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crawling over the jagged rocks of life past
they puncture my thickened skin
blood dribbles from my palms
releasing anguish deep inside
my knees bleed
sending despair from my body
blood pours out as the rocks cut deeper
disenfecting my soul
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As many of us around the world are in isolation, it feels very surreal to me. Even though I spend more time at home then most people, it still feels odd not to be able to freely move around my little neck-of-the-woods when I am able.
Thank goodness for the ability to connect with others through our beloved wifi. It is such a blessing to still feel close to those we are not able to spend time with.
But, I have to admit, I have always enjoyed receiving a real letter in the mail. There is something special knowing that someone took the time and energy to sit down and write out a note just for you.
So, if you feel this way too, please let me know. I would be thrilled to send you a letter, even if you live on the other side of the world. I don’t want people feeling isolated from real contact. I know a letter is not real contact but I feel it is a bit more personal than a text or a response on a post.
Please do NOT leave your address in the comment section but instead send me a message through my contact page. If you do not hear back from me in 48 hours, I did not receive you message and please try again.
Please know I care about each and everyone of you.
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I am super excited to kick off my 2020 book review series with, The Shadow Boxers – Fighting Fibromyalgia – Your Personal Journey by Kim Johnson & Karen Anderson. My goal is to review 6 books, all written by individuals living with chronic illness(es). If you are an writer and would like me to review your book, at my cost, please send me a message.
The Shadow Boxers was purchased from Amazon using personal funds and the review is completely my own.
My initial impression of the book is that I really liked the size. It is not too big or small and fit in my hands perfectly. This may seem like an unusual observation but I have purchased books that were just too small for my hands to hold easily and therefore caused pain or too big and akward to hold, again causing discomfort. The print is also a good size, making the words easy to read. Another bonus is the colors on the cover of the book are easy on the eyes creating another asthetic win.
Shadow Boxers covers all the basics of fibromyalgia, which I have to admit, although I thought I knew a lot about the illness, I still learned quite a bit. The authors’ used not only their stories, but stories of others, allowing us to take a peek into the life of those who live with fibromyalgia and how the illness can affect people in different ways.
But what I loved most about this book is that it is for you to write in. You are an active part of the book, the main character, and with that honor it is imperative that you do your part. Each chapter is followed by a one sentence prompt and it is a place for you to express your own thoughts and feelings, with enough space to write a rather lengthy commentary.
Although I did not write in the book, I did use the prompts to express my own thoughts and I found what I wrote to be quite insightful, I just substituted fibromyalgia for the main illness that I deal with. Active participation is a MUST to get the most out of this book……..it is meant to be written in, to explore your own feelings, to express your frustrations and your inner most thoughts. Once you have made your way through the book, it would be like having a productive counseling session and a whole lot cheaper.
Kim can be found blogging at I Tripped Over a Stone and I highly recommend you check her out………she is an amazing human being and force to be reckoned with!
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With 2020 just around the corner, I have been thinking about blog posts for next year. One of my goals, besides keeping the Living Our Best Life weekly questions, is to review at least 6 books that are written by an author who is chronically ill.
Not only do I know what it is like to live with multiple chronic illnesses, I also know how much work goes into writing and self-publishing a book and the enormous amount of effort it takes to promote your publications. So next year I would like to help out my fellow spoonies and promote their work.
If you would like me to do a review of your book, that I will purchase, please leave me a message in the comment section. The book does not have to be about illness, but the author must live with at least one chronic ailment.
I look forward to reading your work!
~ wendi is the author of 3 books that you can view here and all her books can be read FREE with KindleUnlimited
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I have finally compiled the list of all the wonderful authors who left a comment on my post, pubished?!. I would like to thank everyone who listed their work, and if you would like to be included, please leave your information in the comment section below, thank you.
I would also like to encourage you to take a moment to check out the authors’ offerings below and show some love and encouragement to your fellow WP bloggers. Some of their books may be able to be checked out at a library if you cannot afford it, and many of the books can be read for free on Amazon through KindleUnlimited . I am NOT an Amazon affliate, so I am not benefiting from this suggestion, but you can sign up for a free 30-day trial and read all the books you would like and then make sure to cancel your membership before the 30 days.
