POLITICAL THRILLER

Joe DeMarco, now this is a guy you come to love. I feel like I know him personally. He’s a guy that you can’t help but to like for when you need him he’ll come. Trouble seems to find him no fault of his own. Its drawn to him like a magnate. He doesn’t search for it; he doesn’t have to it is dropped right onto his lap and says “here I am”.
Joe was first introduced to me through a free e-book download The Inside Ring by Mike Lawson. My first impression of this guy is he’s not very smart. His father worked for the Mafia but his father protected him and didn’t want him to become part of the crime family.
Joe is somewhat street smart and to look at him you would not want to mess with him for he has an appearance of a Wise Guy. A good looking Italian with dark hair broad shoulders and great physique. But Joe’s looks precede him, he is kind, gentle, and loves his country. However, don’t let his looks fool you, he can take care of himself. He is an attorney but doesn’t practice law. Someone who knew someone got him a job at the Capital.
Joe looks into things. He is somewhat a negotiator, investigator, and a carrier. He does odd jobs for Congress. His boss is the Speaker of The House John Mahoney. And when John asks him to check into a situation he hesitantly does it with no questions asked, that is sometimes. No one knows who Joe works for; he doesn't appear to have a boss. He is lost in the paperwork in the accounting department with no direct link to any particular employer. No one checks it because his office is in the subbasement of the Capital building with no windows. An insignificant employee with a GS-13/14 pay rate and its directly deposited into his bank account. He lives in a moderate home in an average neighborhood and drives a Volvo. He is an insignificant employee! At least that is what everyone at Congress thinks.
Joe DeMarco’s first series opens with an attempted assassination to the President of the United States that goes array. General Andrew Banks, the Secretary of Homeland Security, had received a note that the President’s life was in danger and he didn’t do anything about it. He wasn’t sure if this was a hoax and/or if the Secret Service was aware of it. How could someone get so close to the President? And where were the Secret Service? It is their job to protect the President. In fact according to the video it looked as if the Secret Agent actually bowed low to let the bullet pass. It almost hits the President but instead it kills the writer Perry Montgomery. General Banks looking at the video is alarmed and does not know what to do so he calls the Speaker John Mahoney asking him to look into it as a favor but not to stir the pot. For this would look bad for General Banks and his Homeland Security team! So the Speaker calls Joe and wants him to check if the Secret Service were aware of this assassination attempt and what did they do about it. Just do some snooping no big deal…
Joe thinks that this is way out of his league. He investigates little stuff minor things not assassinations especially towards the President. That’s FBI matter and for him to begin snooping could get him into a lot of trouble even killed. Those politicians who don’t like the Speaker will begin to snoop and will find out that he’s on no one’s payroll. He could lose his job and where could he get a job? He’s the son of Mafioso, even though his father is dead by the hands of another organized family member, he’s  potential employers would frown at the thought. And he would not work for organized crime it’s too dangerous.
Joe finds himself in a middle of a cover up beyond his dreams and needs to seek the help from the mysterious Emma. Emma had worked for the government and though retired she is gone out of town for long periods of time. Emma knows a lot of influential people and some scary characters. And Joe knew from the early start of their relationship not to ask questions. He wasn’t interested in beginning a relationship with Emma for she is gay and has a partner. However, when Joe finds himself in a situation he can not control or dangerous he searches for Emma. Emma KNOWS people!!!
Joe’s life is never the same. His life is in danger getting way over his head and people are trying to kill him. Agency’s like the FBI, CIA, Homeland Security, and Secret Service do not like outsiders snooping into their affairs especially a punk like Joe DeMarco. But the Speaker pushes Joe and wants him to find out what is going on!!!!
Note: This is a great beginning to this series and each series gets better as you get to know this great character Joe DeMarco. 

