Welcome to the Weekend With... L. Diane Wolfe

This week we are going to welcome the weekend with not only a great author and speaker but my dear friend. Many of you haved followed her previous tours and follow her blog, Spunk on a Stick Tips. Interviewing someone so loved and popular could be a little tricky... all the normal questions have already been answered at one time or another. So today, I have tried to think outside the box and give you some different insights into our fabulous feisty redhead at this stop on her Heather, Circle of Friends Book V tour.

What motivated you to write the Circle of Friends series?

I’d wanted to be an author since I was thirteen. I never envisioned this series to be my first fiction effort, but after a brief dream about Lori, I felt compelled to tell her story. Before I finished, I had outlines for four more books.

I believe everyone is capable of achieving his or her dreams. Through the struggles of my characters, I show that it is possible to overcome any challenge and accomplish one’s goals. One reviewer called this series “Encouragement personified” and I like that assessment!

Of all the characters in the five books, which character embodies you the most?
Oh my goodness, Sarah!!!

I strive to be a Lori, as she’s so positive and optimistic. However, under all this ‘spunk’ is a Sarah - an adventurous tomboy struggling with her self-esteem.

Your characters have been on a journey through the five books. Tell us about your journey as a writer with each successive book?
Things I wish I knew when writing Book I? LOL My skills as a writer have improved tremendously with each book. I’ve learned so much from other authors as well, reading up on writing tips at every opportunity. I’ve learned how to compact and focus more on conflict. I certainly learned a lot from the last book! Heather was NOT my favorite character and she kicked my butt throughout the entire writing process. Ironically, I think this resulted in the strongest of the stories…

As a reader, I felt your growth as an author with each progressive book. What advice would you offer to a new author who is embarking on a series?
Create a timeline! Especially if any of the books will overlap. An outline is essential for each book, but a timeline will prevent inconsistencies. Remember that characters, like people, will grow over time. It’s not just the changes during the course of one book - think about the growth from one book to another. And trying to juggle too many characters at once will only confuse the reader. Focus on one or two main characters per book.

With Heather being the final book in your series, what is next for you?
A break???

Next, I will tackle a teen version of my non-fiction book, Overcoming Obstacles with SPUNK! There are so many issues specific to young adults. And at that age, more than ever, they need encouragement!

My next fiction project is an anthology of stories - a mixture of urban fantasy, horror, and sci-fi.


When did you first get into photography?
I got my first camera when I was twelve - a 110. Remember those? After that I was hooked, and I took photography in high school and worked on the yearbook staff.

A few years after high school, I started working in the photo dept. of a contracting company. Soon after I started taking photos professionally and maintained my own darkroom for years.

Other than your fabulously photogenic furries, what is your favorite thing to photograph and why?
I love taking pictures of my cats! I have more photos of Calvin & Hobbes and Rocko & Spunky than most people do of their kids.

I finally found my niche with close up shots. I love getting up close to a subject and shooting it in a way as to reveal something new about the object. I really have a thing for water, too. Oh, and B&W is my favorite! I love shapes, textures, and patterns.

What camera do you usually use/How many cameras do you have/Do you have a dream camera you would love to own?
I have four Nikons - an 8008 and D50 SLR and two CoolPix point & shoots. The D50 is the one I use most of the time, although when traveling, it’s the newest CoolPix. I’m hoping to upgrade my digital to a Nikon D300 by the end of the year.

I read in one of your older posts that you had taken pictures while driving to your hubby's dismay. Do you always have a camera with you and do you really take pictures as you are driving?
Yeah, I do that! At 80 mph down I-95, too. Hey, I see a gorgeous scene or sunset, I HAVE to take a photo! It’s in my blood.

And yes, I always have one if not both point & shoots with me when I travel.

I love that we share a love for dragons. If you were a dragon, what would your name be and what would you look like?
Woo-hoo! Yes, we do love our dragons, don’t we?

My favorite series is Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern, so I’d want to be one of those dragons. My name would be Renth and I would be white, like McCaffrey’s Ruth - only I’d be the size of a bronze!

I know you love roller coasters. Describe for us your first experience with a roller coaster and why you still love them so much. Is there a roller coaster that you have yet to ride that you want to?
I rode my first tiny coaster as a teen, but I didn’t ride again until I was about 30. It was a small wooden coaster and it scared the crap out of me! I didn’t think I would ever like roller coasters, but a few years later, my husband took me to Busch Gardens. After the initial panic, I decided I liked the rush - and that was all she wrote!

