Arlene Radasky's Blog
June 22, 2012
Email from a Fan of The Fox
I received this email from a reader of The Fox who was kind enough to take the time to email me.
+++++++
Dear Arlene,
Bravo! The Fox is the best book I have ever read and my mother read it and she said the very same thing! Thank you for your gift of storytelling and keep up the good work! I can't wait to read more from you.
Sincerely,
Karen
+++++++++++
I am so appreciative of the time given to me when I get emails and reviews for The Fox. Time is a precious thing to give. Thank you.
+++++++
Dear Arlene,
Bravo! The Fox is the best book I have ever read and my mother read it and she said the very same thing! Thank you for your gift of storytelling and keep up the good work! I can't wait to read more from you.
Sincerely,
Karen
+++++++++++
I am so appreciative of the time given to me when I get emails and reviews for The Fox. Time is a precious thing to give. Thank you.
A Review That Humbled Me
I received a review of my novle, The Fox, that humbled me. I was at a loss for words after this review and on the next day an email that was just as incredible.
Here http://oscarlettreviews.blogspot.com/...
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Arlene Radasky - The Fox
The Fox
By Arlene Radasky
Kindle Version Available
Product Description
Dramatic in all the right ways, The Fox by new author Arlene Radasky does for bog bodies and Druids what no author in time has ever done; she celebrates ancient history, endless romance and undying love. Brilliant and utterly breathtaking, Radasky’s is a powerful new voice in romance, fantasy, and historical fiction. Bravo!
The Romans’ path of destruction jeopardizes a Caledonian clan unless they are able to strike a bargain with the Gods, which ultimately means a human sacrifice. Jahna is a member of this first century tribe. She has the power to merge minds, which she chooses to do with a twenty-first century woman, Aine MacRae and her contemporary, a young man Lovern, to whom she was hand-fasted in her time and of whom she shared a child, in order to save her people. In the name of the gods, Lovern was killed. Druids place his body in the sacred Black Lake, but through a visit from his ghost, Jahna sends their child away thus securing their bloodline. In the midst of madness, Jahna lives just long enough to reveal to Aine, her grief. Two thousand years later, in the year 2005, Aine is hoping to reestablish her career as an archaeologist and assists in the excavation in the Highlands of Scotland of a first century Caledonian chieftain’s tomb with fellow archaeologist, Marc Hunt. As the fates align, Jahna, guides Aine to one bronze bowl, then another, and when she is led by a ghost, Aine uncovers a two thousand year old man encased in a bog. As the circle goes unbroken, a heart’s chains are loosened and it is understood that Aine and Marc are able to rediscover their past love.
About the Author
A scholar of ancient history, Arlene Radasky is fortunate to have walked upon each of the seven continents on the earth. For the past two decades she has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations including the American Red Cross and Hospice of Santa Barbara. She currently lives in California and is a proud mother and grandmother. This is her first novel.
O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Rachel
I’m not actually sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book, a short fun children’s book, maybe? Especially considering how cute the little fox is on the cover. But fairly early in the book, you realize that the fox represents Lovern, and the border is the clan colors.
There are many areas of history that I find fascinating, and anything concerning the Roman Empire will usually catch my eye. An added bonus was that this was also about Scotland and archeology.
The book is written in first person – usually from Jahna’s viewpoint, but quite at least a third of the book is written from Aine’s point of view, and a few places are from Lovern’s. This may sound confusing, but the author was careful to label who was speaking first person, and the date. The book begins with Jahna in 72AD October. She is serving her uncle in his home, not as a servant, but with her mother and because her uncle’s wife is dead. She is 16, and despite trying to avoid her uncle’s glance – she is brought forward to be assigned a husband – one she has no love for the boy or his work. She is devastated, but determines to be a good mate during the year of handfasting. The boy is no more pleased than she, as his heart was set on another girl. But such is the way of the clan.
Jahna is telling her life story – to Aine – through dreams that pass through time. Aine lives in modern day London and is an archeologist. She and Jahna have been dreaming together since their childhood. Jahna also dreams of a boy, who takes a fox as his name sign.
While the book gets off to a slightly shaky start, as it was difficult for me to get a feel for what was going on right away, by the time I finished the first two chapters, I was completely intrigued – and I couldn’t wait for Aine to unearth the bog man ... which I expected to happen fairly early in the book. Chapter after chapter sped by with discoveries of bones, bowls, ashes, homes, and so much more ... but no bog man. I felt keen disappointed when he finally showed up in the story. (This based on the product description from Amazon.)
Because of the first person nature of the book, I was really able to get to know the two main girl characters. They are strong and determined, and I found myself hoping that their stories would have good endings. Most of the important characters were well developed. I’ve got a great imagination, and the pictures were so plainly painted with the authors descriptions, that you could almost smell the peat moss burning, and feel the cold of winter. This was a story that drew me and kept me so involved with the life and love of the characters, that many times, I found hours had gone by without my noticing.
