My friend and I do the normal girl-things: run errands together; sit and talk over coffee, tea or lunch; take turns driving the other to the airport; and, of course - shop. I'm truly grateful for her friendship and knowing she's there if needed. The thing is, she hurt my feelings.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Hurt Writer
An attractive platinum haired woman stopped by the roadside and said, "Excuse me. Who does your hair?" Stunned, I looked down at my two dogs, well aware I had on my dog-walking clothes. Thinking I had heard wrong, I said,"Excuse me?"
Since that time nine months ago, the woman and I became friends. In fact, she often calls me just to check how I'm doing. At one point, she called once or twice a day; it reminded me of a guy dating a girl. Jokingly, I even asked her if she was dating me.
My friend and I do the normal girl-things: run errands together; sit and talk over coffee, tea or lunch; take turns driving the other to the airport; and, of course - shop. I'm truly grateful for her friendship and knowing she's there if needed. The thing is, she hurt my feelings.
My friend and I do the normal girl-things: run errands together; sit and talk over coffee, tea or lunch; take turns driving the other to the airport; and, of course - shop. I'm truly grateful for her friendship and knowing she's there if needed. The thing is, she hurt my feelings.
Labels:
Authors,
Bahamas,
Blogs,
Books,
Children,
Children's book,
Dogs,
Gifts,
Holidays,
Illustrations,
Life,
People,
Reading,
The Big Bad Rain Monster,
Writing
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Thanks
You don't need a Hallmark Thanksgiving to give thanks.
All you need is two little words:
Labels:
Bahamas,
Blogging,
Blogs,
Books,
Children,
Children's book,
Cooking,
Holidays,
Illustrations,
Inspirational,
Life,
New York,
Self-Published Authors,
The Big Bad Rain Monster,
The Hamptons,
Writing
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Bahamas International Film Festival
With The Bahamas International Film Festival less than one month away, the local expression, "It just keeps getting better," comes to mind.
Labels:
Art,
Bahamas,
Celebrities,
Marketing,
Movies,
People,
Photography,
Social Networks,
Travel,
Web sites
Monday, November 10, 2014
A Good Beach Read
Until recently, I've concentrated on reading one book at a time. Not sure why, but I now have anywhere from five or more books in various stages of reading.
Yesterday, while packing for the beach, I had to decide: which book should I bring?
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
NaNoWriMo and Abulia
I’m suffering from two lovely days here in The Bahamas. Suffering,
since most of the time I complain about not being home in New York, enjoying family and four different seasons. Not
today. No, today I'm quite happy to be where I am. The weather is just as I like it -
windy and cool.
Labels:
Bahamas,
Beaches,
Blogging,
Celebrities,
Inspirational,
Marketing,
NaNoWriMo,
New York,
Writing
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Part Two: A Celebrity of the Most Unusual Kind
Clumps of fish netting lie drying on this wooden dock in Cherokee Sound, Abaco. Minus the culling of seagulls flying above and fish splashing below, this is a quiet spot in the Bahamas. Quiet until my celebrity of the most unusual kind bubbles up to the surface.
Labels:
Bahamas,
Beaches,
Celebrities,
Marine Life,
Photography,
Travel,
Writing
Monday, October 20, 2014
Part One: A Celebrity of the Most Unusual Kind
Guess who I met on the picturesque island of Abaco? Oh, shucks. I'll give you a hint. She's a celebrity of the most unusual kind!
Labels:
Bahamas,
Beaches,
Celebrities,
Inspirational,
Marine Life,
Photography,
Travel,
Writing
Sunday, September 14, 2014
"The Writer's Prayer" by Fay Knowles
While I continue to author
two blogs; write an occasional short story to store with others in my overflowing filing cabinet; and, most recently undertake an
online writing course - (forever the student), Fay Knowles is actively getting
published, and I am in awe!
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Sit Back or Take The Plunge
Before getting out of bed, I thought about what I wanted to accomplish during the day;
not much, considering it being the weekend and sleep met me intermittently throughout the long night. Not
wishing to totally waste the day, I choose two goals: write a blog post and exercise. Apart from my goals and routine daily responsibilities, if I accomplished anything else, I'd consider it icing.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
In Between Answering Phones
My volunteer job at The Bahamas Humane Society (BHS) continues, as does the widespread epidemic of canine distemper. Even with all the publicity encouraging dog owners to have their pets vaccinated against the disease, distemper lingers on with a deadly vengeance. A few weeks ago, I heard that well over 1,200 dogs died as a result of the disease. I'm certain that the death rate is much higher at this time.