I guess it’s because I would LOVE to fly on my own wings. Steel coasters are my favorite - smooth, gliding, and occasionally looping. I love the loops, too. I have no sense of balance, but when I ride a looping coaster, my equilibrium realigns. (Weird, huh?)

My two dream coasters-
The Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan (318 feet tall and the world’s longest steel coaster)

The Dragon Khan at Port Adventura in Spain (a B&M coaster with eight beautiful loops)

If you were transported into a book, which book would you want it to be? Describe the character you would portray (it can be a character already in the book or a new character that would fit in).
Well, I’d still like to be Renth the white dragon! And my rider would be the Weyrleader. (Well, with a name like Renth, I’d be a male dragon!)

Otherwise, a Hobbit character opposite Pippin from LOTR would be a blast! He’s all about the fun. And since Pippin was kinda cute, I’d want to be a girl Hobbit!

You’ve been a foster mom. How did that come about and how has it changed you as a person?
My husband and I didn’t want to have children of our own, but we considered adopting one. That led to four years as a foster parent and most of the kids were teens.

Dealing with those teens touched upon some personal issues of my own and helped me deal with them. It also made me realize how little it takes to really mess a kid up for life! It fueled my desire to let teens know that they CAN overcome their struggles, no matter what the circumstances.

You are an inspiration and a great motivator to many people. Who motivates you? What do you do when you are feeling defeated to build yourself back up? What words of wisdom would you share with the youth of today?
Aw, thank you, CC! The people I meet on my journey motivate me - appreciation from fans of my books, thanks from those who hear me speak, and kind words from fellow authors and speakers. My husband motivates me. He’s my biggest cheerleader! And I am motivated by God. I’ll never be a missionary or a prayer warrior, but I CAN encourage and inspire - THIS is what I can do to glorify God’s love. And that is what I share with young people - find YOUR path and realize you are capable.

If you could return for one year to one age in your life, knowing what you now know, to relive the year as you wish, which year would you return to and why?
No, you can’t make me go back!!

Maybe to when I first moved to North Carolina. My self-esteem was so low at that point, I’d want to go back and let myself know that I was a worthy person. Then again, if I hadn’t struggled, would I be where I am today…?

Thanks so much, CC!!!

Diane... thank you for making me one of your stops on this blog tour and being a great inspiration!

Readers be sure to check out her Circle of Friends books available directly at Dancing Lemur Press or on Amazon or Barnes & Nobles.

And her various websites:

http://www.thecircleoffriends.net/

 http://www.spunkonastick.net/

 http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com/

More on her latest book, Heather:
The Circle of Friends, Book V...Heather By L. Diane Wolfe

When confidence turns to frustration…
A new beginning awaits Heather Jennings. The position at Clemson means she will finally realize her dream of coaching basketball. Heather is ready to focus on her duties, using sheer force if necessary to prove her independence.

Sadly, her triumph is hampered as her father and greatest advocate lies dying of cancer. Battling her grief, she must also deal with a sister who appears incapable of responsibility or achievement. And once basketball season begins, a talented but cocky player who resembles her in every manner challenges all that remains of Heather’s patience.

Heather’s life changes when she encounters a man capable of handling her bold and feisty attitude. Straightforward and smug, he entices her to date him, and despite his gruff nature shows a great capacity for compassion. However, the last thing Heather needs is a serious relationship with a man equally fixated on work and opposed to marriage…


Release date: March 16, 2010, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. 
$19.95 USA, 6x9 Trade paperback, 282 pages, Fiction/YA
ISBN 978-0-9816210-5-0 / 0-9816210-5-8
Winner of FlamingNet Reviews’ TOP CHOICE Award - a perfect 10

The Circle of Friends by L. Diane Wolfe

L. Diane Wolfe has written a five book series of young adult books that chronicles a group of friends as they transition into adulthood. This series has some powerful messages for the youth of today. As a reader many years removed from this demographic, what I love most about these books is that they transported me back to that time in my own life.

Book I – Lori-

Lori is the first book in the Circle of Friends series. It introduces us to a group of high school students as they meet, mature and deal with what life can through at someone. The story of this book centers around Lori, a shy smart young woman determined to win a gold medal in swimming at the Olympics. Over the course of the book we see her face challenges, make new friends, struggle with existing ones and fall in love, all while never compromising her dream.

Book II – Sarah-
As the second book in the series, Sarah picks up in the middle of Lori’s timeframe. The reader gets to experience the events that overlap from another point of view, Sarah’s. Wolfe does an excellent job of repeating events without the story seeming repetitive. As we get inside Sarah’s head, we watch events unfold in a fresh new way. We understand more about the outgoing best friend we only got a glimpse of in Book I. In Sarah, we see the depth behind her personality and we get to watch her grow through her college years and her relationship with Matt.

