Good News and Not so Good News on the Rocky Road

This week had its ups and downs.  There were some very good things that happened, some that were not.  Monday, I went back to work for half-a-day.  I was a little shaky, but I felt better as the day progressed.  When I got home, I felt good enough to create another video using one of my poems from Pulse Points of a Woman's World.

I received an email telling me that Verge Magazine is going to publish an article about me and my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, in their May issue.  How very nice of them to do this. They have both a print magazine as well as an online version.  I am really looking forward to see how it turns out

Tuesday, I worked until noon.  I had to go check on my lab results.  The kidney function was fine, and so were some of the other test. However, I have been told that I have my first urinary tract infections in the seventeen plus years that I have had my Indiana Pouch. I am now taking CYPRO to clear up that.  

The next thing on my agenda was to attend the launching of a cystectomy support group at the Cancer Center at Georgia Health Sciences University. I had the honor of being invited to be the guest speaker at this first meeting.  I was thrilled to do it because we are going to have a local support group, and I know how important that is to bladder cancer survivors.  I took a copy of my book to give to the attendees.  I hope my story will serve of some value there.

I finally made it home on Tuesday, and just got relaxed when I received a call from MO telling me that someone had broken into the house and the storage shed.  That really upset me because I had no way of knowing what they had taken.  Would you believe that my blood pressure shot up!  It did, and I decided that I needed to chill out.  There wasn't anything that could be done but call and report it to the local sheriff.  My eldest son took care of all that, and found someone to go secure the house.  My granddaughter is going to drive up there from AR to take inventory to see what is missing.

This morning my blood pressure was down some, but not enough.  I decided that I had better stay home today.  Tomorrow I will go back to work.  I really do not want to be taken out on a stretcher again. It stresses everyone there out too much. 

I think at this point I should end this entry with a quote that was a favorite of my grandmothers: "You've got to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you've got, and remember what you had. Always forgive, but never forget. Learn from mistakes, but never regret."

Stay tuned, there is always more to come.  Please feel free to leave a comment, contact me or provide feedback.  I am on Linkedin, Twitter and Facebook.

A Small Rock Slide on the Rocky Road, but Clearing it Out

When it come to writing this past week, it has been like a silent shroud.  The following stanza from one of my poems in my book, Pulse Points of a Woman's World, sums up how my writing progressed this week.

Silence surrounds the muse

    like the murky veil

    on a smoke-stained rose

   that enfolds a city’s dawn

   as the elegant words

   of pomp and circumstance

   are as voiceless

   as the cry of a city’s neon lights.

Unfortunately, I have been under the weather with a low potassium and breathing problem.  The doctor has prescribed that I take potassium, eat tomatoes, potatoes and avocados.  I know bananas are also very good, but they make me nauseous.  The other prescription was my favorite.  She gave it to my husband to fill, and it was frequent trips to the beach.  It seems that salt air really helps my breathing.  So, he is planning to do that this next week, and my eldest son will stay at our house while we are gone to take care of Squiggles and the house. 

Mary Forbes posted a really nice interview on her blog this week.  She has even offered to do a review on the book.  How nice!  If you want to read what she posted the link is: http://marymforbes.wordpress.com/writing/author-interviews/sylvia-l-ramsey/ .

I have another interview coming up with A.F. Stewart.  I will let you know when it is online.   I have been invited to be a guest on Julia Widdop's television show, Seekers Journey, on the 17th. of April.  That is going to be a busy week.  In addition, that same week I have two presentations. 

I think I need to take that trip to the beach so I can keep up the pace with what is going on in my life right now.  I will try to take some pictures and share my experience with you when I return home.  Who knows, I may even take my laptop to the beach and work some on my next book.  For right now, I am signing out, stay tuned for more. 

Don't forget to check out my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts,  on Amazon.  Any feedback is always appreciated.

Sharing Wonderful Things Happening on the Rocky Road this Week

Tomorrow is the big day for the book launch reception.  I have been busy all week getting ready for it outside of my day job.  I will let you know all about how it went.  Plans are to video tape some of it, and my presentation.  If it turns out, I will share that as well.  I still have a lot of things to do before 2 p.m. tomorrow. 

So many nice things have happened this week, I will share a few.