The Humane Society is doing its best. Vaccinations for distemper have been discounted at BHS; weekly free clinics are held in various locations; and phone calls are made to either remind or inform owners to have their dogs vaccinated, even if the dogs live indoors with limited outside time.
The Humane Society is doing its best. Vaccinations for distemper have been discounted at BHS; weekly free clinics are held in various locations; and phone calls are made to either remind or inform owners to have their dogs vaccinated, even if the dogs live indoors with limited outside time.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Monday, July 14, 2014
Playing Games
I like to play games. Do you?
On February 1st, I wrote a post entitled, "Walls." If you read it, you already know I play Mahjongg, a competitive board game. To add to that, I also play Chess.
On February 1st, I wrote a post entitled, "Walls." If you read it, you already know I play Mahjongg, a competitive board game. To add to that, I also play Chess.
Labels:
Colorado,
Games,
New York,
The Hamptons,
Writing
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Outbreak in The Bahamas
It's three weeks ago that I drive to the Bahamas Humane Society to leave old newspapers for lining of dog and puppy cages. I also have with me, gently used clothing for the BHS thrift shop. Instead of exiting quickly, I wait on the short line at the reception desk to buy maintenance products for my two dogs. Ahead of me is a mother and two small children, all holding Shih Tzuu puppies.
Looking around, I notice again, the form sitting flat on the desk. I give little thought to my next action: I take the form, sit down and fill it out. One question on the application is: Will I volunteer to clean cages? I'm quick to tick off: No. With a list of several tasks I'm willing to do, I hand in my completed application. Within minutes, I become a volunteer at the Bahamas Humane Society. At a time when I could benefit from extra funds, I instead, volunteer. Not sure what possesses me to do so, but a little voice tells me: it's a way of giving back for all the blessings in life.
Looking around, I notice again, the form sitting flat on the desk. I give little thought to my next action: I take the form, sit down and fill it out. One question on the application is: Will I volunteer to clean cages? I'm quick to tick off: No. With a list of several tasks I'm willing to do, I hand in my completed application. Within minutes, I become a volunteer at the Bahamas Humane Society. At a time when I could benefit from extra funds, I instead, volunteer. Not sure what possesses me to do so, but a little voice tells me: it's a way of giving back for all the blessings in life.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Sharing the Limelight with Panky
I hadn't thought about it, until today: Did my brother Panky enjoy having a Fourth of July birthday? Did he mind sharing his special day with the rest of America, and perhaps other parts of the world? Fireworks. Picnics. Beach parties. Did any of that interfere with how he wanted to celebrate? I don't remember. It was so long ago. I'd ask him, but he's no longer here. His life ended at 23. I had just turned 13.
In grammar school, I knew kids who had birthdays on Christmas; they did-not-like-it one bit. They complained how birthday and Christmas gifts were combined, almost like a two-for-one. I doubt my brother had any problems with the amount of gifts he received; after all, other than drinks and food for barbecuing, I'm not aware of any Fourth of July gift-givers.
In grammar school, I knew kids who had birthdays on Christmas; they did-not-like-it one bit. They complained how birthday and Christmas gifts were combined, almost like a two-for-one. I doubt my brother had any problems with the amount of gifts he received; after all, other than drinks and food for barbecuing, I'm not aware of any Fourth of July gift-givers.
Labels:
Authors,
Dogs,
Holidays,
People,
Social Networks,
The Hamptons
Thursday, June 26, 2014
The Mystery of MabelMary and Nancy Drew
The youngest of four, I owned the lead role in hand-me-downs.
Oftentimes, I didn't have a choice; my mother made me wear those dreaded secondhand outfits. Used books, however, were a totally different story - no pun intended.
Oftentimes, I didn't have a choice; my mother made me wear those dreaded secondhand outfits. Used books, however, were a totally different story - no pun intended.
As a tanned, freckled-face kid, I spent my summers in The Hamptons, with Noyac Bay and Long Beach as my outdoor toy-chests. When it poured, thundered, or a not-so-merry weatherman hinted at a nor'easter - all water-related activities were nixed - at least temporarily. That's when my back-up plan involving my sister's Nancy Drew Mysteries kicked in.
Labels:
Authors,
Books,
Children's book,
New York,
Reading,
The Hamptons
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Evelyn Infante* Self-Published Author
What better way to become acquainted with an
author than through a friend!
Tui, a longtime friend and former banking colleague introduced me to author Evelyn Infante, who goes by the pen name of Evels. From the
get-go, my interest soared as I realized Evels is akin to the Energizer Bunny - she doesn't stop going. Chock-full of determination, Evels has two
published books and one in the works. She's one tenacious and ultra spicy self-published author.
