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You are currently browsing the monthly archive for May 2008.

I need a new blogpost to stay on track with the good blogging guidelines from my friend Christine over at A Mommy Story.

I want to write a little bit about SATC but fear I would spoil it for some soul and don’t want to take the chance. The huge atomic blast at the end was very unexpected and who would have thought Samantha’s character would even pass the psych screenings for the sex change. Oh crap, see, I can’t keep my mouth shut.

So instead, I’m going to do another giveaway. Perky, if you are reading, your gas card is finally on it’s way to you! I hope you didn’t leave for vacation yet. Perky was my first celebrity giveaway winner. Perky, take a bow and check your mailbox!

In honor of the shit-storm caused by Dunkin’ Donut’s latest Rachel Ray TERRORIST CELL LEADER RACHEL RAY commercial, I’m giving a $20 gift certificate to Dunkin’ Donuts to one lucky winner.

I thought maybe this didn’t go well with the idea of protesting against the stupidity that lives and breathes amongst us, but hell, everyone likes donuts and Dunkin’ is a national chain so all my readers (that long list of people with insomnia and friends I badger until they read my blog) can probably use it near them. The one condition is you have to wear your most non-terroristish scarf when you go use your gift certificate, deal? We all must do our part for national security.

To enter, simply leave a comment (it’s so easy to do, I leave over a hundred a day sprinkled all over the internet – some of them even get me censored in Houston) and tell me your favorite celebrity endorsement of all time – because telling me your favorite terrorist of all time just seemed to be in poor taste.

Contest ends at midnight on Monday, June 2nd. So enter early and enter often. Or just once, whichever. Good luck and happy accessorizing.

Bonus – if I get over TWENTY responses, I’ll give away TWO gift certificates! That’s right I WILL DOUBLE THE WINNERS!

(Two is my limit, my connection (thanks Gurmit!) can’t score me anymore.)

There has been plenty of outrage to go around this election season. So why would I need to look back and re-rage about the 2000 Election? Cause HBO made me. I watched their latest docudrama, “Recount” this past weekend. Chilling is the only word I’m left with after thinking about it all weekend long.

The story is done well and lets the viewer see it from all angles – almost impartially – but clearly leaning a little left as the main character is Ron Klain (played by the amazing Kevin Spacey). Klain hesitantly served as the main Gore operative in Florida during the grueling thirty-six days as the Florida vote count held the election and the nation hostage.

It told so many issues this average American was unaware of – like when the mandatory machine recount was called for by the CONSTITUTION of the State of Florida, SIXTEEN of the counties in Florida just didn’t do it – no reason given – JUST DIDN’T DO IT.

The fact that the Division of Elections, headed by then-Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris, asked an independent company to compile a “scrub-list” of convicted felons to be refused voting rights at the polls. Which seems reasonable and appropriate until we learn that Harris asked for any names similar to these convicted felons also appear on the list – resulting in over 20,000 eligible voters being on the list in “error” and denied their right to vote.  As we know, with the outcome, 20,000 votes could have changed this election ten times over. Despicable, simply despicable. If Laura Dern’s portrayal of her is to be believed, it’s pretty obvious Harris was not the mastermind behind much. Talk about under-qualified and inept. She’s no Queen Esther, I’ll tell you that.

But I don’t want to tell too much – it should be required viewing for all Americans because this can never be allowed to happen again. Too bad it did happen again – four short years later in Ohio. Granted, completely different circumstances and players – but the end result is the same – the election was corrupted and compromised by people who don’t have the right to do this to our country.  And this is not a Democrat vs. Republican issue.  This is a struggle for all citizens against the desecration of our nation’s honor.

It’s hard to watch this film and not ponder the implications of it’s ending during the last eight years in our country, in our world. I’m certain so much of what we face today would be different had Florida been handled better, with justice for all voters. I don’t know how we do it, but we must remove the partisan hand from elections – the CO-CHAIR OF BUSH’S FLORIDA CAMPAIGN was deciding this issue? In what universe is this acceptable? Maybe once upon a time we voters could count on the integrity and honor of our elected/appointed officials to do the right thing, simply because their character would not allow them to do otherwise. Those days are sadly gone.

Election Reform is the new black – tell all your friends, tell your elected officials, tell everyone you know that you’re mad as hell and your not going to let your government fall into the hands of those who play the game the best anymore. This is not a game – this is the future of our country and our votes (and ALL of them) are the ONLY DETERMINING FACTOR ALLOWED.

What happened to one voice, one vote? Please, America, this has to be the foundation of our electoral process – without it we fall into the abyss.

CityMama has challenged us all to face our demons and exercise them.  She’s running a contest and the prize is sweeeeettt, so sweet, I’m willing to share something that until today was known to me alone.

A few years ago, in an attempt to strengthen my core and connect with my inner self, I purchased a yoga dvd.  Nothing remarkable there, I have roughly fifty exercise dvds or tapes, collecting dust and holding up table legs.  But this dvd was going to change my life – it said so right there in the description, duh.

I waited a few weeks to try it out – must have the right clothes, the right state of mind and the will to get the hell off the couch – but on a gloomy Saturday, when nothing was on TV, I decided this was to be my zen moment.  And the first day of the rest of my new, healthy life began.

Popped that dvd in and I was off.  The first couple moves were a snap.  (I could show off and call them asanas, but who am I?  Ashley Judd or something?)  I was good – so good in fact that I thought for moment, why did I get the beginner dvd?  I could totally have done the advanced version – I was indeed ready for beyond the basics

Then that pose – you know the one – where you place one of your feet high up on the opposite thigh and you stand there waiting for clarity?  The instructor (aka perkymissfancypants) warned that this was a complicated one – one to work towards eventually.  Yeah, well missfancypants, I was in the military, don’t you tell me a thing or two about so and so.  Bubbling with confidence, I “achieved” the pose and calmly closed my eyes.  Sure, I’ll admit the balancing was harder on this one, that must mean it’s working and I just needed to focus more.

Ah, much better I’m totally getting this.  “I am so good” was running through my head just before I heard the cat’s first screach.   Somehow, in my clarity some basic function had stopped in my brain and I was unaware that I was tilting falling over.  And the poor cat, too stupid or too mesmerized by MY stupidity, just sat there and let me fall on her.

Sure I had killed her – that’s a bit of impact for a 12 pound cat, no? – we rushed her to the emergency vet.  Luckily, the only thing injured was her pride and she had wasted at least two of her nine lives.  I lied my ass off to the vet on what really happened, all the while the cat giving me one of those looks that only a cat you just fell on top of can give you.   You know the one that alerts you’ll be needing a new pillow case and comforter soon, meow, meow, because this kind of aggression can not go unanswered.

The first day of the rest of my healthy life was not a success.  Full of guilt, the cat got a can of tuna that evening and I haven’t seen that dvd since.

Namaste to you all.

The gas card winner is Perky!  I’ll send you an e-mail to get some details from you today!

Thanks to all who entered and read my ramblings on these deep, social issues.

So, like a fool I’ve gone and gotten addicted to another MTV teeny-bopper show. How could this happen again you ask? I have no excuse – I could fault expert marketing, a longing for my stolen youth, the misplacement of my remote control – but really I have no one to blame but myself.

The offending show, The Paper, drew me in with it’s quirky  Editor in Chief, Amanda. Did I see a little of myself in her? Did she remind me of days gone by when things were simpler and I had all the answers? Not really, she talked to herself while she was “running” on the treadmill and plastered her walls with notes of positive thoughts. Indeed, the power-pink post-its actually read “POSITIVE THOUGHTS”. She had me at hello.

She’s got her own sense of style and apparently twelve different pairs of glasses (not sunglasses, actual improve-your-sight glasses). She’s her own person – crazy, whimsical, completely oblivious to those plotting against her. And there is plotting – lots of plotting.

I had no idea the high school newspaper scene was so vicious. Did you? Poor Amanda has it coming at her from every angle. I often find myself cursing the tv and the little demons that work so tirelessly to take her down. I won’t tell you their names, because I’m a grown-up and I don’t want to pick on teenagers. I’ll make fun of them in the privacy of my home and my blog, but I’m not going to pick on them by using their real names. But they are mean little people. Mean.

So in honor of Amanda, I’m going to do my own version of a power-pink-post-it of positive-thoughts and host my first giveaway. Post you’re favorite “positive thought” here sometime before midnight Monday night (5/19) and you could win a $25 Gas Gift Card. That’s right universe – for all the darkness resonating at some high school newspaper in Florida – I’m making a stride towards the light and giving someone a half a tank of free gas one-third tank of free gas.

MTV airs this masterpiece Mondays at 10pm ET/PT. It’s a little microcosm of the world – the struggle between good and evil, deadlines and prom dates – it’s just what your Monday nights have been missing.

And if you’re out there Amanda – keep your head up and your glasses on straight – high school ends and these nitwits will still suck.

Dreams of a Mother

This Mother’s Day, Momocrats asked what dreams we hold for our children. Here is one of mine.

I dream that my daughter will have more choices than I do when it comes to how her time is spent. I dream that whether her choice be a full-time career, a stay-at-home adventure, or a combination of the two, that the factors contributing to this choice are hers alone – not society’s or economic’s or any thing other than her own aspirations.

The “mommy wars” have been long fought for women and continue today. These wars have never had much of an impact on me, not because I don’t care or understand them, but simply because I’ve never fit into either demographic. My career is one of necessity. My choice to work is based on bills to pay and necessary benefits like health insurance. So I’ve never been inclined to think much about my right to choose, as the decision was made for me by financial factors often out of my control.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to have the job I have and the blessings it allows me. I can feed my child, shelter her, provide medical care when needed, and access to educational opportunities we can easily take for granted. But what I wouldn’t give to be the one guiding my child through the majority of her day. I hope someday she sees that being a working mom, I longed to be with her more than I was. I hope she can appreciate that our time together, though sometimes not high in quantity, was filled with quality.

