Wednesday, January 20, 2016

What is Value?

How do you place value on things?

When my husband and I were first married, he informed me that when buying things, he was a quality vs quantity type person. I scratched my head and responded, "As long as it's cheap." (In true poor college student fashion.)

Over the years, I've come to value his initial stand. Value for me means something holds its worth over time and through whatever difficulty or abuse may come. If it's a great waffle iron, it can take a licking and keep on producing crispy deliciousness. If it's a written work, it can stand the test of years and criticism (even the negative kind) and still remain a shining beacon of thought.

More importantly, I think that applies to how people live. The values we hold will prove themselves over time to be faulty, or pillars of truth. If you look at how people are living--their level of happiness, their mental state, their relationships--you can assess how true their value system is. Apply the scientific method by observing the experiments that are already in progress. What they/we believe is either a true principal, or it's not. So then the challenge becomes to find the examples of success in the areas that matter most and emulate their way of living.

Speaking of change... This year I'll be in a couple AMAZING anthologies and I wanted to introduce the first one:




Awesome, right?

Lastly, I'm giving away books!!!! Check it out and enter to win.


 
Now how about ANOTHER giveaway?

Last week Anna Simpson shared with us WHITE LIGHT, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win signed bookmarks and an awesome charm bracelet.

The Game:
1. I have stood exactly where I was born and it is in the middle of the produce section of our local grocery store.
2. I was given a tarot deck from a complete stranger.
3. I overcame my fear of spiders when my son mimicked my jumping around like a lunatic when he was two years old.

The lie: #3. Alas, Anna has never overcome her fear of spiders. Beware the eight-leggers!

Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:

...DRUM ROLL...


Congrats, Shannon! 

And now for this week's feature... 

Leon Garber has his reasons for ridding the world of abusive people, call it justifiable homicide.

Opportunity comes knocking from Like-Minded Individuals, Inc., a global company fulfilling the needs of clients: new identities, security, and even lists of potential “projects.” But let’s not call it “serial killing” (such a nasty term). For Leon, it’s a dream come true. However, LMI’s put a target on Leon’s back, with no indication of why. 

LMI, the police, sanctioned hit men, and a vicious psychopath are after Leon. He collides with other Like-Minded Individuals: The Good Samaritan Killer, The Mad Doctor, Donnie and Marie (don’t ask). Heads are chopped, dropped, and swapped as Leon fights for his life. But nothing will keep him from finishing his current project. Not even the chance to fall in love.

Sometimes a killer business idea is just that. Killer.
Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Stuart R. West is a lifelong resident of Kansas, which he considers both a curse and a blessing. It's a curse because...well, it's Kansas. But it's great because…well, it’s Kansas. Lots of cool, strange and creepy things happen in the Midwest, and Stuart takes advantage of them in his work. Call it “Kansas Noir”. Stuart writes thrillers tinged with horror and horror tinged with humor, both for adult and young adult audiences. Secret Society is the second of his novels to be published by Books We Love Ltd. He's also the author of the acclaimed Tex, the Witch Boy series published by MuseItUp Publishing. His first novel from Samhain Publishing, Demon with a Comb-Over, comes out March 1st. He’s married to a professor of pharmacy and has a 22 year old daughter who’s still deciding what to do with her life.

You might find 
him enjoying Jalapeno Havarti cheese (A little fire with your cheese, what could be nicer?) while watching Hitchcock films with his wife.

Stuart 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 SECRET SOCIETY! (Open Internationally.)

You have until Tuesday, January 26 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on January 27.
TRUTH OR LIE

1. I had over 50,000 movies on videotape in my basement. Due to mold and obsolete equipment, my wife and I recently rented a huge dumpster just to haul the tapes away.

2. Fifteen years ago I was in an alternative/rock/country-funk/performance art/comedy band. I wore pajamas and slippers for every show. My character was a sort of demented hillbilly who toted around a saxophone, but rarely played it.