(The plot description here was extensive and contained spoilers. To read the full description go to website.)
The reader is taken on a heart wrenching epic tale. Because the story is unfolding from the past and the present simultaneously, the reader has a unique insight into the archeological finds, gaining knowledge that the modern archeologists will not posses. It is a story that allows the reader to connect the dots for themselves. Just enough adventure to keep the reader involved, just enough romance to stir the heart, just enough danger to keep your palms sweaty, and just enough mystery to keep you guessing until the very end. This was a lengthy read of well over 400 pages, but rarely did the story slow or lag to make me very aware of the length – and usually this was during Aine’s parts of the book.
I found it very difficult to pull myself back into the present once I reached the end of the book. For days afterwards, I wanted to pick it up and read more, but the book had ended. It wasn’t a rosy and happy book – but perhaps, it showed a good picture of what life was like for the people who were being conquered by the Roman Invasion.
Spiritual Content:
Jahna and Lovern are the spiritual leaders of their tribe. There is a great deal of religious explanation, and ritual. They talk directly to the gods in their dreams. Jahna can see people on the other side of death, and helps the dying cross over. Blood sacrifices are performed often.
Note: Most of this book would be a fascinating conjecture of the life of the people living in Scotland around 80AD, even for readers as young as 12, but there are 4 areas where the book dips into the Mature reads – there are several love scenes between both couples, Aine and Marc, and Jahna and Lovern. In one full chapter, Jahna is captured, raped, and starved. The rescue is quite bloody. Lovern is sacrificed. Parents should read this book before allowing a younger child to read it, to see if it is more than they want their child exposed to.
Genre/Theme: Historical Fiction, Romance, First Century, Roman Invasion of Scotland, Archeology
Reading Level: Mature TEEN - high school to college - due to graphic nature of a capture and rape in one chapter, also blatant but short descriptions of sex between characters
Profanity: LOW - few mildly offensive words - there were a few words I found offensive, but others may not be offended by them. Usually the offensive language was in the modern time. Including using the name God.
Sexuality: OBVIOUS - blatant sexuality in text, but not explicit - descriptions of body parts and reactions to them. Most of the details are spared the reader. .... The sexuality during the rape chapter is far more blatant and offensive.
Other: human sacrifice, eating meat raw and bloody, rape, war and fighting, slavery, abusive marriage
Posted by O.Scarlett!
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Labels: Age 16-20 H.S./College, Historical Fiction, Rachel's Reviews, Romance
2 comments:
Arlene RadaskyJune 16, 2012 11:48 AM
Rachel,
Thank you so much for the finely detailed and thoroughly enjoyable review of my book, The Fox.
I am humbled.
Arlene Radasky
Reply
Replies
Mama EagleJune 16, 2012 1:32 PM
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of reading your book. And thank you for you nice comment.
I look forward to future books!
Reply
Load more...
Comments for O.Scarlett! are moderated. Your comment will be reviewed by the administrator and posted in a timely manner.
Here http://oscarlettreviews.blogspot.com/...
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Arlene Radasky - The Fox
The Fox
By Arlene Radasky
Kindle Version Available
Product Description
Dramatic in all the right ways, The Fox by new author Arlene Radasky does for bog bodies and Druids what no author in time has ever done; she celebrates ancient history, endless romance and undying love. Brilliant and utterly breathtaking, Radasky’s is a powerful new voice in romance, fantasy, and historical fiction. Bravo!
The Romans’ path of destruction jeopardizes a Caledonian clan unless they are able to strike a bargain with the Gods, which ultimately means a human sacrifice. Jahna is a member of this first century tribe. She has the power to merge minds, which she chooses to do with a twenty-first century woman, Aine MacRae and her contemporary, a young man Lovern, to whom she was hand-fasted in her time and of whom she shared a child, in order to save her people. In the name of the gods, Lovern was killed. Druids place his body in the sacred Black Lake, but through a visit from his ghost, Jahna sends their child away thus securing their bloodline. In the midst of madness, Jahna lives just long enough to reveal to Aine, her grief. Two thousand years later, in the year 2005, Aine is hoping to reestablish her career as an archaeologist and assists in the excavation in the Highlands of Scotland of a first century Caledonian chieftain’s tomb with fellow archaeologist, Marc Hunt. As the fates align, Jahna, guides Aine to one bronze bowl, then another, and when she is led by a ghost, Aine uncovers a two thousand year old man encased in a bog. As the circle goes unbroken, a heart’s chains are loosened and it is understood that Aine and Marc are able to rediscover their past love.
About the Author
A scholar of ancient history, Arlene Radasky is fortunate to have walked upon each of the seven continents on the earth. For the past two decades she has worked with a number of nonprofit organizations including the American Red Cross and Hospice of Santa Barbara. She currently lives in California and is a proud mother and grandmother. This is her first novel.