So you ask what is my dream? My dream is that through my example, she sees all the opportunities she has within reach. My dream is that nothing constricts her choices and she has the education, the self-confidence and the drive to carve her way on her terms.

Since this primary season began, I took it for granted that the Democrats would prevail. I’m still ever hopeful and believe that come January we’ll indeed be movin’ on up just like the Jeffersons. But Weezie, this move is beginning to WEAR. ME. OUT.

So, indulge me as I go through a couple of observations that have been nagging at me for a bit.

First off, FEMINISM in this race. I’ve had many a Clinton supporter tell me – either via their blog, an e-mail, right to my face over lunch – that I’m not a true feminist if I’m voting for anyone other than Hillary. Are “true” feminists not allowed to support a male if there are any ovaries in the room? Am I at risk to lose my “Screw The Man” t-shirt and “Honk if you love Gloria” bumper sticker? I thought the whole point of feminism was that at the end of the day I could assert my right to decide any number of things that had once been decided for me.

It has been suggested that there is a vast conspiracy and sexist MSM has contributed to her failure. Hillary has a LOT of conspiracy theories – she must be on a ton of underground newsletter lists. I’ll rally with my sisters when sexism is found, but aren’t we looking a little too hard for this offense?

Are Clinton’s supporters willing to allow for the possibility that some of us don’t rank her as our first choice? That some of us are disappointed in the decisions she has made to date and the way she has handled herself in this campaign. It’s not selling our sister out, it’s making the best choice with the facts we have at hand.

If she was here I’d tell her of the excitement that swelled in me when this all began. How I teared up at the thought of a WOMAN running the WHITE HOUSE as my daughter grew up. (Heck, I’m still tearing up at the thought of it right now as I type this.) If she was here I’d tell her how proud I once was of what she stood for and represented to this country – to the world – as a mother, wife and leader.

But so much of my excitement has faded and my tears continue, but for such different reasons. Now I just want to be able to look myself in the mirror when I cast my vote in November, whoever has the D next to their name.

My second whine d’jour is aimed squarely at what I like to call turncoats. Those “democrats” that strongly support one candidate and in doing so, vow to either stay home in November (Lord, I hope) or (GASP) vote for McCain. See Kristof’s NYTimes Op-Ed Piece. What in the world are you thinking? How do you align yourself with Clinton or Obama in the Spring and then with McCain in the Fall without a full frontal lobotomy?

Issues – the guiding forces behind my allegiance to the DNC – are lost on these people. To me, it almost lends credibility to the thought that some women are simply voting for the female candidate and some blacks are simply voting for the black candidate. And if they don’t get their way, they are taking their marbles and stomping away mad or worse, seeking revenge.

If issues like: abortion rights! federal judges we’ll be stuck with for decades! the economy! the war! the future! mean anything to you, how could you even ponder changing your vote in November to McCain? Someone, anyone explain this to me because I’m plotting to have these people deported – and that can’t possibly be a good sign for my faith in Democracy.

You see for all my whining and disappointment in point number one, HRC will have my support should she be the nominee. Because at the end of the day, my vision for American is far closer to hers than it ever will be to McCain’s, and isn’t that what this is ultimately about? Putting the right vision in the White House – the left vision that is!

So concludes today’s ramblings. Happy Mother’s Day to all my fellow Moms out there!

The first post to you blog is a monumental task. Right up until the point where you remind yourself that approximately 3.46 people will see the post and one of them is only excited to the see a photo of herself at the top of the screen. (I have a very vain child – clearly a trait from her father’s side.)

I had hoped to write a brilliant piece about a road trip to Indiana to root on my favorite DNC candidate. This brilliant piece would then jettison me to a place in blogoworld (or is it blogoland – like Disney, I get these confused) shared only by the likes of Bloggess or Dooce or the-many pictures-of-cats-doing-things blogs that are out there thriving, but my inspiration fell short, much like Obama’s numbers in Pennsylvania.

So here I sit. Maybe blogging isn’t for everyone as WordPress and Blogger would have you believe? This is far more difficult then being the Amy in Ohio who is a professional commentor on a dozen or so blogs I can’t get enough of. (No commentor isn’t a word or a profession now that I think about it as I’ve not made a dime from those people).

I guess I could just share with you my thoughts as they run through my head…McCain and RNC need to be sat down in timeout…the Bush Administration (do I really have to keep capitalizing that after all they’ve done?) must face the consequences for their actions…if I stumble upon one more interesting internet tidbit to enjoy I’ll likely be fired as that will teeter my work to play ratio out of my employer’s favor…I miss my daughter today more than most days and most days I miss her far too much – no one really tells you how hard the working mom gig can be at times…there are a surprising number of moms in Ohio that seem quite intelligent until the notion of globalwarming comes up…is globalwarming one word or two? (There, now you have something to comment on.)

I’m going to participate in a Walk Now for Autism tomorrow that I would have been completely unaware of (even though it’s in my hometown) were it not for the gal at A Mommy Story. If you haven’t done so already, take a moment and make a contribution to a great cause that effects 1 in 150 children in the U.S.

If I sit and wait for the perfect topic to start this thing, I’ll never start this thing and the crappy opening message from WordPress will be my mark on the world – what if I were to die in a tragic accident? That WordPress post would be even worse than the paramedics seeing my tattered undies. Bottomline, I’ll look back on this and conclude, as I’m sure most of you have, that I’M TRYING TO HARD. If all else fails I’ll start posting cat pics, so if you have any, please feel free to forward them my way.

But for now, congratulations to me, I wrote my first blog post. Now, time for a nap.

Go ahead, GET LIPI!

Digi-Scrapping Done Right

Purdy Pictures

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Why get so riled by the events of the world, you ask? Because…

"Becoming a mother makes you the mother of all children. From now on each wounded, abandoned, frightened child is yours. You live in the suffering mothers of every race and creed and weep with them. You long to comfort all who are desolate." Charlotte Gray
May 2008
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Trenbol 100 Genesis (100 mg/ml) 10 ml

Producto: Trenbol 100
Manufacturing: Génesis
Quantity: 100 mg / ml
Package: 10 ml

Steroid cycle: bulking

Active substance: Trenbolone Acetate

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Trenbol 100 Genesis (100 mg/ml) 10 ml

Trenbol 100 is a strong androgenic and anabolic steroid, the release of which has been the company Genesis (Poland). In addition to power, but is also notable for the absence of flavor, long enough period of activity and a lot of positive effects occurring during the course.

Trenbol 100 often used in sports (bodybuilding, weightlifting, weight lifting, and many other disciplines). Athletes have used their help when necesitavan an increase in muscle mass and significant force quality.

Trenbol 100 Description

The active ingredient of this drug is trenbolone acetate. Their anabolic power and therefore has onaya "Trenbol 100", four times that of endogenous androgen testosterone and - exactly twice. This acts trenbolone acetate till 14 days and exerts its activity fairly quickly. Therefore, there is a constant need for administration (to maintain the desired concentration of the substance in the blood sufficiently only one injection per week).

In addition, production of Trenbol 100 Genesis has a large number of positive and beneficial effects and sport, and beyond:

• Ensures maximizes lean muscle mass;
• Ensures maximum performance gain power;
• The effect of burning thanks to the increased production of growth hormone fat;
• Ensures increased level of IGF-1 in the body;
• The effect of lowering cortisol and increases the activity of libido / sexual during the course.

Course Trenbol 100

Very often, this steroid used to increase muscle mass gain strength and quality. Admission is rarely going solo, as in most cases, athletes trenbolone acetate combined with other steroids in order to increase the efficiency of the end of the course.
Taking Trenbol 100 with cualr anabolic androgen and can be combined.

To increase muscle power and obtain high quality this drug can be combined with stanozolol, with methenolona enanthate, oxandrolone, testosterone propionate and some other steroids.

Therefore, it allows excellent results for course "Trenbol 100" + Stanozolol. First introduced in the 100-300 mg per week, the second - about 50 mg per day (for greater efficiency in the exchange rate can add clenbuterol, and to minimize and eliminate the side effects - Proviron).
If you are looking mainly to increase muscle mass, then better trenbolone acetate esters combined with Dianabol, boldenone, oksimetalona or testosterone.

In particular, it is possible to combine the use of Trenbol 100, Sustanon, Turinabol resulting in a gain of muscle mass of sufficient quality, endurance, strength and many other parameters. following doses: trenbolonehexahydrobenzylcarbonate - about 100 mg per week, trenbolone acetate - 75-100 mg three times a week, Sustanon - about 250 mg per week Turinabol - about 30-40 mg per day (in output for fixing rate usually it is used steroids stanozolol - 40 mg per day).
In general, the recommended dose for use Trenbol 100-100 to 300mg is administered once a week. This is because the frequency of administration activity rather than long life of trenbolone acetate - up to 14 days.

Note that to calculate the Trenbol 100 doses simply because it has a high and very convenient concentration of the active substance - 100 mg / ml. Thus, for administration to a maximum recommended dose of 300 mg need for exactly 3ml formulation for a 100 mg dose - 1 ml, etc.

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Used Marten boats for sale

Marten 67 upwind Exceptional value

Marten 67 2009

2,000,000 Tax Not Paid
location: Olbia, Sardinia Italy
Occasionally a jewel of a yacht is built. Coal Ila should be seen and sailed to truly appreciate her detail, fine execution and thrilling performance.Contact us to arrange a viewing.
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Orchid in Rain

Inspired by a visit to a local orchid show, this was the first print I created after my father passed away. I believe it was the intense, almost overpowering, beauty and presence of the orchid that captured my attention and reignited my creative spirit. Printed on Owara mulberry paper with deckle edges.

