tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82195181231825303782024-02-08T02:33:25.391-08:00Our Beloved RedRyan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-3423444771332461152012-07-11T13:09:00.000-07:002012-07-11T13:09:19.562-07:00Our Beloved Red is FREE July 12th and July 13th!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everybody,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sorry it's been so long since I last touched base on here. Things have been going really well this summer. My book sales have been doing really well. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As a member of Amazon's KDP Select team, I am allotted 5 FREE days for my book. With that being said, my book, "Our Beloved Red: A Son's Memoir On The Loss Of His Mother" will be FREE tomorrow, July 12th, and Friday, July 13th!!! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Also, I wanted to include the intro of my book in here as well. I hope everyone's summer has been going great! The link to my book is at the bottom. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">“Ryan! Mom’s been in an accident down at the light!” My dad was in a panic and yelling as he opened the back door to our house. “It looks really bad.”</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">My heart skipped two beats and a weird tingling sensation went down my spine as I looked at the horror on my dad’s face. I have <i style="font-style: italic; line-height: 23px;">never</i> seen this look on his face before. As I tried to digest what he’d said, he was panicking, running around the house and then he picked up the phone.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">I felt like I couldn’t breathe. “What?” I gasped.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">“Mom is laying in your car down at the intersection. There’s people all over the place. It’s a damn nightmare.”</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">I took about two seconds, collected these thoughts. Is this a dream? I ran through the kitchen and bolted out the backdoor into the yard. Even though it was a cool night, I was sweating like crazy. I had to run down there as fast as possible. No. This can’t be happening<i style="font-style: italic; line-height: 23px;">.</i></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">It was about a hundred yards from our house to the intersection. I was an athlete—excelled at the quarterback position, was good at running away from two-hundred-and-fifty-pound lineman—but I had never <i style="font-style: italic; line-height: 23px;">ever</i> run this fast in my life. Halfway there, my heart was pounding hard with every running stride.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">As I made my way over the little hill, I saw flashing lights, a crowd of people and cars spread out like wild fire. Sirens blasted in the distance. Ambulances, firefighters and police officers engulfed the intersection. I still couldn’t believe this was happening.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">I was now thirty feet away. My head felt dizzy and I was nauseous, my pulse raced and my heart palpitated wildly, looking at a whole world of chaos. As I approached the intersection, the look of terror I had seen on my dad’s face just a few minutes earlier had now transformed to mine, I am sure. My heart fluttered and skipped a few beats.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">I looked and there it was—my shiny, green-metallic Bonneville was completely smashed—but that was the least of my worries.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">There was an angel lying in the driver’s seat with her head down. Her beautiful red hair was the only thing I could see. The firefighters were using the <i style="font-style: italic; line-height: 23px;">Jaws of Life</i> to open up my car so they could get to my mom.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">I looked at the sky. My little perfect world was over in a flash. That day, everything changed.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 23px;">http://www.amazon.com/Our-Beloved-Red-Memoir-ebook/dp/B00821UT9Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342037203&sr=8-2&keywords=ryan+krohn</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-72578031274115768142012-05-15T11:08:00.001-07:002012-05-15T11:27:37.256-07:00Our Beloved Red is here!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone, </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am so happy to announce that my book, "OUR BELOVED Red: A Son's Memoir On The Loss Of His Mother" came out on May 9th last Thursday on Amazon Kindle. I can't believe the timing either. It happened to come out on the 10-year anniversary of the car accident. I know my mom was looking down on all of us, making sure it would come out on time. The paperback version came out Saturday via both createspace and amazon. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Now it's time to report some of the big time numbers that my book achieved in the last few days. Honestly, I didn't even think I would see my book on a best seller list this soon. I knew it would happen, but I didn't think it would happen for a couple months at least. I woke up Friday morning (the morning after the release) to an email from one of my best friends. In the email, he wrote that my book was already on the Best Seller List at #12 for Death and Grief. I was shocked. It was one of the best feelings ever. Making a Best Seller List in my appropriate categories had been a goal for me from day 1. The kindle version reached as high as #5 and #6 in Death and Grief and Grief and Bereavement respectively. I woke up Sunday morning on Mother's Day and the paperback was #1 for Grief and Bereavement! Like the rest of the lists, this was out of the Top 100! I was so ecstatic with these results. Now the real work begins to maintain it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wanted to give a shout out to the three ladies who really helped me make this book happen. My editor, Lisa Dawn Martinez, my cover artist Kim Vanmeter, and my formatter/designer, Judi Fennell. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I found Lisa on the World Lit Cafe's list of possible editors to choose from. Something in my gut told me to contact Lisa and ultimately choose to her edit my MS. I couldn't have picked a better editor. She was very friendly and genuine during the process. She was able to maintain my author voice throughout the story. She a phenomenal job and she truly does have a gift. She worked tirelessly to make this dream a reality and I am thoroughly pleased with the finished product. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I contacted Kim and proceeded to give her a photo and a vision. She was very detailed and prompt with her email response and asked for a couple more photos of my mom. The cover art on my book is absolutely amazing! Not only that, but the back cover is amazing as well! I couldn't have asked for a better cover. It was even better than I ever envisioned. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Judi did a tremendous job working tirelessly with me to meet my deadline as well. She knew that I had a specific date in mind, and she worked hard to make it happen. She emailed me all the time with various questions and updates and it was obvious she sincerely cared about me meeting my deadlines. She was very patient with me and did an excellent job creating my estore for createspace and also doing the formatting for both createspace and the kindle. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I plan on using all 3 for my next memoir coming out in a few months!! Thanks to everybody who believed in me. I love you Mom. We did it! PDLK FOREVER!!!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here are the links to my books.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"> </span><b style="font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 31px;"> Kindle version </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 17px;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Our-Beloved-Red-Memoir-ebook/dp/B00821UT9Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336937977&sr=1-1" style="color: #0068cf; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Our-Beloved-Red-Memoir-ebook/dp/B00821UT9Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336937977&sr=1-1</a> </span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Createspace version</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-33899337680742974232012-05-02T14:58:00.000-07:002012-05-03T16:48:20.956-07:00How writing this book changed me<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While my editor finishes her professional edit, I want to share with everyone how writing this book changed me. My wife and I went to the dog beach yesterday and I was able to just lay on the beach and think for a little bit. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I grew up in the best possible situation I could have. I grew up in a small town by the best parents a kid could ask for. They loved me unconditionally and took care of us to no end. Taryn, Damon, and I received the best attention and care a kid could dream of. We were supported wholeheartedly throughout our childhood and high school days. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I always kept a positive attitude growing up. I was always very nice and cordial to people no matter what situation presented itself. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ten years ago to this month, everything in our lives changed forever. My mom was T-boned by a semi-truck shattering her life and many lives around her. Her death affected our community and obviously my family as well. When she passed away in that hospital, a lot of aspects of my life were affected. Some of the changes were positive and some of them were negative. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The positive things included a whole variety of things. First and foremost, I realized just how fragile life can be. I set out to live life to the fullest no matter what. I changed my major to Psychology and proceeded to graduate college a couple years later in 2004. After I graduated, I got bored and was unhappy so I decided to take a chance and move to Florida. After all, you only live once. I wasn't going to live another day not doing what I wanted to do. Also, because of the tragic events that I went through, I had the power to affect other peoples' lives as well. It took me a while to realize this. Other people who have been in similar situations looked to me for guidance and support. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Needless to say, the biggest negative was I wouldn't be able to see the number one person in my life again. Shortly after my mom passed away, I developed a chip on my shoulder. At times, I let my temper get the best of me. Over the years, there have been instances when I didn't treat people the way that I should have. I didn't act all crazy and get arrested or anything, but the nice guy that I had been my whole life was lost and had to be found again. I wasn't always the friendliest person in the world. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Over the course of writing this book, I was able to re-live a lot of my upbringing. I thought about the good times and the bad. Re-hashing the ways that I was raised to be brought up reminded me of how I was supposed to treat people again. My mom and dad instilled great morals and values in us from day one. I just had to remember some of them. Writing this book simply made me realize that I have done some very important things in my life; especially since I moved down to Florida. While there were many ups and downs that transpired over the years, I was forced to remember what originally made me a caring person in the first place. As always, thanks for listening. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-32328399750767823202012-04-15T09:09:00.000-07:002012-04-21T12:07:33.096-07:00Why I wrote this book<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wanted to share with everybody why I became a writer and why I decided to write this memoir on my mom. It all started when I was a little kid in good ole Jonesville, Michigan. At a whopping population of approximately 2,500 people, Jonesville is a little town in Hillsdale County close to the Ohio and Indiana borders. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My parents were teachers (my mom would later become an elementary school counselor) and I was encouraged at a very early age to read and write. Sure, my parents would buy us the occasional video game or toy, but for the most part they bought me books for Christmas and birthdays. Whether it was Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Oliver Twist, or the Hardy Boys, I could be found somewhere in our house reading my next adventure. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Growing up in Michigan, I played a ton of sports as well. However, for practically 3-4 months out of the year, it is too cold and snowy to play anything outside. When I wasn't in school, I was reading and writing little short stories of my very own. My parents stated that I was very creative and inquisitive from an early age. I was always asking questions about the world around me. My mom stated that I got bored with toys and video games so I would write and just make up stories for fun. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In high school and college I loved to write as well, but I never took it that serious. I wrote poems, song lyrics, and lyrics for rap songs as well. I loved to write. I felt like it was something I was good at. I believe that people are smart in different ways. I couldn't fix a car. I couldn't solve a complex algebraic equation. I wasn't very good at chemistry and biology. However, I could write pretty well. And it was fun to let my imagination run wild. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Right after I turned twenty-one years old, my mom passed away in a tragic car accident. She was the number one person in my life. She was an angel living on earth. She loved my family more than words can describe. Also, as an elementary school counselor, she was able to impact kids in a very positive way. At Christmas time, she would go to Wal-Mart and buy toys and clothes for underpriviledged kids in the community. It's not like my parents were rich either. They were teachers so they didn't have a lot of extra money. She did it out of the kindness in her heart. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This May will be the 10-year anniversary of my mother's death. As a celebration to her life, I decided to write a memoir about how she impacted us as a family. I started this memoir in July of 2011. It has been several months in the making. I am looking forward to publishing my memoir next month. I'm not sure on the exact date yet. It will be sometime in May though. Most likely, it will be released through Amazon in the middle of the month. I am really looking forward to this celebration. This book is dedicated to my mom. Anyone who has lost a loved one or been through anxiety and depression can relate to this book. As always, thanks for listening to me. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-46243435337457816082012-04-08T10:34:00.001-07:002012-04-08T10:34:45.151-07:00What kind of impact do you want to make?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My mother always thanked the kids for coming to our sporting events in high school. Her relationship with the students she counseled was always a very strong one. She modeled the way that a counselor and a teacher should act as a professional. Whether she saw the kids at school or out in the community, she would always take time out from her day to chat with them. She wouldn’t just make small talk. She genuinely cared about these kids and would stop and really ask them how they were doing. She would ask the kids how they were feeling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, a lot of the students that she dealt with didn’t have a good parent in their life. They didn’t really have anybody to look up to. Not only did they see my mom as their counselor; they saw her as a friend, mother, and a parent. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">She led by example on the proper way of treating people. She didn't care what ethnic background somebody was. She didn't care if they were poor or rich. She judged people on the way they treated others. I learned how to treat people with dignity and respect from her. I learned from her not to judge a book by its cover. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-20915707554738801982012-04-03T10:54:00.000-07:002012-04-03T10:54:16.902-07:00Carlos Rubio my father-in-law<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yesterday was the one year anniversary of the death of my father-in-law Carlos Rubio. We celebrated his life by going to Clearwater Beach to swim and play in the sand with the little one. The following paragraphs describe the first time I met Carlos and how he impacted my wife and I. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As we pulled in the driveway, Carlos was standing outside on the porch. He immediately smiled at me and shook my hand. I thought, okay that was a relief. I didn’t get smacked or run off the property. So far so good. As we sat on the couch and engaged in a conversation, Carlos apologized because he said his English wasn’t very good. I begged to differ. I could understand his English fine. I told him I wished I was more fluent in Spanish. He said, "this is America, you shouldn’t have to learn spanish." Carlos was a very generous person. He didn’t need to apologize to me for anything. However, he was such a caring person that he was always looking out for somebody else’s needs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Carlos was a very instrumental person in Patricia’s life and I’m so very thankful for the way that he raised her. She is definitely a better person because of her father and the positive mindset that she exhibits on a daily basis has made me a better person as well. I am so proud of Patricia and she is a strong person because of her father and her mother as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Carlos was a very well-rounded man and it was very evident from all the various conversations that I had with him over the last couple years. He loved to talk about movies, music, art, history, the world, and politics as we know it. For his birthday just this past February I bought him the movie 2012. He asked me what I thought about it and we discussed the movie. He then preceded to ask me if I believed the world would end in 2012. I told him no. He started smiling and laughing and he said I don’t believe in that crap either. However, one thing that Carlos did believe in was loving your family and there is nothing more important than that. While I still have many goals in life that I want to achieve both personally and professionally, he reminded me that there is nothing than important than spending good quality time with your family. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I will always cherish the moments I spent with Carlos. Although I’m very sad to see him leave this Earth, I’m also very happy he finally gets to meet my mom in heaven. Along with my mom, he will be re-united with his family and friends as well. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Carlos I know you are looking down and I’ll promise I’ll help take care of Patricia and your family to the day that I die. In nomeni Patris et feli spiritus Sancti. Amén y Dios Bendice. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-66727337119846015852012-03-30T13:47:00.000-07:002012-04-02T09:52:35.661-07:00Feelings of Sadness and Despair<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">In a death, unfortunately, there is no next time. Not in this lifetime. You have to live the rest of your life knowing that you will never see that person again. For me-at least for a long time-I was the boy that woke up every Christmas morning, only to find out there was no Christmas. There were no presents and there certainly was no happiness and joy. This would happen for a long time. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For many months, this feeling of emptiness consumed me-consumed my every thought and emotion. Every reminder of the tragedy accentuated my feelings of loneliness and despair. I would get this sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, this was just the start of it. Many things transpired after these initial feelings of sadness and despair. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Even though I was going through my own problems and issues at the time, I still put a smile of my face. Smiling does not necessarily mean you’re happy. Sometimes it just means that you’re strong. I was very good at masking my sadness and depression. For the most part, I was very good at hiding my true feelings. When I did hang out with friends and family, I put on an act. I acted happy when I wasn’t. People thought I was happy when I simply felt distressed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-26982992036134044062012-03-22T10:55:00.000-07:002012-03-22T10:55:19.233-07:00How would you cope with the loss of a loved one?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In every death, a new life for the loved ones left behind is created whether you like it or not. There comes a point in time when people have to decide whether or not they are going to move on or stay put. Will you let the feeling of their non-existence consume your thoughts and emotions or will the manifestation of their spiritual being provide a sufficient enough means to face life in the aftermath of their unfortunate departure? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The effects of death can impact a person in a number of ways. How you let it impact your life could be the difference between happiness and depression. I came to the point in my life where I couldn’t simply live the same life I had been living for a few years. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">My mother was an elementary school counselor and I saw how much joy was brought to her over the years. Making a difference in a child’s life was the ultimate happiness for her. </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A friend of hers told me at her funeral that she had a very unique ability that not many possess. This particular friend was an elementary school counselor herself and admitted to me that she couldn’t do all the things that my mom could do. She stated that my mom had the ability to read the kids and really empathize with them. My mom cared about her students so much and that was obvious when you saw how the kids reacted to her when they saw her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I encountered a lot of ups and downs as a result of my mother's death. A lot of painful and impactful things happened after she passed. My book will go over all my experiences in extreme detail. Anybody that has ever lost a loved one, will be able to relate to it. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-35890140298344971242012-03-14T22:51:00.000-07:002012-03-14T22:51:37.010-07:00Jaime<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I just wanted to write a quick message today and wish my cousin Jaime a Happy Birthday. She would have been 34 today. She passed away in a car accident a few years ago. She was a very strong person just like my mom. She was a great person and I know my mom and her are looking down on us from heaven. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span><br />
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<br />Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-43881025609551186692012-03-04T11:58:00.000-08:002012-03-04T11:58:23.331-08:00Editing begins<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have officially finished the rough draft of my manuscript. It is currently just over 52,000 words and 250 pages. The ending of the book was extremely hard for me to write because it is pretty darn emotional. However, I am very pleased with it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So now editing begins. Needless to say, my manuscript will probably change multiple times as I edit and edit the heck out of it. I have a buddy that is going to help me do it. Also, I will most likely hire someone to do it too. Editing for grammar is the easy part. Editing for content will be a different story. Although, I am very pleased with what I have, a few things are going to be shuffled around I'm sure. I hope it's not too hard of a process. My goal is to be done editing by the end of April. The goal is to start getting it to the masses by May. I can't wait! I will keep everyone updated. Furthermore, I am going to start putting various chapters from the book on here. I hope you enjoy and thanks for reading. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-42351331076154974882012-02-25T11:59:00.001-08:002012-02-25T11:59:30.209-08:00My Love<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is a poem I wrote for my wife a few days before I proposed on July 13th, 2009. This poem has been incorporated into my book in "The Wedding Chapter." I never claimed to be Shakespeare, Pablo Neruda, or E.E. Cummings, but I tried my best. As always, thanks for listening. </span><br />
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<i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">To my beautiful Patricia, the love of my life</span></i></span></i></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I can’t wait until the day I call you wife</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The first moment we met, I knew something was there</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I was enticed by the gorgeous smile, dark skin and dark hair</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sweet romance blossomed that very first date</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Sent from heaven above it must have been fate</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">One of the happiest times ever was that first kiss</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">The touching of our lips and hands was eternal bliss</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our love started off quick and grew stronger and stronger</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Everytime we are together, I yearn for you