O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Rachel
I’m not actually sure what I was expecting when I picked up this book, a short fun children’s book, maybe? Especially considering how cute the little fox is on the cover. But fairly early in the book, you realize that the fox represents Lovern, and the border is the clan colors.
There are many areas of history that I find fascinating, and anything concerning the Roman Empire will usually catch my eye. An added bonus was that this was also about Scotland and archeology.
The book is written in first person – usually from Jahna’s viewpoint, but quite at least a third of the book is written from Aine’s point of view, and a few places are from Lovern’s. This may sound confusing, but the author was careful to label who was speaking first person, and the date. The book begins with Jahna in 72AD October. She is serving her uncle in his home, not as a servant, but with her mother and because her uncle’s wife is dead. She is 16, and despite trying to avoid her uncle’s glance – she is brought forward to be assigned a husband – one she has no love for the boy or his work. She is devastated, but determines to be a good mate during the year of handfasting. The boy is no more pleased than she, as his heart was set on another girl. But such is the way of the clan.
Jahna is telling her life story – to Aine – through dreams that pass through time. Aine lives in modern day London and is an archeologist. She and Jahna have been dreaming together since their childhood. Jahna also dreams of a boy, who takes a fox as his name sign.
While the book gets off to a slightly shaky start, as it was difficult for me to get a feel for what was going on right away, by the time I finished the first two chapters, I was completely intrigued – and I couldn’t wait for Aine to unearth the bog man ... which I expected to happen fairly early in the book. Chapter after chapter sped by with discoveries of bones, bowls, ashes, homes, and so much more ... but no bog man. I felt keen disappointed when he finally showed up in the story. (This based on the product description from Amazon.)
Because of the first person nature of the book, I was really able to get to know the two main girl characters. They are strong and determined, and I found myself hoping that their stories would have good endings. Most of the important characters were well developed. I’ve got a great imagination, and the pictures were so plainly painted with the authors descriptions, that you could almost smell the peat moss burning, and feel the cold of winter. This was a story that drew me and kept me so involved with the life and love of the characters, that many times, I found hours had gone by without my noticing.
(The plot description here was extensive and contained spoilers. To read the full description go to website.)
The reader is taken on a heart wrenching epic tale. Because the story is unfolding from the past and the present simultaneously, the reader has a unique insight into the archeological finds, gaining knowledge that the modern archeologists will not posses. It is a story that allows the reader to connect the dots for themselves. Just enough adventure to keep the reader involved, just enough romance to stir the heart, just enough danger to keep your palms sweaty, and just enough mystery to keep you guessing until the very end. This was a lengthy read of well over 400 pages, but rarely did the story slow or lag to make me very aware of the length – and usually this was during Aine’s parts of the book.
I found it very difficult to pull myself back into the present once I reached the end of the book. For days afterwards, I wanted to pick it up and read more, but the book had ended. It wasn’t a rosy and happy book – but perhaps, it showed a good picture of what life was like for the people who were being conquered by the Roman Invasion.
Spiritual Content:
Jahna and Lovern are the spiritual leaders of their tribe. There is a great deal of religious explanation, and ritual. They talk directly to the gods in their dreams. Jahna can see people on the other side of death, and helps the dying cross over. Blood sacrifices are performed often.
Note: Most of this book would be a fascinating conjecture of the life of the people living in Scotland around 80AD, even for readers as young as 12, but there are 4 areas where the book dips into the Mature reads – there are several love scenes between both couples, Aine and Marc, and Jahna and Lovern. In one full chapter, Jahna is captured, raped, and starved. The rescue is quite bloody. Lovern is sacrificed. Parents should read this book before allowing a younger child to read it, to see if it is more than they want their child exposed to.
Genre/Theme: Historical Fiction, Romance, First Century, Roman Invasion of Scotland, Archeology
Reading Level: Mature TEEN - high school to college - due to graphic nature of a capture and rape in one chapter, also blatant but short descriptions of sex between characters
Profanity: LOW - few mildly offensive words - there were a few words I found offensive, but others may not be offended by them. Usually the offensive language was in the modern time. Including using the name God.
Sexuality: OBVIOUS - blatant sexuality in text, but not explicit - descriptions of body parts and reactions to them. Most of the details are spared the reader. .... The sexuality during the rape chapter is far more blatant and offensive.
Other: human sacrifice, eating meat raw and bloody, rape, war and fighting, slavery, abusive marriage
Posted by O.Scarlett!
Email This
BlogThis!
Share to Twitter
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Labels: Age 16-20 H.S./College, Historical Fiction, Rachel's Reviews, Romance
2 comments:
Arlene RadaskyJune 16, 2012 11:48 AM
Rachel,
Thank you so much for the finely detailed and thoroughly enjoyable review of my book, The Fox.
I am humbled.
Arlene Radasky
Reply
Replies
Mama EagleJune 16, 2012 1:32 PM
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of reading your book. And thank you for you nice comment.