Lilian Gafney posted a lovely review of the book on Amazon.  This is a portion of what she wrote; the rest is where she posted it on the books page at: http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Rocky-Road-Love-Faith/dp/1463554672/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

“This amazing book has it all, from terrible news to lighter humor. It all happened when a large raccoon was found on their exercycle in the morning room. He was sitting on the bike with his hands on the handle trying to figure out how to work it. This book is a valuable addition to those suffering from cancer and at the same time for those who have their health. Many times in life we agonize over the small dramas and forget the most important thing: that we’re here on earth to enjoy life as best as we can and to forgo the insignificant events in our lives. This book teaches just that.”~ Lilian Gafney

Then I receive an email from a former student who wrote to tell me she had purchased the book and had read it.  I can’t even explain how I felt when I read it, but I can tell you I was teary eyed.  This is what she wrote:

“I purchased your book Traveling a Rocky Road With Love, Faith, and Guts...and I read it! It was a good read. I don't know exactly what to say about your story but I do admire your heart and strength, your "GUTS". I wanted to let you know that I'm glad I read your book and I feel blessed to have been taught by & crossed paths with such a woman and what an amazing woman you are!”

I, also, stopped by WJBF to see my friend Jennie Montgomery.  She has been so supportive in my quest to bring about bladder cancer awareness, and to help the American Bladder Cancer Society. Later, I discovered that she had posted a message about the book and a story on the station’s website.  How fantastic.  Thank you, Jennie. Here is the link to that news item:  http://www2.wjbf.com/news/2012/mar/21/sylvia-l-ramsey-reception-and-booksigning-ar-3455046/ .

The book is selling even though it hasn’t been enough time to get it listed in the book distributors’ catalogs.  I have had emails wanting to know where it can be purchased.  For now, it is Amazon.  However, by the middle of next month, it should be available for bookstores, and libraries to order.

Look for an update on the book launch reception as soon as I catch my breath. 

Back to Work on the Rocky Road and Another Interview

It was back to work today. There was a workshop for the staff who work in the Academic Resource Center/Library. After the workshop, we went for lunch. It was nice to have everyone together. Because of the hours the center is open, there are different shifts, and they rarely get a chance to even see each other. They are a wonderful group of young people who are dedicated to what they do, and when I have had to be out because of illness, they have carried on just as if I were there . They deserve lots of Kudos!  

After lunch, I stopped by the pharmacy to pick up some of my prescriptions...can you believe it...one small bottle of pills and two inhalers over $200.00 with the co-pay. The inhalers would have been close to $500.00 without the insurance. It just doesn't sound right.  

I have an interview online today on Raychelle Writes blog, The Writer's Block Interviews. It was very nice and I appreciate the interview. If you want to check it out, here is a direct link to it:

http://raychelle-writes.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-block-interviews-sylvia-l.html. 

Talking about interviews, I still have several that I need to set-up and schedule on my other blog, Thoughtful Reflections. I started it about a year-ago because so many people had been kind enough to help me that I wanted to pass it forward.  

Who know what will happen between now and tomorrow? Tune back in to find out!



Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is having the courage to dance to it today.- Dr. Peter Kuzmic, theologian

Announcing the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road With Love, Faith and Guts!

I just found out that my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts, is now available on line at Amazon.  Wow!  I have had requests from several people to let them know when and where they can buy the book.  It won't be showing up on my Author Central Page for a few days, but it is online.  Here is the link if you want to go ahead and purchase a copy. 

http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Rocky-Road-Love-Faith/dp/1463554672/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330268019&sr=1-1

I will still be updating on what happens next.  If any of you know or have a book store anywhere within 5 or 6 hours of Georgia that may want to host me for a book signing, please let me know!  Thank you all for your support.  Don't forget that I do not keep a penny of the money earned on any of my books, I give it all to the American Bladder Cancer Society. 

There are a lot of things to do, stay tuned, I will keep you updated.

A News Update on the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

I am happy to announce that Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts will be available within five to seven days on Amazon. It will also be available soon to bookstores and other online channels very soon. 

For those of you who are new visitors, and to my wonderful followers I want to say thank you for your support.  I decided on this blog entry to take a look back on the journey and bring the journey up-to-date.  I have been given an additional opportunity to advance on my quest to make bladder cancer a common word rather than one that is unheard and/or unknown. 

As I have traveled along life’s highway, I keep running into people who have let the rocks that have been thrown in their life’s road giving up on themselves, or life in general. The truth is that life is harsh, and it is not like the movies that give a false impression that it is smooth sailing. Being the hero who toughs it out and keeps on regardless of the situation is difficult, but with faith, a few guts, and the ability to laugh, it can be accomplished. It often takes a backbone, humor and a wishbone to survive it all.