In her research, Evels found “a huge market for women of a certain age who like to
read about similar women enjoying the best sex of their lives.” With this in
mind, Evels first book, The Essence, inspired
by The Bridges of Madison County, but
with a “Move over 50 Shades of Grey”
twist, is a romantic tale about reunion – along with the added complications
of life, love, and sex.
Labels:
Authors,
Books,
New York,
People,
Self-Published Authors,
Self-Publishing,
Writing
Friday, June 13, 2014
Inspired by the Art of Writing

Here's how it read:
You are a romantic who
enjoys strolling through cobblestone streets and markets. You are inspired by
art and architecture, and thrive being surrounded by other artists and
intellectuals. You enjoy the bustle of a city, but also love spending time in
the warm countryside, sitting at a cafe, and having a glass of wine or coffee.
Your soul is nourished by being in nature, and by having deep meaningful
conversation about love, art, and the meaning of life.
What country fits your personality? Click here and take the quiz.
If you get the same result, I'll meet you in France where we can have a deep meaningful conversation about writing. See ya there!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Rule #2: Always Be Prepared
It being a long weekend here in The Bahamas - something to do with Labour Day and Whit Monday - I decided to pack up my swim gear, iPod and fictional book of 700+ pages and drive east towards Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island (P.I.). There, I'd find the turquoise sea - warm and clear. Since Atlantis and the exclusive Ocean Club Estates topped off opposite ends of the beach, I could also enjoy a swim and a stroll that spanned approximately 1 3/4 miles.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Let's Write a Short Story!
May 31, 2014
Dear Joe Bunting,
I not only downloaded, but also printed out a copy of your informative ebook, Let's Write a Short Story! My personal copy, which is now full of yellow highlighted sentences and paragraphs, is evidence of how useful Let's Write a Short Story! is.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Proud Mama of Self-Published Authors
As a self-published author, I understand the ups and downs of this multi-tasking, do-it-all-yourself process. Therefore, I appreciate any writer who chooses to go it alone and self-publish. And, although I would like to feature all self-published authors on Jeralyn Writes, for many reasons, I am selective in my picks. When one of my authors makes the headlines, and in a big way, I'm like the proud mama shouting, "That's my kid!'
Labels:
Bahamas,
Book Signings,
Books,
Cooking,
Marketing,
People,
Self-Published Authors,
Writing
Sunday, May 11, 2014
On Motherhood
![]() |
© Can Stock Photo Inc. cienpies |
Thinking of my mom, I revisited last year's post entitled, "Remembering Mom." Of course, the writer in me revised it. Guess it's never too late to edit, edit, edit!
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Flower Parade
Minutes before I took the above photo, a long and wide trail of yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers covered the top of this community pool. Of course, by the time I got my camera, the flower parade was over!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Cat Sitting With a View
Look beyond this screened-in second floor porch. See the Royal Palm treelined road? Just a mere stroll down, past the colorful condos, lies the famous eye-catching waters of The Bahamas. Notice the hint of brilliant turquoise coloring? To the left and right of that gorgeous sea spans miles and miles of soft white sand waiting for wet footsteps.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Mark Wayne Adams ******* Award Wining Author, Illustrator and Publisher
When Tiffany Flowers, coordinator of the forthcoming South Carolina Literacy
Celebration contacted me about featuring an author here, on Jeralyn
Writes, I said, 'YES!'
I waited in suspense and wondered: what author, what genre - WHO? When I found out WHO, I said, 'WOW!'
I waited in suspense and wondered: what author, what genre - WHO? When I found out WHO, I said, 'WOW!'
I'm delighted to present the following interview with the
nationally recognized illustrator for the Best Fairy Books Series ; Nicholas, That's Ridiculous! and numerous other children's picture books:
Labels:
Art,
Children,
Children's book,
Illustrations,
Marketing
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Camp Update
In a random placement, excluding myself, all the writers in my first cabin at Camp NaNoWrimo were 19 years old and under. I debunked before I even considered unpacking. Nothing against the tykes, but I couldn't handle the steep age difference without an overbearing essence of antiquity moving in with me.
For my second cabin-fitting attempt, I thought I'd outsmart any future random selection; I opted for a cabin full of older folks. Oops. The writers were indeed older, but most didn't know how to navigate a computer. I quickly opted out of that one as well.
For my second cabin-fitting attempt, I thought I'd outsmart any future random selection; I opted for a cabin full of older folks. Oops. The writers were indeed older, but most didn't know how to navigate a computer. I quickly opted out of that one as well.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Flying My NaNoWriMo Rebel Flag
I’m
itching with poison ivy to share my Camp NaNoWriMo cabin status. Hold on - I never told you where I left off with November 2013 NaNoWriMo. Yikes! Let me wrap that all up now.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Camp Foolery
I wrote part of this on April 1st.
