to change his future.

Review

Alex is a character I enjoyed tremendously. But didn't expect to. While I am predominantly a romance reader I do have an eclectic taste. So when I was offered the opportunity to read farsighted I was very interested. Anytime an author tries to write about a handicap they themselves don't have it is a challenge. But for this novel to be a debut I was especially tempted to see if Chand could pull it off. She did.


While the beginning did a drag just a tad when it picked up it didn't stop with twits and turns that were not all true to the genre but to the characters. And I finally got to my favorite part...the characters. Chand didn't skimp on development. I bet she can tell you the brand of underwear the bully Brady wears. While the protagonist Alex is obviously thoroughly researched and expressed the secondaries are as well. From the intriguing sweet smelling Indian girl Simmi to the quirky psychic neighbor. 

This is a read I highly suggest from not just the young adult crowd it was meant for to anyone of any age who likes true characters, unexpected twists and a all around fun read. 



Author Review 

Emlyn Chand....Her bio says she was born with a fountain pen in hand and she runs a book club in Ann Arbor and that she also is the president of an author PR firm called Novel Publicity. What it doesn't say is that Emlyn works sometimes 100 hours a week. That her efforts to educate, support and lead authors she often isn't paid for. If my assumptions are true I'd say about half of the time she spends on Novel Publicity she isn't paid for. But that's the way of most startups. Thus we come to another part of Emlyn. Her pr firm is less than a year old. It's success stems from Emlyn's willingness to share information and experience with an eagerness that is signature to her friendly nature. Always one quick to interact with those around her from G+ hangouts to creating forums for authors to have support and sounding boards we all go through. 

How do I know all this? Is Emlyn my FB Bff?

No. However, we are Facebook friends and that's where I met her. All these are the observations of seeing her posts and my interactions with her as a colleague as well as friend online. If you never buy Farsighted...which is currently 99 cents...you need to know Emlyn Chand. You won't be sorry.

To know Emlyn better click here. 

To buy Farsighted click here.

Hanging pictures on the wall

This week I did something I haven't done in 3 years. Not since we lost the house we owned. Not after we moved 2,000 miles away from family....not even in 1 of our 4 moves in 3 years. I dug out family photos and hung them on the wall. You know those newborn, soccer, school play pictures of your kids you will love forever. Yeah those.

In my superstitious mind I thought by putting them up it was like inviting yet another move. But my granny is coming I have a beautiful home, it's the holidays and I want it to be a home with my mark. So the hell with it.

I'm living for the moment.

I also decided to do a different Christmas color scheme. For 6 years it's been purple and gold not this year! It's traditional green, red and gold. I may even do 3 trees!

So what about y'all? Any superstitions?

In 6 months I'll be 30

How did this happen?

I just got done nailing down my 20s!

I'm really good at being in my 20's!

Do you know how obnoxious I've been to my older friends?

These are some of the things that's race through my mind as April approaches. I may be 29 but truly if you've read my bio, know me in person or online you know I've lived the life of a 40+ woman.

What I know so far....


I'm done having kids. 2 teen boys. 2 girls in school full time I'm done.

I've been married for 12 years and I don't just love my husband I NEED him and it feels good.

I'm friends with my granny and my moma. We listen to each other and it's fun.

I love my life, my jobs, colleagues, church, home, car, family friends. I'm truly content.

I can live like a king on $3000 a month. For a family of 6 that's showing some mad skill. Not to mention at one time I made $12,000 a month and it still wasn't enough.

What I don't know...

What is going on with my skin?

Will I always have this much energy?

Will I get to travel like I want to?

Am I going to get lung cancer from those 2 packs a day for six years?

Why are all the girls my sons date scared of me?

How is it possible I can look at a tiny newborn baby and not go awe? Instead I look at the mom, say a prayer and Thank God I'm done.


That's my 30 rant. What age did you freak out over?

Paw paw was a vet

This is terribly late but very heart felt. My paw paw or grandfather for anyone unsoutherner was my dad in every way that counted. He taught me about honor, patience, bird houses, how to drive, how to change oil, sharpen a blade, listen for bobcats while hiking and to be quiet when granny look like that. Now after merchant marines, 101st Airborne, 3 wars and countless jumps his body is failing and sadly some days his mind. But I love and appreciate him. And when he calls me 2,000 miles away and needs me to fix the tv, cell phone, or call Tricare I'm grateful to be needed.

