Wonderful dog looking for a Christmas Miracle

This past weekend I meet a lovely dog named Sammy.  He is looking for his very own Christmas Miracle. His owner, who became terminally ill, had to part ways with him.

Sammy really needs an angel to adopt him.  He's been through a lot and needs a dedicated person who can spend time loving him and helping him bond.   He needs a fenced yard to play in too.

Sammy is a 7 1/2 year old mutt that weighs about 30 lbs. He is fully vaccinated, neutered, and even had a dental cleaning in the recent months.

He is being sponsored by K-9 angels in Eureka, California (Humboldt County). For more information on Sammy please contact K-9 Angels at 707-496-4589.



Sweet Sammy.



Still learning about Stocks and Market

My learning journey through the land of buying stocks is progressing. I'm finding it is easier to acquire knowledge by "doing" as opposed to reading books. Yet, since cash is involved, that may prove an expensive way to learn.

Since I last posted I have purchased 5 different stocks. I have yet to sell any, as my idea is to go "long" on them and hold them all at least a year to minimize any taxes.

The stock I had the most hope for (rsol) is the only one that has sunk down a $1 a share since I bought it. Two of my stocks (asti and ve) are hovering up and down within about $.25 of what I bought them for. My fourth stock (dis), and I must add the priciest stock in my portfolio and the one I could only afford to buy 4 shares of, is doing the best.  My 5th stock (pets) I just bought today, so at this point it is hard to say what it will do.

I have discovered that the more money you have to invest the better your odds are because you can buy the high cost solid stocks that pay dividends.  This will prove tricky for me, because I can only afford to buy about $200 worth of stocks a month. I have thought of just saving up my money for a couple of months to buy the higher priced stocks, but they are the ones that go up and up and then cost more than when I originally started planning to buy them.

I must wait a year though, to learn if my stock choices are proving worth the investments.

More on Trading

After a month of researching information on complaints and exploring the websites of TradeKing, OptionsXpress, and Scottrade, I ended up settling for Scottrade and have execute my first trade orders as of this evening.

I did find it a very slow, and sometimes frustrating process, to sign up with Scottrade. The first issue was their website isn't too fond of Mozilla Firefox, so I had to drop into Internet Explore to finish the signing up on my account. I had to call the 800 number to figure out this is what the issue was. The good news was, I got a human right away, and one that spoke English, and was intelligent enough to figure out what was wrong in less than 5 minutes.

My second glitch with Scottrade was needing proof of my physical address. When you live in the sticks (being among the trees of the forest)  like I do, you don't receive mail to your house.  Like everyone else in my small town, we all have PO Boxes for mail. Well, due to the Patriot Act you must prove your physical address. That took a bit of time and scanning, especially when someone at Scottrade neglected to tell me the proof need to be less than three months old.

All said and done, I'm on Scottrade now. The real plus is every time I've had to call, I get someone really nice on the phone who is skilled at resolving frustration or calming ruffled feathers. At this point, my experience has been they have great customer service and you don't have to sit through a computerized system to reach a human being, even when it is after 8 p.m. at night.

Now, perhaps, I can settle back into some novel writing.

On-line trading: OptionsXpress, TradeKing, and Scottrade

My journey through the land of learning about on-line trade and stocks is continuing.  I must admit, at this time, I'm not getting much writing accomplished.  I am expanding my brain cells though.

What I've learned so far is that I really like the Virtual Trading on OptionsXpress and it is teaching me a lot. I was pretty much ready to commit to them as my on-line broker, when I started mentioning to people they are a branch of Charles Schwab. That led to a rant from my mother of how they cost her money many years ago in a land branch. Another friend then confirmed their reputation. I went on-line, and what one finds is enough to scare one completely off of trading.  Of course, all the on-line companies had lots of customer complaints.

So, then I started digging into TradeKing further. I really don't like the way their website looks. I wasn't really able to check out anything without completely signing up for an account. Even then I was locked out of many places since I hadn't deposited any funds yet. Then I found out they charge a $50 fee if you don't do anything with the account in a year. Since my plan is to buy stocks and sit on them until retirement (or they go way up and it would be crazy not to sell), I don't see myself necessarily buying or selling stocks every single year. They also had many complaints on-line. The most attractive fact about TradeKing was they only charge $4.99 a buy or sell.

Thus I started looking over Scottrade. I did have some trouble setting up the account, but even late a night I was able to get someone at the company on the phone that determined the issue was in the browser I was on and that changing browsers fixed the issue. The site looked more pleasing than TradeKing. I liked the fact that when I signed up they gave me an actual account number.  Neither of the others did so.

