Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Writely Wednesday Giveaway and True Heroes: H

True heroes are all around us, in our every day lives, but some people stand out. During this A-Z Challenge I hope to share several of my real life heroes, and invite you to share yours in the comments.

icken, Stephen Lloyd, aka, "Dad." Some of us have the privilege of having our parents around throughout most of our lives. Some of us don't. I was blessed to have my father until the age of 24, though his legacy is much longer lasting.

My father was crazy when it came to hobbies. He always had at least three he was actively invested in--as if being a doctor and father to 8 children, one of whom was special needs--wasn't enough. The thing I learned from watching, was a determination to always be progressing and growing, no matter how many challenges are on your plate. Dad didn't stand still.

Most of his time was dedicated to serving others, whether it was in the office trying to help people heal, delivering a baby in the middle of the night, as a scoutmaster, teaching his children, helping a neighbor move, repairing a vehicle, or off on a church assignment to help a needy family. He was quiet about these things, so that not even his children knew about all he did, unless one of us was directly involved in helping--like the year he had us crash his work Christmas party. It wasn't much of a party, more like a meet-in-the-lobby and chat kind of event. Lame, right? He had us younger kids dress up like elves and one older brother as Santa. We dropped in unexpectedly, bells jingling, and delivered candy canes to some very surprised nurses and receptionists, wishing them all a Merry Christmas.

There's also the time he learned of a patient who was really struggling during the holidays. Without telling anyone, he dragged one of my brothers out the door and had him ding-and-run, leaving a large box of necessities on the family's doorstep. My brother told me of several other deliveries he was asked to handle because no one would connect him with Dad, including envelopes of cash.

Dad took time to take each of his daughters on special "daddy-daughter dates," and I remember one time, even though he really was clueless about what girls like, he decided he just wanted to do something nice for his daughters. He filled a lunch bag with little prizes and treats for each of us. I remember the dorky Bullwinkle pencil in my bag, and how much it meant.

I suppose the point is, you never know how much impact you're making on someone else's life--even with the little things. No effort is wasted. No kind word or act should be forgone. Love endures long after a person leaves your life.


Quick mention, Dad was always encouraging my talents, although he never got to read MOONLESS, I know he'd have been terribly proud. (And you can get your copy right now for $1.99, but the sale ends soon.)



Are you ready to meet a new author and enter to win an awesome book? 

Last week, Kate Scott shared Counting to D with us, along with two truths and one lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win her eBook!

Kate's game:

1. Kate is allergic to ketchup.

2. Kate's left foot once stayed asleep (pins and needles) for three years.

3. She once built a 15-foot snowman with a forklift.

And the lie is: 

#1. Kate is not actually allergic to ketchup.

Way to guess those of you who got it right! You are officially human lie detectors. And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...

Susan Gourley/Kelley!

Congrats Susan!

And now to today's feature, a book I read and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it (seeing how it's WAY out of my usual reading zone):

In 2080, technology has gone too far for hard-boiled Detective J.L. Cooper. He thought he could avoid the Pop Travel teleportation craze, until he stumbled onto a video of a traveler who turns to dust.

Cooper's discovery of Pop Travel's deadly flaw sparks a series of murders, attempts on his life, and threats to his brother. He’d like to pass off the evidence but knows he’s being watched and can’t trust anyone. And who would believe him?

The only way he can save his brother is to fool his observers while looking for a way to expose the problem. With help from the neurotic, genius “Creator” and a beautiful Southern charmer, Cooper pop teleports around the world to escape corporate killers and find a way to shut down Pop Travel or die trying. No problem.

Pick up your copy HERE.

And now, let me introduce you to the wonderful author: 

Tara Tyler started out as a math teacher and has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. Having lived up and down the Eastern US, she currently resides in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. In addition to her novels, she has published short stories and poetry in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, and Humor. She is also working on a non-fiction book of tips for women who hate housework. So many stories to tell! Read more here, http://www.taratylertalks.blogspot.com

Tara loves to eat free samples of cheese at the grocery store, some are yummy and some are not, but she love trying new cheeses. 