Whose your Vet?

Wait is a four letter word

If you've followed the Belle you know that waiting and anything vaguely resembling patience is  not my virtue.

I'm a woman of action and persistence comes more naturally than waiting.

However, there are times in your life where you really do have to sit still. Where you have to literally wait for the things around you to align so that you can proceed. That scripture , Be still and know that I am God, really comes into play here.

Belle Overwhelmed

So if you follow the Belle you know she runs at warp 9 most days and only slows down due to illness, injury, or incarceration. Well I've recently opened Belle Consulting. Something I am immensely proud of and requires more time. While I still read like a demon possessed I don't always have the time to review like I used too. It is heart breaking to turn down reviews or not even have time to respond. So I'm going to do something I hardly ever do. I'm asking for help. The Belle of Boise is inviting those who are interested to apply to be a reviewer for The Belle of Boise.

What you'll get

• You'll have your own reviewer page where we will list your bio, picture, contact info, genres preferred and forms that you read. ie. eBook print

• You'll be added as an admin to post your reviews. 

• All your social media contacts will be added

• Your own signature

•  Your posts will be shared on all my outlets

What is Expected

• Reviews should be honest, concise, include buy links, cover art and product description. 

• Posted in a timely manner.

• If I see you posting a book I have a problem with I will not let you review it here. I don't have a list of what's ok because I'm pretty easy going. So it's shouldn't be a big deal

How it will work

• A Google Calendar will be created. I would like for reviews to be posted on Fridays. Post the book you want to review on what day. This will help us stay organized. If you find a blank Friday and want to post something go ahead.  You will have requests come in over time. I get them myself and will forward any I can't do and you can choose from them. 

• Or if you got a book from a blog tour you signed up for, one you bought, or one you borrowed from the library those are great too. 

• You can do your own interviews or giveaways with authors as well.

If interested please go here and fill out the questionnaire and good luck.

Living Life's Country Song

So I've cracked the joke lately that my life became a country song. You know the cliche... Your car breaks down, spouse cheats/leaves, dog dies, BFF sleeps with your sister, your trailers repoed and you don't realized it until your flying in it in a wrecker down the interstate.

You get it.

Well it's not that bad. Truly. But my van I bought in March's engine seized and I have no funds to purchase a new car or fix it. And my husband was in a car wreck in Feb and is in a law suit and turns out slipped 5 disks from said wreck. Not to mention he's in construction and we are hitting the slow time.

But that's not what this post is about. It's about what I do have. Health, love, shelter, food, food storage, the bills are currently current (my editor will love that.) and a host of amazing friends. Online, close by, and faraway. They support me with honest guidance, kind words, well couched and placed reminders of my blessings. Not to mention two are willing to share the use of some spare wheels.

So let's talley

Blessing:10
Trials: 3

I'll remember that when it's hard and smile.

So dear reader how's your trials vs. blessings lately?

My bank account had 77 cents

I'm known to say " I'm good at poor. It's prosperity that got me." That statement could encompass my life. I gave a talk on at last Aprils Ignite Boise.

In fact I'm damn good at poor. I know it. It's steady. I mean the only thing you can get from nothing is up.

I remember one time at the end of a week we had 77 cents in our bank account. My husband wasn't hysterical but wasn't happy either. I on the other hand was fine. All the bills were current. We had plenty of food and he had work next week.

We have always been at the mercy of the building industry. Still are until he finishes that criminal justice degree. Another one of my mantras about our money situation was " chickens one day, feathers the next."

And that's the truth.

I can remember one month when we made $60,000. Of course we had $12,000 a month in bills too. And I was not happy. I had nothing to focus my drive, something to engaged my energy.

I am someone who must be anxiously engaged in a good cause.

So as I'm forced to bed because of sickness and it's cold and rainy indicating winter (our slow time) and fear whispers about the future.

I say I have crap to do hurry up antibiotics and heal me. And I'm going to let the hubster worry about the checking account since I'm on loratab.

So what about you...what engages you...holds your energy and focuses you senses through the bad time?