3. I have webbed toes. But it's a bonus, because in high school gym, I was a championship swimmer. Shoes are hard to fit, though. I have to have them special ordered from WebsRUs.

So sleuths, which is the lie? What's something you value? Do you read anthologies? Do you like thrillers? Have you met Stuart before?

90 comments:

  1. Quality has always mattered to me. Why settle?
    Honored to be part of that same anthology with you. I know the other one you are part of!
    Those are some wild statements. I'm going to say the third one is the lie.

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    1. Heh. Can't reveal the lie yet, Alex. Thanks for guessing!

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  2. I've always been a fan of quality over quantity. I agree with Alex--why settle? Thank you so much for mentioning the anthology! I'm so, so happy that you're taking part in it, Crystal. I know your contribution is going to make it extra special!!

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  3. The Anthology looks amazing and what a thoughtful and insightful post. I think now I am more about quality than quantity that I used to be. I think my over cluttered house has beat me into submission at last and made me think more about just what it is that I am purchasing. I think we all get to a point in life where we just look around and think, "Why did I buy this?" And realize that perhaps it's time for a change of perspective lol. A great post thank you so much for sharing.

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  4. I'm for quality over quantity. Buy I still looks for quality bargains...
    The lie is #3.

    Hugs,
    JB

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  5. I was the poor college student, too, and had the "as long as it's cheap" philosophy for a long time after. I've since come around to the quality over quantity side of things.

    I'm guessing #3 is the lie.

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  6. Ha, ha, ha! "As long as it's cheap." That was so me, too! And I don't think it was just my poor college days. I think that was instilled in me growing up. We had a strict budget for a long, long time.

    But I have come to understand the value of paying more for something that will stand the test of time. And I've NEVER been a Walmart-shopper, so I guess I had my limits about "cheap," too!

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  7. And I forgot to say Congratulations on the anthology! I was reading about this one on Tonja Drecker's blog!

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  8. Sounds like number three is the lie. You make good points on value.

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    Replies
    1. Why does everyone doubt my fleet webbed-toes-ness?

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  9. I love your remark, "As long as it's cheap." lol
    When I was young we didn't have credit cards. There was
    layaway. Even being poor, I wanted real diamonds, real
    leather and fine wool. Buying something would take a
    long time and no impulse buying. Ha

    Congratulations to you and everyone on the anthology.

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  10. Webbed toes? That has to be the lie. Stuart's book is fantastic--highly recommend it!!

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    1. Thanks Meradeth! Um, I never mentioned my webbed toes?

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  11. Hi Crystal .. as long we look after things - it's likely they'll last for ages, but quality is good too. I saved for things ...

    Congratulations on the anthologies .. I think #2 is the lie ...

    Cheers Hilary

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    Replies
    1. Good guess, Hilary! But, um, what passes for entertainment in Kansas can be kinda...odd.

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  12. Congrats on the anthology. And yes, our values (and how we live our lives) are so important to who we are as people and how satisfied we are with life.

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  13. I also choose quality over quantity.

    Congrats on the anthology!

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  14. Great thoughts! I've been thinking about this more and more lately myself and I've to realize that my number 1 most valuable commodity is my time so I'm trying to be really deliberate about how I spend it- trying not to lose time clicking on the billions of links on my facebook timeline, trying not to watch episode after episode of mindless television shows, trying to leave work on time so I can go home and do what I really want to do (which at this point is writing and painting). It definitely makes a difference in not only my mood but sense of integrity- being true to yourself means living your life according to your value system. I value my time, and I try to spend it wisely.

    Thanks Crystal!

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  15. I'm a quality person, too. Not just because it saves me money on things over time, but I always end up more satisfied with my own work that way. :)

    Hmm, I doubt the existance of Web R Us so I'm going with #3 for the lie. Lol!

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    Replies
    1. Well, Krystal, WebsRUs is a very exclusive, elite company that relies completely on word-of-mouth. No advertising.