Title:  Orchid in Rain
Number of prints in edition: 9
Dimensions: 16 x 12
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Raspberry Yogurt No-Bake Pie, Low-Calorie

“A yummy, refreshing, light pie you keep in the freezer, and take out an hour before serving. A great summertime pie, but great all year round! I’ve made variations with different yogurt flavors and fruit that are delicious! You don’t really have to add the middle layer of fruit, but I think it makes it extra special. Frozen fruit or well-drained canned fruit works great also. Use any kind of yogurt or Cool Whip, lite or regular, it doesn’t matter. For this one I used regular yogurt and Lite Cool Whip.  The variations are endless and the result is always a spectacular pie! Enjoy!”

Servings: 8

1 baked and cooled 9-inch pie shell

16 ounces raspberry yogurt

½ cup crushed raspberries

2 cups whole raspberries, divided

1 container (9 ounces) Lite Cool Whip

1. In a medium bowl combine the yogurt and the crushed raspberries.
2. Fold in the Cool Whip. Spoon half of the yogurt mixture into the prepared pie crust. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, use a fork to roughly crush 1 cup of whole raspberries, then spread these over the top of the yogurt mixture in the pie plate.
4. Spread the remaining yogurt mixture over the raspberries.
5. Garnish the top of the pie with the remaining 1 cup of whole raspberries.
6. Wrap the pie in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours before serving.
7. To serve, remove the plastic wrap and put the pie in the refrigerator for an hour before serving or you can set it on the countertop for 35 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information

Raspberry Yogurt No-Bake Pie~Low Calorie
Servings Per Recipe: 8
Amount Per Serving: 1
Calories: 165
Weight Watchers Smart Points: 8
Calories from Fat: 48

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 37mg 2%
Total Carbohydrates 25g 8%
Dietary Fiber 0g 2%
Protein 3g 5%
Sugars 14g
Vitamin A 2%
Vitamin C 14%
Calcium 9%
Iron 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Sea butterfly
クリオネ Kurione
Sea butterfly encyclopedia (New Leaf)
#36 #38 #43
Location Price
Ocean 1,000 Bells
Size Shadow size
1.30 in. (3 cm) Tiny
Time of year Time of day
December to February All day
Scientific name Clione limacina
Family Clionidae
Appearances WW, CF, NL
Rarity Uncommon (★★★)
Regional names Flag of Italy small Cavolinia
Flag of France small Clione
Flag of Germany small See-Engel
"I caught a sea butterfly! I didn't even use a net!" —New Leaf

The sea butterfly (クリオネ, Kurione?), are a species of mollusk that live in the sea. They can be caught during winter and are the only winter fish that cast such a small shadow in the sea, and so can be identified with ease. Its appearance during winter is a reference to how it is found in cold waters in real life.

The sea butterfly was first introduced in Wild World, and has appeared in every game since.

Donating to the museum

The sea butterfly can be donated to the Museum by talking to Blathers. Below is what is says during the donation:

In Wild World

"The sea butterfly is in the same family as snails, as you may or may not know. You might think it's strange to have a snail without a shell, eh wot? Indeed, well, slugs are also snails without shells! I must admit, being lumped in with slugs probably angers the sea butterfly."

In City Folk

It occupies a large glass tube in the lower-right corner of the fish exhibition, with other small oceanic fish.

In New Leaf

"Sea butterflies go with the flow, as they'll drift in cold winter waters along with ice floes. They are called "ice-floe angels" because of the mysterious way they swim with their winglike arms. Their heads will open up when they make an attempt to catch their helpless prey. Once its head is opened, it grabs its prey with six special feelers called "buccal cones". The only place you'll find both cold water and tropical sea butterflies swimming together is in this game."

Capture quote

"I caught a sea butterfly! I didn't even use a net!" —Wild World
"I caught a sea butterfly! Wonder if it used to be a sea caterpillar?" —City Folk

Encyclopedia information

Wild World

Encyclopedia Information
Sea butterfly (Wild World) "Its a snail, it eats sea butterflies and shellfish. It navigates the water by flapping its "wings."
Size 1.2 inches
Habitat Ocean
Season Winter
Icon Sea butterfly (Wild World icon)

City Folk

Encyclopedia Information
Sea Butterfly (City Folk)
"Some say these resemble angels, but they look like devils when they feed."
Size About 1.2 inches
Habitat Ocean
Season Winter

New Leaf

Encyclopedia Information
Sea butterfly encyclopedia (New Leaf)
"I caught a sea butterfly! I didn't even use a net!"
Size About 1.2 inches
Habitat Ocean
Season Winter

Further information

Sea Butterfly

A real-life sea butterfly.

Sea butterflies are a kind of sea snail with the ability to swim. They beat their wing-like flippers to fly through the water not unlike butterflies, hence their name. They are very small - only 1cm in length, but play a significant role in the food web of the oceans. They can be found within the upper layers of the ocean all over the world, but are more common in cold waters, such as those at the poles.

Aflogo Af+logo Animal Afe+logo Animal Crossing Wild World Logo Animal Crossing- City Folk (logo) Animal Crossing New Leaf logo Pocket Camp logo en
Freshwater fish
AngelfishArapaimaArowanaBarbel steedBassBitterlingBlack bassBluegillBrook troutCarpCatfishCharCherry salmonCrawfishCrucian carpDaceDoradoEelFreshwater gobyFrogGarGiant catfishGiant snakeheadGoldfishGuppyHerabunaKillifishKing salmonKoiLarge bassLoachNeon tetraNibble fishPale chubPikePiranhaPond smeltPopeyed goldfishRainbow troutSaddled bichirSalmonSmall bassSoft-shelled turtleStringfishSweetfishTadpoleYellow perch
Saltwater fish
Barred knifejawBlowfishBlue marlinButterfly fishClownfishCoelacanthDabFootball fishGiant trevallyHammerhead sharkHorse mackerelJellyfishLobsterMitten crabMoray eelNapoleonfishOarfishOcean sunfishOctopusOlive flounderPuffer fishRayRed snapperRibbon eelSaw sharkSea bassSea butterflySeahorseSharkSquidSurgeonfishTunaWhale sharkZebra turkeyfish
FishFishingFishing RodRiverRiver PoolPondWaterfallOceanTropical SeasFishing TourneyChipTrashKeyMuseum


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Frequently Asked Questions

Still a bit unsure of what AnimDojo is or how it works? Here are some common questions we've been asked which may help.
If these don't help then please send us an email to

Who is AnimDojo aimed at?

At the moment AnimDojo is aimed at animators who have a Maya character animation showreel but would like to improve it to get a great job. It's bridging the gap between education and industry.

Is it just for graduates?

No. Our belief is animators and artists should always be trying to improve themselves. You never stop improving and we're here to facilitate that.

What are the requirements?

You need four things:
1. Basic Maya character animation skills.
2. English language skills to understand instructions and get involved.
3. Access to a computer with Autodesk Maya installed.
4. A broadband internet connection to view the videos and upload your work.
If you are a member of AnimDojo you can download the educational version of Maya for free.

How much does it cost?

We've focused on how to make it affordable as possible, to help as many people as we can. Therefore it costs just $20 / £15 per month. Additional low-cost "bolt-ons" such as showreel critiques by professional animators can be paid for as extras when you are ready.

It sounds too good to be true?!

We've ripped up the traditional educational pricing model and looked at how we can do something different. By designing a programme that's not reliant on constant one-to-one mentoring we can substantially reduce the cost. We focus on how to make you better, not just your work. If you do want one-to-one critiques, you can pay £30 for a personal feedback session.

How much time do I need to put in?

There is no minimum time requirement, we've designed AnimDojo with short exercises to work around your free time to make it as inclusive as possible. The more time you put in, the more you will get out of it. We'd suggest at least 2-3 hours a week.

Is it a problem that I've never used Maya?

At the moment AnimDojo is aimed animators who have already had basic training in Maya character animation and looking to improve. We are developing materials to help those who have never used Maya or a 3D package before, this will launch in Spring.

When do I need to attend?

The weekly live streams take place at 7pm-8.30pm UK time on Wednesdays, but these streams are re-watchable for 14 days after the event takes place. We also have some live streams at luchtime UK time. You can access a wide range of video lessons and example exercises on the website at a time that's best for you. We've designed AnimDojo to work around your free time, to make it as inclusive as possible.

What computer/software do I need?

You need a PC, Mac or Linux workstation, or laptop with a working copy of Autodesk Maya installed, with at least an entry-level 3D graphics card. You can download a trial version of Maya, or if you are a paid AnimDojo member you can download Maya for free for educational use only.

Can I just sign up for one month?

Yes, but we don't think you'll get the most out of AnimDojo that way. We've designed AnimDojo for continuous personal development and improvement, and that takes longer than one month. Think of it like a gym subscription. We encourage you to participate in the exercises and peer critiques and discussions for as long as possible.


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Breimh’s Anime Review: Wagnaria!!

By Breimh

We are pleased to have a new addition to the Anime Kat Blog.  Breimh has over 60 anime reviews on the website Cruchyroll.  He has graciously agreed to periodically write reviews on current and older anime for our blog.  Check in every now and again to read a review on an anime you may have never heard of.

Wagnaria!! (also known as Working!! in the English Translation)
Published by Aniplex in 2010, is a series of adventures of the employees of a family restaurant – named WAGNARIA – which stands by itself in Hokkaido. Get ready to dish up some wacky comedy together with Sota and his coworkers!

Five Stars – Who knew working could be so much chaotic fun!?! Brilliant and masterful!

This wonderfully done slice of life story shows all the fun in just how many different forms of dys-FUN-ction there can be in the workplace! The movement in the animation is fantastic, though subtle, the artistic style is clean and allows for clear identification of what one is looking at, and the stories will keep you guessing as much as they keep you laughing.

