Mind Vs. Genes

Otherwise known as Di George syndrome

I am a believer that we were all amazingly designed by God and have the potential to do big things. Sometimes the body's design ends up different than it should and that's ok. These people are still special and full of untapped potential if they put their minds to it AND if they have people around them willing to go the distance and help them figure out ways to work around their disorder.

Please consider sharing this ribbon to support DiGeorge Syndrome.

I have a child with this disorder and it affects many aspects of her personality and health. She has a bleeding disorder, a heart defect, and immune system issues. She was diagnosed with it early in regards to her health issues, but we didn't realize how vastly it affects her day to day life until school issues became overwhelming and we took her to a psychologist.  Many aspects of her personality had been 'brushed under the rug' until now. We were told by the school that she just wasn't paying attention, that she wasn't trying hard enough, that she didn't care, that she JUST needed to study/practice more. Many people were under the impression that she was just being difficult. Things use to be very confusing and frustrating until we realized that it all boils down to her DiGeorge syndrome. Thanks to the psychologist who actually took the time to research this disorder, we now know whats really going on.

She's not being difficult- its the way her mind and skills have developed due to the affects of the Di George syndrome. Now people are starting to realize that she can't just learn her way out of this. She has to be taught how to cope with and work around the underlying problem before she can... diagram a sentence or solve a math problem, for example. All the practice sheets, and all the 'reteaching' in the world can't help you if you are having problems processing what you are being asked to do in the first place. Tie in short term memory issues, sensory issues, attention issues, (among other things) and it is no wonder she's had so many problems in school.

I would like to point this out something else out though. Even though she has these issues she STILL has the potential to do big things; IF we can help her figure out how to work around the root of the problem first. She loves music. She may not be able to handle the faster pieces because of her processing deficiencies, but she can still play the flute and even keep up during the slower pieces. She's really responsible about keeping things tidy and she is really well behaved.

She even wants to be a teacher when she gets older!

 Her bleeding disorder has taken her to dangerously low levels, and still she kept trucking on till we dragged her in to be treated. Without a blood test, you would have never known because she learned to cope with it and work around it so well. She even has a high pain tolerance. When she was 11 she had her second open heart surgery, two days afterward she was up and walking, trying to ignore the fact that she had just had major surgery! The child who was once labeled as 'failure to thrive' and given a shortened life expectancy has now reached her teens!

Never give up! Always keep exploring and never stop reaching for the stars!

Parents of children with this disorder have to be constant advocates. Their children may look as though there is very little different about them, but the disorder can affect everything. For a breakdown of this disorder, visit 22q112-deletion-syndrome page on the Genetics Home Reference website.


If you or a loved one has this disorder I would love to connect with you.

Do you have an 'overcoming the odds' story about you or someone you know that you'd like to share? Tell us about it here or message me if you'd like to feature your story on my blog!

When Squirrels Go Nuts

Caption This - A Game!

photo credit: Jim Bauer via photopin cc

Today on my blog- JUST for the fun of it, I am going to try a caption this game! You are all welcome to join in the fun!

Rules: Keep it clean please.

1. Post your caption in the comments on this post.

2. Remember to click the Squirrels Go Nuts entry in the rafflecopter 

While you are pondering your caption entry, I have an excerpt from Visionary From The Stars to share with you! In this one, the main characters find themselves in a very serious, and yet slightly funny situation. Enjoy! (and DON'T forget to post your caption in the comments!)

Later, in the afternoon, the team passed over one of the many grassy hills and could see, further ahead, the edge of what appeared to be marshlands. It was quiet--too quiet-- almost as if something were waiting for them there; expecting them as they approached. As the group slowly began to follow the edge of the marshlands, Laurie started to feel quite uneasy. Young Chris Hagan looked over his shoulder and into the marshland trees repeatedly, soon finding himself becoming increasingly worried about…well he didn’t quite know.

 As if out of nowhere, a downpour of stones and arrows came launching out of the trees and rained down upon the unprotected EOE team. The group barely had time to cover their heads with their arms when a large band of squirrels jumped out of the trees yelling war cries, and surrounded the team. Realizing that the group had no weapons ready, the squirrels took the team hostage. 

As the squirrels herded the EOE Team into the marshlands, a rather burly squirrel handcuffed and chained the team together. Mr. Kingston looked around for his daughter and Chris— they were nowhere to be seen. 

