lucindashirleydancingonmars: September 2012

About This Blog

Welcome!

Dancing on Mars ( published by All Things That Matter Press)—is available for Nook at Barnes and Noble online and at Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audio. To check out reviews or order your own version: http://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Mars-Lucinda-Shirley/product-reviews/0985006617/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

One reader says, "Dancing on Mars is a genre-bender, mixing interview, memoir and original poems. It's a feast, not an appetizer!"

Here's how author Cassie Premo Steele describes it: "They say 'the truth shall set you free,' and here it is: a truth-telling memoir about growing up in the small-town, segregated South—politics, sex and religion; relationship, marriage and motherhood; loss, healing, feminism and enlightenment; and the bare beauty of a life by the water's edge. . . ."

There are also some fascinating insights from other women on the subject of living married and single lifestyles— and a sprinkling of original poems to amplify relevant prose.

One reviewer says, "This is EveryWoman's book—every age, every experience. You will laugh, cry and learn through this fascinating, honest and courageous journey to one woman's truth, but you won't put it down." A few wise men have enjoyed it and learned more about women.

You'll find a book trailer here and photos from the hometown in Dancing on Mars. I'll be posting comments and sharing book reviews, writing about themes presented in the book, and sometimes commenting on the events of the day. Humor will be in the mix; it's a high-value aspect of my life.

Please click "follow" to receive new posts from this blog. Also, you can click the Facebook "like" icon if you like what you read. And there's an option to "recommend on Google." Promotional possibilities abound. Would you kindly visit my Facebook author page and "like" it? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lucinda-Shirley-author-Dancing-on-Mars/189083217857282.

Writers need readers almost as much as we need oxygen, so major thanks for being here. I'll be happy to hear from you!

Lucinda

Friday, September 28, 2012

For the Child in Us All

From Brookgreen Gardens, Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Come experience the magic and serenity of this place. Poems are carved in some of the garden walls; the sculptures are breathtaking! The Children's Garden is one of my favorite places at Brookgreen. Actually I have several favorites.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Can You Disappoint Another?

These words from Oriah Mountain Dreamer are worth pondering. They touch on themes in Dancing on Mars—people-pleasing, learning to be true to Self, and growing into an authentic life.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

And the Seasons Go Round and Round

The diva below is bidding summer goodbye. Here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, not far from the beach, it's a glorious day to welcome Autumn. Actually, we'll have the best of both seasons for a while yet. Today would be a good beach day, 80ish with a hint of fall's heightened energy already in the air.

Since today is about finding balance between the dark and the light, the positive and the negative, I intend to spend some time contemplating balance. Maybe meditate on it. Balance is a good thing any time I can find it. People mistakenly believe Libras to be balanced, like the image of the scales in that sign of the Zodiac; fact is, Libras are always seeking balance and greatly in need of having it in daily life.

I'll loosen my grasp on summer tonight and welcome the Autumn Equinox. Meanwhile, the Diva sings her farewell, remembering the sweet gifts of summer. She's good at "dancing on Mars"—savoring every moment. May you keep dancing your own dance and find balance in the coming season.

I love the Divas from Columbia, SC artist Bill Davis. (He has a Divas page on Facebook.)

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Homage to a World of Books!

Happy International Book Week!

"If there's a book you really want to read but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write   it." ~ Toni Morrison

"I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book." ~   Groucho Marx

"It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it." ~ Oscar Wilde

"Books had instant replay long before televised sports." ~ Bern Williams

"Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled "This could change your life.'"       ~ Helen Exley

"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life." ~ Mark Twain

Let's call in well and curl up with a good book this week!

Pondering This Paradox

(from ZenCEO/Facebook via my friend Lisa)

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Thought for Today

These words from Ooopsidaisi on Facebook go hand in glove with the themes in Dancing on Mars.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

A Generous Review

5.0 out of 5 stars Dancing on Mars Review

Jan Jernigan -Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dancing on Mars (Paperback)

This book is a breath of fresh air...written by an optimistic, witty southern woman. It is filled with wisdom and humor. I love the poetry! The characters are rich and very real. Dancing on Mars will keep you reading. The author offers deep insight into relationships as well as self-discovery. Lucinda Shirley can take the simplest phrase and make it come alive. I promise you will enjoy this book from start to finish! Your life will be richer for having read it!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

What Kind of Book Reader Are You?

Check this out this article by Jen Doll in The Atlantic; it's a "diagnostics guide." I'm about to read it and learn more about my reading style. I'd love to know what you learn about yours!

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2012/08/what-kind-book-reader-are-you-diagnostics-guide/56337/

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Bookish Thought and Shameless Plug

(from Book Riot via Facebook)

Shameless plug: DANCING ON MARS is available in Nook at Barnes and Noble, in paperback and Kindle at Amazon. A few friends are giving it as gifts to friends and family. Great idea, huh? Shameless. Warned you!

