Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Salute! Cheer! Become Immortal?

Happy Veteran's Day, Diwali, Remembrance Day, etc!

A year ago, we visited my grandfather (98) and interviewed him about his WWII experiences as a pilot. He told us about a tropical storm in the Philippines where all he and his fellow soldiers could do was lay on the ground with ponchos over their heads for 3 days, army-crawling across the ground.

He lived off salted pork for months. (To this day, he despises pork.) That's the only ration he had consistently and they lived off just pork for more than 3 weeks at a time. Potatoes or carrots were a miracle.

He talked about flying blindly when his instruments went out and praying he would make it safely to the next stop, or the one time their gas tank was so dry that the only thing keeping them in the air was God.

One of my most memorable stories, one he's told time and time again through the years was how he sat on a hill in that very foreign country, wondering if he would ever have the opportunity to marry, to have a family. After relating that experience, he'd look around and say with a humble wag of the head, "And look at this amazing family!"

When offered free tickets to attend an honor ceremony in DC, he refused. "Everyone had to go to war. I can't be honored for doing something we were required to do." 

It's men and women like him whom I honor today.

 

Last week S.K. Anthony shared with us a STATIC, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook.

S.K.'s Game:

1. My nickname is Macaroni. And to live up to my name, I’ve spent a lot of time in the kitchen trying out different Mac and Cheese recipes. I must make only the very best ones . . . oh, the sacrifice I put my cheese-loving family through! 

2. I got arrested in Italy. My passport was once stolen while visiting and I had to travel around by myself without the tour group I’d gone with. I communicated the whole way in Spanish, between that and their Italian I got from Venice to Florence in trains then back to Rome, but then one thing led to another, miscommunication happened, and I ended up arrested. 

3. A few years back I wanted to invest in a MacBook Pro, but hubby said the price was too outrageous. We were on vacation at the time, and were on our way to the casino. I said, okay, if I win the money I’m getting it. I won $800 in one slot machine and $980 in another. Both were penny machines, and I didn’t play over $10 . . . so I got my beloved MacBook for free.


The lie: #2. She did go. Her passport did get stolen. She traveled around without a tour group and communicated in Spanish . . . didn’t get arrested. She has pics with two cops when she was filing the police report. On top of that, they wouldn’t let her come back to NY. In fact, they thought she was faking not being Italian, which did almost get her arrested for real.

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...


Congrats, Jules! 

And now for this week's feature... 

Claire is sassy, human, and an outcast of society―who only wants to know where she belongs. 

Alex is arrogant, selfish, and an immortal warrior―who thinks he’s prepared for everything. 

Claire knows the world of immortals is where she belongs. As her guide and guardian, Alex finds it hard to resist Claire’s subtle charm. Can the two overcome their differences and embrace their passion for each other, or will the possibility of true love be lost to both forever?
Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Murees Dupé was born and still lives in South Africa. When she is not thinking up new stories, she is spending time with her family, playing with her three dogs and cat, watching TV, or overindulging on desserts.

Her favorite cheese is brie. The first time she tried brie she was a little apprehensive, because of the white exterior. It blew her mind. It was soft and silky, with a slight hint of mushroom. Delicious. 

Murees 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 the chance to win an eBook of THE AMARANTHINE.

You have until Tuesday, November 17 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on November 18.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. I studied to be a vet.

2. I had to stick my hand up the rear end of a ewe as she was giving birth, to help turn the lamb that was in distress. 

3. In my student days I used to work with cattle that weighed over 800 kg each.

So sleuths, which is the lie? Are you celebrating a holiday/hero today? Do you believe in true love?

60 comments:

  1. Loved hearing about your grandfather! Thank you for sharing. :)

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  2. How fortunate you were able to interview him. Cherish his stories.
    The first one is the lie!

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  3. What a wonderful story about your grandfather. My dad was a WWI vet and he told similar stories. I cherish them now that he is no longer with us.
    I'm going to guess #3 is the lie. Nice to see Murees here. :)

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  4. Please say a Thank you to your Grandpa for serving. I know it wasn't a choice for many, but it was a sacrifice, and I know he did the best job he could, going through Hell and back to make the world a more peaceful place. I had tears when you wrote about him looking at his big family and feeling so grateful.
    Play off the Page

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  5. That is so awesome that you interviewed your grandfather. I should do that with my father-in-law who served in the Korean War.