“Captain Mitchell, the children aren't here!” He whispered urgently. “Do you think they escaped?” 

“They could get lost out oomf!” Mr. Kingston managed before being butted in the ribs with a stick by a fierce looking squirrel.

Available for pre-order on Amazon! - RELEASES WEDNESDAY!  

About The Book: 

For millenia, humans thought they were the only life in the galaxy-- until the day an alien species claiming to have humanity's best interests in mind forces its way onto an unsuspecting exploration craft. In another part of space, the Star Traveler's crew sets out on a camping trip to the surface of the moon. There, they stumble upon an object covered in alien writing revealing the first piece of a galactic map that will lead them into an intergalactic controversy--all while the Platonian race strives to sabotage their every move.

What Critics are calling:

“An excellent job & impressive cast...”~ Pamela Valerio

“Agreat story for young readers...”~ Author Bruce Goldwell

“Cleverly entertaining!” ~ Author Geri Ahearn

Whats Its Like To Be A PDMI Author, (With Pictures)

I just realized that some of the pictures got broken somehow... until I fix them, you can find them here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/virginialorijennings/sets/72157649031383555/

This past weekend was awesome! I am proud to be an author with the epic PDMI Publishing LLC!

Cyndi, Tc, Nessa, Jack

I met the owners, Tc and Nessa Mckinney, in person (finally!) this past weekend. (center two in photo) They had traveled from Alabama to attend the Second Annual "Novel" Wine Tasting Arts and Literary Festival. Our Marketing Director and fellow author Greta King had also traveled up here for the festival.

Cyndi Jack, Me, Tc, Greta (Nessa's behind camera)

They try their hardest to make all of their authors feel like family! Friday evening Greta treated us to bowling and pizza. (BEST Pizza ever!!) Later we sat out on the porch in our PJ's and laughed and joked till the wee hours of the morning.

Me Bowling

 Saturday we got down to business and sold some books at the festival! We tag teamed taking  pictures when someone would come up to one of our tables. We even helped sell eachother's books.

 

Me-before changing into my costume, setting up my tables

Me with Miss South Carolina- MAN she is tall!

PS- Check it out! Rivi's Costume is DONE!!! I'll be taking my kids trick or treat in it as well as wearing it to sci fi conventions! ;)

Jack and Cyndi

Besides my books, I had brought some brain teaser games for my table that many people really enjoyed. A few stopped by for almost an hour- one girl ALMOST beat the hardest puzzle! Later her mom came over to try the puzzle and even bought a copy of Wiggle Worm's Shape Adventures ;)

This is me, visiting C.D. Bonner's booth
before he packed his stuff for the day

As the sun went down we helped eachother pack up our stuff and take down the tents. 


Then we went over to join all the other authors at the after party. I won't give you a blow by blow because "What happens at the after party STAYS at the after party." But, no one said anything about not sharing the evidence!

I havn't the foggiest what I was laughing at here

Had to catch a picture with my good friend C.D. Bonner
Before today I had only ever talked with him online
 and in Where Writers And Authors Meet lol

Jack- doing one of his impressions lol

This event is scheduled to be part of the book tour for the release of Visionary From The Stars and The Alien Mind

Rivi's Outfit- Almost Done!

Rivi's outfit- almost done!

WHEW! The sleeves are finally done! OH MY GOSH were they nerve wracking! They are by no means perfect, but its cosplay.

This will look so much better when it is ironed (there is NOT a seam running down the middle front, I promise) and when all the trim pieces are added on.

I'm debating on whether I should reveal the finished project online or whether I should make everyone wait to see it at the Novel Wine Tasting Arts and Literary Festival next Saturday. All those in favor of seeing it here on the blog as soon as I am finished- well... you better say so in the comments!

Some more good news this week. My publisher has given me clearance to start the book release tour again, Come on over to my friend Ali Lewis' blog on Monday to play a game for an extra entry into the Raffle!!

So to kick this tour off... How about a raffle!!!


You've probably noticed there is only one prize for right now- well, that's where you come in my dear friends. Get your friends to enter!

And- if you have something you would like to donate to the Raffle in exchange for a link of your choice to be added to the entry options feel free to head on over to the form on my book tour page and let me know! Your link could be to your facebook page- or maybe you'd just like some more comments on your blog! Would you like to pledge to help host me during my tour? You can pick your choices on that form as well!