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Indeed - Key word "alone"

"Volume depends precisely on the writer's having been able to sit in a room every day, year after year, alone." ~ Susan Sontag

REVIEWS for DANCING ON MARS

A delightful book... (by LP - at Amazon)

Lucinda Shirley opens up her life to readers in the warmest, most engaging and enlightening way. It is easy to relate to the changes and challenges she shares, especially as a southern woman. I love that she weaves her wonderful poetry throughout the book; it accentuates her wisdom, her questioning of the 'status quo' and her great sense of humor. I highly recommend the book... a great read!

THE BUZZ:

(Excerpts from Reviews and Articles about Dancing on Mars:)

“Lucinda Shirley is a fearless writer. You will laugh out loud at her sassy wit, but be prepared to cry as well.” ... “Great lessons on co-dependence, compulsive pleasing and finding oneself ... A terrific writer, her eminently readable story is filled with honest reflection, humor, pathos, lessons learned and spiritual and emotional awakening. There is something here for everyone. Enjoy!”

... “More than a memoir, the author generously opens her exploration to include the perspectives of other women. ... A great individual read, also a stimulating read for a women’s discussion or book group.”

“Warm, generous and affirming ....” “An unusual exploration of an interesting life.”

“Dancing on Mars is THE guide for women ready to split the world wide open with their truth and freedom of expression .... Buy it. Read it. Do it!”

“Read this book and be challenged and inspired.”

“I’m reading Dancing on Mars slowly because I don’t want it to end!”

“Reflective insights on topics which will ring true to all women ....”

“... A story dotted with insights into what makes us who we are. [The author] faced the unhappy and problematic, all the while celebrating the joy to be found all around.” “Loved the original poems ... And the reflective essays scattered throughout the book.” “Dancing on Mars is a feast, not an appetizer.” “... A well-written and refreshing book ...loved the mix of personal story, stories from others, and poems that really speak.” “I am not from the South and my journey is different, but it is amazig how much all women have in common. It is a great book for any woman seeking her own truth, wisdom and growth.”

“If you’ve never examined your life in a deep way, you’ll find yourself doing it while reading this book. Consider it a layman’s guide and Ms. Shirley’s gift. I say “thanks!”

Dancing on Mars left me feeling very good about life, even the not-so-good parts. ...She describes things important to her that I’ve never considered but now will. The author’s artistic soul and sense of humor kept me reading!”

“Dancing on Mars deserves a five-star rating!”

“With her humorous, strong, smart Southern self, Lucinda Shirley shares her experiences with relationships, love, joy, pain and happiness in her own unique style that will inspire you to examine your life from a more conscious place of awareness.”

“Even though it’s been called ‘EveryWoman’s book’ I know a no-nonsense Marine (Viet Nam vet) who said: This is a GREAT book!”

Comments from e-mails and Facebook

"Your writing, including the bird at your car's rear view mirror, almost made me choke on my coffee it is so funny." ~ Roberta J.

On Facebook from childhood friend Joyce who gave me the gift of a memory in her comments:

"Just finished reading Dancing On Mars. It's an amazing read. I couldn't put it down. Also loved some of those walks down memory lane. I remember as a teenager when we would walk as a group to town and if we crossed "main street" you would hold out your arms to keep all of us from crossing in front of a car. Always the protector!"

"Read it; loved it!!!" ~ T.F.

"Your book is fantastic! ...I read the last post twice. Looking forward to reading this one." ~ Dianne C.

"It's so easy to read what you write, just like talking to you. All writers strive for that. My favorite story was that of Mary and her ark of promise you found." ~ S. Smith

"I love your writing and the pieces posted. I can hardly wait to read the entire book." ~ T. T.

"I'm thinking how helpful this would have been in my late teens, then into my first marriage, divorce, etc,. up until now. I appreciate that the perspectives in your book caused me to ponder and explore my own experiences, and understanding, of being alone, partnered and/or married. All of these I have attempted more than once. After 60 years of experience, I finally truly believed that I deserve to be in a successful, healthy relationship and that there are plenty of "good" men out there. And perhaps more importantly, I have an inner peace and joy...regardless of my marital status." ~ OM. C.

Cassie on FB: "LOVE it!!!!!"

GM says, "Your writing takes my breath away. It just seems to flow off the page."

Rebecca wrote on FB: "LOVED reading it. As a 47 yr old single working mom still wading thru trials and tribulations of how to fit a relationship into my life and figuring out what kind of man is the right fit, I found these women's stories to be very insightful. Thanks for sharing it!"

From FB: "I've really enjoyed reading your blog. I love all the insight. Thank you so much for sharing." ~ JFS

Third-draft reader, Pat Mikelson, says:

"This is EveryWoman's book - every age, every experience. You will laugh, cry and learn through this fascinating, honest and courageous journey to one woman's truth - but you won't put it down."