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  6. Yay I'm a winner! Whoop, whoop!

    What a lovely Grandad he is. Bless him.

    Well, I think number 2 is the lie....Could I win again? What are the odds....

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  7. Grandfathers are such a blessing! I love his story so much. I loved hearing my grandfather tell his. :)

    I'm going with #3 for the lie.

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  8. Loved hearing about your grandpa! I'm going with number three.

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  9. Thank you so much for having me over today, Crystal. I'm really honored to visit with you:) Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man. War is awful. My grandfather fought in WWII as well, but I never got to meet him. But I appreciate what he did. Thank you to all who served/ still serving, to keep us safe.

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  10. I'm loving all the Vet posts today. My brother and grandfather are both receiving my massive thanks today (and every day).

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  11. So thankful for men like your grandfather! And so sweet about him looking around at his family. Teary-eyed right now!

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  12. Wow Crystal... it's incredible what so many people went through in each war, your grandfather sounds amazing xox

    I'm not going to write on my blog at least for awhile... I will be back to reading and commenting in the future... I'll see how I feel about writing.

    Have an amazing week ♡

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  13. What a wonderful story about your grandfather! I'll guess #2 is the lie.

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  14. What an incredible story about your grandfather. I wish I'd asked my grandfather more about the war before he passed away. We had our Armistice Assembly today in school and I almost cried hearing all the children singing.

    I think #1 is the lie!

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  15. Hi Chrstal - so pleased you were able to get to see your grandfather and hear those stories ... such a treat ... and then his eyes opened so wide to include you all into his brain and memory bank forever ... delightful thought. # 3 .. I'd go with ... cheers Hilary

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  16. What a wonderful story about your grandfather. It is men and women like that we truly need to honor. :) I think the lie is #1.

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  17. Great story. My husband and I were recently reminded of the commitment of young soldiers when seeing a display at Madison Wisconsin's Veteran's museum. One WWII photo showed a soldier so young and baby-faced it took our breath away. I tried to imagine what it would be like for a kid like that in 2015 expected to go to war. I can't. Those before us sacrificed so that these younger generations did not have to give up their young adulthood to fight. Those who elect to have my total respect. War is ugly and horrific, and your grandfather deserves the honor.

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  18. Thank you for sharing those stories of your grandfather! Congrats to Murees! I'll guess #1 as the lie.

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  19. What a wonderful man your grandfather is! So brave and yet so humble. That was a different time when people knew how to be grateful for the little they had. Now, the new generations are so spoiled and entitled it makes me sick. All they do is complain and act like the government and life in general owes them something. Thanks very much for sharing. Your grandfather certainly deserves to be honored. :)

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  20. Maybe number one. I had to stick my arm up the neighbors donkey when she was in birth distress.

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  21. Hmm. I'm going with #3 but it's just a wild guess. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing person. I miss the way that generation was. Honourable, kind, family orientated. Things have changed too much.

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  22. I wish I'd gotten stories like that from my father. He never talked about his time in the Navy during WWII though.

    My guess is #2 is the lie.

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  23. Wonderful story!

    I'm guessing 1 is a liel

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  24. Your stories about your grandfather brought tears to my eyes. I hope you recorded that interview with him so your family can treasure his stories for many years to come.

    OK, I'd say #2 is the lie. If she stuck her hand up that ewe's "rear end", she was, uh... looking for the lamb in the wrong place. :)

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  25. Your grandfather is one of those guys that earned the name, The Greatest Generation.' I think #3 is the lie because those would be some huge cows.

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  26. It's nice to meet and learn more about your grandfather. I do appreciate his service. He sounds like a wonderful inspiration to you and your family. :)

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  27. Your grandfather sounds like a great man indeed. #2 sounds ewwwww. #1 the lie?

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  28. Great story. Sounds like your grandfather was a pretty interesting guy.

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  29. It amazes me how veterans and others who went through great deprivations can live to an old age.

    I'm going to guess #1 is the lie for Jules Smith, since she could have done the others as a farm worker.

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  30. Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful, honorable man. Hats off to him.
    Truth or lie this week is tricky:) I'll go with #2 but its shaky.
    Amaranthine sounds like a great read.

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  31. Soldiering is a hardship. Meeting current veterans brings that home.

    I'll guess #3 is the lie. Congrats to Murees.