At any rate, I really appreciate everyone's support! Remember... leave me a comment if you'd like to see the finished outfit before everyone else does!!


Also- if you'd really like to help- you could even share this photo!
Copy this link into the place where you upload your facebook cover if you'd like to help me get the word out by participating in the banner blast!

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15374693530_e1970b95b7_o.png

Seclusion- Five Sentence Fiction

The Island On The River by Larisa Koshkina

Originally started by Lillie McFerrin, this week I have picked my own picture and word to challenge myself with.

The challenge word for this one is Seclusion. Use the word and the picture as inspiration and write your own 5 sentence fiction. If you write it on your own blog I would LOVE to see it- or you could share it in the comments if you don't blog. I’d LOVE to see yours! Leave me the link to your 5 Sentence Fiction blog post in the comments!


Angela quietly set her bag in the center before climbing gingerly into the small boat being rocked by the gentle lapping waves of the river. Crouching low in the boat she kept and eye out for the river patrols while carefully rowing toward the portal island. The boat bottom ground into the island's shore and Angela spared one last glance at the sky decorated with its colorful haze before running into the woods. The aurora was almost over after which the portal wouldn't work for months. She was leaving behind all she knew, heading once more toward anonymity; her friends had deserted her, anonymity was her only friend now.

This is my way of hashing out a concept for The Sword Of The White Knight... I hope you enjoyed it.

I'd love to hear from you- please don't hesitate to comment!

The Poisoned Dagger- Five Sentence Fiction

Five Sentence Fiction - Potions -photo by Lillie McFerrin

This week's five sentence fiction IS directly from Lillie McFerrin's blog.

The challenge word for this one is Potions. Use the word and the picture as inspiration and write your own 5 sentence fiction. If you write it on your own blog I would LOVE to see it- or you could share it in the comments if you don't blog. I’d LOVE to see yours! Leave me the link to your 5 Sentence Fiction blog post in the comments!



Angela woke up in a strange bed, the smell of lavender and other various herbs surrounded her in a calming atmosphere just as every part of her body remembered that it wanted nothing more than to run from the pain that had taken over her body. She remembered Alexander's look of concern and then the cold indifference that swept across his face when she was forced to reveal her true identity to Grissom and his troops. She remembered the searing pain as Grissom's icy dagger had found its mark, and the burning as the poison leached from the blade into her blood.

She didn't know if Alexander would forgive her for hiding her identity from him, and that, she realized, would hurt her more than this poison ever would.

"I have to leave, its not safe for any of you while I am still here," Angela protested weakly while a lady firmly held her down with one hand and cauterized her wound with a fire blade.


This is a scene was inspired by my work in progress with The Sword Of The White Knight- this scene may not make it in but I figured I would share it anyhow.

Life Finds A Way- Five Sentence Fiction

Green Plant On The Iron Fence by George Hodan

 I'm getting back to doing some more 5 Sentence Fiction. Originally started by Lillie McFerrin, occasionally I find my own picture and am hit with inspiration to make it into a post on my own.

This is an older post from before my old website bit the dust. The challenge word for this one is Visitors. Use the word and the picture as inspiration and write your own 5 sentence fiction. If you write it on your own blog I would LOVE to see it- or you could share it in the comments if you don't blog. I’d LOVE to see yours! Leave me the link to your 5 Sentence Fiction blog post in the comments!

It had been a while since she’d been back to the place she once called home. Solemnly she stared at the deserted town where the herboviromenters could no longer coax plant life to grow; her people had all moved on. The Aruk had destroyed the very fabric of life on this planet; without plants, the Aunantet could no longer draw their energy from the life growing around them. Thinking about the lives, the traditions, and the way of life now lost brought tears to her eyes, and all because the Aruk couldn’t be satisfied. 

Pausing at the gate of what was once her Eni’s garden she was given a reason to smile again, hope had feebly woven its way up through the gate into the sunlight.

(Brought to you out of the future of The Alien Mind’s story line- this sequel has not yet been completed. Does that make me a Futurity Histographer? Ankh would be proud lol.)

Find The Alien Mind on Amazon!

Did you like this post? If so you might enjoy my book!

For adults and teens alike, it is truly a science fiction adventure for the whole family!

If you'd prefer an autographed copy straight from the author you can buy one here as well!
Autographed Copy:$13.00 + Shipping