Book III – James-
James has had a rough life, as we found out in Book I. In this book, we learn more about his brutal childhood. Not only does James have esteem issues to overcome, but he always seems to pick the wrong girl. We watch him struggle with himself, have his heart trampled then find strength in his friends and a devoted wife. But Wolfe doesn’t write sappy clichéd books, this couple will still face ongoing struggles, and we will watch then face those and not let the weight of their burdens bring them down.

Book IV – Mike-
Mike is a young man who is the picture of stability… on the outside. On the inside, he is struggling with doubts and guilt. Like so many of us in real life, Mike struggles with self-condemnation. He keeps a part of himself locked up because of his fear of rejection. Through the course of the book we will see is he is able to overcome these fears to truly let others in.

Book V – Heather-
We first met Heather in Book I and from the beginning she has been a force and for me, a favorite character. She never gives up no matter what life throws at her. Through her triumphs and struggles, she never loses who she is. It is a joy to watch her grow from Book I into the incredible woman she becomes in Book V. Her journey is not always easy, her determination never falters.



From the beginning, L. Diane Wolfe has given us realistic characters in compelling stories. The Circle of Friends Series is written in such a way as to make the reader a fly on the wall in the lives of these young adults. If you have teens in your life, these are excellent books for them to read. If you are past that stage but want something to send you back to memory lane or just want good uplifting dramas without the melodrama, then definitely pick up this series.

Books I-IV were purchased.
Heather, Book V was provided by the author.

Be sure to stop back here tomorrow for an interview with L. Diane Wolfe.

Around Town... Aqua Fedora

Before Aqua Fedora moved into the this small nook in our historic downtown, it was the home of 008, a trendy but over- boutique that mainly catered to the college students and the local TV actresses. Mere mortals like myself, try not to overpay that much for the items we wear, so as much as I liked the previous owner (who were exceptionally nice), I never shopped there. Luckily the new owners realize that the average buyer is looking for something reasonably priced as well as stylish. Aqua Fedora has a trendy feel, but the items they sell aren’t the latest fads even if they are displayed in such a way as to appeal to that type of shopper. (Yes, Virginia, you can look trendy without buying items that will be out of style before you cut the tags off.)

They have a lot of separates, again reasonably priced so that you can mix and match to create an unforgettable look without breaking the bank. Many of the pieces are classically cut which makes them items you can keep in your wardrobe for many years to come. At the same time, they carry unique items that you won’t see anywhere else. Like a fabulous flower ribbon necklace (see display in top picture) that would have sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw ripping it off the mannequin.

The store also has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere that, with the construction down the street, makes it a welcome oasis. If you don’t live in Wilmington be sure to check them out online. You won’t find the fabulous necklace mentioned above but you can order many of their items online.

Raven’s Ladder by Jeffrey Overstreet /Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black Blog Tour

Raven’s Ladder:
Following the beacon of Auralia’s colors and the footsteps of a mysterious dream-creature, King Cal-raven has discovered a destination for his weary crowd of refugees. It’s a city only imagined in legendary tales. And it gives him hope to establish New Abascar.

But when Cal-raven is waylaid by fortune hunters, his people become vulnerable to a danger more powerful than the prowling beastmen––House Bel Amica. In this oceanside kingdom of wealth, enchantment, and beauty, deceitful Seers are all too eager to ensnare House Abascar’s wandering throng.

Even worse, the Bel Amicans have discovered Auralia’s colors, and are twisting a language of faith into a lie of corruption and control.

If there is any hope for the people of Abascar, it lies in the courage of Cyndere, daughter of Bel Amica’s queen; the strength of Jordam the beastman; and the fiery gifts of the ale boy, who is devising a rescue for prisoners of the savage Cent Regus beastmen.

As his faith suffers one devastating blow after another, Cal-raven’s journey is a perilous climb from despair to a faint gleam of hope––the vision he sees in Auralia’s colors.

Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue:
Determined, smart and a master of both the sword and the bow, Lady Carliss has proven herself as a veteran Knight of the Prince. Returning from a mission of aid, Carliss is plunged into adventure once again as she searches for the marauders responsible for kidnapping a friends’ family. Along the way she is reunited with Sir Dalton and discovers that the struggle in her heart is far from over. When Dalton falls to the vicious attack of a mysterious, poisonous creature, Carliss finds herself in a race against time. As Dalton clings perilously to life, she must find the antidote in the distant and strange city of Moorue .