Because of life’s journey can get very rough at times, I decided to write a book to share my life’s experiences so that it may inspire someone to come back fighting when life knocks them down. The book is a journey though time from childhood to mature adulthood. The stories and poems in this book reflect the lows and highs of life. The loving memories, the hardships and the things we learn as we travel the road of life. It covers an abusive mother who had mental problems because of being abused as a child, childhood polio, a rocky marriage with a husband who was often abusive, the role of caregiving, death and grief, coping with bladder cancer, asthma, losing a home and more. Therefore, to not to scare you off with gloom and doom, there are funny stories along the way and an ending that I never dreamed would happen.  The reaction of the first person other than Dr. Kay who read the book was, “I just read your manuscript of the book. “Wow!”  What higher compliment could an author get on anything she/he had written.

My hope is that the book will bring about understanding to others, and be inspiring to even more. Our journey in life has a purpose, finding it is often the most difficult task of all.

I have been so fortunate to have the guardian angels in my life. They have always been there in my darkest hour, and when I needed one the most. They have walked beside me, helped me to maintain faith and belief in myself as well as in others. I have learned that giving is much more rewarding than receiving.

My life reminds me of Robert Frost’s poem, The Road Not Taken, in the line: “Two roads diverged into a wood, and I took the one less traveled, and that has made all the difference.” I will always remember what my elementary teacher wrote in my scrapbook, “Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.” This book is not about crying, it is about getting knocked down by boulders, and standing back up in spite of them to go forward.  It’s about facing your fears and laughing at

Dr. Aman Kay, who is an internationally published author, has been helping me with this book by reviewing it. He is the one who is responsible for my poetry that has been sprinkled throughout the book. This poetry has all been published either in my book, Pulse Points of a Woman’s World, or in various literary magazines. It is poetry that is written from the heart and soul, and was the only way I could express my feelings. I once had an instructor who asked me to explain poetry. I told him that it was much the same as an artist who paints what he or she sees and feels. The difference is that the poet uses words to paint the minds pictures rather than oil paints, watercolor or some other medium.

When I began a draft for the book, I crossed my fingers and asked Dr. Kay if he would mind reading it to see if I was spinning my wheels, or should I write the book.  He encouraged me to complete it.  Now that it is finished, his review of the book is:

“Taking the rocky road with Sylvia is a joyful challenge.  It takes the reader through the most common and uncommon hardships, but at the conclusion of this delightful journey, the reader feels more joy and satisfaction: Love, faith, and incredible guts turn the rocky road into an assuring path that all of us so humanly desire.  This book is so uniquely universal in every essential aspect that I enthusiastically recommend it to all readers regardless of their age, gender, and race.” ~ Dr. Aman B. Kay

Some wonderful things have happened on this journey.  I have met new friends who have supported me in this venture.  I owe a lot to them.  One of these friends is Julie Weishaar and she has volunteered to help me with marketing.  We discovered that we have a lot in common.  Her mother is a bladder cancer survivor.  The other person is Christy who is a freelance writer, and has a blog on poetry called the Poetic Parfait.  She is a cancer survivor as well.  One of the instructors at the college where I work came to me yesterday, and she wants to have a launch party for my book when it is released.  Healthy Women is going to publish a follow-up article on my book release.  So many other people are re-tweeting my blog and supporting me and my quest in many other ways.  The next thing I found out was that I had been nominated and selected for Today's Honoree.  I can never thank you all enough for your support and help. 

Where the next part of my journey will lead, I do not know, but stay tuned for updates.

The Highs and Lows of the Rocky Road and Hanging on With Love, Faith and Guts

The paperback proof has arrived! This weekend will be spent going over it carefully looking for any errors.  The final look before it goes to press.  There are so many things yet to do and so little time.  The brain is in a foggy whirl and writing at this point is difficult to find the words.  I have planned, but there is so much yet to do.  This book and the others are of more importance to others than to me.  Who knows, it may even save a few if they read the book. 

Right now it is difficult to write for more reasons than the book.  One of my very dear friends is going through what I did with my first husband.  Another young person I know is facing so many hardships right now, and I cannot do anything but stand by and be there if they need me.

In both situations I feel empathy, but useless.  I am a doer and a fixer...I can do none of this...so, I wait until I can.

The Silent Muse

Silence surrounds the muse

    like the murky veil

    on a smoke-stained rose

   that enfolds a city’s dawn

   as the elegant words

   of pomp and circumstance

   are as voiceless

   as the cry of a city’s neon lights.

In agony, he craves respite

    from the tyranny  of a need 

   that makes him a wanton, helpless pawn

   that lures him tauntingly

   like a siren lures a ship

   toward the hidden craggy rocks

   on cold, rainy, foggy, nights.

Thus, taunts this siren

   tricking the mind

   with ghostly strains

   of lilting rhyme

   to entice the muse,

   causing the need to be stirred

   when the mind’s curtain is drawn

    to suffer silent, voiceless nights.