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  16. I definitely prefer quality (although I find the best stuff in life is free). I find a lot of times, people forget to ask themselves "do I want to be happy?" It may sound odd, but I know so many folks who rush through life without ever asking themselves this simple question. For me, it's a definitely yes! :)

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  17. No way the webbed toes swimmer story is the real deal - so hilarious though. Congratulations on the anthology.

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    Replies
    1. Spacerguy! Dan Ackroyd had webbed toes. And I understand is quite a decent swimmer.

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  18. Congrats on appearing in anthologies!
    When it comes to quality over quantity, yes, but only selectively :) Some things, yes, some things, no.

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  19. We didn't have much when I was a kid, so I've always been perfectly happy with "settling." I still don't care about having the best, or the most expensive of anything, and rarely buy a particular item I want if I can find something similar for a better price. I put a higher value on sentimental and/or whimsical items than I do on dollars and cents. We can afford just about anything I want now, but I'm perfectly happy with what we already have. :)

    I love Stuart's bio info, blurb, and his three options for the "truth or lie" part of this post, because his personality shines through.(I reeeeeally hope #2 is true!) I'm gonna guess #3 is the fib.

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    1. I thank you, Susan, and my lil' webbed toes are waving to you from Kansas. (Still have my performing jammies, too. Um, although they don't quite fit).

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  20. Congrats on the anthologies.

    Quality beats quantity any day. People who need to keep up with the jones's never seem happy.

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  21. Congrats on the anthologies. That's awesome. I love your sentiments. I think those are goals for each of us as we write. To stand the test of time.

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  22. My mother raised me to value cheap and it also took my husband to see that quality was far better.

    Congrats on the anthologies. (I loved your story for the IWSG one.)

    Lie - #1

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  23. Cheers to the anthologies! And I see a lot of familiar names in that The Thing That Turned Me trailer. Very excited to check it out.

    I used to be cheap and buy whatever had the lowest price, but I learned quickly, like with that waffle maker, that in the end it's cheaper to get a more expensive one that works forever than a cheap one that breaks after a year.

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  24. Number 3 is the lie.

    Hubby and I are quality people. But we're also aware of cost, and purpose. There are somethings worth paying more for for quality's sake. Other things, it's okay to go the cheap route because maybe that's all you need out of it.

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  25. We call it 'false economy' if you buy cheap, then it has to be replaced time and again, whereas if you bought quality the first time, you save money in the long run.

    Congrats on being in the anthology. Will look out for it.

    All the best to Stuart. I think No 2 is the lie.

    Denise :-)

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  26. Crystal, the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to buy quality over quantity... I am slowly getting rid of duplicates and keeping only the good quality ones... It is the best way to live (Now if I can teach Valentina that... she has an excess of too many things her papa bought, not me)

    Thank you for dropping by my blog today and yes I agree that joy comes from Him ... I need to work on that this year xox

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  27. Quality lasts. We hope...

    Lie: I'm going to guess #3.

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  28. Lovely thoughts about quality, Crystal. I've come to rely on good products as well as good people!

    I think the lie is #2. Congrats to Shannon!

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  29. Congrats on getting into the anthologies. That's awesome. Congrats to Stuart on a new book!

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  30. The anthology looks great!
    I'm with your hubby on the quality and with you on the cheap! It's a fine line to walk! :)

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  31. Congratulations on the anthology. It sounds exciting. I've Read the Tex series by Stuart. Great books. I think # 3 is the lie.
    Quality works for me. Quality in friendships is important.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the kind words, Beverly! I'm a fan of your first book as well.

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  32. Love The Thing that Turned Me promos!
    And, I agree - quality never loses its value. :)
    Congrats to Stuart - I'm struggling with the lie, but I actually think it's #1. :)

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  33. I agree with your and now your outlook also. Even my mother, who had to bring up 2 kids on her own, wasn't cheap when it came to equipment. She figured buying quality means you don't have to buy another for a long long time. (Not so with food though. I grew up on powdered milk and hated it!) Congrats to Shannon!

