Dog Trouble Author Galia Oz ~ Guest Post & Exerpt from her newest book!

 

The capricious muse or Hermes, patron of thieves - who not to rely on when writing a book 

by Galia Oz

Looking forward to reading another positive post about fleeting inspiration that spawned a book? Not on my watch. People think that inspiration is like a good fairy; they wait for it to suddenly appear and tap them with her spark-emitting wand like in the movies, and suddenly they’ll know how to write a book. For me, however, it doesn’t work that way. For the most part, I sit down in front of the screen, grumpy

and reluctant, and tend to the text like a gardener a garden: cleaning and arranging and weeding, giving up and then pushing forward, all while constantly trying to woo the language, to persuade it to work with me.

My language, by the way, is Hebrew. I wrote the Dog Trouble series between 2007 and 2014, and all five books were bestsellers and some won awards in Israel. They have been translated and published in France, Spain, and Brazil before they were published here, in the United States, recently.

Extract from Dog Trouble:

Last night Mon was in a pretty good mood for a change and she asked me what I would want to be if I wasn't a girl named Julie. I said I didn't know, and she put her arms around me and said I wasn't a girl named Julie, but a sweet cake made totally out of chocolate. And she gave me a hug and tickled my stomach as if I was Max or Monty, and she said, "You see? All this is made out of chocolate!"

I'm not trying to say that this fairy with her wand never appears. She appears, capricious and unexpected, and in the most impossible of situations; like when I’m cooking one thing in a pot, frying something else in a pan and cutting vegetables at the same time. At that very moment, a funny situation or a crucial dialogue will pop into my head, and I’ll have to choose: do I run to write it down and let the food burn, or inversely, do I keep watching the pan and risk losing my inspiration?

And then I asked her what she'd like to be if she wasn't Mon, and she thought for a minute and said if she wasn't Mon who worked at the bank and had taken a long time off to stay home with the twins, she'd be an explorer or a sea captain. I tried to imagine her as a sea captain, holding Max in one hand, a pair of binoculars in the other, with a pacifier hanging around her neck, and I thought it was pretty funny.

"But I wouldn't do anything too serious", said Mon. "I'd let other people sail the ship. I'd just lie on the deck in the sun".

Mon looked really happy, as if the boat story was really happening. She kissed me in the place between my forehead and my nose, which was her favorite kissing spot, and said, "Now jump into bed. Did you brush your teeth?"

Not all writers are alike, each has a different mission. What’s mine? To refine that elusive moment when you can see the soul through words and deeds. So I have a little notebook and pencil next to the bed to write dreams, and pens and paper in every room, all to trick that wicked muse disguised as the good fairy.

But good fairies – if you have come this far you already understand – cannot be relied on. They represent an arbitrary form of creation, based on a stroke of genius of external origin.

I much prefer to count on Hermes, patron of writers, nomads, and thieves. It is no coincidence that thieves and writers are depicted as like professions. Every writer is a thief, by definition, and I am not talking about literary theft. Writers steal completely legally; they draw ideas from those close to them and complete strangers, from politics and the weather, from their dreams at night and from a joke thrown their way in a cafe. Writers are active and sophisticated thieves. They dig deep within their memories and even import from those of their parents.

At bedtime, I told her that only little kids could ever be happy. Then they got a bit older and went to school and that was when the trouble started. Later they turned into adults like her and Dad and suddenly they had little kids of their own and then they got annoyed all the time. Mon was rocking Max in her arms to help him fall asleep and then she said, "So what you're really saying is that only babies are happy people".

"Yes", I said angrily. "Only babies are happy people".

Mon didn't try to convince me that everything was going to be okay. She didn't say, "Of course grown-ups also know how to be happy." She just looked at me and didn't say a word. Then she hugged me real close and said I belonged to her and she belonged to me and that was the way it would always be, nothing would ever change that.

So, the next time this lazy fairy, this capricious muse, knocks on your window, let her in but beware. To rely on her is to go through life in passive anticipation. Better join forces with Hermes. You'll never burn your food again…

About the Author

Galia Oz was born in Kibbutz Hulda, Israel, in 1964. She studied film and Television in Tel Aviv University 1984-87.