I look forward to future books!
Reply
Load more...
Comments for O.Scarlett! are moderated. Your comment will be reviewed by the administrator and posted in a timely manner.
June 24, 2011
Steve McDonald Concerts
Steve McDonald Concerts
I was fortunate enough to be able to go to two concerts by Steve McDonald. He and Jackie Bishop, the woman in charge of the Steve McDonald Fan Club arranged some concerts in private homes in southern California. I live close enough to get a hotel, spend tow nights and go to both. Yep, I am fan. So much of a fan, that I was given permission to use his lyrics in The Fox and a song of his at the end of every chapter in my recorded version.
Jackie and I have been friends for several years. She and her husband Dan go to several Scottish Clan gatherings around the West every year, promoting Steve's music. I met them at one and they let me sell a few copies of The Fox.
At the concerts, I donated a copy of The Fox for each night's raffle so it went along with CDs of Steve's music. Two very happy people won and that makes me happy.
I overheard one woman say "His words just touch my heart." That is what all of Steve's fans feel. He has found the love for people, family and country in his Scottish ballads. He also has one more album out that is eclectic, not just folk music, and I love it as well, Ballads and Battles.
Being able to see him sing his songs live let me see his love of music in his face as he sang. It was moving.
I wrote a poem that Jackie is going put into a book for Steve along with memorabilia from the tour. Sometimes the words I want to say only come in a poem.
Heart of a Celtic Warrior
By Arlene Radasky
June, 2011
Today they are spread throughout the world
The Warriors brave and bold
One influencing with words and music
Telling stories of old.
Steve is what his parents called him
Yet he carries the blood of the Clan McDonald.
His poetry and songs tell the history of all
The many sons of Donald.
The ancient Donald came to us through
The Scottish King Somerled
Who in the twelfth century was born
To a father named Gillebride.
Vikings and Scots became one people
Under this man who became King of the Isles
The new name they were given was Gall-Gaidheal
A powerful and noted race, these Foreign-Gaels.
It was the Clan Stuart who in battle
Inflicted the death-dealing blow.
But not until after with his skilled leadership
King Somerled convinced many a warrior to follow.
He lead a life filled with many trials
But also one filled with love
Now his descendants measure in the many hundreds of thousands
And include much of the Clans MacAlister, McDougall and McDonald.
It is Somerled we have to thank
For Steve's bloodline of courage
For if not for his talent and curiosity
We would not have songs of Celts fighting their bondage.
We say words of hurrah to Somerled
For beginning this line of a Celtic Warrior family
And say our heartfelt thanks to Steve McDonald
Who continues to influence with words of love and history.
I was fortunate enough to be able to go to two concerts by Steve McDonald. He and Jackie Bishop, the woman in charge of the Steve McDonald Fan Club arranged some concerts in private homes in southern California. I live close enough to get a hotel, spend tow nights and go to both. Yep, I am fan. So much of a fan, that I was given permission to use his lyrics in The Fox and a song of his at the end of every chapter in my recorded version.
Jackie and I have been friends for several years. She and her husband Dan go to several Scottish Clan gatherings around the West every year, promoting Steve's music. I met them at one and they let me sell a few copies of The Fox.
At the concerts, I donated a copy of The Fox for each night's raffle so it went along with CDs of Steve's music. Two very happy people won and that makes me happy.
I overheard one woman say "His words just touch my heart." That is what all of Steve's fans feel. He has found the love for people, family and country in his Scottish ballads. He also has one more album out that is eclectic, not just folk music, and I love it as well, Ballads and Battles.
Being able to see him sing his songs live let me see his love of music in his face as he sang. It was moving.
I wrote a poem that Jackie is going put into a book for Steve along with memorabilia from the tour. Sometimes the words I want to say only come in a poem.
Heart of a Celtic Warrior
By Arlene Radasky
June, 2011
Today they are spread throughout the world
The Warriors brave and bold
One influencing with words and music
Telling stories of old.
Steve is what his parents called him
Yet he carries the blood of the Clan McDonald.
His poetry and songs tell the history of all
The many sons of Donald.
The ancient Donald came to us through
The Scottish King Somerled
Who in the twelfth century was born
To a father named Gillebride.
Vikings and Scots became one people
Under this man who became King of the Isles
The new name they were given was Gall-Gaidheal
A powerful and noted race, these Foreign-Gaels.
It was the Clan Stuart who in battle
Inflicted the death-dealing blow.
But not until after with his skilled leadership
King Somerled convinced many a warrior to follow.
He lead a life filled with many trials
But also one filled with love
Now his descendants measure in the many hundreds of thousands
And include much of the Clans MacAlister, McDougall and McDonald.
It is Somerled we have to thank
For Steve's bloodline of courage
For if not for his talent and curiosity
We would not have songs of Celts fighting their bondage.