I'm Enough: The Battle of Desire and Guilt

I'm many things. Some good, some bad, all sassy. One of my greatest faults is I don't know how go half way or to do a decent enough job. When it comes to friends, family, & commitments I'm loyal to a fault.

However, in my age (I'll be 30 this year) and experience (I've lived 60 years worth of life) I'm learning that "it's enough for now and it is well." to be distinctly different than a half way job or just enough.

Everyday, every week is different. For most of this week I've been doing domestic things and that is well. My kids need to eat, my husband needs a clean house, & I'm taking the time to be frugal.

I'm still working everyday. That the beauty of home office and Internet. Although I always have a desire to do more I find it's that desire that drives my success. Nevertheless, I'm even more determined to be happy with myself and my efforts. Guilt is useless in this instance and I won't let it hold me back.

What's your greatest desire or what do you find yourself feeling guilty about most often?

I'm sorry there is no Santa Claus

Today as I rubbed primer on my face and filled in the potholes with concealer my mind wasn't thinking of my todo list but what I would do at the end of the day.

For Family Home Evening ( a weekly family meeting where we spend time together) we are going to discuss Christmas.

Why in October? I'm a planner. But it's more than that. As much as I'd like to say it's purely the spiritual aspect that motivates me. Its not. It's the frugality. But it's the spiritual that will make me follow through.

Starting this year Christmas will be less about gifts and more about service, Christ and family.

Each member will only receive 3 gifts. As Jesus Christ did. One gift will be spiritually related, one to magnify a talent, and the last with no restrictions.

In order to achieve this I feel the need to explain that Santa Claus is not who I've led them to believe he is. He's more of the spirit of giving that got put of hand.

My hope is that once done a new loving spiritual tradition will emerge. But I'm deadset on at least trying even if my hopes are an epic fail.

What about you? What's your thoughts on Christmas, holidays and gifts?

Today I Was A Mom

This has been a crazy week. Two bdays my girls are just days apart. And on both of their days I had work commitments. While they seemed happy with the family parties and everything came together...that ugly, nasty, useless guilt nagged me all week.

I was just so rushed during both parties that today when they had the friend party I wanted to nail it. But guess what today I also had a work commitment. However it was before and not after. So that helped.

The cakes were perfect, we kept the games easy, only one girl got hurt, & no blood was involved, the gifts were amazing, & we had one little girl who we met at the park who crashed the party but I had extra goody bags.

I have MANY jobs. But this is the most important, the one I fall short at the most, the one that is the eternal investment, and today I rocked it!

(and dad helped)

Make Time For Twirps

KC Neal is a local YA author releasing Pyisis soon, I follow on Twitter. Which makes her a Twirp but she's also my friend. The last time I saw her was in April and even though she ragged me for having a minivan, when we parted we made plans for lunch again soon.

Well now 6 months later we finally got together. After an hour and a half where we talked on varying subjects from husbands, sleep, YA platform and how it crosses over to Romance, pit stains & tongue rings I've vowed not to wait that long again!

KC is a breath of fresh air. After hanging I feel creatively renewed. I think that has a lot to do with the physical presence of being with another author.

There is a whole world of support for us online. However, we still need that human connection at times. Thanks KC.

Abduction Review

Today I caught the matinee with the hubster. Another one of our date days. I had high hopes for it but was let down. The script was meant to make Taylor Lautner an action hero and while he could easily be. The plot was so lacking. He has the capacity to play a character with much deeper dimensions as he's shone in the Twilight role.

I'd give it 2.5 stars.

ATTENTION ATTENTION: The Belle Has Implemented Changes....

I ,Bri, the belle of Boise, has decided to implement some new scheduling on the blog. So shall it be written so shall it be done. Now to write it....

Bri Clark the Belle of Boise shares posts on the writing and publishing industry on Wednesdays, aka Writer Wednesdays. Thursdays are where she features her fiction writing skills. Right now there is a series called Gone Fishing about a 40 something woman and her adventures in dating and meeting guys on line. It's hilarious to say the least. On Fridays are book reviews and or author interviews of books she has read. If you are interested in her reviewing your book please reference the review tab on the page for info. Sunday's are Six Sentence Sunday's where she shares Six Sentences from one of her books. Now that's the planned schedule sometimes there will be days that extras are done. Thanks for viewing and supporting me.