While there, Carliss uncovers the master plot of a powerful Shadow Warrior that will soon overtake the entire Kingdom. Her faith in the Prince and her courage as a knight are tested as she faces evil Shadow Warriors and a swamp full of dreadful creatures. The lives of many, including Dalton ’s, depend on Carliss. But she cannot save them all, for time is running out. She faces an impossible choice: save Dalton , or let him die so that others may live.


This information provided by Water Brook Multnomah Publishing. I have not received or read these books but they sound interesting.

Ember in Wrilogonzia, Episode 10

In a moment of panic, Ember struggled against the vines until one of the leaves whispered into her ear, “Be calm or the Shahinian will hear you.”

“Ember, What are we doing hanging by our feet up in the tree tops!? Oh, I think I'm getting a headache!” Ember glanced over at Tami and realized that she had heard the voice in her head, because Tami’s mouth was covered as well.

At first she tried to speak aloud and then realized her own mouth was still covered. “I think the… trees are trying to help us from something called the Shahinian” she thought to Tami. She heard Tami gasp in her mind as she heard scuffling below them.

“Those are the shifters the Queen and Arial warned me about. They are below us.”

“Why are these tree thingies hiding us from them and how can we hear each other’s thoughts and where is Perhluna?”

“Whoa, slow down. One questions at a time,” Tami thought to her. “Perhluna vanished into thin air right after he woke me by shoving a berry in my mouth. Did you eat the berries? I think that is why we can hear each other’s thoughts. You have to be careful what you eat in faerie realm. I’m not really sure what the Shahinian are exactly. Arial referred to them as shape-shifters and said they are dangerous to our kind.”

“That sounds like Perh. First sign of trouble and he does his disappearing act. I did eat the berries. They were delicious and I think it’s a good thing we ate them since we can’t speak out loud. What do we do now we can’t stay like this forever.”

Below them on the forest floor the dark shuffling forms were beginning to take shape. They seemed to grow right out of the ground and underbrush. They had a humanoid form that was stooped. Their mucky brownish skin appeared to be covered with a mixture of hair, leaves, mud and debris. Almost like a walking bird’s nest with a face. The faces were very flat and dark making their eyes seem enormous. Looking at them made Ember blink and that is when she realized they didn’t seem to have eyelids but above their eyes where eyebrows should have been they had what looked like small trees growing out of their foreheads. Their ears reminded her of a bat and seemed to move in direction of sound. Because of the darkness on the forest floor it was hard to tell how many were below them. Ember had a hard time seeing them as dangerous because they looked so sad.

Suddenly the leaves got denser and blocked the creatures from view. Tami & Ember looked at each other but before they could say anything the leaves around them began chattering. If they weren’t in the midst of all the leaves it might have sounded like wind rustling them, but this close, they could make out distinct faint voices. One of the leaves close to them began to speak to them directly.

“You must remain silent, the Shahinian must not know you are here. It will be very bad if they catch you.”

“What are they? What do they want with us?” Ember asked.

“ The Shahinian are cursed. They have lost souls and are unable to feel. They live in the swamps of the dark forest and only venture out to steal the souls of other so they can experience what it is like to feel again. You are human, therefore the most prized to them. Your life force is like a beacon that draws them out. If they catch you they will steal your souls and you will become one of them and be trapped here forever. Only the Dryad races are immune to them, which is why we are hiding you.”

Another leaf face added, “but you will not be safe here for long. We must get you out of the out of the forest.”

“How can we get out of the forest?” Tami and Ember said in unison.

“Shhhhhh. You humans are so loud. You must trust us we will move you through the tops of our limbs until you are safely away. But you must not make any sounds.” With that Ember and Tami found themselves being lifted higher and passed from vine to vine, limb to limb over the top of the forest. As they went, they would occasionally catch bits of conversations among the Dryads. Ember kept her eyes closed, never liking heights and tried not to think about being whisked through the air so quickly.

After what seemed like only a few minutes, Ember felt a change in their direction and her eyes flew open as she instinctively braced herself for the fall she sensed. She realized they were at the edge of a clearing. Stretched out before her was a kaleidoscope field of flowers. As her feet touched the ground she saw Tami running ahead of her towards a swirling cloud in the center of the field.

“Tami, wait!” Fearing for her new friend she ran after her, but as they got closer she realized what had looked like a cloud were hundreds of faeries.

“That’s Arial and the fae.” Perhluna said in her ear as he appeared on her shoulder when she came to a stop.

“Perhluna! Where did you go?”

“I was around. You know here and there.”