We say words of hurrah to Somerled
For beginning this line of a Celtic Warrior family
And say our heartfelt thanks to Steve McDonald
Who continues to influence with words of love and history.
March 18, 2011
Like Souls
Like Souls
Monday, March 14, 2011
Not able to sleep on a flight from the safety of home to the excitement of Paris and London, I began to search the music available on the airline entertainment channels.
I had browsed the movies and tv shows, but none held my attention. Jazz makes me nervous and I was not in the mood for blues or classical. I tried world music and was lulled by several languages and voices but still wanting needing something, I kept looking.
A name came up on the list that I remembered hearing and celebrating. Susan Boyle. A whole album of her songs. Yes, I am one of the millions who cried when I first heard her, I admit. Her voice is one of the most beautiful I have ever heard.
I had not thought of buying her album, but I wanted her to succeed. I hoped she would be able to share her love of music with the world. And I think that she has been able to do exactly that. My knowledge of her circumstances now, is very limited, but here she was. Her album loaded on the plane I was on. Her music ready for my ears.
Wild Horses. She started with a love song.
I was overcome again and the picture of her standing in front of the the audience, they unbelieving, her in self assuredness came to mind. I was stunned. Tears came, spilling in the dark of the pressurized cabin, shared with all those around me unknowing. It was not only the words of the song or her voice but also my understanding of what was in her heart when the audience broke into a thunderous standing ovation. Her story has been told, her life lived fulfilling the responsibility of caring for others, and now it was her time. Time for her voice to be heard above all the rest. She sang the perfect song, I Dreamed a Dream. She sang her dream.
I know what is in her heart. I have finally found what fills my heart. I am complete. My marriage is strong, I am with my soulmate. It has not been love songs everyday, we fought through our differences, our needs, and our love is stronger now than when we married. I raised two wonderful daughters who now have families of their own, grandsons grace my life with new adventures and challenges everyday.
Now I write - a joy, a need, a completeness of me. I find words tumble in my head, spilling into poetry, a story or the song of a life. Those around me ask why, why did I wait so long to write? In my heart, I know I had to live the life I did and am now living to gain the knowledge of my world. To be able to have the emotion, the strength to bring my stories forth.
So I am a late bloomer, but still bloom with the beauty of a butterfly on a calm day. I wake up happy in the morning, knowing I can share my newfound love with others. My love of words. Like Susan and her love of music. Oh yes, we both have dabbled but not until the explosion of her voice on that stage was she fully understood. Her. Susan Boyle. And me with my words, my story, The Fox, I have come to understand how others feel. Susan Boyle, Grandma Moses,........... and me. Late bloomers but bloom we do, colors spilling into the air around us, creating emotions, causing tears, crafting smiles.
++++++++++++
I wrote this last year, and decided this was the time to use it.
Numbers for The Fox
March 14, 2011 (the day after the first half of my interview with Richard Green, @Mainframe on Geek Out With Maineframe Episodes 15 and 16-yes two hours of it! http://gowmainframe.blogspot.com/ )
Podiobooks.com 639
+++++++++++++++++++
Libsyn 3332
FreeE-Books.net 18753
ManyBooks.net 1592
Lit Pitch 142
App Engine 21
Smashwords.com2240
OBooko 225
Scribd 3102
Me 79
Amazon 33
Mevio 70
_______
Total 29,589
Barnes and Noble Ranking 2926
Not bad!
+++++
Two more reviews in Smashwords.com
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
On Mar 08, 2011, at 07:59 AM, GLORIA wrote:
Hello Arlene!
I so enjoyed your book. I have just finished The Fox and can't wait til your next one is finished! I feel such a oneness with your work , the ancient lands and your people . Thank you!
I live in rugged Northern Ontario on a beautiful Island called Manitoulin-Great Spirit Island-. From here I sense my roots to old Scotland, and the Spirit calls to me over the many waters of His.I thank you for your part in this near-ness! This e- stuff is amazing isn't it.. closing so many gaps, and nourishing our souls if we allow it! Thanks for nourishing my soul!
My husband comes from the other side of the globe, from the warm little Island of Cyprus which is almost the same shape as Manitoulin but has many more people and such a rich heritage as well.
The mingling of spirit land & water is a wonderful thing and draws us to one another. I believe I was drawn to your book as I am to most. .. And I thank you for the part you play in my spirit walk!
***GLO***
Gloria
" You are to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept!"
Matthew 5:14 Msg.