© Sylvia L. Ramsey 2005

Getting Ready for the Book Launch of Traveling a Rocky Road, with Love, Faith and Guts

I have been busy getting ready for the launching of the book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts.  It looks as if it will be around the end of February.  There is so much to do before it is actually released.  I have been working on a Media Kit, and working on a page on this blog for that.  I have been reaching out to fellow authors for an interview.  I have been finding new release sites, media outlets, and whatever I can find to help this book sell and help the American Bladder Cancer Society.  I have a couple of interviews lined up, and I am looking for more.  If any of my readers are bloggers, and would like to post one on your site, please contact me. 

I did have one of my love poems posted on a website today. If you are interested in checking it out and making a comment, please do so.  It is located at: http://www.romantic-ideas-online.com/you-by-sylvia-l-ramsey-from-her-book-pulse-points-of-a-womans-world.html. It dawned on me that the book of poetry would make a perfect gift for Valentine's Day.  You can hear me read some of the poems from the section in this book, Pulse Points of a Woman's World on my Authors Den site.  

All of the sales from any of my books is given the American Bladder Cancer Society.  So, any book you purchase is going to help others, and maybe even informing yourself. 

I am getting plenty of comments from the poetry posted on Poetic Parfait.  There has been comments on Romantic Ideas as well.  I am waiting to find out about three more interviews.

If you want to help out, simply copy paste the link to this blog, and send it to friends, or post it on your Facebook page.

The video link for the book is: 


Click on book cover to go to video

Or, click here:
http://www.behance.net/gallery/A-Story-of-Faith-Survival-and-Perseverance/3004817


Stay tuned for more updates, and check out my other posts for more information on the books and me!

Exciting Day along the Rocky Road! Just have to Share!

This entire trip of sharing my story has been exciting, but I think today was one of the most exciting of all. I am still in a state of shock over what all took place.  If you read my bio, you know that I am a coordinator for an academic resource center.  That is a place that provides a variety of services for our college students such as library/research resources, tutoring, orientations for classes and a study area.  We have a company that provides printer kiosks which is WEPA™.  I have been interacting with one of their staff members, and I was apologizing because I had forgotten to email him back with some information.  I explained that I had been on the telephone with the publisher and Julie Weishaar, and with the publisher because of the book release coming up soon.   

On a whim, I put in the link to the book trailer.  It wasn’t long before I received an email back from him wanting to know more about the book.  I replied with a description of the book and about the book the book sales going to the American Bladder Cancer Society.  The next thing I knew, there was a reply from him saying that he “talked with Frank our CEO and we would be interested in helping you out with promoting your book.  We could run an add on all of the kiosks at GMC (screen saver).  Do you have a digital picture of the front of the book or all of the books?  I think that it is great what you are doing for ABLCS!  Please let me know if we can help in any other way.”  I was overwhelmed by that wonderful gesture.

Later that day, I received a request from Patricia Kubus to write a “blurb” for the back cover of her soon to be released book that is the last in her Amanda Series.  I really didn’t know what to say.  Again, I was overwhelmed.  I wanted to do it because she also donates to a foundation that is for a very good cause.  Finally, I put together something that I thought may relate to her book and the reason she wrote it.  The funny thing about this is that after she sent it to her editor/publisher, the person wrote back with this request, “Before I do that though, I would need to know who the quote at the beginning is by (starting with “The truth is that life is harsh…”) If those words belong to someone, it’s important that we cite that person.” I had a good laugh over that because it was part of the “blurb” I had written for her and I thought I had set it up so that was very clear.  However, I took it as quite a compliment as well. 

That wasn’t the end of the wonderful surprises.  Later, I found out that Julie had nominated me for Todays Honoree at http://www.todayshonoree.com/.  I blush when I think of all the wonderful things she said about me, and I wonder if I know the person she described. 

I am getting emails from people telling me they love the book trailer, and the fact that I give the money from the book sales to the American Bladder Cancer society.  Emails are coming in to tell me to let them know when the book is available for purchase. 

I do believe this has been one of the best days of my life…except that is, for the day I married Tom.  

Stay tuned for updates!

http://www.behance.net/gallery/A-Story-of-Faith-Survival-and-Perseverance/3004817

The Waiting for the Birth of Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

I anxiously await the publisher to provide the custom interior samples, and the sample cover designs.  One of my faults is to have patience when waiting on others.  I have made contact with the person who is going to create my book trailer.  I am looking at ways to market the book.  I hope other bloggers will give me a chance to be interviewed on their blogs, and bookstores will let me schedule book signings.   However, for the most part I sit and wait, anticipating the results.  This is a nerve racking as my first book. I have bared my soul hoping that it will be of some help to others to know they are not alone, and giving up is not an option.  Living is too important. If anyone knows, it is me.