The Inside Ring

212 A Novel by Alafair Burke

Tanya Abbott is a witness to a shooting. Detectives Ellie Hatcher and J.J. Rogan are asked to investigate. New York City is the venue and it’s described in much detail with its smells and sounds. There’s an escort service with unique clientele that includes a Judge and a high financier by the name of Sparks. The story slowly unfolds with everyone looking for Tanya the mystery woman who knows too much. Bodies are beginning to drop and Detective Hatcher is convinced Sparks is behind these murders. Ellie has a personal interest in this case.
Heather’s roommate Megan is brutally murdered and Detective Hatcher suspects Heather. After all, who else would have known the roommates personal life? Heathers’ life was detailed in a website for college students. And the details became graphic and threatened death. Megan’s parents sought help by the local police but there was nothing they could do; the postings were anonymous and the IP address untraceable. The police told them that this happens all the time but nothing serious really happens. The parents are not convinced and feared for their daughters life. But it arrives too late. Megan is murdered and Heather was attacked by the same killer. Or was she? Could she have committed the murder herself? Detective Hatcher soon finds out who Heather really is but now she too has gone missing.
Katie is a real estate agent who had a successful real estate agency. But since the  real estate market has spiraled down she finds herself in a predicament like everyone else in that type of business she needs to make money. Katie had become accustomed to her lifestyle, and her mother was in a nursing home. Expenses are very high! Escort service why not money is good and her clientele are prestigious business men or politicians. But now Katie is murdered and Detective Hatcher wants to know why.
Robert Robo Mancini, Sparks bodyguard is murdered at Sparks’ Penthouse suite at 212 Lafayette in Manhattan. Detective Hatcher questions Sam Sparks and has him handcuffed for contaminating a crime scene. However, when Detective Hatcher appears in front of Judge Bandon she is thrown in jail for contempt. How is Judge Bandon tied to this case and what is his interest in Sam Sparks?
Judge Bandon wants a Federal Judicial position. He has worked hard to get there and is determined that nothing is going to get in his way not even Detective Ellie Hatcher!
Sam Sparks is a real estate billionaire. He has connections in high places and is not going to allow a detective to spoil his plans.
Detectives Ellie Hatcher and J.J. Rogan are trying to put all these pieces together. Time is running out for Tanya Abbott. New York City is a big place and lots of places to hide. The Detectives find themselves running around New York City looking for answers. Even their boss Lieutenant Robin Tucker has come under their scrutiny.
Author Alafair Burke brings to light interesting subjects. The Craig Lists murder, a recent political scandal in New York City, and the websites that are used to harass college students.

Note: This is my first book from this author, though I found it somewhat lengthy with details it is a good mystery with twists and turns.

212 A Novel by Alafair Burke

Mystery Novels

How many of us really enjoy reading a good mystery novel? Ones that have you guessing; keeping you at the edge of your seat? A novel is like a road map leading you the way and on the way you come across obstacles that must be encountered for there is no way around it. These obstacles must be chipped away or blown wide open for someone's life depends on it.
To find a good novel you rely on recommendations by readers. One persons’ choice may not be yours but you figure oh well I will try it anyway…sometimes it pays and others times you think what??????
I've come across novels that I couldn’t even get into due to the long winded beginning of the storyboard; and you begin to wonder where is this author heading and what does it have to do with the murder committed? Those are the ones I find long drawn with too much information of each character and you wonder if this is going to get any better. So you continue to read and hope that the author hurries up and gets to the task at hand as to “who done it”.
Then there are authors who give so much detail of a person’s back ground describing on how the character’s roots (coming from a dark place ) made them who they are today…well some is ok…but some authors just go way overboard…you begin to lose interest and lay the book down…aghhhh…While others give too much historical and/or geographical descriptions that now you're really lost and lose all interest in the book which you just purchased by download and you can’t return….
Ah but a good author knows when to bring the characters to life…you feel like you're actually watching a movie…or one of those CSI or law enforcement series…or an Agatha Christi movie..visualizing which actor would be good for the part if it was made into a movie…
..hmmmm “”Rufus Sewell”” yummy!!!
I have found those type of authors like Alan Jacobson, Mike Lawson, Lori G. Armstrong, John Lawton, to name a few, very interesting. Some of these authors have created a character and write series of that same character. This character now has become real to you. You know how that person thinks and feels…now that’s a good novel…
Other mystery novels are filled with real history mixed with fiction and you wonder hmmmm is this all true? It even causes you to do some research to check for its’ accuracy and surprisingly you actually learn real history….now that’s funny…realizing they never taught you that in school…
These are the kind of mystery novels that are worth reading…some I will be sharing  with you and if you have any to share please do so….be nice lets not get graphic…
NOTE: I have to the right deny and remove posts that I find questionable…this is for fun to give us another place to share book reading….so lets have some fun….it doesn’t have to be mystery novels it can be any book you have enjoyed reading and want to share…thank you