Ember walked slowly up to Tami and the faeries flitting around her. “Ember, come meet Arial and my friends.”

“Welcome Fiery One. We are indebted to you for saving the Kind One and bringing her safely here,” Arial said as she hovered in front of Ember’s face.

Ember giggled at being called the Fiery One. “It was the Dryads that saved us really.”

Before anyone else could say anything the wind seemed to pick up tossing the faeries about and a dark shadow crossed over them.

As she landed next to them, Illustratia called, “Ember, it’s time to go. The Druid Derrick sent me to bring you to him. Hurry, we must not make him wait!”

“But…”

“Hurry, we must go. Say your goodbyes.” Illustratia puffed at her.

Ember turned to Tami, “I guess this means goodbye…”

“For now. We will see each other again, friend. I am sure of it. Any message I can pass on back in our world? Tami said as she embraced her. “And thanks for saving my life back there.”

Fighting back tears, “we will. If you happen to run into Aunt Elspeth, tell her I’m okay and I miss her. She speaks to faeries too.”

Through a swirling pool at the edge of a lake in another realm, a darkly cloaked figure watched Illustratia take flight with Ember & Perhluna on her back…..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Grant Bartoldus also watched the trio fly off from his computer screen. Having watched this latest adventure unfold, Illustratia’s creator had an idea and began typing code to see if he could send Ember a message…

Welcome to the Weekend With....Kathleen Albertson

In February,  I reviewed a great book called, Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Women’s Health. She was kind enough to let me pick her brain and share with you the woman behind this wonderful resource.

Tell us a little about yourself, your background.


Very ethnic, blue collar, Italian family! I grew up in Buffalo, NY. I am the second of four kids (I think that is the overachiever position)!

What did you want to be when you were a little girl?

I was more of a tomboy than a girly girl and I hated when they tried to put me in fashion shows and all that. I liked animals, reading, and playing games better.

I never saw myself being a homemaker, or even having kids. I had little guidance from my folks…my Mom would say, “You are smart, go work at a bank.”

I am 59 so back then my parents thought being a bank teller was a respectable job, and that tellers had great work hours. Since they had no education, they could not see the need for sending a daughter for more education. They didn’t hold me back, but were not able to help me move forward.

A guidance counselor pulled my aside the last week of senior year, and asked me what my plans were…I had none. He helped me apply at a 2-year college in Business and it seemed like I never stopped going to school after that! On to a BS in Business and an MA in Counseling, an MS in Oriental Medicine, and a PhD in Holistic Nutrition (not trying to blow my horn).

When did you first decide you wanted to pursue medicine?

I really had no goals of what I wanted to do, just what I didn’t want to do. So I feel I was divinely guided into this. I spent many years in corporate America when one day a friend I was having lunch mentioned how tired she was of “corporate life” and that she was going to visit an acupuncture school that evening. I went with her and was mesmerized by holistic care, and how clearing acupuncture pathways improved health with ease. I went home and told (not asked) my hubby that I was going to start acupuncture school. I was about 40! It’s never too late. I encourage you to follow your passions.

I downsized my business job, started TCM school and never looked back. It felt right and my business and marketing background proved to be invaluable in my start up.

What compelled you to write a book about combined Western & Eastern practices?

Much that is written repels these two thoughts, when clinically it is more likely that our patients use both East and West. I felt the gap needed to be bridged-hence the title. The medicine worlds differ one is linear, compartmentalized and driven by double, randomized studies, and drugs that mask symptoms—the other treats the entire body, mind and spirit and resolves root cause. One is 200 years old, the other 5000.

I see so many fertility patients- mostly female who have been so discouraged by Western medicine and have been bantered around the system for so long without good care that I wanted to educate people on how effective and successful TCM is . Originally, the book was going to be on fertility and pregnancy, but it dawned on me that the precursor to many infertility issues was menstrual irregularities, stress, overwork, fatigue, and improper nutrition. No one writes on this, in this context, so my goal was to educate more women of today and to spare younger women the frustrating journey of having symptoms that are chronically masked for decades.

If more women were treated with TCM earlier in their lives, they may not be on the infertility journey. So many women suffer from PMS, migraine headaches, painful periods, or fail to ovulate. These are (generally) easily correctable with TCM. When a 35-year-old woman tells me she has chronic migraines and they started when she was 12—I see the connection to puberty and an imbalances in her “Liver “ and “Blood” systems that can be resolved...while western medicine only offers years of medications to mask the pain. They don’t know how to resolve the root problem…TCM does. Yet too many women never receive relief. Time for education! I am amazed at how many women don’t see that connection between puberty and their headaches until I show them the correlation.