Tara gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for a chance to win your choice of 1. POP Travel Print book, 2. Pop Travel (eBook) or this very cool QV bracelet. There will be TWO winners, so guess away! You have until Tuesday, April 15, at 1 p.m. EDT to guess--and be sure to come back for the answer on April 16.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Tara was a singing camel in a school musical.
2. She was a singing rebel in a school musical.
3. She was a singing penguin in a school musical.



Okay friendlies, which is the lieDo you have a relative who's passed on that left you a legacy? Who is your real life hero?

107 comments:

  1. You really never know how one small act of kindness - or unkindness, I guess - will affect someone. I wonder about the people your Dad left things and cash for. I bet they went on and paid it forward somehow, and then those people did the same…. Your Dad started something with one box of necessitates, one envelope of cash. :)

    Hmm, I think #2 is the lie.

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
    Minion, Capt. Alex's Ninja Minion Army
    The 2014 Blogging from A-Z Challenge

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    Replies
    1. I hope they paid it forward. Wouldn't that be great if this world always worked that way?

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  2. Your Dad sounds like he was a wonderful man. I love that he took time to be with each of his daughters and had special daughter/daddy dates. We girls need to have good daddies as roll models so that we know what kind of man to look for in a husband.

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    1. He definitely was a wonderful man. We need more like him.

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  3. What a wonderful tribute to your father. The little things are what really matters. Congrats to Susan! And as for the lie, hmm, #3.

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  4. What a wonderful post! You nearly had me in tears.
    Your dad sounds like an awesome person. No wonder you turned out so well.

    Totally glad I visited today. :)

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    Replies
    1. He was a good man indeed, and I'm glad you visited too.

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  5. What a touching tribute to your father. I'm sorry you didn't get to have him in your life longer. Obviously a very special man.

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    1. I'm sorry most days too, but then I see other people who have lost a parent earlier, and I count my blessings.

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  6. I'm sure your dad is absolutely beaming at your continued love and respect for him.

    I enjoyed Pop Travel too! And Tara is such a bright spark of sunshine---I can totally picture her as a singing camel...and a rebel...okay, as a penguin too, but still, I'm going to say penquin is the lie.

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  7. Your dad sounds like a great guy. I make it a point to take the little ones on special trips with "just daddy" now and then. :)

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  8. Your dad sounds wonderful - I love the stories about him helping people without them knowing. That's a true definition of charity. And I love how he was able to make you each feel so loved, even with such a big family!

    I think #2 is the lie...

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    1. He did his best. It was crazy most the time, but in a good way.

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  9. You're dad sounded like an awesome guy who impacted a lot of people. I think that's all we can hope for with our lives: to touch and help others.

    ~Patricia Lynne~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, YA Author

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  10. This post brought tears to my eyes! You're dad sounds amazing. Thanks for reminding us that even the little things we do and the words we say do impact those around us. I often think if I passed, how would my kids remember me?! Thanks for sharing.

    #3 is the lie, I think:)

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    1. He definitely was amazing. It's great to remember how important our impact can be, eh?

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  11. So sorry your dad is no longer with you. He sounds like he was an amazing man. And having a good father during your formative years is likely one of the reasons you're such a great person today.

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  12. Lie...#2 is the guess for this week.

    What a lovely tribute to your father. I should call mine and let him know how special he is.

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  13. Lovely tribute to your father! My dad died when I was eight, but I still have some great memories of him. :)

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    1. Kyra, that's so tough. See, this is why I count my blessings for having had him around so long. Love to you, my friend.

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  14. 8 kids! Oh my goodness! That's amazing your dad took the time to spend time with all those kids being as busy as he was. I see why he deserves to be on this list. ^_^

    My pick: Lie #1

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  15. It sounds like he was a great man.

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  16. I remember you writing about your Father some time ago now, BUT I still remember it because I thought then "What a fantastic man to have in your life" Explains why he has such a great daughter.

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    1. You're sweet. I hope I'll be able to pass him on to my children, through his lasting example.

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  17. What a beautiful tribute to your dad, Crystal. I'm sorry you lost him but I'm glad you're able to cherish the memories and his legacy.