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  34. Supposed to be "I agree with your husband and now ..." Oops. ;)

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  35. I was born in Kansas and lived there till I was 22 (?). Can't remember because I've moved so many times. One of my older sisters told me we drove past the Clutter's house after they were murdered (In Cold Blood by Truman Capote). I'm not sure I was born yet, but for a farm family to be murdered in the middle of nowhere was unusual. Then there was the Lutheran pastor in Emporia who had an affair with a member of the congregation. She had her husband murdered so she could be with the pastor. I think he managed to have his wife killed, too. Pastor and worshiper did not end up together. Ah, a million tales come from the heartland. Of course, Topeka still has the Phelps family of Westboro "Baptist Church" fame. I went to school with some of those kids. I like quality, but I don't buy much. I don't need much. For me, Willy Dunne Wooters is quality. He's kind and generous and he makes me laugh. We have the most rip roaring arguments and get started giggling and can't stop.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Hey Janie! Yep, lots of creepiness in Kansas. A high school pal of mine's aunt and uncle were the two to discover Dick and Perry's handiwork. And I take the horrific Westboro Baptist Church to task in my book Tex and the God Squad. None of this midwestern nonsense on my watch, nosiree!

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  36. I'm so honored to be part of The Turning Points Anthology with such awesome authors like yourself, Crystal!!!

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  37. You get what you pay for, as they say. You might pay in money, research time, or pure sweat equity, but it seems to be true. That anthology looks AWESOME! And I'm going to go with #3 for the lie. I actually googled WebsRus and it's an Australian website design firm :) LOL.

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    Replies
    1. But...but, Shell...it's a little known company that thrives on word-of-mouth instead of advertising and an internet presence. Believe me, they don't need to market with the prices they charge!

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  38. I think 3 is the lie. Congrats to Shannon.

    That's awesome about the anthologies. I also care for quality first.

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    Replies
    1. Hey Medeia! What's up with everyone calling me a liar?

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  39. Replies
    1. Wait...I'll just go get my phone...slip off my shoes...take a picture. Dangit! Of all times for the battery to have died!

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  40. Hello lovely Crystal. As it happens I value my cup of tea. Without this I am unable to value or give an iota to anything else so this takes precedence.

    Good news on the anthologies.

    I believe 3 to be the lie.

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  41. Quality over quantity any day, even though we're poor.. just save up for the better thing that will last longer and keep us from having to buy another so soon. What books do you think stand the test of time?? I'm having a hard time thinking of one. Dated, you know?

    Anyway, congrats on the anthologies and such :)

    I think I'm going to go against the grain of most of the lie choices and pick #2..

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  42. Congratulations on your new anthology publishing opportunities! Quality is always important.

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  43. Hahahahah! WebsRUs. Riiiiiight, LIE! :D

    Can't wait to get my copy!

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  44. since you're an author, i have a question. i had an author message me on Instagram asking me if i wanted to read her book. I said no thank you. and she said Wow ok. i didn't think i was rude? i just wasn't interested in her book or genre. thanks for letting me know.

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    Replies
    1. Some authors tend to take it personally. She must be newer to the publishing world.

      Delete
  45. I'm all about quality too! My husband still is in the cheap mode from his childhood of poverty- but nowadays you can buy the good stuff on sale for about the same as the cheap stuff.

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  46. My husband is very quality over quantity too, and I've learned he is right. #3 is the lie! Hehehe. :)

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  47. I'm so excited to be part of The Thing That Turned Me. ^_^

    I'm thinking #3 is the lie, although all three stretch belief. I can't believe someone would really call a business WebsRUs.

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  48. Quality keeps longer, although I sometimes wish quality was a little cheaper.

    I'll guess #3 as the lie.

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  49. I'm all about value. It's better to spend a little more and have a quality item, than to buy something cheap and have to replace it a couple years down the road.

    So excited that you're part of the anthology, too. Can't wait to read your story!