You’ll never look at family dining in the same way again.

Credits for Likes

Credits for Likes

Greetings fans of Anime Kat.  Over the last month we have worked hard to come up with a fun way for you guys to earn store credit in the store by using Facebook.  We have come up with a new program called, Credits for Likes.  Starting July 1, 2013, fans of Anime Kat’s Facebook page can earn store credit every time they click on the Like button on Anime Kat’s page.

Here’s the basics of how the program works:

Every time you click the Like button on Anime Kat’s page, you will earn $0.10 in store credit.  Now, only certain things can be Liked to earned store credit.  The Liked post has to be from Anime Kat or our Blog.  Liking other fans’ post won’t get you store credit but will help keep discussions going.   You also can’t earn credit for Likes on replies from Anime Kat.  Whether we post replies to fans or our own posts, you can’t earn credits for Liking the posts.  You also can’t earn credit by Liking posts dated before July 1, 2013 or after September 30, 2013.

What can you use the credit on?  Why, almost anything you want.  The credit you earn during the Credits for Likes program may be used for anything Anime Kat does or sells that credit can be used for.  In other words, your credit is good for everything but a few special events and preorders.  You have the ability to save up your credits.  Once you have at least $4 in credit, just bring it to the store.  The credits don’t expire until December 31, 2014.

If you want to participate in the Credits for Likes program, all you need to do is become a fan of Anime Kat on Facebook and track your Likes.  You can do that by either downloading our rules and tracking sheet or by stopping in at Anime Kat and picking up a copy in person.  If you have any questions about the program, please message us on Facebook or drop by the store and speak with Drew.

From Wizards of the Coast to Anime Kat to You: Part 4

By Drew S.

Sorry for the delay since the last article about running Magic the Gathering prereleases and releases.  If you are just starting to read the “From Wizards of the Coast to Anime Kat to You” articles, I suggest you start with Part 1.  The very reason I’m behind in writing is the subject of today’s article.  There are at least two events that go on after the prerelease and release for a new Magic the Gathering set is releases.

The first event after the release is the formation of a league.  For the most current set, we ran the Dragon’s Maze League.  The league is Sealed Deck event.  Players receive a set number of booster packs to build their decks.  Unlike a normal Sealed Deck event, the league lasts over the course of five weeks and new players may join at any point of the five weeks.  During each new week of the league, players may one more booster pack to supplement their league deck.  The players’ decks remain at Anime Kat for the duration of the league, and players may not trade or buy individual cards to supplement their league deck.  Only the league booster packs may be used.

Each participant must play three matches per week, for a total of fifteen over the course of the league.  Players joining the league late or players that missed a match can play extra matches to catch up to the current match cap of three times the current total of weeks of the league.  There is always an “official” league night, but players may play league matches at any point at Anime Kat.  At the end of the five weeks, we give out prizes to the top players.

Pentagon of the colors of Magic: The Gathering.

Pentagon of the colors of Magic: The Gathering. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The other main event after the release of a new Magic the Gathering set is Magic Game Day.    Magic Game Day is always run a month after the last set release.  The event features the Standard format and is designed to showcase the newest cards available.  Special commemorative foil cards and are given to each participant and Top 8 competitor while the supplies last.  We typically have a few extra prizes as well.  For many players, the best part is we run the Magic Game Day as a free event.

It has taken be about two months to explain what I work on each time a new set of Magic the Gathering cards is slated for release.  That is about how much time I spend of each prerelease and release.  As soon as one set if finished (and usually before the League is finished) I’ll start work on the next set release.  It keeps me busy, but I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t fun.


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Title: Invoke | Artist: TM Revolution | Show: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED

Description: Invoke is the first opening of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. The show was a highly successful spin-off Gundam show that is essentially a highly condensed version of the original Mobile Suit Gundam and some of the most awesome parts of the UC universe. It's awesome, and that's coming from a fan of UC shows (UC purists are mean).

Anyway, Invoke is backed by an animation reel that is full of Sunrise opening tropes, complete with people looking in odd directions and Gundam fanservice shots. It's a very good song to open the series on too, since while it's fairly low-key, it has a sort of space-opera quality to it.

Why You Picked it: I really enjoyed SEED and I think it's one of the best Gundam shows, simply because it is sheer concentrated Gundam awesome. Out of the four openings, Invoke probably has the widest appeal with its consistent beat and (as mentioned) space-opera qualities. It was a great opening for the first quarter of the show that reflected how it was taking place in space. They later switched openings when they landed on the planet, reflecting its shift from space opera to a different setting.


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Archive for December 2012

Got Milk!

                        Got Milk?

Photo by:

Milk does the body good

by Ann Blanton

As children we were told to drink milk because it helps to build strong bones and teeth. But, as adults, we don’t think it still applies, so we have the tendency to slack off. This couldn’t be further from the truth; simply because this creamy white fluid is a natural source of vitamin D and calcium.

An important mineral called calcium help to maintain strong bones and muscles, including the most vital muscle of the body – the heart. Without it, the body will take calcium from your bones, which is the only other source that it has. It can also put you at risk for thin and brittle bones later in life. It takes one single cup to get one third of your daily calcium requirements.

There are many health reasons why you can benefit from vitamin D. Let’s take a look at some of those causes.

1. Vitamin D provides calcium balance in the body that can prevent osteoporosis and arthritis.

2. It also regulates blood pressure, reduces stress and tension.

3. Relieves aches and pains by reducing muscle spasms

4. Helps fight against depression.

5. It also aids in the secretion of insulin.

To reap the benefits, any amounts will suffice. However, according to experts, three eight ounce glasses daily will provide you with all the calcium you need, plus seventy- five percent of vitamin D. This tasty wellness drink provide important nutrients from protein which include vitamin A, B12, D, potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin and niacin.

The importance of these vitamin include:

Vitamin A – Facilitates the immune system, normal vision and good skin.

B -12 –  Assists healthy red blood cells and nerve tissue.

Vitamin D– Helps in the absorption of calcium.

Niacin – It’s important for the significance of the nervous system. It also keeps enzymes functioning normally and helps the body process sugars and fat.

Potassium – Helps to keep a good blood pressure

Phosphorus and Riboflavin – Strengthens bones and gives you energy

Disease Prevention – Osteoporosis

It’s crucial to build strong bone mass during childhood and throughout adolescence, in order to prevent osteoporosis.  Although milk is the preferred source of calcium for overall bone health, there are other ways to stop bone loss. These tips contain:

1. A healthy lifestyle of no smoking or the intake of alcoholic beverages.

2. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.

3. Weight bearing and resistance training exercises

4. Bone density testing

Memory Loss – Vitamin B-12 is an important key factor to maintain the nervous system. Some scientists have discovered that milk has the best source of B-12 that can decrease the damage to the brain. Studies show that by drinking two cups daily, can protect against memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes – Some studies show that milk may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle aged or older women.

More diseases – Other findings such as chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, stroke and colorectal cancer have also declines due to the consumption of milk.

Weight Loss – New research shows that milk can also help fight against the battle of the bulge. Two glasses of milk each day can help you drop those unwanted pounds. Typically, adults who have consumed the highest amounts of calcium and vitamin D, lost an average of twelve pounds over a period of time.

Beauty benefits – Hair, Nails and Skin

Research has discovered that the essential vitamins found in cow’s milk can provide, healthy, beautiful, shiny locks. The proteins and lipids work to strengthen hair, while the calcium promotes hair growth and aids in hair loss.

Nails – Fingernails need the proper nutrition to grow just like the rest of your body. Calcium is one of the minerals that can help. Although calcium may support healthy nail growth, it will not help them grow faster.

Skin – Vitamin A is an excellent source for good eyesight, but it also tackles skin problems like wrinkles and pigmentation changes. Because milk is high in hormones, if you’re acne prone, you might need to reduce your intake.

Whole milk is also high in fat and calories, therefore, if you’re watching your weight, you can switch to the low- fat version.

Stop by often. I always appreciate all your comments.

I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link if you want to check them out.   I’ve also had my first creative story published as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscape”.

Nutritous fruits and vegetables

Nutritious fruits and vegetables

Photo by: starleigh

Good Nutrition for Adults

by Ann Blanton

Your body is the only home that you’ll truly ever own. Treat it like the temple that it is!

The first step to a healthy lifestyle is a well balanced nutritious diet. It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you want to live a life free from diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and most types of cancer, you need to get on the right track and learn healthy nutritional habits. If you have good eating habits, you can save yourself a lot of time visiting the doctor’s office.

People who eat healthy have a higher immune system than someone who has poor eating habits. Proper nutrition and a healthy immune system will keep you strong throughout your entire life time. Your immune system can be affected by many things such as environmental pollutants, pesticides, antibiotics, allergies, inflammation, and chronic fatigue. Healing can take place much sooner with a strong immune system. However, the only way this is impossible is by having proper nutritional health.

Try making small adjustments weekly and cut back on foods that you know can be harmful to your health. Add at least two healthy food items to your shopping list and always stock up on fruits and vegetables. It’s essential to include at least five fruits and veggies into your diet every day. Get rid of all temptation and leave the comfort foods behind. Have you ever heard the saying, “out of sight, out of mind?” Well it’s true; if it’s not in the pantry then you won’t be tempted.

Many foods have carbohydrates and are an excellent source of energy for your body. Learn the difference between the carbohydrates that are good for you versus the ones that are not. If you eat too many carbohydrates at once, it can cause your glucose level to be too high.