++++
Review by: Chantal on Feb. 01, 2011 :
I listened to this story as an audiobook, but I am purchasing print copies because it is a story that absolutely needs to be shared with some of my favourite people. I stumbled across The Fox while looking for some light entertainment, and by the time that I realized that this wasn’t it, I had been irrevocably sucked in. I’ve never fallen in love with characters the way I fell in love with Jahna, and especially, because the reader gets to view him through Jahna’s eyes, with Lovern. This is a wonderful blend of realism, history and heart-wrenching fantasy, a hauntingly-sweet, tragic story that allows you to feel like you are breathing in the sights and sounds that the narrator is experiencing, and makes you want to cling to each moment so that it endures. Ms. Radasky is a master at evoking a strong sense of attachment to all of her characters, including the modern day ones who play a lesser role in the tale. Even the minor characters come to life and I walked away from the story (still wiping the tears from my face) with the impression that I had new friends, lovers and family. I look forward to the author’s next book. I would recommend this story to anyone with a heart, and would rate this as one of my favourite books ever.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Not able to sleep on a flight from the safety of home to the excitement of Paris and London, I began to search the music available on the airline entertainment channels.
I had browsed the movies and tv shows, but none held my attention. Jazz makes me nervous and I was not in the mood for blues or classical. I tried world music and was lulled by several languages and voices but still wanting needing something, I kept looking.
A name came up on the list that I remembered hearing and celebrating. Susan Boyle. A whole album of her songs. Yes, I am one of the millions who cried when I first heard her, I admit. Her voice is one of the most beautiful I have ever heard.
I had not thought of buying her album, but I wanted her to succeed. I hoped she would be able to share her love of music with the world. And I think that she has been able to do exactly that. My knowledge of her circumstances now, is very limited, but here she was. Her album loaded on the plane I was on. Her music ready for my ears.
Wild Horses. She started with a love song.
I was overcome again and the picture of her standing in front of the the audience, they unbelieving, her in self assuredness came to mind. I was stunned. Tears came, spilling in the dark of the pressurized cabin, shared with all those around me unknowing. It was not only the words of the song or her voice but also my understanding of what was in her heart when the audience broke into a thunderous standing ovation. Her story has been told, her life lived fulfilling the responsibility of caring for others, and now it was her time. Time for her voice to be heard above all the rest. She sang the perfect song, I Dreamed a Dream. She sang her dream.
I know what is in her heart. I have finally found what fills my heart. I am complete. My marriage is strong, I am with my soulmate. It has not been love songs everyday, we fought through our differences, our needs, and our love is stronger now than when we married. I raised two wonderful daughters who now have families of their own, grandsons grace my life with new adventures and challenges everyday.
Now I write - a joy, a need, a completeness of me. I find words tumble in my head, spilling into poetry, a story or the song of a life. Those around me ask why, why did I wait so long to write? In my heart, I know I had to live the life I did and am now living to gain the knowledge of my world. To be able to have the emotion, the strength to bring my stories forth.
So I am a late bloomer, but still bloom with the beauty of a butterfly on a calm day. I wake up happy in the morning, knowing I can share my newfound love with others. My love of words. Like Susan and her love of music. Oh yes, we both have dabbled but not until the explosion of her voice on that stage was she fully understood. Her. Susan Boyle. And me with my words, my story, The Fox, I have come to understand how others feel. Susan Boyle, Grandma Moses,........... and me. Late bloomers but bloom we do, colors spilling into the air around us, creating emotions, causing tears, crafting smiles.
++++++++++++
I wrote this last year, and decided this was the time to use it.
Numbers for The Fox
March 14, 2011 (the day after the first half of my interview with Richard Green, @Mainframe on Geek Out With Maineframe Episodes 15 and 16-yes two hours of it! http://gowmainframe.blogspot.com/ )
Podiobooks.com 639
+++++++++++++++++++
Libsyn 3332
FreeE-Books.net 18753
ManyBooks.net 1592
Lit Pitch 142
App Engine 21
Smashwords.com2240
OBooko 225
Scribd 3102
Me 79
Amazon 33
Mevio 70
_______
Total 29,589
Barnes and Noble Ranking 2926
Not bad!
+++++
Two more reviews in Smashwords.com
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
On Mar 08, 2011, at 07:59 AM, GLORIA wrote:
Hello Arlene!
I so enjoyed your book. I have just finished The Fox and can't wait til your next one is finished! I feel such a oneness with your work , the ancient lands and your people . Thank you!
I live in rugged Northern Ontario on a beautiful Island called Manitoulin-Great Spirit Island-. From here I sense my roots to old Scotland, and the Spirit calls to me over the many waters of His.I thank you for your part in this near-ness! This e- stuff is amazing isn't it.. closing so many gaps, and nourishing our souls if we allow it! Thanks for nourishing my soul!
My husband comes from the other side of the globe, from the warm little Island of Cyprus which is almost the same shape as Manitoulin but has many more people and such a rich heritage as well.
The mingling of spirit land & water is a wonderful thing and draws us to one another. I believe I was drawn to your book as I am to most. .. And I thank you for the part you play in my spirit walk!
***GLO***
Gloria
" You are to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world. God is not a secret to be kept!"
Matthew 5:14 Msg.
