Category Archives: You Make a Difference

“The Ornament” by Zeke Changuris

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What sets “The Ornament” by Zeke Changuris apart making it a must read novel for all ages?  This is the journey of a young photojournalist striving to be the best when the woman of his dreams starts working at the same TV news station.  The courtship of Amy and Sam is full of all the detail of what goes into being a good news anchor and photojournalist along with all the personal struggles these two face living life.

Zeke shows us how a single frame of video captures the emotions of a moment out of time.  He brings to sharp focus all that goes into being human from dating, marriage and finding the courage to say what’s in you heart to a woman you’ve loved all your life.

“The Ornament” allows us to see inside the TV news profession in a whole new way.  Zeke details the ups and downs in a news anchor’s and photojournalist’s personal as well as professional life.  The journey takes us to Hagerstown, Maryland  to Operation Freedom in Iraq and back to Washington, DC.

Zeke Changuris writes from the heart about a profession he loves and how hard it is to find and keep true love.  Zeke’s characters are easy to imagine as well as the places they inhabit.  Vivid descriptions as only a photographer can capture are brought to life in Zeke’s dialog and narrative.  Beautifully and poignantly written.

Reading to me is finding something new about the human condition that is both inspiring and helps me see myself a little more clearly.  “The Ornament” does this and more.  It pulls the emotions out of me.  I feel for Sam and I have a better understanding of what a man experiences as he travels through life.

Thank you, Zeke Changuris for sharing these beautiful characters with me and all readers that enjoy a story that celebrates living life to the fullest.  Keep on writing from the heart, Zeke, you have a gift to not only bring characters to life off the page but to also share the complex emotions that make up each and everyone of us.

I bought my copy at the following link:  http://ttpbooks.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTPB&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ZC_ORNAMENT

From Turn the Page Bookstore Cafe at a Nora Roberts sponsored book signing event.  I hope you all take a few minutes to check out this book and order from TTPBooks.com a safe and secure way to get books quickly and in great condition all over the world.

“The Ornament” is a must read book for our time for all ages.  My book reviews are my own.  I only strive to help readers find books that I’ve enjoyed and found some new insights into the human condition.  Comments are welcomed.

lelies in geel

Beautiful example of yellow and how it brings happiness to the world. Thank you stellingsma2010

How Books and Bookstores Have Changed My Life

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/02/28/recommend-it-starts-with-food-discover-the-whole30-and-change-your-life-in-unexpected-ways-by-melissa-hartwig-and-dallas-hartwig/
This book changed my life – I had tried so many diets even working with a Health Fitness place but this guide will bring home how the body works and what you need to do to get your weight under control and so much more. Take the time to read it (and its a quick read if all you want to do is get started on the lifestyle that will set you free).
I’m also thankful for Preferred One insurance and Fairview Health Service and Can Do New Thinking, Better Choices program – its helped me find the keys to long term solutions from food, to finances, to interpersonal relationships and finding peace within yourself.
I’m thankful that I found this book at Turn The Page Bookstore Cafe at the July 13th 2013 book signing with Nora Roberts I’ve lost 60 pounds since then and continue to lose until my muscle, bone and fat ratio is within norms. This is an achievable goal, this is my life and my journey and I control what food I eat, how much I move, and listening to what my body is telling me. See information about my journey to date and my continuing journal at my blogs:

https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/weekly-photo-challenge-work-of-art/
http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/Your spirit and soul are ready to be heard – tune in and listen. Keep on believing in the possibilities of what YOU CAN DO:)

On this blog click on the Weight link on the left to read about the beginning of my journey.  I’m keeping my ongoing journey in Journal form on http://lifeafter50m.blogspot.com/

I have to share and celebrate how books change my life and bookstores with heart carry just the books you need.  So glad I traveled to Boonsboro last July, hope all that are able attend this year as well.  Find out more about the 2014 book signing and brunch with Nora on her blog at this link:  http://fallintothestory.com/eventssignings/

Comments are welcome.

Sincerely,

Melissa Blanchard

When Calls The Heart Gets a Season 2

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      Hallmark Channel announced today there will be a season 2 for “When Calls The Heart”

I’m so glad.  The show has a heartfelt message of redemption, importance of education, surviving tragedy and how a town works together.  The series is based on Janette Oke’s writing see link below for details:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CEEQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hallmarkchannel.com%2Fwhencallstheheart&ei=XNNnU93TIaL4yQGrnYAg&usg=AFQjCNHLArAIhqnKGW2MZhSgg9d4RthB8Q&sig2=mFR5vCGiZQvFscQ3mYpwqw&bvm=bv.65788261,d.aWc&cad=rja.

An added bonus for me has been the opportunity to meet so many excellent people via Facebook, Twitter and the Fan supported website:

Home

So if you don’t like the feel of social media – check out the website – its designed for you – keeping your information secure but allowing you to be counted as a Fan and supporter of great family entertainment with Heart.

I’m thankful for all the original series and movies Hallmark Channel is producing last year and this one especially with Cedar Cove, When Calls the Heart and Signed Sealed Delivered.  I hope you tune in and join the Fans – me included – in supporting Hallmark’s efforts to put Heart into TV viewing.

Remember – join the website for behind the scenes information about Coal Valley at this link:

Home

If you like Twitter @WCTH, #Hearties (Fan inspired Hallmark embraced tag) and #WhenCallsTheHeart.

If you like Facebook join at:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/544632748969161/

I joined all 3 to get the latest information.  I also created @MjbheartiesFan

Hope you all join in supporting quality family entertainment that reaches people all over the world.

Peace

Melissa Blanchard – #Hearties Fan

Why buy this book, “Strength in the Storm:” by Eknath Easwaran? I believe so you can live life more fully, let me tell you why.

Dear Rears,

 Why buy this book,  “Strength in the Storm:  Transform Stress, Live in Balance, and Find Peace of Mind” by Eknath Easwaran?  Give me a few minutes to tell you why.

 Have you ever wished you could have more time?  If the answer is yes, this book is for you.

 Eknath takes you on a journey of a lifetime – his.  Reading about his stories and teachings of his life, along with the incredibly insightful ideas from his wife and others that have benefitted from his books and lectures, you will learn how to harness your thoughts and become the person you were meant to be.

 How?  The key is knowing your mind and body want to work for your spirit and soul.  You aren’t your mind or your body – you are something more – a consciousness that needs to take control – ask for what it needs and wants from the mind and body.

 After you master the lessons from the many stories featured within this composition there are many more that Eknath has written right on Amazon and itunes – check out the links below. 

 If your life feels out of control or you need a new direction, “Strength in the Storm:  Transform Stress, Live in Balance, and Find Peace of Mind” is for you.  May you find the inner peace that being one with the universe may bring you if you’re open to the possibilities.

Watch my blog at https://melissablanchard62.wordpress.com/ to see more ways this book has helped me with my life journey.

Find the book at these links:

http://www.amazon.com/Strength-Storm-Transform-Stress-Balance-ebook/dp/B00FIP6IY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393789024&sr=8-1&keywords=Strength+in+the+Storm%3A+Transform+Stress%2C+Live+in+Balance%2C+and+Find

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/strength-in-the-storm/id717819233?mt=11

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/strength-in-the-storm/id336324898 –

 Daily meditations may also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EknathEaswaran.