Therefore, the book needed to be more comprehensive, a heavier read. I felt it was important for readers to be somewhat aware of and grasp the TCM concepts…even thought they are complicated.

Why focus of women only?

Women seek more treatment and have more health “plumbing’ issues!

I wanted a specific approach that covered women’s health from puberty to menopause. I see many, many tears every day from discouraged, depressed, and isolated patients who have suffered without western results…and without hope.

Gynecological and reproductive problems are on the rise (how scary) and western medicine offers medications with severe side effects, or surgery. We can do so much better-- improving patient care at a completely new level if we educate through these kinds of books. TCM is legitimate--- 5000 years of clinical success and history. TCM works. It is becoming more and more mainstream. Women are more inclined to understand the process. Men sometimes want a one- time quick fix (I am generalizing). So women first and… I am just starting a book on men’s health. It will be simpler and a much easier read.

What is the biggest mistake you see women make?

-- Taking better care of their cars, kids and pets before themselves.

--Overdoing, overdoing—work and thoughts. Take a breath!

--Asking permission from a spouse to try TCM.

--Feeling as if they have no choice in their health care. Staying with inept or uncaring doctors, not speaking up, or tolerating poor care. I encourage you to make choices that support your health. Don’t feel victimized...take control and take action. Your life and health depend on it. Doctors are human too- they need to know how you feel sometimes….some will do something about it… some wont. Just worry about moving yourself forward. Many patients feel frozen in their treatment protocol or in their level of care so they don’t expect anything better. Even in an HMO system, you have the power to change physicians.

--Not acknowledging or managing the defeating effect that stress and overwork has on our physical and emotional bodies.

--Letting stress, worry, or insomnia go on for too long thinking it will go away on its own.

How much research went into this book?

It started about 6 years ago when I did my dissertation on “The Role of Acupuncture and TCM in Treating Female infertility.” That had a lot more research and was quite dry—not suitable for the layperson.

I wanted to show that yes, research is on the rise, and supports the results of TCM and that is why I included it in the book. In China, the libraries are filled with studies, and empirical data of TCM success… but it is in Chinese! We are fortunate to have a few English speaking TCM practitioners and educators that translate into English.

This has broadened our body of knowledge, clinical efforts, and increased our understanding of TCM theory and treatment.

I love that you begin the book with the role of a patient and how to be a pro-active patient. They say doctors can be the worst patients. What kind of patient are you and do you find resistance when seeing traditional doctors? How do you overcome their skepticism with Eastern and alternative medicines?

This is a good question! I am pro-active, ready, and usually know what I have (or need) when I see a western doc. I underplay or may not mention that I am an acupuncturist. It is in my paperwork, so I get annoyed if they don’t read that fact or that I don’t like taking medications and that I choose herbs and nutrition over drugs. If I needed drugs ... I would take them but it is not my first line of defense. I am not opposed, just extremely careful. I use alternative care and herbs first whether it is herbs, supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic, energy work, and oh yes…rest first!

I hate when I am dissed! I get annoyed when the doctor withholds his thoughts and findings—and shares no information, and starts writing a prescription. I expect a lot!

I walked out of a dentist office after setting up an appointment where I said: “I am sensitive. I may need more time and I will pay for it.” The receptionist said, “No problem.” When the doctor came in and said, “Open up” and started for my mouth I freaked out. He had no intention of finding out if I was sensitive. ..or to what. He started working on me without any conversation so I just got up, and said this wasn’t for me. I feel they should have respect for you, the patient. I seek out doctors that meet my needs and that I think care about helping people. They are out there! Sorry to sound rigid, and picky, but that fits me! Therefore, I try to practice, as I would want to be treated.

I never try to convince a doctor of anything. I never try to upstage their ego or their knowledge but if I can show some evidence of TCM, I do so.

If the subject allows, I like to offer the doctor a free treatment … sometimes they can’t get a way from me fast enough (ha, ha, ha), but those that have taken the offer up, are usually glad they did.

I think they are taught to be skeptic of anything they didn’t learn in med school--- maybe it’s a protective mechanism. ‘If it isn’t done scientifically it can’t work.” I say, “Bull.” I have heard some doctors say ... “well it works for some.” Or, “it can’t hurt,” or “there is no scientific proof.” When they are condescending, negative, or neutral, my feeling is that they are trying to avoid any malpractice rather than encouraging the patients’ wellness (just a speculation on my part).

If they are closed and skeptic…I move on! I can’t change them, and my time is better spent helping someone else.