Her award winning series of 5 books titled DOG TROUBLE was published in France, Spain and Brazil – and recently in the US by CROWN BOOKS Random House. The series is a steady seller in Israel for over 10 years (selling over 150,000 copies). 

Oz has directed several documentaries, all screened in international film festivals, and in Israeli leading television channels.

Over the years, Galia Oz has been meeting thousands of readers in Israeli elementary schools, and taught creative writing and classic children's literature to kids in public libraries.

Galia Oz is married and has two kids, a dog and a cat, and they all live in Ramat Hasharon, just outside Tel-Aviv.

Visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009378865434.

 

About the Book:

Title: DOG TROUBLE!

Author: Galia Oz

Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 144

Genre: Children's book for young readers, ages 8-12

BOOK BLURB:

Readers who have graduated from Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean will fall head over heels for feisty Julie and her troublesome new dog.



Julie has only had her dog for two weeks, but she is already causing all sorts of problems. For starters, she is missing! Julie suspects the school bully Danny must be behind it. But it will take some detective work, the help of Julie’s friends, and maybe even her munchkin twin brothers to bring her new pet home.



Wonderfully sassy and endlessly entertaining, the escapades of Julie and her dog are just beginning!



Julie’s adventures have sold across the globe and been translated into five languages. Popular filmmaker and children’s author Galia Oz effortlessly captures the love of a girl and her dog.



"A funny exploration of schoolyard controversy and resolution.” –Kirkus Reviews 



"Will resonate with readers and have them waiting for more installments.” –Booklist  

ORDER YOUR COPY:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Disclosure:  I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Muay Thai Training in Thailand – A Growing Travel Trend

Welcome to Mom Loves 2 Read.  Today I have a special Guest Post about an amazing over seas travel destination ~ Thailand!

Travelling in foreign countries for various purposes has started since the Middle Age. Today, thanks to the fast progress of technology, people have many different transportation options which make travelling much easier. This is the reason why the number of foreign tourists in every country is increasing every year. People want to travel abroad in order to learn more about some countries, to relax and enjoy the time spent there.  Of course, if they have the chance to improve their health while they are staying there, their trip will be even better. If you are interested in something like that, feel free to travel to Thailand.

Thailand is a truly amazing country and everyone that has visited this Asian kingdom can confirm

that. Endless white sandy beaches, unexplored nature, pleasant and friendly people, low prices on products and services and Muay Thai. Yes. That’s right. Muay Thai or Thai Boxing was invented in Thailand and this is still the best place to start with Muay Thai training.

Many people use the chance to be on an active holiday when they are in Thailand. Just think about it. When you are not training in the camp, you can enjoy the natural wonders of Thailand. This is certainly something that will boost your health. Muay Thai is a fitness activity and combat sport that can be practiced by men and women of all ages. It improves the strength of the muscles of all body parts, strengthens the core, increases muscle mass, improves mobility, stabilizes weight and blood pressure and helps the overall mental health. In addition, Muay Thai students will improve their confidence, esteem and discipline. In other words, this is a complete workout for the body.

As previously mentioned, the best place to start this fitness journey is Suwit Muay Thai . The camp is found in the tourist places in Thailand so you won’t have trouble finding one. Follow the instructions of the professional trainers who work there are you will notice how your body and mind are becoming stronger and healthier.



*Kit* 

Disclosure: Guest Post in collaboration with Kit from Suwit Muay Thai.  A small compensation was received for submission of this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

Yummy Goodness from Butter Braid ~ Guest Post Giveaway & Review

Check out this great Giveaway & Review from my friend over at Tales from A Southern Mom!

So, school has started or maybe going to start this next week and your kids do not want to get out of bed. I have the solution, Butter Braid! This is a fabulous pastry that you can take from your freezer the night before and put it in the pan, wait for it to rise and bake it the next morning. When your

family smells this baking they will be running out of their rooms to get their share!


