Saturday, May 26, 2012

Memorial Day & what it means to me


Memorial Day: a day of remembrance for all our fallen soldiers.imgres.jpg
Many have forgotten why this day was created. It’s become the kick-off to the summer weekend for almost every radio station across the country. But without those who fought and died for our rights, there wouldn’t be a free radio station.

I researched Memorial Day and its beginnings are not engraved in stone. As a Southerner, I tend to lean toward the Southern Ladies theory. During the ‘war’ (and for those who don’t understand~the war was the Civil War or the War between the States. There was nothing Civil about it), Southern women were known to recognize the fallen by placing flowers upon their graves no matter what color cloth they wore, thus the Day of Decoration began. It didn’t become a recognized day until years later and the title of Memorial Day was given.

Unfortunately, its considered a holiday and few of our children know why. They’re just glad to be out of school. When I was young, I understood what this holiday meant. I grew up with strong military ties. We always made sure the flag was out and proud on this day most of all. We remembered family who had walked the path of freedom and not come home. My Great-Uncles made sure we knew that freedom wasn’t free. It cost the blood, sweat and tears of every member of the military and the families who supported them.

So take a moment to give thanks to those in the Military. We owe them so much but take it for granted everyday. I know I wish I’d listened more when my Great-Uncles told a few of their ‘war stories’. They didn’t speak of the worst things I know they saw but the stories they told were history. History that helped form the people we are now.

Hug a Veteran. Shake their hand and say thank you.



Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Waking Up

This post is just a tad late. . .okay, really late. I have been running around with my daughters getting them ready for their dance recital this weekend and I feel like all I do is drive. Someday, I'm going to have a voice recognition thingy that will post my blogs as I say them in the car.

Of course, that could lead to some interesting posts. . .I do tend to get a little cranky when the people in front of me don't go as fast as I think they should. Okay, blogging from the car is probably a very bad idea.

This week my first new book in 4 years is out. WAKING UP is a very short story that I hope gives people an escape from their day, and maybe a little zip to their nights. I came up with the story after listening to the song WAKING UP IN VEGAS by Katy Perry. (In the car, again. If I could write while driving, I'd have a ton of books written!)

I've never been to Vegas, but I've had quite a few bad mornings waking up in New Orleans. In fact, there is one scene in the story that comes from direct experience. (Unfortunately, it's not the one where she wakes up next to a really hot guy.)

I wanted this story to be fun, sexy, and quick so that readers who are running around with schedules like mine could read it in one sitting and still get to sleep at a decent hour. (I can't be the only one who stays up way too late saying "just one more chapter")

If anyone reads WAKING UP and wants to comment, I'd love to hear what you have to say. Message me on Facebook (Arianna Hart) or Tweet to me on Twitter (@AriannaHart212).

And if you discover a way to drive and write at the same time, let me know!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Life Goes On

I love my dad. I suppose I’ve always taken it for granted that he will always be there if I need him. In March this year my dad had a heart attack. Such a mild term for something that affects your life in such a profound way. The medical professionals seemed unperturbed. They ran their tests, arranged a follow up appointment, gave him a bagful of medicines and sent him on his way with the possibility of surgery looming in the future. But my family’s world, my world was changed forever. It suddenly made me realise that I could lose him. That not only am I getting older but so are my parents and they won’t be here forever. It’s a frightening thought.

Life went on but I was living on my nerves, stomach churning with every twinge of angina my dad had. Terrified that the next one would be ‘the big one’. Eventually I managed to put it to the back of my mind and things started to get back to normal. Fate is an evil bitch. She likes to let you relax before she messes with you. As it happened that was at midnight 2 and a half weeks ago. I was just about to go to bed when my world crashed down again. As a midwife I have some medical knowledge and usually know what to do in a crisis. It all goes out the window when it’s someone you love though. A blue light ambulance later my dad was back in the hospital.

The docs ran their tests again and scratched their heads over why my dad was still alive, let alone feeling fairly well. 2 arteries to his heart were blocked. I chewed my nails and antacids for a week while they scheduled him for surgery. Then for another 2 and a half hours over a procedure that was supposed to take 40 minutes. Next day my dad was home. It all seems like a bit of an anticlimax. I am VERY happy to say everything was a success but I’m still having a hard time believing it’s all over. It’s a good problem to have and I’ve learned a valuable lesson.

Hold your family close, take nothing for granted.