When I arrived home today, I had a phone message from an employee at Scottrade offering services if I needed any help or had any questions. Not only did she leave a phone number, but a first and last name. That made me feel valued, and that I would easily be able to get help if I needed it.

Scottrade charges a $7 a trade. The only real drawback I've found so far is you need to start with a deposit of $500. OptionsXpress and TradeKing don't have a minimum deposit to start.

That's my appraisal of three of the on-line trading websites. I didn't look at some of the others because they charge monthly or annual fees or require huge sums of money to begin with.  My plan is to buy $100-$200 of stock a month and slowly build up a portfolio.  After all, I'm in the working class, and that's all my budget can afford.

More on Exploring On-line Stock Buying

As I have free time, I am continuing to educated myself on stocks. After finishing two books, I decided to sign-up for an on-line broker and have a look around. After reading reviews, I decided on OptionsExpress, partly because it has a virtual trading.

I must say, you almost need to give blood to sign-up for an account. About the only thing I didn't have to give to get on to check around the site was my bank account number.

I did set up a virtual account and have been playing around with buying various stocks and checking out charts and trying to read company spreadsheets for the past week. With the help of Wikipedia I figured out the difference between an overweight and an underweight stock.

Now I am considering signing up on a second trading site just to compare the differences of the two.

So much to learn . . .

The Stock Market, Scribophile and Life

I have always liked learning, as well as writing, so finally I have decided to learn about the Stock Market and investing. This has been somewhat of a challenge. I am discovering that almost everyone I know does not own stocks other than what is in their work-established retirement plans. The books available at my local library cover how to pick a good stock, but not the nitty-gritty of how to buy stocks. I've discovered the on-line brokers won't let you into their websites unless you give away you social security number and your bank account. I wouldn't mind that if I was a hundred percent certain their site is the one for me, but I sure would like to look at them first before I sign over all my vital stats.

I pumped the one person I know who has owned and purchased stocks today, but his experience was limited to buying utility companies, and only through a broker many years ago. He has no experience buying over the computer. He did say I need to make sure that when I buy a stock that it is registered in my name with the company and not held in some joint account. That sounds like sound advice. Clearly, I have more research to do.

Meanwhile, I have found a great website for getting my writing edited. The one glitch is I have to edit other people's work before I can post mine. That isn't so bad though, because almost all the stories I read are really decent.

This site is free (though you can pay for the extras). It's called Scribophile and can be found at scribophile.com.

Siskiyou Writer's Club is seeking members

The Siskiyou Writer's Club, which meets in Yreka, California, is seeking new members to join. This club is very active with many supportive members. I've been a member of the club since 2005, though I haven't been able to physically attend since I moved more than four hours away.

To learn more, please check out the club's blog at:

 http://siskiyouwriters.blogspot.com

Short Story titled "Mints"

This is one of my favorite short stories that I wrote many years ago. The premise began as a joke between a couple of my sci-fi friends and myself. I've read it publicly with a great response.

I always hoped a publisher would pick it up to publish it, but that hasn't happened. Thus, I've decided I'm just going to post "Mints" here and share this tale with all my readers.

Mints

by

Heather Hobson

            "You didn't," Serina giggled.  She snatched the perfectly wrapped present from Adam's outstretched hands.

            Adam beamed as Serina yanked off the silver ribbon, then the white paper.  His brown eyes looked on, mesmerized, as her carefully painted fingers tore the last bit of paper away.  He licked his lips. 

            "You know me so well," she laughed, reading the words "Bespin Han Solo" across the top of the package.  She grinned at him, knowing their passion for Star Wars was one of their common bonds.

            "I know he's your favorite," Adam teased, his eyes focused on the packaged action figure.  He read over the bright colored words again.  He licked his lips.

            "He sure is," Serina replied.  She leaned forward to kiss Adam.

            "Be careful," Adam scolded not knowing how harsh he sounded.  "You don't want to damage the package.  One crease and the value drops."

            "You know I don't care about that," Serina stated.  Her eyes twinkled with mirth.  She positioned her fingers as if she would rip the card board backing from the plastic cover.

            Frowning, Adam took the action figure from her as if she were a small child.  He rose from the bed and carefully placed it on the hotel dresser.  He stood looking at it for a long time.  At last he said, "Oh, did I tell you?  I bought something else too."  His voice had softened a bit.  He still stood, peering down at the figure as he continued to speak.  "It's the new Boba Fett Replica by Don Post Studios.  It's actually full-size."

            Serina gave a half laugh.  "Where are we going to put it?  We have yet to move all my stuff into the house?"

            "I was planning on the living room," Adam stated with all seriousness.