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  32. Oh my goodness, your grandfather, love the photos! Amaranthine definitely sounds intriguing, and that cover has a lot of mystery to it. ;) Wishing Murees all the best!

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  33. This story about your grandfather is a reminder why they are thought of as "The Greatest Generation". What an amazing experience and with such humility.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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  34. My grandfather (94) served in WWII. He has a lot of stories, but has to be in the mood to tell them. It was a difficult time. He earned a purple heart for his service. I'm very proud of him.

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  35. Great stories. Great that he would talk about his war experiences.

    Lie...#2...

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  36. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing guy. We are lucky he served our country. So many brave men and women have helped give us our freedom.

    This is a tricky one. I think #3 is a lie...
    ~Jess

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  37. Beautiful story about the visit with your Grandpa, Crystal. My Grandpa relays similar memories. Specifically I remember him mentioning the less than reliable mechanics. He is a Purple Heart Veteran and such an amazing man. We are so blessed in this country by the brave men and women who protect us. Thank you for sharing that.

    And i think #3 is the lie =-)

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  38. Oh and P.S. Did you say you're in winter park? We should get together sometime =-)

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  39. Wow, 98 years old! Imagine all the things he's seen and experienced in almost a hundred years. And your grandfather's attitude about being honored is definitely refreshing, especially compared to people who make a point of filming themselves doing good deeds so that they can post it on YouTube and be congratulated for it.

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  40. An inspiring story, your grandfather sounds like a great man.
    I'll go with 3 as the lie.

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  41. My eyes misted over. What a beautiful, heart-felt story and post about a true hero. (So weary of this mass labeling of anyone in uniform a hero.) Looove your grandfather!

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  42. Great post about your grandfather, so glad you got to interview him. My father is a veteran but he doesn't talk much about the war. I'd love to interview him like you did with your grandfather, I think it's so important. I'm wondering now that my kids are a little older if we could set something like that up....Many thanks to all our veterans!

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  43. What a lovely, touching story about your grandfather. Many thanks to him and the other brave men and women who did so much for their country and families.

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  44. Sorry I missed getting here yesterday, but I'm so happy I saw this post.

    Gosh, your Granddad is a true here and God bless him (and all his colleagues) for their service and sacrifice. That's so great that you interviewed him and you have a record of all the amazing things he did on his way to beginning his amazing family.

    No wonder people like your Granddad are known as "The Greatest Generation."

    My guess is #3 :)

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  45. Your grandfather is an amazing man!!! You honor him by posting a wonderful tribute!!!!

    I guess lie #1

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  46. Oh, I forgot to say congrats to Murees. I've had her book on my blog too. Love the cover!!!

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  47. Your grandpap sounds like an amazing guy. My paternal grandpap was in both WWII and Korea, and brought home a Nazi radio from the first war. He carried it with him all around Europe after the war, since he didn't want it to get lost or stolen in the mail. It might work if someone took it to a special repair shop, though I'm not so sure I'd want to listen to an international radio with a big swastika on it!

    I'm guessing the lie is #3.

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  48. What a touching story! Loved reading about your grandpa!!! :)

    Congratulations, Jules!!

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  49. Your grandfather sounds like a great guy! (I don't think I'd like pork, either, if I had that experience!)

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  50. Thank you for sharing your Grandfather with us.

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  51. Your grandfather was a cool guy and a true hero!

    Sorry to leave a link, Blogger won't allow my wordpress comment:
    Daily (w)rite

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  52. Thank you for sharing this story. It gives me some insight into what my father might have experienced - same war - same place.

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  53. That's awesome that you were able to interview your grandfather like that. What a great story, and an amazing (and humble) man.

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  54. Your grandfather sounds like quite a guy. ^_^ Mine was in WWII as well, but he never talked about it. I now wish I'd asked him about it before he died.

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  55. Beautiful veterans day post! My grandfather also served. They may have had to go to war, but I honor them anyway. All of them.

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  56. #3? Congrats to Jules! Your grandpa sounds like a wonderful man.

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  57. Times have changed over the years, but war is hard and leaves its mark.

    Anna from Elements of Writing

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  58. What a great man. Let's hope we don't have to test our mettle like they did, but I fear it's coming.

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  59. Congrats to Jules.

    I think 1 is the lie.

    I love hearing about veterans and their stories. They should always be recognized.

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Hit me with your cheese!