++++
Review by: Chantal on Feb. 01, 2011 :
I listened to this story as an audiobook, but I am purchasing print copies because it is a story that absolutely needs to be shared with some of my favourite people. I stumbled across The Fox while looking for some light entertainment, and by the time that I realized that this wasn’t it, I had been irrevocably sucked in. I’ve never fallen in love with characters the way I fell in love with Jahna, and especially, because the reader gets to view him through Jahna’s eyes, with Lovern. This is a wonderful blend of realism, history and heart-wrenching fantasy, a hauntingly-sweet, tragic story that allows you to feel like you are breathing in the sights and sounds that the narrator is experiencing, and makes you want to cling to each moment so that it endures. Ms. Radasky is a master at evoking a strong sense of attachment to all of her characters, including the modern day ones who play a lesser role in the tale. Even the minor characters come to life and I walked away from the story (still wiping the tears from my face) with the impression that I had new friends, lovers and family. I look forward to the author’s next book. I would recommend this story to anyone with a heart, and would rate this as one of my favourite books ever.
January 10, 2011
Also a Tough Day.....
Today is also a tough day ad a friend of mine from Twitter has cancer and is dying. She had given us all a look into her world through her website http://www.tracylynnp.com/
It has spread to her brain and her time on earth is counted in hours and days now. I wrote an answer to her Ramblings blog. The above picture is from her site.
Written Jan 10, 2010 for Tracy Lynn P
Time slips by unnoticed.
We think it will last forever but as many songs tell us,
We look over our shoulder at what has been
And it measures too short.
We believe our future is just on the horizon.
Our death a long journey in coming
Until we are touched by the fates
And our heartbeats are measured in handfuls.
We are told that we see our lives unfold in front of us
When we pass through a tunnel to light,
Most of us want a chance to say goodbye and I Love You,
Before that trip is commenced.
There are so many words and deeds that fill our buckets
Snow to see and goals to reach before we pass
But I ask over and over again,
Why we have to pay for these precious moments in pain?
My heart knows the answer.
We trade moments of loving looks into eyes,
For what ever it takes to extend
A knowing touch on the warm cheek of a dear one.
Those that slip out of reach too quickly
Leave loved ones who seem lost to any sense of preparing
Shock reigns over the heart of one left behind with no words
All goodbyes left unsaid.
So how do we rationalize the pain of one we love?
A payment of the time left to kiss our soul-mates one last time
And hug the head of a dear pet,
And hold the hand of family member.
And pray that God realizes when full payment has been made
And the soul is ready to go
That he cradles our friend and loved one in his warm hands
And gently carries her to his home.
It has spread to her brain and her time on earth is counted in hours and days now. I wrote an answer to her Ramblings blog. The above picture is from her site.
Written Jan 10, 2010 for Tracy Lynn P
Time slips by unnoticed.
We think it will last forever but as many songs tell us,
We look over our shoulder at what has been
And it measures too short.
We believe our future is just on the horizon.
Our death a long journey in coming
Until we are touched by the fates
And our heartbeats are measured in handfuls.
We are told that we see our lives unfold in front of us
When we pass through a tunnel to light,
Most of us want a chance to say goodbye and I Love You,
Before that trip is commenced.
There are so many words and deeds that fill our buckets
Snow to see and goals to reach before we pass
But I ask over and over again,
Why we have to pay for these precious moments in pain?
My heart knows the answer.
We trade moments of loving looks into eyes,
For what ever it takes to extend
A knowing touch on the warm cheek of a dear one.
Those that slip out of reach too quickly
Leave loved ones who seem lost to any sense of preparing
Shock reigns over the heart of one left behind with no words
All goodbyes left unsaid.
So how do we rationalize the pain of one we love?
A payment of the time left to kiss our soul-mates one last time
And hug the head of a dear pet,
And hold the hand of family member.
And pray that God realizes when full payment has been made
And the soul is ready to go
That he cradles our friend and loved one in his warm hands
And gently carries her to his home.
Things That Make me Happy
I have several Things That Make Me Happy to talk about today.
I got a call from my mom and The Fox was highlighted in her hometown (my birth town) newspaper, The Pueblo Chieftain. WOW! It was a description, the beautiful cover that I LOVE and my website address -WOW! Pueblo Colorado. Nice….
I also received one more email of appreciation from a reader on Dec. 29, 2010
Email below
Dear Mrs Arlene!
I guess I wasn`t even half way of the book when I decided that I have to write to You. When I`m looking for a book to read I usually follow a feeling, I just know which of them are really worth reading (and it`s not based on the look of the cover). What I`m trying to say is that Your book, I mean The Fox, because I didn`t check if you have other, is such.
Although for me it`s far to difficult to define 'favourite' book, I can say that Your Fox became one of those which I love. What I find really precious about it are those 'grasping moments', when I wasn`t able to stop reading and I plunged into the action just as if I were the real witness. In my opinion, although I`m not an expert in any way, it requires a huge talent to be able to create such an involving atmosphere and I want to thank You for doing such a good job. I hope it would be even widely appreciated, because it deserves so.