Amazon.com: Gonzalo Amoedo Lopez: Books

I saw this book entitled Episodios de Terror by Gonzalo Amoedo Lopez on tonight's episode of “Who Do You Think You Are?”..I was intrigued of the names contained in its contents of the prisoners during the civil war in Spain..I’m curious to look into it for thousands of men and women were incarcerated because they opposed General Francisco Franco and his military forces…making him a powerful dictator for 40 years…as we are from Spain, I would like to check if my ancestors’ names are among those incarcerated..
Amazon.com: Gonzalo Amoedo Lopez: Books

Flying High

Here is your Friday story,
Winning Choices
(excerpt from an incredible new book “Flying High” by Calvin LeHew & Stowe Dailey Shockey)


I wanted a miracle. Now. Where was it? The truth was becoming painfully clear. I was not getting better. In fact, I was in bed for most of every day. The only times I left the house anymore were Monday mornings to meet with Calvin. My daily two-mile walks, a twenty-year routine, were no more. No more aerobics. No more weight lifting. Now I struggled just to sit in a chair. Lying down wasn’t much better. And to top it all off, I had—under much protest—begun taking pain medicine.

Not surprisingly, I was also dealing with depression. I had tried everything, short of surgery, to bring about my healing. Yet here I was, getting worse by the day. Prayer, special diets, vibrational medicine, a plethora of pills, healers, hypnosis, flower essences, chemo, radiation, and positive thinking. Where had all of this gotten me?

I was losing hope. Who was I to think I could co-author a book on positive thinking? I was losing sight of everything, slipping into an abyss of pain. Up until recently, writing this book had been inspirational to me. Now, it was a burden. What was I going to do?

I stared down at Calvin’s cassette tape on the coffee table in my sunroom. Winning Choices. It seemed to be mocking me. But since it was easier for me to transcribe a seminar than to write something new, I pushed the old cassette into the player. I needed some words of encouragement.

“I want to talk about conscious awareness,” he began. “The definition of awareness is, ‘The degree of clarity to which we perceive both consciously and unconsciously all the things that affect our lives.’ “I used to ask myself, why aren’t more people trying to get ahead and achieve more things? I think the answer is because they aren’t consciously aware of the many things that affect their lives, and the many choices they have under their own control. They would rather stay in their familiar comfort zone.

“I’ve come to believe that it’s okay for people to stay in their comfort zone . . . if they want to. Those people are either happy where they are, or they don’t know or believe these principles about conscious choices.

“Here’s something else that bothered me for a long time: Why didn’t God build us with total conscious awareness to begin with? The answer is: We had to have total freedom to discover these things on our own, or we wouldn’t be free. It couldn’t have happened if we weren’t free to fall down and be hurt. To be bored enough to learn new things. Or to take risks by faith and then succeed. What is faith without freedom to choose? The answer is in the Bible. And, by the way, the principles I live by are all in the Bible.

“Making choices is the key after becoming aware. Being aware of our choices. The choices you make—either consciously or unconsciously—are affecting your life. You are responsible for the choices you make. From the clothes you wear, to the dollars in your bank account, to your job, to where you live—these are all the result of choices you’ve made. You are either happy or sad because you choose to be.

“I chose the name Choices for our restaurant because of this, not because of the variety of foods . . . it was because of the importance of this concept. We have literally hundreds and thousands of choices every day, and most people don’t even realize it.

“Most of us are content to stay in our comfort zones . . . we get stuck there. Part of the reason for this has to do with fear. It’s scary to get out of your comfort zone. You’ve probably heard of people who stay in abusive marriages because they’re afraid to change their situation—even though they don’t like it, it’s familiar.

“I understand this. I get comfortable too. But when I become aware of it, I try to pioneer out so I can experience something new.