Good carbohydrates that are loaded with fiber

1. Fresh fruits and vegetables in every color, shape and size

2. Whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread and crackers, oatmeal and cereal

3. Dried peas, legumes and lentils. (These are also a great source of protein).

4. Non-fat or low fat dairy items such as milk, cheese, yogurt and margarine. Cook and bake with egg whites or egg substitutes

5. Wheat pasta, wheat flour and sweet potatoes

Carbohydrates to avoid

1. White bread

2. White rice and pasta

3. Fruit juices with sweeteners

4. Cakes, cookies, candy and chips

5. Regular soda

Good sources of protein

1. Lean meats and poulty without the skin

2. Low fat cheese, yogurt and eggs

3. Natural peanut butter and soy products such as tofu

4. Fish

Healthy fats are also heart healthy

1.  Nuts, almonds, walnuts and seeds

2. Fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel

3. Avocados

4. Olive oil

You don’t have to avoid foods that you crave altogether, just eat them in moderation.

I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. I’ve also had my first short story published titled, “Shattered Spirit”, as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscapes”.

I always appreicate all your comments.

THE Biggest Loser

Get motivated with trainer Bob Harper, from The Biggest Loser

Photo by: BritaFilterForGood

Motivation is the key to success

by Ann Blanton

The key to getting fit, is motivation! Most people know that our bodies are not designed to sit still. People want to become physically active, but don’t know how to get motivated enough to begin a fitness regimen.

At first, you might tell yourself to start parking the car a few blocks from work, take the elevator instead of the stairs and join a gym. Weeks go by and you notice parking spaces become available closer to the building, the elevator is in the lobby and you’re too tired to go to the gym. One reason leads to another excuse.

Let’s take a look at the best solutions to get you motivated enough to keep moving.

Set Realistic Goals – Beginning isn’t as difficult as it sounds. The first thing you must do, is find something that you enjoy. You might even need to try a few different things to find what’s best suited for you. Example: You might decide that you want to give jogging a try. If this is something you’re interested in, begin slowly and start walking. Gradually work your way up to a quicker pace or even a brisk walk until you feel you’re ready to break into a jog. If you push yourself too quickly, you’ll get discouraged and give up. Remember, it takes time, patience and commitment to accomplish your goals.

Schedule Your Time Wisely – It’s important to schedule a time everyday that you can set aside for your workout. If mornings work best, pick a time and stick with it. If something else comes up, reschedule your workout for later in the day. Make a note of what you’re going to do and stick with it. Put the note somewhere where you’re able to see it such as on the bathroom mirror on even on the refrigerator.

Keep a Journal – Begin a journal everyday by writing down your goals. Be specific! Doing this will keep you focused and remind you how much you want to accomplish the goals that you’ve set for yourself. Doing this is the mental process of committing yourself to complete your mission. Keeping a journal also has another advantage. If you’re feeling week on determination, reviewing your list will help you to refocus. Keeping track, will also help you acknowledge when you slip-up so you can recommit yourself. Rather than becoming discouraged, you’ll know why you got off track. If this happens. don’t be too hard on yourself. Let it be a learning experience to learn something new about yourself.

Get Support – Find an exercise buddy who shares your interest, so they can encourage and support you in achieving your accomplishments. Look for someone who wants to see you succeed. It’s difficult to stay focused if your friend doesn’t share the same interests or wants to see you fail.

Be Positive – In achieving any type of goals, it’s always important to keep a positive attitude. If you tell yourself that you can’t do something, chances are you won’t succeed. Positive self-talk helps to boost your motivation and your attitude. Remind yourself that you’re trying to achieve a healthier lifestyle because you’re worth it. Positive words lead to positive actions!

Hitting a Slump – If you hit a slump, take the time to look over what you’ve written in your journal to remind yourself why you’ve made a commitment in the first place. Remember how good you feel after you’ve completed a workout.

Never Give Up! Regardless of how discouraged you become, the most important thing to remember and probably the most difficult, is to never give up. If you haven’t met your goals today, tomorrow is another day. It’s all about taking responsibility for your life. Your goals are only impossible if you aim too high.

There is obviously not a motivational solution. Motivation is something that has to come from deep within yourself. The next time you see a parking space close to the entrance or decide that taking the elevator is quicker than the stairs, reach deep down and find your inner motivation.

I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link if you want to check them out.  Currently, I just had my first short story titled, “Shattered Spirits”, published as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscapes”.

Keep Fit and Be Happy!

Keep Fit and Be Happy!

Photo by:

Plateau Busters

by Ann Blanton

Your high school reunion is right around the corner. You’ve made the decision to exercise regularly and eat healthy so you can look sexy in that little black dress. As a result, you’re dropping pounds, losing inches and building beautiful lean muscle.

You’ve been keeping a journal, faithfully recording your progress and weighing in weekly. You’re down to your last few pounds before accomplishing your goal. Then suddenly it happens. You step on that pesky contraception and the numbers won’t budge. Now what? Don’t panic! That inevitable plateau happens to everyone who ventures into fitness.

You’re fresh out of ideas, but you’ve come this far and refuse to give up. Let’s think back for a moment. Do you remember when you first started taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator? At first, it was a task, but then it got easier. What about the first time you walked around the block, huffing and puffing, walking only short distances. Soon that became easy too because your body adapted. The repetitive movements increased your strength and endurance promoting weight loss until one day the scale stopped moving.

First, ask yourself these questions. Have you lost your motivation? Are you pushing yourself beyond your limitation? Has exhaustion or boredom set in? If your answer is yes, let’s take a look at a few simple solutions.

Stop and Refocus

If you’ve lost your motivation, “find some way to challenge your body right away, as that will shift your energy just by moving and breathing,” says Lani Muelrath, McDougall Health and Medical Center Fitness Expert. “Connect with your vision of your body, energy and physical confidence ideal. This means a vivid mental picture of where you want to be. This then gives shape to your goals and inspiration to your activity,” explains Muelrath.

By setting high limitations, you’re only sabotaging yourself from all of your capabilities. In this case, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your goals.

Take A Rest

If exhaustion has taken its toll, then it’s time for you to take a well-deserved rest.  Just to let you know, sometimes taking a few days off is crucial so you can get your motor up and running again. When you come back, you’ll be more relaxed and stronger than ever.

Try working out with a friend or family member who can offer support and hold you accountable. Take a class or if you can afford it, workout with a trainer. Practice stretching techniques by doing yoga and spend some mediating to help relieve stress.

Shake things up

Variety is the spice of life! Try something new that you’ve wanted to do but was afraid to try. The possibilities are endless.

“If you like to be with others socially, find a class you can join that will allow more social support. Just move and avoid getting caught up in finding the best way to work out,” Muelrath suggests.

Interval training

The benefits of interval training are astounding. You can burn more calories by adding high intensity to your workout. Here’s an example that is sure to work. Just to simplify, this type of training can be used for most exercises such as walking on a treadmill, elliptical training, aerobics, cycling and swimming. Hence, these are only a few examples. If you’re walking on a treadmill, begin at a normal pace for roughly two or three minutes, then begin to pick up the pace and walk briskly for the same amount of time and repeat for several intervals. You can also increase the incline as you become stronger. If it’s aerobics your interested in, start at a low pace for a couple of minutes and then gradually pick up the pace for the same amount of time and repeat intervals.  You’ll be amazed at how your fitness level will increase, you’ll become stronger and you’ll start dropping those unwanted pounds in no time.

More ideas to help get you started

Drums Alive – This is the most unique and challenging workout you’ll ever try. This foot stomping workout delivers powerful movement and rhythm to the beat of a drum. It’s fun, gets your body moving and brings results.

Half and Half – This exercise includes 30 minutes of step and sculpt, followed by 30 minutes of drums alive for an awesome total body workout.

20-20-20- This workout includes a three and one combination of 20 minutes of cardio, sculpting and abdominal core conditioning for a maximum outcome.

Hoopilates – The name says it all! It begins with traditional strength conditioning with Pilates and fun cardio movements with hoop dancing. If you get bored easily, this workout is for you.

Hip-Hop – Move your body to the beat of reggae for a fun and exhilarating exercise.

Diamond Fit – These boot camp moves include intense cardio, plyometrics, muscle toning, core and abs for a challenging workout that will have your body diamond fit in no time.

Turbo Kicks – If you want to punch and groove to a party atmosphere, with side effects that promote results, give this exercise a try.

Boxercise – This fun energetic, stress-busting class includes boxing techniques that will enhance hand-eye coordination, balance and timing.

These are only a few booty-shaking ideas that will help you accomplish your goals in no time.

Don’t worry if you’re budget doesn’t allow room to incorporate classes that fit into your routine. There are plenty of butt blasting DVDS and videos that you can purchase online or at most retail stores.  Here are a few  suggestions you might want to consider.

Turbo Fire – If you’re ready to sweat to the beat with fire drills and burn nine times more calories with this intense cardio workout, this workout will be just what you’re looking for.

Insanity – Yes, there definitely is a method to the madness! These insane workouts will push you beyond your limit for a more firm and toned physique in no time.

Insanity Asylum – This offers speed, agility and strength with sport drills that will have you slamming and flying like an athlete.

Get on the ball with FitBall – This exercise offers solutions for core, balance and coordination using a balance ball for a total body workout.

Yoga Fitness – Includes deep stretches, yoga postures and Pilates movements.

“Other ways to bust through a plateau are to change the locations of your workouts,” says certified personal trainer and aerobics instructor, Bonnie Hardie. If you exercise inside, maybe it’s time to move your workout outdoors. “You can also change the time of your workouts,” suggests Hardie. If your regular routine is in the morning, try evenings instead.

If you need to bust through a plateau, the key to remember is to live fit and train smart. Never give up and keep your body moving!

I’ve had many articles published at Fitness Plus Magazine. Here’s the link to view them if you want to check them out. Currently, I just had my first short story titled, “Shattered Spirit”, published as an anthology in a book titled, “Heartscapes”.

I would love to hear your feedback, so please send me all your comments.