P.S. Your interest in history is really visible in it and I dare say it`s 'infectious'. If I hadn`t already been interested in it, this book would certainly encourage me to do so.
Best wishes,
Eva
I answered and asked where she lives and how she found The Fox:
Dear Mrs Arlene!
After I sent you an email, I thought that I should`ve written something about myself, but I finally decided to wait for your reply. I`m from Poland and live near Cracov ( actually, I`m a second year student of English Philology and I hope I didn`t make many mistakes in that email:> ). I am supposed to read 1 book of my own choice in English each term at shool, but as I`m a passionate reader, I can read only a book towards which I have a feeling, as I told you before. And as in our library we don`t have many books ( in general ), I browsed the net. I foud a website with e- books, logged in and found Your book.
I used to write when I was younger and I regret that I don`t have time to do it now, so whenever You feel that something really needs to be put on paper and have time, do it:) People who have talent should share it with others - it`s fun for both. And I`m glad that you are still writing. Maybe Your second book will (if it`s available then) also be my choice for my each-term reading :)
P.S. Of course, You can put my message on Your web page:)
I also wish You all the best in the New Year ( including successful writing:>)
Eva
Since this we have become friends on Facebook and have exchanged several emails.
I did a count of downloads so I can see it the article in Pueblo's paper gives my counts a boost.
My website had 6180 hits
Podiobooks.com lists 623 downloads
I am ranked at 2808 in the Barnes and Noble E Book catalog
Now to the countable:
Libsyn-3050 full downloads
FreeE-books.net 17,481
Manybooks.net 1544
LitPitch (now not online but FIRST place I uploaded The Fox) 142
App Engine 20
Smashwords.com 1900
Obooko 145
Scribd 2715
Sold by me 75
Sold on Amazon 34
Mevio listens 65
TOTAL of 27,626 people, worldwide who have downloaded my book.
I got a call from my mom and The Fox was highlighted in her hometown (my birth town) newspaper, The Pueblo Chieftain. WOW! It was a description, the beautiful cover that I LOVE and my website address -WOW! Pueblo Colorado. Nice….
I also received one more email of appreciation from a reader on Dec. 29, 2010
Email below
Dear Mrs Arlene!
I guess I wasn`t even half way of the book when I decided that I have to write to You. When I`m looking for a book to read I usually follow a feeling, I just know which of them are really worth reading (and it`s not based on the look of the cover). What I`m trying to say is that Your book, I mean The Fox, because I didn`t check if you have other, is such.
Although for me it`s far to difficult to define 'favourite' book, I can say that Your Fox became one of those which I love. What I find really precious about it are those 'grasping moments', when I wasn`t able to stop reading and I plunged into the action just as if I were the real witness. In my opinion, although I`m not an expert in any way, it requires a huge talent to be able to create such an involving atmosphere and I want to thank You for doing such a good job. I hope it would be even widely appreciated, because it deserves so.
P.S. Your interest in history is really visible in it and I dare say it`s 'infectious'. If I hadn`t already been interested in it, this book would certainly encourage me to do so.
Best wishes,
Eva
I answered and asked where she lives and how she found The Fox:
Dear Mrs Arlene!
After I sent you an email, I thought that I should`ve written something about myself, but I finally decided to wait for your reply. I`m from Poland and live near Cracov ( actually, I`m a second year student of English Philology and I hope I didn`t make many mistakes in that email:> ). I am supposed to read 1 book of my own choice in English each term at shool, but as I`m a passionate reader, I can read only a book towards which I have a feeling, as I told you before. And as in our library we don`t have many books ( in general ), I browsed the net. I foud a website with e- books, logged in and found Your book.
I used to write when I was younger and I regret that I don`t have time to do it now, so whenever You feel that something really needs to be put on paper and have time, do it:) People who have talent should share it with others - it`s fun for both. And I`m glad that you are still writing. Maybe Your second book will (if it`s available then) also be my choice for my each-term reading :)
P.S. Of course, You can put my message on Your web page:)
I also wish You all the best in the New Year ( including successful writing:>)
Eva
Since this we have become friends on Facebook and have exchanged several emails.
I did a count of downloads so I can see it the article in Pueblo's paper gives my counts a boost.
My website had 6180 hits
Podiobooks.com lists 623 downloads
I am ranked at 2808 in the Barnes and Noble E Book catalog
Now to the countable:
Libsyn-3050 full downloads
FreeE-books.net 17,481
Manybooks.net 1544
LitPitch (now not online but FIRST place I uploaded The Fox) 142
App Engine 20
Smashwords.com 1900
Obooko 145
Scribd 2715
Sold by me 75
Sold on Amazon 34
Mevio listens 65
TOTAL of 27,626 people, worldwide who have downloaded my book.