“So many folks are unconscious of the fact they are stuck in habits, customs, old beliefs . . . How much of what we do is based on these routines? I’m not saying traditions are bad . . . Rituals are great, if we don’t forget the meaning behind them. Christmas is great, as long as we don’t forget why we celebrate it. But the routine of worrying—that’s a destructive habit. Think about people you’ve known—maybe even yourself—unaware that doubt and worry control your life. Most of the time we’re not even aware that we’re unaware! We’re oblivious to the fact that we have choices. But as your awareness increases, you become conscious that you are choosing where you are going.

“As I increase my awareness I begin to see, ‘Gosh, I did allow that to happen to me. I did create that problem.’ And I realize I am responsible for my situation . . . responsible for my actions. Responsible for the opportunities I didn’t take advantage of. Responsible for the things I did and said.

I stared at the tape player and shifted in my chair.

“There was a time at Carter’s Court when I almost lost everything. I got into alcohol—Jack Daniels. I started drinking around 5 o’clock in the evening. And it was all because I had fear. I almost gave up. Over the years I survived several plane crashes; I nearly cut my leg off with a chain saw. And I don’t think these were accidents. I believe, on some level, that when we start giving up, we self-destruct. That’s what I was doing. In many ways we create our own sickness . . .

“But, thank God, we have choices. And with that knowledge we can create the life we want. As children, our parents and teachers—the adults in our lives—make most decisions for us. We don’t have much to say about what happens. When we grow up though, we become responsible for our own lives. Yet many of us still continue to let other people or circumstances make decisions for us, either consciously or unconsciously.

“Hopefully, what you’ll get out of this message today is to start consciously choosing your life the way you want it. No doubt, most of us are in a comfort zone, but it’s a great day to begin consciously making choices.”

I clicked off the tape. I needed that reminder—I’m in control of my own choices. I’d made so many about my health over the last year and a half. Some good. Some not so good. Some were made from a place of love. Some from a place of fear. I could see that the choices made from fear—fear of surgery, for instance—were the reason for the shape I was in now.

Maybe, on some level, I was—like Calvin suggested—“giving up.” He talked about “self-destructing.” That made sense. But that thing he said about “creating our own sicknesses” had me puzzled.

I could understand how a person might choose to abuse their body by drinking too much alcohol or overeating. That kind of lifestyle could eventually lead to sickness or even death. And a person engaging in risky activities is also upping the ante that they’ll be injured or killed. And those high-stress jobs some people have? Yes, they could certainly cause a heart attack.

I’ve known financially strapped men who made comments about having a heart attack, saying their families would be better off with the money from their life insurance policy. Maybe they were, on some level, either consciously or unconsciously, bringing that fate on themselves.

But did I really choose to have cancer? That was a hard one for me to buy into. Perhaps it was the result of past choices . . . who can say? But one thing was becoming clear: It was entirely up to me to decide how I would choose to—or not to—treat the cancer growing in me.
Calvin LeHew and Stowe Dailey Shockey
To get the full story you will want to read all of this incredible new book. Take a moment and click here to get your copy and get more information on these two authors.
Naomi Judd - Five time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter had this to say about Flying High: A True Story of Shared Inspiration. "If you are struggling with adversity of any kind, whether sickness, financial, or just trying to figure out your purpose in this world, there's something precious in this story for you - a powerful dose of inspiration that will encourage you along your own journey... Flying High will put a song in your heart and take you soaring."

Sent to you as a courtesy of:
Bob Proctor
Do you want to make 2012 your best year ever?
Let me show you how to make that happen.
I can coach you for the entire year.
Go here to get all the details:http://bobproctor.com/iotd-becoachedbybob#

THE LAST FOUR MONTHS

The last four months have caused a change in my life or should I say “a shift in my life.” The circumstances that changed my life were an eye opener not only to my present life but also to the future. How do you describe the events that cause such a shift in one’s life? A shift that is unexpected that takes you completely by surprise, an unexpected turn of events that you don’t prepare yourself to take on. It happens to others sure and you deal with it; but when it happens to you it’s an all together different feeling.