Ann Blanton, writer, nonfiction,  author, published, article, magazine. Fitness Plus, plateau, busters, exercise, aerobics, activity, active, workout, fitness, eat, healthy, pounds, results, progress, muscle, lean, inches, goal, accomplish, numbers, stairs, elevator, walking, repetitive, movements, endurance, strength, weight loss, motivation, refocus, challenge, energy, body, physical, limitations, sabotage, reevaluate, rest, exhaustion, strong, re-energize, support, accountable, class, trainer, yoga, meditate, stress, technique, stretching, variety, interval, training, treadmill, elliptical training, aerobics, cycling, swimming, pace, brisk, increase, incline, accomplish, challenge, cardio, sculpting and abdominal core conditioning, plyometrics, muscle, tone, boxing, energetic, balance, coordination, blast, DVD, videos, physique, firm, athlete, movement, fiction, story, anthology, Heartscape


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My new novel Settlement is out and about online all this week. It’s off on a tour of some book-bloggers’ websites. The tour has been organised by the amazing Kelly from Love Books Group and so far it’s going really well.

So I thought I’d give my own readers a chance to hop on board the blog bus and see where the book has been so far. Just click on the blog titles to visit each stop.

On day one, it was on Els’s blog – b for book review –  where Els shared an extract and some information about me and the book.

Day two saw Settlement arriving at Jill’s blog – On The Shelf Books – and Jill had written the most wonderful review.

Then today it showed up at MADE UP BOOKS where Cassandra almost made me cry with her appreciative review.

I’ve never done a blog tour before but this is proving to be great fun. And I must say a huge thank to all the bloggers who have given up their time for free to support it.

I’ll report back in a few days with how the rest of the week goes.

And a quick question as always to end: nowadays I find almost all my new reads via the book blogs that I follow. How do you find yours?

Author Interview: Christine Webber @1chriswebber #amreading #MondayBlogs

I’m delighted to welcome author Christine Webber to the blog today to talk about her new contemporary novel It’s Who We Are, and about her writing in general. I read and very much enjoyed her previous novel Who’d Have Thought It? and I reviewed it here. And I will be posting a review of the new book here very soon.

Welcome Christine!

I was intrigued to see that there was a thirty year gap between your first novel In Honour Bound and your second one Who’d Have Thought it? What were you doing in between?

Christine: As those of us of a certain age know all too well, thirty years can disappear in a flash! I wrote my first novel when I was working as a news presenter for Anglia TV. I always meant to carry on writing fiction, but shortly afterwards, I left the company to pursue a new career in medical and social journalism – and somehow fell into becoming an agony aunt. I wrote columns for Best magazine, TV Times, The Scotsman, BBC Parenting, Woman, Dare, Full House and several others – not all at the same time though! Then I started getting work as a ‘relationships expert’ on TV programmes such as Trisha and The Good Sex Guide… Late. While this was happening, I decided to train as a psychotherapist – and I started my own practice. Meanwhile, Hodder commissioned my husband and me to write a book about orgasms (The Big O). This did quite well and led to my staying with Hodder and writing a whole range of self-help books.  Later, I penned titles for Piatkus and Bloomsbury. I knew I longed to write more novels. It just took a while to get on with it!

Why was fiction writing something you wanted to come back to – especially after such a long gap?

Christine: I kept having ideas for fiction, but life was so busy, and I felt I had to focus on work that actually paid me. In some ways I regret that now. On the other hand, my years of writing about relationships, and being a therapist, gave me great insight into how our minds function – which is useful when it comes to portraying characters realistically. And the decades of juggling broadcasting, health writing, newspaper columns, and therapy did provide me with a financial cushion which has enabled me to do what I do now. I know many other indie authors, who have had long-term careers before writing, feel the same.

 You write what could broadly be described as contemporary romantic fiction, but it’s definitely not chick-lit. Why do you go for older protagonists who are in their fifties and sixties?

Christine: I suppose it’s all about wanting to read material that mirrors our own experiences. And – like many other writers and readers of my vintage – I feel there is a lack of good stuff about the people we really are. I first tried to change publishers’ attitudes to the over 50s in 2009, when I was planning a guide for female baby boomers. I wanted to write about finance, locations, housing, beauty, friendship, romance and health – basically everything that needs to be considered if we are to age more vibrantly than people of past generations.

I had to change agents and publishers to get this book accepted. I was told constantly, ‘no one wants to read about older people!’ Anyway, I did get Too Young to Get Old published and now I have transferred my zeal for writing about the individuals we are – as opposed to out-dated stereotypes – into fiction. But I had to venture into indie publishing in order to do it.

Do you detect a growing popularity for this kind of multi-generational novel where middle-aged and older characters are at the centre of the action?

Christine: I really do. And I would urge interested writers and readers in mid-life to investigate the excellent new organisation – launched recently by Claire Baldry – called Books for Older Readers. We are a growing band. One might even say that we are creating a ‘genre’!  Check out the website: The group is also active on Facebook and Twitter.

Describe for us your typical writing day.

Christine: I’d love to describe something scheduled and organised. But I’d be lying if I did. Like lots of people, I have constraints on my time, for family reasons. I also think it’s absolutely vital to get exercise, so that has to be worked into every day too. And, as every indie writer knows, the marketing and social media aspect of one’s ‘operation’ also has to be managed. In practice then, I tend to do correspondence and marketing in the morning. And try to leave two or three hours to write mid-afternoon. I also have a new resolution, which is to find half an hour after lunch for reading other authors’ novels. I need an expandable day, really! The other component that forms an essential part of my writing day is that I always play music while I work. And I invariably start each day with Mozart, who feeds my soul and sanity. There’s nothing like tapping into creative genius for getting your own grey cells into shape!

And finally, please do tell us a bit about your new book, It’s Who We Are.

Christine: It’s Who We Are is a contemporary novel. It’s very different from Who’d Have Thought It? which is essentially a romantic comedy. People do fall in love in the new book, and there are plenty of comedic moments too, but it’s a far more serious work than the last one. But then life is more serious than it was just a few years ago. Think back to the London Olympics – we don’t feel like the same country now, do we? And writing contemporary fiction seems to me to have to reflect that.

I have five main characters in this book, and they are all facing tremendous upheaval in mid-life. One of the women has decided to divorce her perpetually unfaithful husband. Another is coming to terms with widowhood and contemplating a change of career. Then there are three men – a rich business man who hates running the family firm and is trapped in a loveless marriage, a priest who is so intensely lonely that he feels people must be able to ‘smell it’ on him, and a larger than life freelance singer who’s in a panic about his ageing voice and the fact that he has no savings whatsoever.

Like many of us in our fifties, these individuals are amazed at how unsettled they feel just at a time when they had expected to be living a calm and stable existence. Thrown into the mix there are family secrets, which become uncovered as elderly parents die or become ill – and these cause all five characters to question who they really are.

Thank you, Christine. An interesting and thought-provoking interview. And I agree that, as in your books, life goes on in all its richness and complexity for all of us –  regardless of age.

It’s Who We Are is published on January 16th and will be available in bookshops throughout the country and on Amazon

You can follow Christine on Twitter at @1chriswebber

Her website is

And, as always, it’s over to you, the readers of this blog: Do you like reading multi-generation fiction and/or fiction where the main characters are middle-aged or older?

Twelve Best Books 2017 #bestbooks2017 #amreading #books

It’s that time of year. As 2017 comes to an end it’s time for reflection. And one thing I find myself thinking about is all the great books I’ve read this year. I love reading and, although as a writer myself, I consider reading to be vital in helping my own writing to develop, I’d read whether or not it helped me as an author.

I’ve read around thirty books in the last twelve months and I’ve reviewed many of them here on the blog.

My 2017 reads have come from a mixture of genres and have been both fiction and non-fiction. I’ve enjoyed some more than others. That’s to be expected.

But even with the ones I didn’t enjoy or gave up on, I felt I’d achieved something – even it was simply that I learned I didn’t like a particular author’s style and why it didn’t appeal to me.

On a more positive note I enjoyed the majority of what I read very much indeed and picking just twelve has been difficult. The list is presented in the order I read them from January to December and among my main criteria for choosing them were the following:

  • Did I keep reading the book way past my usual go-to-sleep-time?
  • Did I find myself thinking about the book between bouts of reading it and after I’d finished it?
  • Did I not want to get to the end but simultaneously was desperate to see how it would play out?

If I answered yes to all three the book made it to the cut.

And here they are:

  1. Mary’s the Name by Ross Sayers
  2. Blast Radius by RL McKinney
  3. The Lavender House by Hilary Boyd
  4. Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty
  5. My Name is Leon by Kit de Waal
  6. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  7. Maria in the Moon by Louise Beech
  8. Rather be the Devil by Ian Rankin
  9. The Angel in the Stone by RL McKinney
  10. The Good Sister by Maggie Christensen
  11. Madness Lies by Helen Forbes
  12. A Biography of Story by Trish Nicholson

Have you read any of the above? Did you enjoy them? What would be your top choice(s) from your own 2017 reading list?

And before I go, I’d like to thank everyone who has followed the blog over the last twelve months, and everyone who has taken the time to read the posts and to comment on them. I appreciate it.

I’m taking a short blog break over the festive season and will be back on the 8th January 2018.

26 Books in 2017 Book 22: A Memoir or Journal

joanna-kosinska-44214 (1)
Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

Book number 22 in the 26-books-in-52-weeks challenge has to be a memoir or journal.

I enjoy reading books which come into this category. I like that they tend to follow a particular theme or a specific period of time in the author’s life. This makes them less dry than straight forward biography or autobiography. For me a good memoir or journal will present the reader with thoughts, stories and reflections that they can relate to, be inspired by or take comfort from.

Out of the many memoirs/journals that I’ve read, six spring to mind as worth a mention.