I just realized - I fooled myself:
I didn't hit POST!
or, did I????
or, did I????
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Bob Waldner* Self-Published Author
When your email inbox gets post-office full, do you find yourself
doing the “Eenie, meenie, miney, mo thing?” (And, I’m not talking Justin Bieber
and friends.) At times like that, are you selective and delete without
reading? What if you miss something big?
The following interview is a result of one of those lucky times
when intrigued, I opened the mail and discovered something big: Self-Published Author, Bob Waldner and his first novel, Peripheral Involvement. After reading a bit
about Waldner and his book, I had to find out more. So, being the curious writer that I am – I asked.

Bob Waldner was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, before
heading off to Duke University to study mechanical engineering. After spending
two years working as an engineer in Maryland, he changed course and enrolled in
the University of Michigan Law School. For the past fourteen years, he has
represented banks and hedge funds as a transactional attorney in private
practice in New York. He lives in Manhattan with his wife, Erinn, and his two
daughters, Maureen and Madeleine. Peripheral Involvement is his first novel.
Labels:
Self-Published Authors,
Self-Publishing,
Writing
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Ambidextrous
I arrived back to Nassau, or "The Rock," as locals refer to it and realized that I'm an ambidextrous driver.
What do I mean by 'ambidextrous driver?' It's simple. I can drive on the right side of the road when required; I can drive on the left, as in The Bahamas, with no problems whatsoever. Mind you, no matter what side of the road I drive, the steering wheel is on the right side - um, that's the left side of the car as I drive, but - still right, as in right, or correct for me.
Perhaps if I could write with both my left and right hands, maybe then I'd be facing a two-way street.
Confused? Try driving or writing on the wrong side.
What do I mean by 'ambidextrous driver?' It's simple. I can drive on the right side of the road when required; I can drive on the left, as in The Bahamas, with no problems whatsoever. Mind you, no matter what side of the road I drive, the steering wheel is on the right side - um, that's the left side of the car as I drive, but - still right, as in right, or correct for me.
Perhaps if I could write with both my left and right hands, maybe then I'd be facing a two-way street.
Confused? Try driving or writing on the wrong side.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Writer's Block of a Physical Kind
I wager that few writers escape the unwanted charms of “Writer's Block." You know, sitting in front of that blank piece of paper or computer screen without any idea of what the heck to write. If you haven't suffered from this at least once, I want to know your secret! But what about writer's block unrelated to our thought processing center where ideas develop, sentences form and pages turn into stories? What about ..... a physical writer's block?
Labels:
Art,
Health,
The Big Bad Rain Monster,
The Hamptons,
Writing
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Holocaust and Life
During the 1970s, I attended, “exercise classes.” This was before
my aerobic adventures in step classes and long-winded, dry mouthed jogging
days. Back then, women exercised in black leotards that covered neck to foot,
including arms. Racer back tank tops, sports bras and thongs had yet to score on
the trendy list of futuristic neon colored workout apparel. Of all the classes I participated in, I recall only one. Off
all the women I met during workouts, I recall only one.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
The Blogger Commandments and Angels
Somewhere in blogger cyberworld there's a bit about the "Do's" and "Don'ts" on blogging, or what I refer to as - The Blogger Commandments. Guilty I am of not practicing all the commandments, but I do try. One sacred blogger commandment is: Thou shalt not start another blog. It makes sense, doesn't it? Launching another blog takes time and effort away from the "heart" blog. I get this. Yet, what did I do back in January? I started another blog!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
An Excuse Not to Write
During a two-week visit with an in-law, there were many times when we both coexisted in his thoroughly organized home office. Equipped with two computers, two chairs, two desks, a printer, multiple file
cabinets and plenty of files and papers, we comfortably sat side by side, yet with ample room in between. While immersed in our own particular documents and online work, we respected each other's need for quiet and concentration. It was during one of the quiet times that I noticed a file on my desk that contained his handwriting. His penmanship was quite similar to mine; it was almost illegible.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
CaringBridge Author
Towards the later part of 2013, my husband was diagnosed with Myelodysplasia or MDS. We were told that MDS is a disorder in which the bone marrow fails to make the correct amount of good, healthy blood cells. The disease therefore can affect the red cells, white cells, and platelets.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Polar Bears in The Bahamas
In the Netherlands, it's known as "The Nieuwjaarsduik." Folks in the United Kingdom refer to it as "The Loony Dook." In the United States it's often called "Plungapalooza." What the heck am I'm talking about? The annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim, of course.
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