I felt angry and hurt more emotional than physical. My life on this earth could have ended in a blink of an eye for I had no idea how close I came to losing it. However, my emotional state was causing havoc.  Then something in me snapped! I was angry at the other person who caused the accident for her stupidity. I was angry at myself for not listening to my inner voice.  What do I do now? What is my life going to be like? Will I be able to be myself again? Will I be able to sit in the park or the beach, admire, and listen to God’s creations? I needed encouragement and help from others. I knew I could not deal with this alone. My inner voice was screaming for help. And help came!

Unaware of their feelings, the first to respond with a smile and a kiss was my son Angel and friend Kim (they stood by me the first critical hours.) Followed by my dear niece Silvia who shook me to realization and brought me back from the cave where I was hiding. Her words were soft but potent “you’re alive be grateful.”  Then family and friends came giving me words of encouragement.

When a person hurts deep inside from emotions and pain it is hard to bring yourself back to reality and face life again as you once knew it. It doesn’t matter how many positive books you read or how many positive affirmations you recite. If you don’t feel it, you will not come out of your cave. Feelings of fear that are so deeply rooted you have to pull and tug with all your might to get them to come out,  feelings of loneliness that seems to tear into your heart ripping it apart, and feelings of despair. But how do you begin and where do you start?

Family and friends surround yourself with those who love you. I had no idea how much I was loved!! The turning point for me was when my daughter Nidia came down from New Jersey and brought me my first grandson who was born the same week of my auto accident. The surprise visit of her and her family almost cause me to jump out of bed…Jim (my son-in-law) stretched his hand out to stop me. My eyes filled with tears as I saw Jim standing there with Julia followed by Nidia and Bradley.  Though their visit was short it inspired me to live! Watching my son with a large grin on his face and my daughters I knew I was home (metaphorically) again.  Children bring you such great joy and young ones with their innocence and full of life mentality fills your heart with love. I began to feel loved and alive. I knew then I must become strong and feel my body healing itself.

I became determined to fight this battle and not allow the physical to hinder my feelings. I will win this fight! And that I am doing! I am progressing daily and getting stronger. I feel my affirmations with love. What life has in store for me I don’t know; nor do I worry about it.  I have learned to release and let it go. I now cite my affirmations with deep feelings; the once that comes from the center of your body.  I continue to fill my mind with good inspirational literature, watch shows that make me laugh; surround myself with family and friends who inspire me. Stay in touch with my friends from across the pond and around the world through Facebook. Though some I may not have met personally, their words of encouragement and affirmations continue to inspire me.

In my reading I came across many affirmations that inspire me and I would like to share some of those now:

·         I love myself and I forgive myself

·         I deserved to be healed

·         I am worthy of being healed

·         My body knows how to heal itself

·         My healthy cells grow stronger everyday

·         I love life and Life loves me

·         All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this situation only good will come. I am safe.*

These affirmations were extracted from Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson’s new book You Can Create an Exceptional Life, 2011

I continue to read many books for I love reading anyway; and I share the new things learned with my family and friends. Authors that I admire and continue to inspire me are: Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, Mike Dooley, Louise Hay, John Assaraf, James Arthur Ray, and so many others that are too numerous to mention.  However, you will find many of these authors in the book from Rhonda Byrne The Secret, 2007

I have never forgotten God in this transformation and never questioned or blamed him. I know he is always there and loves me unconditionally.  And I am truly grateful to see life through different eyes those of love for all his creatures no matter how large or small. I take the time to breathe the air, listen to the songs of birds, and feel the breeze.

And the times when sadness creeps in, I quickly change my thinking! And if I even look sad, I have Silvia there to bring me back reminding me all the good things to be grateful for and we begin to recite affirmations or discuss the new book we may be reading at the time. We are not alone in this world look around and open your eyes You Are Loved!

*Note: There are many affirmations we can use; just make sure they are cited with feeling. Use the ones that will work for you. For after all we are different souls but one thing we have in common and that is LOVE!!!!! I Love You.

Are You of Good Character?

Character is accurately reflected in one’s mental attitude.


Without a strong foundation built on positive character traits, success will not long endure. It is virtually impossible to fake good character. Phonies are quickly spotted because they haven't the substance and determination to maintain the charade. Developing good character begins with a positive attitude. Your desire to be a good, decent, honest, considerate person must first take place in your mind. When you make the decision to become a person of character, you will also find that you are much more willing to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.- Napoleon Hill