Thursday, November 6, 2014

Expanding Your Brain With An Instrument

Guitar Sonata III
 photo credit: tamahaji via photopin cc

My post the other day was about the Mind vs. your Genes. Today I ran across a video that has shocked me and really made me reevaluate how I look at music!



 


I've always loved music. I taught myself how to read music and play the piano as a teen. I need to practice playing with two hands more, but I can play with my right-hand alright. My eldest, as you learned in my previous post, has a chromosomal deletion disorder called Di George syndrome. Due to this disorder the areas of visual, audio, and motor functions; short term and working memory;  Visual and auditory attention, are all functioning below where they should be. This is the way it is for MANY children affected with Di George syndrome!


However, if you exercise and stretch a weak muscle it gets stronger right? Low and behold, according to this video- the exact same areas that she is weakest in is the EXACT same areas -playing- a musical instrument works with! Take a look at the 'file system' in the video. She has that issue too! Many times she has learned something but just can't seem to find it in her head again. This is due to processing and recall issues.

Ok- so she's not going to be able to keep up with the faster music. She does ok with slower pieces but the time needed for her to read the note, process the information, and get it back down to her fingers (she plays the flute) is way to long for her to play faster pieces like marches.

Some tips we've been working with:

*Write the letter of all the notes above the actual notes- highlight key areas if you have to- this helps cut down on some of the processing time.

*Her math teacher suggested highlighting only certain notes within a song for her to concentrate on. The rest of the band will play the whole song but she only plays with them when her notes come up. This way she can still play but it lengthens the time between notes to give her a moment to process. (I am SO thankful for the teacher's suggestion on that one!)

*I've found it easier to cut out the "one and two and one and two" stuff- she doesn't get that. Instead, I clap out the beat and point to her on key notes when we are practicing.


This whole realization has been really encouraging to me- and I hope it is to you as well!

So- check the video out. If you have any instrument playing tips put them in the comments for us! And remember- Never stop exploring human potential, always reach for the stars!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Help Mouse Trap Crash The Super Bowl!

Video posted in an Iframe below ;)

Copyright Doritos

My hubby loves working with film shots. He found this contest online to create a Doritos commercial and the most voted will be aired during the superbowl. When he decided to film something to enter, who should he draft for his actors? Why me and our three yr old of course lolol. 


Come check it out - we are hoping it makes you laugh ;)

If you could... please vote and share everywhere you can! We appreciate all the help we can get!



Tonight's Meteor Shower Party!

RELEASE DAY! 
Click the picture to head to Amazon!


Well- actually it was released yesterday but I found out about it too late. Anyhow, you can now get your copy on Amazon at your earliest convenience!  This book also features illustrations by PDMI Publishing LLC's illustrator Matt Ostrum!

The release date was chosen for this week because November 5- 6 is the annual peak of the Taurids Meteor Shower. It is said to average about 5-10 meteors per hour. While you can catch a glimpse of this shower anytime from September to December the peak is the best time to see the most meteors.

Unfortunately, the moon will be full this week so you may have trouble seeing many of the smaller ones. The best viewing time will be just after midnight.


If you check out Myrtle Beach's WBTW's news website you can see that many people have reported seeing some pretty big meteors shooting across the sky from this shower!


*Who wants to sit outside with me tonight? I know you might not be able to make the trip to my own back yard but let me know in the comments if you will be watching, and then come back later and tell me how long you stayed out, and many you saw tonight! I'll do the same!*



Tuesday, November 4, 2014

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!

Monday, November 3, 2014

When Squirrels Go Nuts

Caption This - A Game!

Unsalted?
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:


Wednesday, October 29, 2014

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.
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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

Facebook covers3 copy

Friday, October 17, 2014

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


Facebook covers3 copy