 Leave me some comments, feedback, remarks or even ask some questions for me to answer to help me pass this time. 

News on Charlie's Story and My Book's Status

          Today, I was told that one of the instructors at the college where I teach is using “Charlies Story” in her new student success classes to inspire them that no matter what, if they want it, they can succeed.  She said it made an impression on her students, and it also opened the class up for a great discussion. 

                     What a fantastic compliment!

Update on the book. 

My book is at the publisher’s, and I am waiting to hear from them.  I have a couple of consultation calls that I am waiting to receive.  I wonder what the cover design will turn out to be.  I am working on putting together marketing ideas, and creating a plan.  I have decided that I would like to have a book trailer for the book.  I am not sure that I want to tackle that task.  I wonder if I can afford someone to create it for me.

It is a time of waiting, planning and contemplation.  I am working on getting my other blog (Thoughtful Reflections Blogspot) up-to-date on scheduled interviews.  There is a press release in the works.  I love to write, but I really am not crazy about the phase of the process.  I am a doer, and waiting is not one of my virtues. However, the success of this book is important because I really believe it can help others in many ways.  Regardless, I feel as if I am caught up in a time warp that has me suspended in time. In a way, I rather feel like this poem I wrote once when I had writer’s block: 

         

The Silent Muse

Silence surrounds the muse

like the murky veil

            on a smoke-stained rose

            that enfolds a city’s dawn

            as the elegant words

            of pomp and circumstance

            are as voiceless

            as the cry of a city’s neon lights.

In agony, he craves respite

            from the tyranny

            of a need

            that makes him a wanton, helpless pawn

            that lures him tauntingly

            like a siren lures a ship

            toward the hidden craggy rocks

            on cold, rainy, foggy, nights.

Thus, taunts this siren

            tricking the mind

            with ghostly strains

            of lilting rhyme

            to entice the muse,

            causing the need to be stirred

            when the mind’s curtain is drawn

            to suffer silent, voiceless nights.

Another Rock in the Road Conquered

To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity. ~ Samuel Johnson

Some of my Art: Survival

           Yesterday, I worked all day on the final draft of the book.  Early this morning, I uploaded it to the publisher.  However, it wasn't that simple.  For about an hour, I was in a panic because I could not find the file.  I am still trying to get used to the new operating system on my computer, and the updated software.  Finally, I did a search and discovered that I had somehow saved the file in one of my backup storage devices.  I was so relieved. 

            When I uploaded the file, I felt just like a mother with a new baby.  I was not sure I wanted to share.  As anyone know who has written a book, there is so much work put into it, and a lot of yourself as well.  Now, I will begin the other tasks that go along with having a book published.  The work is not over, but it has just begun.  I will be working on a publicity packet, a book trailer, all the other things that go with this adventure.  Hopefully, I will be able to get some reviews, press releases, interview and some chances for interview on other people's blogs.

            My main goal is that it will be of value to others, and inspire them to never give up even when the road gets really rough.  Will it sell, who knows?  I can only hope it does so I can transfer all the proceeds earned from the sales can be given to the American Bladder Cancer Society. 

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible." ~ Anonymous

You can learn more about me and my quest on the following websites:

Websites

www.sylvialramsey.com

Authors' Den Page
http://www.authorsden.com/sylvialramsey1

Amazon Author's Page

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1305578084&sr=1-2-ent

My other blog, Thoughtful Reflections features interview of others in the field of publishing and its link is:  http://tinyurl.com/4e52loe

Overcoming the Rocks in the Road

“Opposition is a natural part of life. Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition - such as lifting weights - we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” ~ Stephen R. Covey

 My new computer is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.  I can then begin the final polish on my book.  I have an angel who is proofing it.  I must thank Dr. Aman Kay who is an Internationally published author who has encouraged me along the way to completing this work.  He has been a mentor, an encourager, and now has volunteered to serve as an editor to make sure the book is ready to be published.   

He keeps telling me that my story is one that must be read by all.  He says that is tells an honest story of survival , faith and perseverance that will inspire others to hold on to hope and to not give up.  I hope he is right because I have been honest in the telling even though it is simple and a "literary" work of art.   

Cynthia Kinsella who is the President of the American Bladder Cancer Society has contributed a message recalling our first meeting, and the importance of the messages within the book.  I have added this message as the epilogue to the book.   

If  my story can be helpful or inspiring to others, that is all I can ask.  I am a firm believer in what Edward Everett Hale said, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do".