            Serina shook her head.  At last she called out, "Adam?"

            "What?" he questioned, wondering if he should tell her about the life-size Stormtrooper now or later.

            Not wanting to talk anymore, Serina said, "Adam, you know this is our wedding night."

            "I know," he answered, turning to see Serina stretched out across the bed, her white teddy clinging tightly to her.

*                                                                      *                                                                      *

            Shelves, from floor to ceiling, covered two whole walls of the spare bedroom.  Serina's eyes roamed over them as she stood in the doorway.  She hardly dared breathe.  Her arms hung limp at her sides, her fingers itched.  She read the labels of each box:  "Star Wars Return of the Jedi Rebel Soldier"; "Official Ben Kenobi Light Saber"; "Star Wars Princess Leia Organa Pre-painted 12" Vinyl Kit."  Serina bit her lower lip.  She took one step into Adam's sterile sanctuary.

            Reaching out, she ran a single finger across the shrink wrapped box reading "New Star Wars Electronic Power F/X 22" X-Wing with Luke."  Not a single blemish of dust clung to her sweaty finger.  She made another tentative step.  Her eyes ogled the "Official Han Solo Laser Gun."  Heart pounding, she moved to pick up the box.

            Just as her fingers made contact she heard, "Serina?" She leapt back as if the box had turned into a Jaba the Hut.  Stumbling out of the room, her trembling hands slid the door shut.

            "I'm here," she replied, running down the carpeted stairs.

*                                                                      *                                                                      *

            "How much?" Serina asked, her fingers clutching a shot glass.  Her heart thundered.  Her head spun. 

            "Ten."

            "Okay," she whispered.  She forced the glass to her lips.  The liquid burned her throat.  She found herself thinking of the cantina on Tatooine.  The man opposite her, leaning back as casually as Han Solo had when Ben Kenobi had approached him.

            "Five before and five after."

            Serina nodded.  The man rose up from the table.  She wondered how he could see anything in the darkened room through his wraparound sunglasses.  Nervously, she played with the scarf knot under her chin.  She hoped no one would recognize her.

            "Tomorrow.  Here.  Bring the money," he added before departing.

*                                                                      *                                                                      *

            Serina paced by the phone.  Her hands tapped occasionally against her thighs.  She half expected to hear the click of the lock, instead of the phone.  She wondered where Adam was.  Her mind raced over the possibilities.

            A quick ring interrupted her thoughts.  Shaking, Serina stared at the phone.  Four rings faded before she picked up the receiver.  "Yes?" she hoarsely whispered.

            "It's done."

            Whatever reply Serina had been formulating disintegrated as the buzz off the door bell radiated through the house.  Dropping the phone handle, a wave of nausea assailed her.  The buzz blasted again.

            Slowly Serina walked to the front door, passing the full-size Boba Fett which she had been forbidden to touch. He seemed to glare at her through his helmet, his gun pointed upward, ready to shift at the slightest need. As she turned the dead bolt, Serina felt certain she would faint.

            "Mrs. Sinclair?" The police officer asked before the door was halfway open.

            Serina leaned against the two-inch door jam.  Her eyes stared at the silver badge plastered against neatly pressed navy blue.

            "Mrs. Sinclair?"

            Serina nodded.

            "May I come in?"

            Serina neither moved nor replied.

            "May I come in?" the officer asked again.  When Serina still failed to respond, the officer shuffled his feet for a moment.  Then he said, "Mrs. Sinclair, I regret to inform you, but your husband was shot and killed."

            A red haze clouded Serina's vision.  She wavered on her feet.  She did not notice the policeman's arm reach out to catch her.

*                                                                      *                                                                      *

            "What is this world coming to?" Aunt Rose complained angrily.  Her fingers clutched her purse ferociously.  "They better catch that fiend.  Death penalty for sure.  You can't even drive your car without being shot."

            Serina said nothing.  Her fingers tugged on the hem of her black sleeve.  Her breaths were quick.  She felt suffocated, as though shoved in a box.  There appeared to be a ceaseless flow of mourners.  Her head ached for quiet and releases.  Looking up, she focused on the Boba Fett.  She felt certain he would lower his laser gun and shot her at any moment.

            "Do they have any leads?" Aunt Rose pressed.

            Serina shook her head, still staring at Boba Fett.

*                                                                      *                                                                      *

            A faint smile cracked Serina's lips as she locked and bolted the front door behind her parents.  With renewed energy, she ran to the kitchen.  Yanking out an entire drawer, she spilled the contents over the island.  Her fingers knocked rubber bands and candles and unidentifiable keys onto the floor before they locked on a package of matches.