Butter Braid was so wonderful and sent me:

• Strawberry & Cream Cheese


• Cinnamon


• Apple


• Double Chocolate


• Raspberry


• Blueberry & Cream Cheese

All of them are so good and when school time comes your kids are wide awake and ready to go. I know around here no matter what it is if they smell something baking they are all coming into the kitchen to see what is going on.


I like how you can have the Butter Braid in the freezer, and if you get wind someone is coming from dinner, you can take it out and let it thaw and be ready to bake after your dinner. What a treat!



 I was excited to learn that Butter Braid pastries fundraising has helped schools and other no profit groups raise over $165 million! That is huge, you can have your sweets and help a good cause!


The fact that these are hand braided in a small town in Iowa using only quality ingredients gives them a wonderful handmade appearance and taste nobody has to know this was sitting in your freezer, just waiting for you to bake it for them!



 This is one of those things that just fills a few purposes all at one time. They are convenient they taste great, they help schools and other raise money, can get people moving in the morning with their great home bakes smell, and they are such a high quality product.


You can check out all of their product at their website here and here are the instructions for handling and baking the Butter Braid Pastries.


Now for the best part Butter Braid is giving away a 6 pack to one lucky reader and they will get to try the wonderfulness of these great products!

 This giveaway is Hosted by Tales From A Southern Mom, 

Co-hosted by Deliciously Savvy and Michigan Saving and More, and sponsored by Butter Braid Pastries!


  

 Just enter below and good luck!


 

Entry-Form

Upgrading Your Playroom In Style #craft #diy

If I say to you 'the kids playroom', what do you see? 

A cave of abandoned sippy cups, finger painting gone wrong, discarded toys and scribbles on the wall? Wrong. The kids' playroom doesn't need to mean mayhem. With a little creativity and care you can turn this environment from chaotic, into an area where your kids can roam free and express themselves, without taking it out on the wallpaper. While you're at it, you can even help them learn as

they play. Here's a few fun ideas to spruce up the kids' playroom.



Get Creative!



If you're keen for your kids to develop their creative side but minimize the mess then there's a few options to keep both camps happy. Setting up a drawing board and easel encourages budding artists, lets them look and feel the part. So they can get in the zone but keep the painting in one area. Alternatively if you'd like to encourage your kids to personalize their playroom then go all out with drawing-friendly wallpaper. This comes in a variety of styles including those printed with borders and picture frames in a range of sizes. This helps them draw between the lines and create their own 'photos' of friends, family and pets. So they can start their own DIY at an early age!



If that's one step too far then incorporating blackboards and slates into the playroom allows your kids to add their own touch without any permanent damage. This kind of material can be kept to the wall or even a section of flooring so the kids can draw on their own snakes and ladders or hopscotch games with chalk. Adding this material on to storage can also encourage the kids to clean up. For example, chalking labels on to drawers for different items i.e. dolls, crayons and books can help them to learn how to organize their toys and keep the playroom tidy. Alternatively, you could even create a blackboard wall for the kids, meaning endless fun without the worry!

Another option where you can both get involved is sewing. This can turn out to be a lot more fun than it first seems. You can handle the sewing while your kids pitch in with design ideas and pick their favorite colors. You could also choose to invest in a child-friendly sewing machine too so your children can join in entirely and learn a new skill. You can create everything from pillowcases to patchwork style quilts and curtains; with a sewing machine no idea is too big or small.  My girls and I are learning to sew together.  We have a wonderful teacher in their grandmother who sews 18" doll clothes for their American Girl Dolls and other 18" dolls.  She is a great artistic inspiration for our sewing projects.



Another fun way to get creative and crafty is by repurposing items and making them into new and functional things.  My girls and I too this old TV cabinet and turned it into a fun and funky doll clothes wardrobe:

 

Our latest crafty creations use cardboard boxes and empty cereal boxes to create furniture and accessories for the girls doll collection - they have a lot of fun coming up with new and exciting ways to use what normally would be trash to create fun new treasures!