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  50. Yes, the promo is awesome - YOU are Even More Awesome . . .
    I'm going to guess the video dumpster is true . . .
    and, either way - YOU in the World . . Awesome Value.

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  51. Congratulations on your new anthology!

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  52. Appreciate your thoughts on value. My hubby was the same way when we met (and still is). Now our kids and I think that way too, not just for material stuff. It's a good perspective to have. Congrats on the anthologies!

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  53. I'm going with #2 as the lie.

    I like quality, but if it is a bargain prices--score!

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  54. I love the theme of the anthology, Crystal. Congratulations on getting a place in it. That's awesome! Value. That's a great topic. I value people more than objects. I guess I find it easy to let of 'things' when it's time for a change, even if they're still good. I can donate them and they hold value for someone else. I tend to have a bit of a cheap streak in me though, so not sure I value quality the way I should. Great post and this novel by Stuart looks really interesting, too! I can't decide which of the three statements is a lie. I'm going to say #2. But then to have that many movies stored away seems hard to believe. Sigh, I'm probably wrong.

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  55. Yay, thank you! I have to thank my mom's fear of spiders for this correct answer. :p Poor mom.

    I'm going with #3 as the lie.

    Congratulations on the upcoming anthology (and the others)! Some awesome people in that group of authors, yourself included. I look forward to reading it.

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  56. How exciting! Congrats on the anthologies! That is the perfect way to start a year. I admit, I still sometimes buy something because it's cheap but for the things I love that do add value in my life, it's better to go with quality. Sounds like you and your hubby are a perfect match <3

    I think #3 is the lie but if it's not, do we get to see a pic? (Just kidding) xoxo

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  57. The Thing That Turned Me anthology looks AMAZING! Can't wait to read all those fabulous entries! Also, I loved your thoughts on value and what we place value on.

    I think I'll choose #3 as the lie. :)

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  58. My hubby is also a value guy. I had to slowly learn the ways of not going with the cheapest product. Sigh, adulthood comes slowly. :)

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  59. I couldn't agree more Crystal, I strongly believe that our values and world view dictate our life. Thanks for sharing your heart on this. Too, The Thing That Turned Me looks promising!

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  60. Good values can see you through life, dealing with things in the right way. Congrats on your anthology appearances. Nice to meet Stuart - think I've got to go with #3 as the lie.

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  61. You are in great company with that anthology, and the theme looks very good. I'll be excited to read it when it comes out. I follow many of those authors/bloggers. Quality has lasting power.

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  62. I think number 3 is the lie. I've "met" Stuart online before - we're both with Samhain.

    Congratulations on the anthologies! Awesome news.

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  63. Interesting points about value. When it comes to things, I tend to value them on what they can do for me or what they mean to me, and I'm really either/or about a lot of things - I had no trouble getting rid of lots of stuff when I moved last year, because there was no deeper meaning to the object, but there were also things I absolutely could not get rid of.

    It's completely different with people, of course. ^_^

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  64. Value and quality over quantity is a good model. As I get older I try to stay in the positive and not criticize too much.

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  65. Got to admit, I'm a quality guy myself. But that doesn't mean I don't wait until there's a good bargain. :)

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  66. Quality does it for me. Having to get rid of something I purchased because it didn't last really bugs me. I can obsess for hours over which item has the best quality, even when there's not much difference between the choices.

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  67. I'm going to say #3 is the lie for Stuart. I cracked up about his "demented hillbilly" character so I hope that one was true. :D

    That anthology is obviously going to be AMAZING. Congratulations!

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  68. Shannon, I'm organizing you winnings and they'll be sent directly.

    I'm terrible at this, and can't guess. All of the possibilities may be true.

    I also believe in quality instead of quantity. I really feel like I've hit gold when I've find a bit of both. :-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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  69. My husband had the same life advice. We simply didn't purchase until we could afford quality. I remember a couch we kept so long, the Goodwill refused to take it as being too ratty. Sigh.

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Hit me with your cheese!