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  18. Tara Tyler is amazing! She's an excellent read. And 8 kids and a doctor? Oh my gosh! A hero indeed!! It's a lovely testament to him that his daughter would write such beautiful words about him.

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    Replies
    1. I KNOW. Just to survive that many kids is a miracle, right?

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  19. Your dad sounded like a great man.

    So cool to see Tara's book featured on your blog! Aren't those bracelets pretty? I have one coming my way from her giveaway at the Atlanta book signing.

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  20. Its always the little things that matter. =)
    Sania @ Fragile Words

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  21. Woo, to have seven siblings. What a wild ride that would have turned out to be in my life. :) Your father certainly sounds like a hero!

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  22. Your dad sounds like a really swell chap, someone who made every moment count.

    I'll guess the lie is #3.

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    Replies
    1. He definitely did, and taught us to make every moment count too.

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  23. This is a very special tribute to your father. Thank you so much for sharing his story with us. He was, without a doubt, a great man. And he'd be extremely proud of Moonless as well as Soulless. <3

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  24. Eight children! There's not enough cheese for that.

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    1. We bought it in 5 pound blocks, every week. And sometimes it didn't last to the end of the week. Yes, I would have gone hungry without cheese.

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  25. A wonderful man, your father. No effort is wasted, indeed. Even if the payoff, in whatever form, is not immediate. A great person to look up to, Crystal. Thank you for sharing such beautiful story with us. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
    Silvia @
    SilviaWrites

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    1. I'm so glad. Thank you for being here today and reading, Silvia.

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  26. I think sometimes the little things can envelop the larger things as time goes on. :)

    The Immarcescible Word

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  27. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. Your post is a wonderful tribute to him not just as a father, but as someone who clearly made a difference to those around him.

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  28. Beautiful tribute to your dad! I'm so happy you have so many good memories and his silent support in your life!
    Donna Smith
    The A-to-Z Challenge
    http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com
    Mainely Write

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    1. Thanks, Donna. He was definitely a good man in his quiet ways.

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  29. What an honor you've paid your dad by writing what you did. He's a wonderful hero and how lucky you were to have him in your life.

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  30. i am so honored to be here with your dad, a true hero! what a beautiful person and example! and you have inherited his wonderful, giving qualities!

    thanks to everyone playing along with the truths & a lie
    thanks especially, crystal, for being a sweet hostess!

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    1. Tara, when does your book for women who hate housework come out?
      Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

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    2. Tara, thank you for being here--and I'm with Debi. I need that book.

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  31. I need that book on the tips for women who hate housework. Now, about Dad.
    I lost my dad years ago, but he is with me every day. Though different occupations, some of the kindnesses your father showed reminds me of my own dad.
    Deb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com

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    1. Awesome. I feel the same way--he's with me every day.

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  32. You dad sounds like a really remarkable person! Thanks for sharing about him.

    I'm going to guess #3, because, well, penguins singing just seems stranger than the rest...which is probably strange in and of itself :)

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    1. Oh come on! Who doesn't want to see a singing penguin? ;)

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  33. Your father sounds like an incredible man, and I do agree, he would be proud of Moonless.

    I'm going with #2, just because the camel is classic and I'd also like to see a version of Happy Feet.

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  34. Sounds like a remarkable man, your Dad! Thanks for sharing about him.

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  35. What a wonderful tribute to your Father. He sounds as though he truly was a hero. Such great memories of a great Man.

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    1. To me, the community he served, and the many many young men he taught through the years.

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  36. 'Love endures long after a person leaves your life.' That's beautiful and so true, Crystal! Will have to remember that. And I'm going to say #1 is the lie.

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    1. It's definitely one of the greatest life's lessons I've learned. Thanks for playing, Leandra.

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  37. How wonderful for you to write about your dad. Memories are precious and it sounds like yours are all nipped and tucked for you to pass on with love.

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    1. Memories are precious. I don't think we realize how much so, until they can't be made anymore.

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  38. Wonderful memories about your dad!

    Hmmm. As for the lie...Maybe the camel was a Christmas pageant. The rebel was some Confederate musical (does such a thing exist?). So I'll guess the lie is #3, the penguin. BTW, the blurb and cover art are great!