Three journals themed around the natural world

The Wilderness Journeys

The Wilderness Journeys by John Muir: Muir was born in 1838 in Dunbar in Scotland and he is credited as being the father of American conservation. His name has become synonymous with the preservation and protection of wilderness and wild land. At over 600 pages it’s a big book bit it’s an easy and rewarding read. It’s a collection of Muir’s writings gleaned from his journals. And in the words of the back cover – These journals provide a unique marriage of natural history with lyrical prose and often amusing anecdotes, retaining a freshness, intensity and brutal honesty which will amaze the modern reader.

Findings by Kathleen Jamie: Jamie is also a Scot and her writing is exquisite. From the book’s back cover – It’s surprising what you can find by simply stepping out to look. Kathleen Jamie, award winning poet, has an eye and an ease with the nature and landscapes of Scotland as well as an incisive sense of our domestic realities. In Findings she draws together these themes to describe travels like no other contemporary writer. Whether she is following the call of a peregrine in the hills above her home in Fife, sailing into a dark winter solstice on the Orkney islands, or pacing around the carcass of a whale on a rain-swept Hebridean beach, she creates a subtle and modern narrative, peculiarly alive to her connections and surroundings.

The Old Ways

The Old Ways by Robert McFarlane: McFarlane, is an English nature writer and in this book he records and  reflects on his thoughts whilst out walking in the natural landscape. From the back cover – Following the tracks, holloways, drove-roads and sea paths that form part of a vast ancient network of routes criss-crossing the British Isles and beyond, Robert Macfarlane discovers a lost world – a landscape of the feet and the mind, of pilgrimage and ritual, of stories and ghosts; above all of the places and journeys which inspire and inhabit our imaginations.

Three memorable memoirs

Angela's Ashes

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt: Irish-American author, McCourt was born in New York but grew up in Ireland and in this book he writes about growing up in poverty in Limerick. It is honest, funny and poignant writing. From the book’s back cover – Frank McCourt’s sad, funny, bittersweet memoir of growing up in New York in the 30s and in Ireland in the 40s. It is a story of extreme hardship and suffering, in Brooklyn tenements and Limerick slums – too many children, too little money, his mother Angela barely coping as his father Malachy’s drinking bouts constantly brings the family to the brink of disaster. It is a story of courage and survival against apparently overwhelming odds.

Thunderbolt Kid

The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson: In complete contrast to the above memoir, travel writer, Bryson’s account of his childhood in the 1950s and 60s in Iowa is laugh-out-loud funny. From the back cover – Bill Bryson’s first travel book opened with the immortal line, ‘I come from Des Moines. Somebody had to.’ In this deeply funny and personal memoir, he travels back in time to explore the ordinary kid he once was, in the curious world of 1950s Middle America. It was a happy time, when almost everything was good for you, including DDT, cigarettes and nuclear fallout. This is a book about one boy’s growing up. But in Bryson’s hands, it becomes everyone’s story, one that will speak volumes – especially to anyone who has ever been young.

THe Learning Game

The Learning Game by Jonathan Smith: As a teacher myself, I found lots to relate to in Smith’s account of his teaching career. From the back cover – We are all caught up in our children’s lives. We all remember our own schooldays and, as parents, we watch anxiously as our children go through it. As we look at the world of teaching from the outside we wonder not only what is going on but what we can do to help. Jonathan Smith, a born teacher and writer, takes us on his personal journey from his first days as a pupil through to the challenges of his professional and private life on the other side of the desk. He makes us feels what it is like to be a teacher facing the joys and the battles of a class. How do you influence a child? He describes how you catch and stretch their minds. What difference can a teacher make, or how much damage can he do? Should clever pupils teach themselves? What works in the classroom world and what does not? And while influencing the young, how do you develop yourself, how do you teach yourself to keep another life and find that elusive balance? This is a compelling and combative story, warmly anecdotal in approach, yet as sharp in its views of the current debates as it is sensitive in its psychological understanding. From the first page to the last, and without a hint of jargon, this inspiring book rings true.

So, are memoirs and journals something you enjoy reading? If so which ones stand out for you?

Good Fathers in Literature

As a follow up to last week’s post about my own father, I’m posting again today, the day after Father’s Day in the UK, about dads.

I was inspired to do this one after reading a post by fellow blogger, Christina Philippou, on good examples of fatherhood in literature. So thanks, Christina. You can read her post here

When I began thinking about who I’d put on my list, I was surprised how difficult it was to come up with a few. I decided not to ask for Mr Google for suggestions and to just trawl my memory – so it it would indeed be my list.

Lots of what I’ve read has had absent fathers, bad fathers or no mention of fathers. I could come up with a few good fathers from my childhood and young adult reading and two from my most recent reading, but for all the years of reading in between I was struggling to come up with any. There’s perhaps a PhD thesis in why they seem scarce.

Or perhaps this says more about what I choose to read than about whether these male characters exist or not. I’d be interested to know what readers think about that.

Anyway, without further ado here are my five best dads in literature:

Malory Towers

  • From childhood and Enid Blyton’s first book in the Malory Towers series, it would be Mr Rivers, the father of main character, Darrell Rivers. She’s having a hard time settling into her new boarding school until her surgeon dad saves the life of her fellow pupil and future best friend, Sally who needs her appendix out. Not the easiest example for dad’s to follow but hey surely, if you’re kid is having trouble making friends or being picked on at school, it would surely be worth it to get yourself off to medical school.

Little Women

  • From later childhood reading, I would nominate Mr March. He is the much loved father of the four March girls in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. He’s absent for most of the book, but in a good way as he’s off being an army chaplain during the American Civil war. His absence is a significant presence (if you see what I mean) and is central to the story.

To Kill A Mockingbird

  • From my young adult reading days, best father has to be Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s, To Kill a Mocking Bird. His integrity, honesty and respect for his fellow humans makes him just the best role model.

And coming up to date, my final two are from my current weakness for contemporary crime fiction.

Keep the Midnight Out

  • Firstly, there’s Detective Superintendent William Lorimer who is the lead cop in Alex Gray’s novels. He’s not actually a father but in Keep the Midnight Out his longing to be a father is poignantly told as he and his wife come to terms with infertility.

Thin Air

  • And finally, it’s another detective, this time Jimmy Perez from the Ann Cleeves, Shetland set crime novels. He’s a flawed but loving step-dad, struggling to do the best for his step-daughter.

So, who’d be on your list?

Anne’s Good Reads – The Night Rainbow by Claire King

The Night Rainbow by Claire King

Night Rainbow

a powerful and poignant story of a childhood summer

 I read this debut novel when I was ill in bed with flu – and I was transported. I was taken away from my aches, pains, shivers and sweats to a wonderful, warm, French summer. Even better it was a childhood summer.

I was quickly immersed in the sights, sounds and scents of five-year-old Pea’s world. And the story this engaging young narrator tells is moving, powerful and oh so vivid.

As the summer passes Pea and her younger sister, Margot are left to fill their days as they please in the meadows and fields near their house. Pea’s widowed and pregnant mother is so pre-occupied with her own grief that she is unable to carry out any mothering duties. Indeed she spends most of her time in bed engulfed in and weakened by her sorrow.

Pea and Margot try to come up with ways to make their mother happy again including trying to find her a new husband. They befriend, and are befriended by Claude, a neighbouring farmer  who is also burdened with grief. The girls play, explore and puzzle over the ways of the adults around them.

It’s not an easy thing to tell a grown-up  story through the eyes of a child and to render it realistic and poignant for adult readers but Claire King makes it look simple.

This is an enchanting and charming book which will make you both smile and reminisce about the innocence of childhood  – and feel sad at the loss of that innocence that adulthood brings.

It is a perfect summer read and indeed a winter sickbed one too.

The Night Rainbow is published by Bloomsbury and is available in bookshops and on Amazon.

A Scintillating Sparkler of a Children’s Book – The Wishnotist by Trevor Forest

Wow! I just read a scintillating wee sparkler of a children’s book.

I’ve been a primary school teacher for nearly thirty-five years. I’ve worked with the full age range from four to twelve. For most of the last decade I’ve worked with children with special needs alongside their ‘mainstream’ peers. During my career, I must have shared hundreds of books with children. Amongst those books there have been gems and there have been disappointments. Some of the gems are ones that I have owned and shared with my pupils for most of those thirty-plus years. They range from picture books to full length novels. So I feel at least a little qualified to judge what makes a good book for children.

And I’ve just read another gem. The Wishnotist by Trevor Forest is a diamond. As I’ve done with most of Trevor’s books, I shared the reading with some of the pupils at the primary school where I teach. They were wowed too.

The Wishnotist is a wise, witty, warm, wacky, weird and wonderful story. It’s an action-packed tale with the moral  ‘be careful what you wish for.’ It’s a contemporary story full of  characters and references that are instantly recognisable to the target readership –  i.e. children in the upper stages of primary school and early high school. The pace of the storytelling is also perfectly judged for this age group. But what makes it really stand out is that although it has elements of fantasy and magic and although it is also humorous in places, it is a story with real depth.

Jack, the main character, has to resist the pressure put on him by the mysterious Wishnotist to reveal his heart’s desire and make a wish. The story addresses Jack’s typically adolescent confusion and emotional turmoil  as he copes with growing up, with his ambiguous feelings towards his disabled brother and his first experience of fancying a girl. And when he does eventually cave in to the Wishnotist’s pressure, the ending is poignant and moving.

Back in March last year I reviewed Trevor’s book ‘Peggy Larkin’s War’ here on the blog. Since then I’ve read Trevor’s other books  -‘Abigail Pink’s Angel’, ‘Faylinn Frost and the Snow Fairies’, the ‘Magic Molly’ trilogy – all about a young trainee witch – and the outrageous and hilarious ‘Stanley Stickle Hates Homework’.