From designing your own interiors to sketching games and pictures, these are just a few ideas to get you inspired to spruce up your kids' playroom. Adding a personal touch whether it's through sewing your own curtains, or customizing storage, will turn the playroom into a place you'll both love.

Image by hownowdesign used under the Creative Commons license.

Disclosure:n Information and links in this post provided in collaboration with travel, tech and fashion representatives. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.

A Nation under Judgment by Richard Capriola ~ AUTHOR GUEST POST ~ #review #guestpost

Author Guest Post:

A
Biblical Definition of Wisdom

            As
a Christian parent I must admit I didn’t give much thought to wisdom while
raising my son. However, seven years ago I began writing what was intended to
be a little book about wisdom. The first task was to define wisdom and that
eventually led to the creation of A Nation Under Judgment. 

            How do you define wisdom? For some it’s measured by a
person’s level of knowledge and learning

or by one’s level of education.
Dictionaries define wisdom as philosophic and scientific learning. Other
definitions of wisdom include sound judgment, good insight, or common sense.
Native Americans believe wisdom is earned only after living a long life that
brings learning and experience.

            These definitions have merit, but they fall short of a
biblical definition of wisdom. Biblical wisdom can be defined as the ability to see things from God’s point
of view. As Christians, our wisdom grows when we understand and accept
God’s point of view. The same is true of nations; they show wisdom when they
align their policies with God’s view.

            Without wisdom people can find themselves in trouble and
countries risk disaster. The further a nation strays from God’s point of view,
the closer it comes to being a nation under judgment.

            We live in a nation that prides itself on being “one
nation under God.” We ask for God’s blessing in songs like “God Bless America”
by Irving Berlin. Our Supreme Court opens every session with “God save the
United States and this Honorable Court.” The president and other politicians
pandering for our votes give speeches that end with “God bless America.”

            But what does it mean to be “one nation under God?” Have
the words become merely a patriotic slogan? Do they have value only in times of
national crises, when we feel threatened? Are we a nation asking for God’s protection
and blessings while turning away from His point of view?

            As a nation “under God” do we see things from God’s point
of view when shaping national policies? Or have we lost our wisdom as a nation?
 When we create polices on hunger,
homelessness, poverty, protecting the environment and marriage, are we
following God’s point of view - or a political agenda? What does it say about
our values when one of every fifty children lacks sufficient food, in a nation
that wastes 40 percent of its food? These are important questions that must be
asked if we value being a nation “under God” because the answers may point to a
nation moving away from God’s point of view and losing its wisdom.

            Our Founding Fathers knew that we could not indefinitely
exist apart from God’s point of view. George Mason warned that providence would
punish national sins with national calamities. Thomas Jefferson said “I tremble
for my country when I reflect that God is just and that his justice cannot
sleep forever.” These great men understood that our nation’s future rests on
its commitment to live by the words “one nation under God” and that we must
create national polices that reflect His point of view rather than policies
that conform to a political agenda.

            Have we lost our wisdom as a nation – our ability to see
things from God’s point of view? Ultimately the answer to that question will
determine if we are headed toward being a nation under judgment. 

 

What does it mean to
be One Nation Under God? Our Founding Fathers believed it was more than a
political slogan. Have we strayed from their vision? A Nation Under Judgment
focuses on issues currently facing our nation including hunger, poverty, the
environment and marriage. These and other issues are reviewed from both a
Scriptural point of view and a social policy point of view. Readers are
empowered to consider whether our nation is moving away from being One Nation
Under God.

 Review:

A dynamic look at what is means to truly be "One Nation Under God."  This is a good book to read if you want to really dig deep into the morals our country was founded upon and think through today's world view and what it means in relation to our Christian point of view.

 

Richard Capriola spent many years serving as a hospital chaplain. He
completed four years of Clinical Pastoral Education in preparation for his
chaplaincy work. In addition to his pastoral care experience, he has served as
a mental health counselor at both a regional crisis center and a psychiatric
hospital.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

         

Disclosure: I received free the item(s) mentioned in this post in exchange for my honest review. Regardless ~ All my reviews are my honest and personal opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”.