If the doctor listens and seems to have respect for me, I am happy. I am looking for him/her to help me and to give me a little information that shows me he understands my ailment or problem. I want to be on that team.

Many patients hide the fact that they seek alternative treatment from their western doctor. Too scared to bring it up? Repercussions? Will the doctor change how he /she will feel toward me?

I feel the patient should tell the doctor. This may help other patients down the road. If a pain doctor hears from enough of his patients that they got better with acupuncture, he is stupid to keep his eyes closed to treatments that improve patient outcomes. If a woman’s headaches stop because went for acupuncture and herbs, she should be congratulated. Something helped. If a patient’s allergies improved, or the skin rash cleared up… wow that’s great… who else might benefit? The risk minimal and the reward very high! Generally, we have great success in over 80% of cases.

What is your view of pharmaceutical companies?

Dim- when it comes to the overuse of medications-- profit is first and may not be in the best interest of patient care.

Dim- when I see the severe side effects they have, and dim again, when I see how research studies are slanted to promote a drug. Western drugs do excel for trauma and acute conditions so I believe they have their place. In my opinion, doctors could be trained more in nutrition. They get only a few hours of schooling on it. They could address stress, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise more diligently rather than putting patients on so many drugs. It is not uncommon for patients to take five or six medications daily--- and they are still sick! Western doctors tolerate poor eating habits, overeating, and lack of exercise from their patients.

If they expected more, patients would give it to them. TCM practitioners educate, discuss and request improvements in this area…and we usually get it! The results are healthier patients…less medications needed!

I often use a “tough love” approach. The patient and I want the same thing…improved health, so we discuss all of the aspects of how to get it. We are all guilty of being over busy, but sometimes mentally lazy when it comes to certain issues we can change about ourselves. The largest room in the world?

Do you know what it is? ……………It is the room for improvement.

Don’t get me started on vaccines!

Or cancer!

Herbs are plant based and have no proprietary right… that means no company can claim them as their own and make huge profits. Drug companies have no incentive to use or research herbs for healing for this reason.

Jus think how effective herbs are… if they work, and resolve the problem (in many cases) you don’t need to stay on medications. There are no lobby groups pushing herbs (because there is no monetary gain). The FDA and pharmaceutical companies, who have little interest in knowing more about their value, mostly criticize herbs.

Herbs could ruins profits! Therefore, there is no incentive for companies to go more natural. Our health care system is based on keeping you on drugs and formulating new ones for new profits.

With your busy schedule, what do you do to unwind?

I enjoy taking walks down to the beach with my husband, and my dog, Centavo. I swim, Jacuzzi, and hit the steam room at the gym every morning before work. I love to read and now that I have more time, I can enjoy more of it. I meditate and I confess to taping reality shows!

Being Italian, I do love to eat. I went through a “fat” phase, using stress and overwork as my excuses… just like a lot of people (!).

I subsequently went back to practicing what I preach and lost the additional pounds. It is truly in the mind!

You can influence any one thing in history, the present or the future of the world (what has occurred, how something works, etc.), what would you choose to change and why?

I would add “compassion” and “the will to do good” to our DNA. I am concerned by the mistreatment, cruelty, and abuse of people and animals. It is part of my prayers every night. I would influence how we treat each other as individuals, as families, as co- workers, as communities, and countries.

You may ask any three people from history (living or dead) one question each. Whom do you choose and what is your question for each person?

To God: I understand death, but why do so many people have to suffer, lingering so painfully, before they pass?

To Oprah: When can I be on your show?!

No pressing third question! It was difficult to think of a good one, so I guess I am not ready to ask it!


Kathie- Thank you so much for such a great interview!

Be sure to check out her book and her website.

Dancing With My Father by Sally Clarkson and Mother-Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller

Dancing With My Father by Sally Clarkson

Sally Clarkson set out to find the joy missing in her life by strengthening her relationship with God. In her book, Dancing With My Father, she sets out to teach us how to do this as well. While this book is geared toward the Christian woman, Clarkson chooses to use Daniel as one of her main focal points instead of any one of the dynamic women in the Bible. She includes great quotes and references from the Bible throughout as well as personal stories. What sets out to be part memoir, part Christian self-help loses some of its inspiration for me. Clarkson seems to want to write an inspirational book and yet at the same time be liked by everyone. She tends to waffles in her convictions, which at times leaves the reader to wonder what she really believes. For someone searching for a starting point to finding joy through a relationship with God, they may enjoy this book. Three of five stars.

