On My Own

Happy New Year! I know it’s a few weeks into the year, but I just returned home this weekend from Christmas break. I am excited about a new year and the adventures, and struggles, which come with a fresh year.

Over Christmas break, I spent time with family and friends, catching up on what I missed since I live abroad. I found out about something that really bothers me so I’m sharing it with you. My cousin’s son serves in the military and is currently over in Afghanistan. If he wants internet access to Skype with his mother, wife and baby daughter, he has to pay $90.00 a month. I can’t believe our military would have to pay for anything while their risking their lives and sacrificing for OUR freedom. When I found this out, I was and still am infuriated that the U.S. government can’t give internet access to our troops. What is wrong with our government? Obama just signed a bill giving lifetime secret service protection to past President’s and their wives, but he can’t provide free Wi-Fi to our military?! It’s very disappointing to learn. And on top of that, my cousin’s son’s wife had to send him a pillow and blanket because he didn’t have one. A very sad thing I learned over Christmas break.

I didn't only hear about disappointing things. One of the many special moments I had was catching up with my niece and nephew, who have grown up so much. They are mature and I’m so proud of them. My nephew is working hard and going to school. My niece just finished beauty school and she cut and colored my hair while I was in town.

Another wonderful thing that happened over Christmas break was meeting up with an old friend. She found me on Facebook, so we made plans to get together. We hadn’t seen each other since we were 19. We were great friends, but like many relationships in life, something got in the way and we drifted apart. When we got together, it was like we picked up where we left off. There was no awkwardness, and we definitely didn’t run out of things to talk about. Now I have a new friendship with an old friend.

Lastly, I went to see Les Miserable at the movie theatres. I saw this musical twice on the stage and it’s my all time favorite musical to date. I went into the movie theatre thinking it was going to be horrible, but I loved it. Aside from Russell Crowe, I thought they all did a wonderful job and I couldn’t believe that the actors sang their own songs. Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway were superb; both their acting and voices. Amanda Seyfried has a pretty voice, but Samantha Barks, who plays Eponine, made me wish Marius would change his mind and go with her. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys musicals.

I’ll leave you with this video from Les Meserable.

 

What did you do over the Christmas break?

Holidays and Family,

Bea

U.S. Veterans

For my Uncle John, a Navy Man, and to all those past and present, I salute you. 

I saw you from a distance
Sitting there in your fatigues

Hands clamped to hold your chin up
Eyes closed to shut out all the rest

It was then I began to wonder
What it felt like to be a soldier?

Coming home after a long time passed
With only a duffel bag at your feet

Do you feel alone in this world
‘cuz chaos hasn’t left your sight?

Am I oblivious to what is out there
‘cuz you kept immediate danger away?

Finally you opened your eyes to us
And my questions were answered

Part of you sits waiting for your flight
while war imprisoned the rest

Not sure whether you surrendered it
Or it took without your consent

Back on Freedom soil to continue on
Part of you that still remains strong

My hand on your shoulder you look up
Have I said, “Thank you for your sacrifice”

Words seem hollow compared to your actions
All I can offer are these simple things

You look at me and smile with a nod
For starters, it is good to help with the mend

Veterans and War,

Bea

Featured Author – Kaamil Garyson

Today I’m excited to introduce to you, Kaamil Garyson. He’s from Atlanta, Georgia and is a self-published paranormal and dark drama author. So for all you paranormal and dark drama fans out there, stick around with the rest of us and learn about Kaamil.

Kaamil Garyson is a self-proclaimed workaholic. He normally puts in 16 to 18-hour days writing, studying, and networking. You can tell by looking at his picture that he’s all about getting the job done. He is a student of the game who offers a plethora of free short stories, poems, and screenplays on his blog http://sinistreproseonline.biz. This is a great site, so please stop on by and find out more about Kaamil. He is also forming an author services website called Authors of the Free World that will be launching soon http://freeworldauthors.com.

Kaamil’s Motivation for writing Nemesis

Nemesis is a paranormal story of the feminist movement, demonic influence, and a selfless Soldier's love and perseverance. As a Wounded Warrior, Kaamil initially wanted to write a memoir of his experiences in Iraq after serving two tours. However, his PTSD made it too difficult to write of his most harrowing moments, particularly the night an IED blast changed his life and military career forever. After dabbling with short stories, Kaamil decided to create a character that is loosely based on his military life, both in garrison and in theater. Soon after, Kaamil learned of the religious reasons he suffers from sleep paralysis. Supposedly, it is a succubus named Lilith who targets sexually weak men. He learned of this from a self-empowered woman in his hometown. Nemesis was born...

I would like to take a moment to personally say how honored I am to have a military man as our first featured author. Thank you, Kaamil for your service and sacrifice in protecting our Freedom. It is truly appreciated.

Motivation to Self-Publish

I believe in the notion of controlling my own destiny. Before becoming a writer, I spent the better part of 12 years as a music producer, running my own indie label. I have always believed in entrepreneurship. Simply put, there is little a publisher can do for me that I can't do for myself while keeping all of my rights. The self-publishing industry is still in its infancy, and I'm stoked to be a part of a booming industry before it even reaches its fullest potential!

Nemesis is still a WIP and will be available soon as an ebook at all the major outlets (Amazon, B & N, etc.). Depending on demand, I might print-on-demand a few hard copies. 

Nemesis Synopsis

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN A WORLD OF FEMALE DOMINANCE?

Lilith, a she-demon hell-bent on a new world of feminine rulership, seeks to devour not only US Army Soldier Dustin Chase and his infant son, but also all sexually weak human males. The selfless Dustin can protect himself and his son from Lilith, but she is not working alone.

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KaamilGaryson

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kgaryson
Blog: http://sinistreproseonline.biz
Website: http://freeworldauthors.com

I want to thank Kaamil for his time and participation in the Pay It Forward. Keep your eyes and ears open for Kaamil Garyson’s dark paranormal, Nemesis.

Self-Published and Paranormal,

Bea