So without further ado, here are the authors:
A Voice From Iran by Laleh
Climbing Over Grit and can be found here
Healthy Living Books by Linda
I’ve published a few books. The most popular print books (updated and re-printed last year) are ‘ Growing Winter Food’ and ‘Herbs & Spices’ They’re both on Amazon –
Growing Winter Food – https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Winter-Food-harvest-produce/dp/1620083264/
Herbs & Spices – https://www.amazon.com/Self-Sufficiency-Information-Flavor-Enhancing-Perennials-Harvesting/dp/1504800583/
Rest Replenish Restore published by Summersdale in June this year. I’ve had some fabulous feedback from this book, including a gentleman who suffers with Parkinson’s and has expressed his love for the book and how it has helped him. Heart-warming when our work hits the right spot! https://summersdale.com/sd-book/rest-replenish-restore/
My book is The Shadow Boxers, Fighting Fibromyalgia, Your Personal Journal and can be found Here
Larry Walker
My name is Larry Walker. I self-published a book titled, Faithful to Complete It – Missionary Memoir. It can be found here
Photographic Impressionistic Illusionistic by Mark
I am self-published – A photographic essay- “Mission Trails, A Walk In The Park”
https://www.blurb.com/b/1113310-mission-trails-a-walk-in-the-park#
Also a selection of verses: “The Lord is My Shepherd”
https://www.blurb.com/b/1266264-the-lord-is-my-shepherd
Ryan Callahan’s Blog by Ryan
My book is called One Man’s Very Strange Supernatural Life. It is my testimony before God and man of the supernatural way I came to know Jesus and the supernatural life I have lived following Him.
Here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BTN3CHG
Stress Free Homeschooling by Laura
I have written a 31 day devotional expressly for homeschooling mothers, but it would benefit anyone that struggles with negative thinking or needs encouragement from the Lord! It is called Stress-free Homeschooling: 31 Days to a Healthier Way of Thinking, and is available as an ebook at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073X4WRSL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499977486&sr=8-1&keywords=laura+hum . If readers prefer a printed copy, they can contact me directly on my wordpress site, and I will ship one to them.
Powered by Hope, Positivity, and Optimism: Where Religion, Science, and Nature Converge.
IT SAYS OUT OF PRINT BUT IF YOU’D LIKE A COPY I CAN ASK EKRAM!
Wendi at SimplyChronicallyIll.com
I have written 2 books, Frugal Seeds Summer Edition and Frugal Seeds 501 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch A Dollar both include helpful ways to save money and can be found here.
Zoolon aka George
My book is called The Words & Thoughts of a Dyslexic Musician. It can be found here
~ If you find that any of this information is incorrect, would like it to be presented differently, or links are not available, please let me know. I have never complied a post with so much outside information and links before and there are bound to be mistakes. Thank you.
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Here is my question for all of you, have you ever published your work?
If you have a book that is available to purchase please leave it in the comments below and leave a link to where it can be purchased.
I know how much blood, sweat and tears goes into publishing and I want to provide another platform for you to get your work “seen.”
WordPress has such an amazing group of people and I know we all want to help each other and support each other to the best of our abilities.
PLEASE don’t be shy and PLEASE take a moment to look at the messages below to see what your fellow WP bloggers have been ups to. Thank you so very much!
~ wendi is the author of 2 books, you can view them here, thank you.
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If you would like to be encouraged in your frugal endeavors and receive money saving tips, please follow us on Instagram @thefrugalsource
~ I am the author, under the pen name Charlie Lee Austin, of Frugal Seeds 501 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar
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release all my thoughts
may my hand express the heart
let my words send love
Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
~ I am the author, under the pen name Charlie Lee Austin, of Frugal Seeds 501 Ways to Make, Save or Stretch a Dollar.
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there are days i want to run…….run so fast that my illnesses can’t keep up.
i will keep running until i can no longer feel them nipping at my heels, stalking me, tormenting me…….
trying to catch up and derail my goals, my dreams, my future
i will keep running until i am completely out of breath and i am so far out ahead that i can hide myself from the beasts and watch them move past me……….
i will turn around and joyfully limp back to my life………
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Thank you so very much Ana from momlifewithchiari for this tag, I am thrilled to be picked by such a dear person that I have come to call friend……and not just because we share a disorder. Please take a moment to go check out her blog.
1. What does your name mean?
I have always wanted a story to go along with my name, but alas, there is none. I am not named after anyone or any character, I guess my mom just liked the name and wanted it to be different from the original spelling and replaced the Y with an I.
But, according to the Urban Dictionary, Wendi means friend……….I’ll take that.
2. Are you scared of heights?
Oh my goodness, Yes!
3. What is your best physical feature?
I can smile through most pain and discomfort.
4. What is your favorite Music Genre?
I enjoy most types of music……..classical, 60s-present day, Indie, folk, ethnic, bluegrass, rock, and some heavy metal.
5. Are you a good cook?
I really can’t answer this question as cooking is something that I have never enjoyed doing……….my last post may give you a glimpse into whether or not you would think I am a good cook.
6. What is your favorite Ice-cream flavor?
Sugar is something that I work very hard at staying away from, but, if I had to pick one I would choose So Delicious dairy-free, coconut milk chocolate frozen dessert.
7. Do you have any allergies?
Yes, lots of them. Mostly foods and mold.
8. What is your favorite festival?
Pow-Wows. To find a Pow Wow taking place in your area click this link.
9. Which of your parents do you look like?
Great question, probably a combination of both with some grandparents’ features thrown in.
10. Who is your favorite Musician?
I would LOVE anyone who took the time to read this post to do this tag. If you choose this “challenge” I will be thrilled to put your link below……..just let me know and I will add it. Thank you so much!
Simply Chronically Ill 