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  39. My dad for sure! I was 32 when he died, which felt awfully young to me. My daughters were toddlers and I wish they could have known him. We tell a lot of stories in our family where he's featured, so I like to think they know him through those. He left a legacy of hard work and integrity, something that is hard to find in 2014. Thanks for visiting my blog, and good luck with the challenge!

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    1. That is pretty young to lose a father. I love that--hard work and integrity. Both of those are rare these days.

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  40. What a beautiful tribute to your father... I wish all children could have such great dads:)

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  41. Your dad sounds like a wonderful man! I love the way he showed kindness to others and the way he helped to brighten the lives of others.

    I am guessing the lie is #3... but they all sound possible. :)
    ~Jess

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    1. He definitely tried to leave the world better than he found it.

      LOL. She picked some difficult ones, eh?

      Delete
  42. I'm going to guess number two is the lie. School musicals are always big on animals.

    Very nice tribute to your dad. I always name my own dad as my number one hero. I'm so lucky to still have him with me. He'll be 89 next month.

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    1. 89? That's awesome. What a blessing to have him in your life for so long. Give that guy an extra hug, eh?

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  43. What a beautiful tribute to a special person.

    I think the penguin is the lie. (Never thought I'd ever say that in a sentence, lol)

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    1. LOL! It's a pretty epic sentence. You should tweet it out and see if anyone can guess where it came from. =)

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  44. Such an amazing tribute to your Dad. Just awesome! ♥

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  45. Beautiful, beautiful, lovely tribute, Crystal. :)

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  46. So many great comments! It was a truly moving post!
    And Debi - I guess I've been too "lazy" to finish it!

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  47. Eight kids is amazing. You all must have been a busy family considering all your father's hobbies and his generous spirit. :)

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    1. You have no idea. It was insanity X 10. But, we all turned out well and solidly grounded and even pretty diverse.

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  48. I think #1 is the lie. These are great highlights of the authors.

    Your father was a wonderful man. He touched the lives of many. I think the small and large things we do make a big impact.

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    1. It's true. We just never know how large an impact, eh?

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  49. What a beautiful tribute to your Dad.

    I really take the following to heart "...you never know how much impact you're making on someone else's life--even with the little things. No effort is wasted. No kind word or act should be forgone. Love endures long after a person leaves your life."

    Stefani @ Dreams of Nyssa

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    Replies
    1. It's true, right? What seems so unimportant might mean the world to someone else.

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  50. Your dad sounds like he was a fabulous guy. I don't think I really have anyone who has passed on that I look to as an example, all those are still alive, except maybe my god mother. She was batty and wonderful and loved life, but I didn't get to see her all that much.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - AtoZ (Vampires)
    FB3X - AtoZ (Erotic Drabbles)

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    1. LOL. That's why you write about vampires--because you need someone who's died in your life. ;)

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  51. So sorry you lost your dad when you did, but wow, he sounds like an amazing guy. If everyone tried to be a fraction as giving as he was, the world would probably be a much nicer place!

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    1. It definitely would be a nicer place. Dad was epic.

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  52. Your dad sounds like a truly inspirational person. I'm sorry that he died so young.

    I'm thinking Tara wasn't a singing penguin.

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    1. Yeah, me too, but we've all learned some powerful lessons because of it.

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  53. Your father sounds like a wonderful man. The hero's you've chosen so far seem to reflect the type positive influence he had on you.

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    1. Yikes. I guess I'm baring my soul through my choices, eh? I guess that's alright. I don't have anything to hide...except my cheese...because I don't want anyone eating it before me. ;)

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  54. Aw, Crystal, I love this tribute to your father. He sounds like he was an AMAZING man, father, and example to others. So sorry that his time on earth was cut short, but love that he left a lasting legacy for you and each of your siblings. Thanks for sharing this personal part of your life. :)

    I'm gonna guess that the lie is #2 (although I'm beginning to think I'm not very good at this game!) :)

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    1. Glad to do it, Kristin. We're nothing if not shaped by the lives around us, eh?

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  55. I entered your giveaway on Goodreads! I am crossing my fingers to get a copy of Moonless.

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Hit me with your cheese!