Mother-Daughter Duet by Cheri Fuller (& her adult daughter, Ali Plum)

One of the toughest relationships is the one between mother and daughter. It can be the most strained and volatile and at the same time most rewarding. Throughout time mothers & daughters have worked to find a balance and understand each other. Cheri Fuller and her daughter, Ali, have given us an example of how with love and a commitment to communication a mother and daughter can find harmony.

Most mothers worry too much and subconsciously feel the need to control the life of their child. Most daughters, no matter how much they may love their mother, fear becoming her, so they rebel. Cheri and Ali show how it is possible to walk in each other’s shoes, yet not lose who they are. A great book for any mother and daughter who feel they are at an impasse in their relationship. Four out of five stars.

Both of these boos were provided by Water Brook Multnomah Publishing

Around Town... The Black Cat Shoppe

There are a lot of things I love. One of those things is black cats, more specifically my adorable and very fuzzy, Merlyn (although he is not my first and won’t be my last black cat). There is just something special about black cats. They are mysterious and really should be there own breed, because they are that unique and special. So with my love of black cats now known, it should be no surprise how delighted I was to discover a unique little shop half a block from my office called The Black Cat Shoppe.

The Black Cat Shoppe has recently become one of my favorite places and blow part of my paycheck. While it is a novelty store, it’s not your typical variety. Owned and operated by a super friendly couple. Kim and John are so warm and welcoming that I have spent several lunch hours hanging out and talking with them. There store is like walking into a pirates treasure cove. So many things to see and covet; and of course there are black acts galore. I feel like Willy must have felt when he walked into the chocolate factory for the first time. When I enter the store there is always something I find that I missed the last time I was there. No matter what type of day I’m having, I know I can go here and something will bring a smile to my face. Magic is definitely in the air.

Whether you are looking for the perfect unique Wilmington Souvenir, t-shirt or post card, something from our local film industry, a great gag gift, something mystical, candles, signs, jewelry or black cats, you will be enchanted by the store and its owners. A must stop for anyone visiting our port city.

They also run three fabulous walking tours that are sure to entertain and delight locals as well as tourist. They are The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington (hear eerie tales of the past told by local actors and ghost hunters), Haunted Pub Crawl (tour Wilmington’s most actively haunted pubs and toast the spirits of yesterday while hearing their spooky and swashbuckling tales), and the Hollywood Location Walk (join an entertaining & self-important director as he takes you on a tour of “Hollywood East” and points out where some of your favorite movies and TV shows have been filmed).



For those of you from out of town, be sure to visit their website and if you see something in one of these pictures you are dying to loot but can’t find on the website, email them for pricing.

Websites:

 Tours

The Store

Email

Facebook

Store Location: 11 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28401

Store: 910-251-6663

 Tours: 910-794-1866

More of the store....

Wacky gum & mints...

Incense Bottles and burners...

So many delightful goodies... so little time...

You know I had to include this one, I love dragons and I worked on The Crow...

Magic oils & candle... and where else can you find an autographed picture from one of the original Charlie's Angels (She filmed Winds of War here)...

Black cats and voodoo.. You have to love it....

Do you have sensory overload yet?

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As a special bonus to anyone who comments on today’s post (except spammers), Kim, John and myself have a gift for you. Any one who leaves a comment will get one of their black cat stickers and a cool magnetic bookmark. Just email me your mailing address or leave your email at the end of the comment.

The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer

In true Michael Palmer fashion, The Last surgeon is spellbinding. Having read many of his books (and posting a few reviews last year), Palmer likes to pack a lot into his stories. Not just a lot of action, but many twists and unexpected connections. This latest book is no exception. Ride along with Nick and Junie, a doctor and nurse in a traveling RV that helps treat Vets and the homeless. Follow Jillian as she searches for answers in her sister’s supposed suicide. Get inside the mind of a hired killer who lives for his work. Find out how a renowned plastic surgeon, a sardonic medical records clerk, a terrorist and a political candidate are all connected. Like in all of his stories, Palmer saturates your senses without overwhelming you. He keeps you glued to the page wondering what he will come up with next, yet infuses the story with realism so you become invested in the outcome of these characters. A mystery/thriller at its finest! Five out of five stars.

Join me in congratulating Michael on making the New York Times Best Seller List this week.
Ok, I admit, I’m a big fan of Michael Palmer’s books and have purchased most of them. So, it was a nice surprise to receive a signed ARC of this one from the man himself. In the accompanying letter he has promised a signed copy for one of my readers. If you would like the chance to win this fabulous book then leave a comment with a question for the author.

Be sure to check out his website for a glimpse of all his titles and great tips for authors.

For reviews of Silent Treatment and The Fifth Vial (one of my very first review posts) click here.