            Darting from the kitchen, she ran into the living room.  Without slowing she brushed her hand across the fiberglass armor of Boba Fett.  Then she bounded up the stairs, two at a time.  The spare bedroom door banged against the wall.  The shelves rattled.  Serina grabbed the garbage can out from under the desk.

            Laughing she seized the "Bespin Han Solo."  With squeals of delight she ferociously ripped apart the packaging.  Tossing the action figure on the desk, she lit a match.  Her eyes danced with sadistic mirth as she held the cardboard backing over the garbage.  She waited until the flames leapt at her finger tips.  Serina then dropped it into the waste basket.

            Her hand snatched up another perfectly mint box.  She would not be satisfied until ever last toy was freed and marred with her finger prints.

Took a break from writing to cruise Alaska!

After three weeks of writing the first 40 pages of the next Conrad book, I found myself on a cruise to Alaska. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the journey, especially Juneau and Tracy Arm.  The weather was an unbelievable 85F. Not at all what I imagined the weather in Alaska to be like. The locals were surprised by the unusual heat wave.

Juneau, Alaska - Mendenhall Glacier

My favorite place on my ship, Golden Princess, was Skywalkers Lounge. A glass walled tunnel leads the way to this lounge of star lights and space paintings encased in round bubble glass.

Skywalkers Lounge entrance

The journey through the inside passage I found worth the break from my writing. Tomorrow I shall begin again with the Conrads in earnest.

Skywalkers Lounge

Summer Writing

I am delighted to report that I have begun writing the next Conrad book. I'm not sure if this one will be the last, or merely the 7th. This piece is still untitled, though it's title will begin with an "R," just like all the other novels in the series.

Unfortunately, at the moment, Revolt, the first book in The Conrad Chronicles is out of print. I'm debating finding a new publisher versus self-publishing.

The Conrad short stories are still available under the title Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna.  

I do have the book that follows Revolt ready for publication. Again, I am debating seeking a publisher  or self-publishing. This book is entitled Realizations.

Any thoughts or comments on how I should proceed?

New erotic-romance book: Grudge Match by Pamela Bouvier

My friend finally managed to sort through the issues hampering her book's publication and now has it available on amazon.com.

This e-book is an erotic-romance.  It's titled Grudge Match and you can find it under my friends name, Pamela Bouvier.

The book description reads: "Sweet Holly Franklin finds her inner bad girl when Mason Morrison comes back to town. Years ago love for Mason filled Holly's heart, but left her sexually wanting. Now, she's going to teach Mason how a woman wants to be loved."

 http://www.amazon.com/GRUDGE-MATCH-Love-Challenge-ebook/dp/B00CDZYHYU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372194557&sr=8-1&keywords=Pamela+Bouvier


Congratulations, Pamela! 

Happy reading all.

Freedom of speech is more limited than people think!

Well, I'm bummed. My friend who just managed to get her first book done, created a cover, and published as a Kindle had to take her book down. Since the novel was a sexual romance her church told her that if she didn't take it down she would not be able to be a member and the kids would be kicked out of the school they have been attending all their lives.

Thus, censorship on speech is still very much alive.  A lot of writers aren't free to write about what they want to. America is not as free as people think it is.

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!

My you not gain a pound

from all the marshmallow peeps

and candied eggs

that are around!

Indigo, the vacuum cleaner loving dog!

My husband and I created a video of our dog, Indigo. She has a unique quality, especially for her breed (blue heeler). She loves to be vacuumed.  Check it out for your self on my first You-Tube video.  It's less than 30 seconds long.

Enjoy.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwThxqgl2vQ

Sci-Fi book by KC Heath published!

An acquaintance from writing group I belong to has had a sci-fi book published.  Her name is KC Heath and her book is entitled Reins of Time.  I have yet to read this e-book (we are hoping for a paper copy release at a future date), but I know what hard works goes into writing and completing a novel, and felt KC deserved a shout out for her great accomplishment.

If you want to learn more about Reins of Time you can visit her publisher's website at:

http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/actionadventure-c-70/reins-of-time-p-271.html

The book blurb reads:

"In the Dark Age of two thousand, six hundred years into our future, two men struggle against changing times. One is young and genetically gifted with an electromagnetic attraction to a strange planet where sentient metallic aliens can warp space. Meerak is the prize of three worlds' of power politics and must mature quickly or die. His honorable enemy-become-companion is a middle-aged man who will sacrifice everything for his loyalty to this cause. Together with three strong heroines, they fight amphibious aliens and time-paradoxes in a high-action adventure over the newly discovered exotic fuel supply that enables interplanetary travel.."

Congratulations on your success KC!