Trevor’s gift for writing for children is characterised by his ability to communicate directly with his target readers without talking down to them. He can also make the fantastic and the magical perfectly plausible. He also has that rare ability to tell a high interest story in language that is accessible to young readers and manages to combine this with keeping the adult ‘supporter’ interested too. His books are ideal first novels for children who have perhaps struggled to become independent in their reading.

But most of all Trevor Forest is simply a wonderful  and truthful storyteller. The Wishnotist is the latest example of this fact.

A Brace of Braw Books

It’s the third Tuesday of the month so it’s book review time. This month I have two books from the same publisher – more in a minute.

Before the book crits however, I thought now might be a good time to state exactly what the Write Enough book review policy is.

Mostly I review books that I’ve bought because I wanted to read them for pleasure, enlightenment, or entertainment. But I also review books that I’ve been specifically asked to review by the author or publisher.

I’m keen to review other ‘indie’ authors (like myself) as well as traditionally published ones. I have eclectic tastes – ranging across the genres and including non-fiction, but literary fiction does tend to get my pretentiousness radar going into overdrive. Whatever the category, I always aim to be honest, constructive and never nasty. I will say if I disliked a book, but always with the proviso that in the end reviews come down to personal taste.

Sometimes I will also submit a review to Words with Jam, the bi-monthly writers’ magazine that I contribute to.

And so to this month’s brace of books. Both sent to me by the publishers – Polygon. The first one is Brighton Belle by Sara Sheridan – a writer I’ve reviewed here before. And the second is Time & Tide by Shirley McKay.

Brighton Belle

By Sara Sheridan

I have previously reviewed ‘The Secret Mandarin’ and ‘Secret of the Sands’ by bestselling author, Sara Sheridan. I very much enjoyed both novels so I was delighted to receive a review copy of Sheridan’s latest. ‘Brighton Belle’ is designated as The First Mirabelle Bevan Mystery and is published this month by Polygon in hardback and e-book. It will be available in paperback in July.

There’s always a slight worry when coming to read the latest book by an author you love. What if it doesn’t live up to expectations? There was no need to worry in this case. ‘Brighton Belle’ is another very engaging read from this talented author.

Sara Sheridan can be relied on to be original in character, setting and plot. Her books push at the genre boundaries. ‘Brighton Belle’ is part (recent) historical, part crime and part thriller. I was hooked from the start.

Set in post-war Brighton, the story’s heroine, Mirabelle Bevan, works as a secretary in a debt collection agency. She wants a quiet life after her role in the Secret Service during the war and following the death of her lover. However, she’s soon overtaken by scary and mysterious events. She and her sidekick, the marvellous Vesta, have to turn detective to solve various possibly linked crimes of fraud, murder and kidnap. They are involved in an illegal exhumation, breaking and entering, and helping a killer flee the country – all in ultimately good cause. There’s darkness, suspense and surprises throughout. It’s gripping.

I love the originality – Mirabelle, a 1950s independent white woman and Vesta, a 1950s independent black woman – ‘doing it for themselves’ long before it was fashionable – and feminism wasn’t even a gleam in her mother’s eye.  The descriptions of Brighton and of the post-war era are charming and hugely atmospheric and the pace is brisk.

And, at the end, the scene is well and truly set for further adventures for Mirabelle and Vesta.  I also hope there’s more to come of DS MacGregor. There was a definite frisson between him and Mirabelle. I can’t wait for this trios next outing.

Time & Tide

Shirley McKay

As I don’t read much historical fiction, this probably isn’t a book I would have chosen for myself. But the nice people at Polygon sent me an unsolicited copy so the choice was made for me. I hadn’t heard of Shirley Mackay, the book’s author, before – but I saw from the book’s cover that ‘Time & Tide’ is – the third Hew Cullan mystery – so she’s obviously an established author. And speaking of the cover – it’s a Bruegelesque beauty. I judged by the cover and decided to give the tale a go.

As it turned out, the cover sets up the novel perfectly in its time and place.

It’s set in sixteenth century St Andrews. This further endeared it to me – as I got my MA at the university there – and I still love the place thirty-five years later –returning to visit whenever I can. So I was well set up for this ‘Morse of the sixteenth century’ crime-solving story

The hero is Hew Cullan, a lawyer, in the town who, somewhat reluctantly, teaches at the university. Following a shipwreck, the town’s bakers and millers are keen to get their hands on the windmill that was lashed to the deck of the stricken ship and survived the boat’s demise. The sole human survivor from the wreck dies before he can confirm who owns this technological innovation.

All sorts of intrigue, trickery and, even, murder ensue as vested interests seek to establish their right to the windmill. Hew is dispatched to Ghent, the survivors home town to try to sort out matters once and for all. This sort of mission is much more appealing to him than the life of an academic.

The resolution of the mystery is certainly surprising and that, along with the hint of a love interest for Hew at the close, all made for a thoroughly satisfying read.

Mackay’s period detail and her descriptions of the town of St Andrews are spot on. The plot is clever and the writing sharp. But it’s the characters that really stand out. All are vivid and credible. And for me it was the female characters that made the most impression. Hew’s sister, Meg, a healer, psychologist and therapist, despite not being eligible to study at her brother’s  college due to being female, is a wonderful creation. She causes her brother to wonder at ‘the secret art of women’ on more than one occasion with what she knows or works out. As well as Meg, Maude the landlady of the inn, Beatrix the widow of the shipwrecked sailor and the nuns at the closed community of women in Ghent are all impressive and rounded characters.

So if you like a historical novel, a crime thriller and a mystery and you’re looking for something original and rather different within those genres then I can highly recommend ‘Time & Tide’.

The book is available in paperback and e-book format.

Number Eight on the Stone River

My bookshelves are a memoir. My biography can be read there. Childhood favourites, school prizes, university text books, reference volumes, travel guides, memoirs, self-help instructionals, volumes of poetry and countless novels – light to literary. All represent a phase, a stage, a need, a treat. All represent me.


text:
Anne Connelly Real Estate Team

They say “that teachers, hair stylists and nurses make great Realtors”

…..2 out of 3 ain’t bad!

Inspired by her love of Real Estate, Anne Connelly combines a passion for the business with a driven commitment to ensure the satisfaction of her clients. Anne brings to the table the entrepreneurial spirit of a small business salon owner as well as educational background illustrating her diverse interests.  Anne has completed Baird &Warner Career Institute and was selected to attend the Baird & Warner Leadership Program. These are among some of the educational achievements that contribute to Anne’s well-balanced knowledge base. Continuing Education is a constant and enjoyable part of being well rounded person and Realtor.

A lifelong resident of Northern Illinois, Anne is a 25-year resident of McHenry county. Traveling and finding a great restaurant to dine, a new location to scuba dive, or attending a concert with her family are among things Anne likes to do when she is not working with her clients.  The newest thing Anne loves is hanging out with her granddaughter.

Certifications and Designations:

Certified LeadingRE Relocation Specialist LRS; Short Sale Foreclosure Resource Specialist SFR; Broker’s Price Opinion Resource BPOR; Graduated Realtor Institute GRI; Certified Negotiation Expert CNE; Certified Staging Consultant CSC; Accredited Buyer Representative ABR; e-Technology e-PRO; Sellers Representative Specialist SRS

Western Illinois University- Bachelor Science

Haskana Institute of Cosmetology

North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors; Baird & Warner E-Team; McHenry-Elgin Women’s Council of Realtor’s; Baird & Warner Relocation Team

Vice President’s Club Award; Top 2% All Company for units sold; Top 1% in Mortgage; Top 1% in Title

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer's Representative
  • Associate Broker
  • B&W Vice President's Club
  • BPOR - Broker Price Opinion Resource
  • BS
  • CNE - Certified Negotiation Expert
  • CSC
  • GRI - Graduate Realtor Institute
  • LeadingRE Relocation Specialist
  • SFR - Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource
  • eTeam Agent - Far Northwest Suburban

Reviews on Zillow

Average Rating

View All 10 Reviews

"Anne is AWESOME!!!! She was quick to respond to every email, text and phone call. (Which were many). Anne was always very honest, positive and helpful. She guided us through the process, working very hard to make sure all our questions were answered. She was extremely knowledgeable on how to handle a short sale. Anne went FAR above and beyond her job as an agent to help us. She always remained calm even when we panicked. We can’t thank her enough for helping us to purchase our “forever home”. We love it and we are truly grateful to Anne for helping us to make our dream a reality.
We could not be happier with the service she provided us. I highly recommend her to all our family and friends. Anne is WONDERFUL, she truly cares and simply put, she is AMAZING."

by zuser20151120165630565

"Anne helped us get our Daughter's house. She helped us through the tough process of buying a foreclosure from the Government. It was a difficult process but she fought for us all the way and we eventually got a beautiful house for a great price for my daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter."

by user8320714

"In 2012 Anne helped me sell my house and purchase a new one 50 miles away.
As my selling agent, Anne was extremely diligent in marketing the house to get qualified people to tour the house as well as providing valuable feedback to help me sell it as quickly as possible. She negotiated a fair selling price for me and the process went more smoothly than I could have hoped for.
Since I enjoyed working with Anne so much on the sale of my home, I asked her to help me find a new home. She helped me understand what was available in the town and prioritize my must have's and nice to have's. In the end, Anne found me the perfect house that fits my personality, my family's needs and my budget!
I could not be more happy with the service Anne provided! I will be using her again in all future real estate transactions."

by sharon cwik

"Anne is a GREAT Real Estate Professional. She answered all our questions in a timely manner, and helped make the closing experience go smoothly! She is WONDERFUL!"

by ronandrhona

"With Anne's help our Condo sold in no time. She is the BEST! My Condo was in Crystal Lake, and we needed to sell it fast. Anne found a buyer for us within 30 days."

by engelke21