longer</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Living together my happiest dreams have come true</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">It’s impossible to love somebody more than I love you </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I promise to love you and our families all my life</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I can’t wait to be called husband and to call you my wife</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-17015439095822931492012-02-21T06:17:00.000-08:002012-02-21T06:17:06.600-08:00Three years<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well as of February 19th, my wife and I have been together for three years. The story on how we met is pretty cool and interesting. My dad is retired and was visiting me from Michigan. Since the death of my mother, at times my dad has been lonely and lost. We both decided together to put him on Match.com. Why not we thought? My dad is good-looking, friendly, and charismatic, and likes to meet new people. So I signed my dad up for match and proceeded to watch him go on five dates in the next week. I was amazed. Considering I was also single, I thought why not for myself? Long story short, I wrote Patricia on Match.com; and we met at Green Iguana for dinner and drinks for our first date. It was February 19th, 2009 and we have been together ever since. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been writing up a storm the last few days. I am now just over 200 pages and 43,000 words. The words have been flowing very smoothly lately. I plan on finishing the first draft by the end of the week. Then editing begins. Wish me luck! As always, thanks for listening and take care. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-64687265027735219882012-02-14T16:54:00.000-08:002012-02-14T16:54:34.444-08:00The day of love<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Valentine's Day. My wife and I celebrated a day early because she had to work tonight. We had a great day. After grabbing a nice dinner, we decided to go see a movie. With all the movies that are currently out, what better than going to a romantic one? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We decided on 'The Vow' and it was really good. It was definitely a "chick flick", but it was one of the best ones I have ever seen. If you get a chance to watch it, I highly recommend it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Valentine's Day is a special day for love. However, it is also a special day for me because three years ago to the day, I picked up my beautiful golden retriever and named him Ryder. Ryder is just over three years old now and couldn't possibly be a better dog. He is a typical golden retriever as he is very friendly, smart, and playful. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been writing a lot today. I have written over ten pages this afternoon. Matter of fact, I just hit 35,000 words total so far for the book. It is an incredible experience, however it can be hard at times because I am reliving some of the memories of my mom's car accident. I wish I could have sent her a Valentine's Day gift, but such is life. I know that she is watching down on me smiling. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To all the people who don't have a Valentine, don't worry about it. Just keep smiling and do you. One day you will meet that special person in your life if you want to. If you don't want to then don't sweat it. Do whatever makes you happy in this life. Thanks for listening and take care. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-3816168274239184302012-02-08T09:17:00.000-08:002012-02-08T09:17:45.409-08:00What will it take for me to persevere?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am currently writing a chapter on my move to Florida from Michigan. I got to the second page and I realized something. As of today, I have officially lived in Florida for exactly six years to the day. I was laughing at the timing. It was funny how that worked out. It's like my subconscious knew because I chose to write about my move; rather than finish another part of the book.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This chapter discusses a very impactful time in my life. I was leaving my best friends and family for the first time. I was heading to what I thought was going to be paradise. The weather was phenomenal, but this is when I really started to get anxious and depressed. When I left my family for the first time, I felt very alone. The loss of my mother would finally sink in. For the most part, I was lonely. I felt this way for months. This chapter will talk about these issues in great detail. I went through a lot of trials and tribulations during this time. What will it take for me to persevere? You'll find out when this chapter is done. Thanks for listening. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-3633791874579013352012-02-03T15:37:00.000-08:002012-02-03T15:51:27.283-08:00Writing like crazy<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello everyone,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My wife and I had a great time in Chicago celebrating my birthday with my brother and sister. Chicago has some unbelievable restaurants. The food was amazing! The weather was cold, but it wasn't that bad. I was able to see my first glimpse of snow in over three years. I can't wait to get back. We will be going back this summer for a couple weeks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since I got back from Chicago, I have been writing up a storm. I'd say I'm about 3/4 of the way done with the first draft. I wrote a chapter today about the day I graduated from Western Michigan University. My graduation day was a bittersweet day. I achieved a very important goal and it was a special moment, but it was tough because my mom wasn't there to watch me. I know that she was watching down on me from a better place though. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The next couple chapters will consist of my move to Florida and what transpired after I moved. There were definitely a lot of ups and downs. I can't wait to get these chapters done. Hopefully in the next week, I will be done with the first draft. Thanks for listening and I look forward to any comments. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-12902172683373448282012-01-25T17:28:00.000-08:002012-01-25T17:28:36.003-08:00I'm coming home<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I have been writing a lot this week. Sometimes it just seems to flow much better than other times. I wrote a chapter on my Mom's life in college. It talks about meeting my Dad and the relationship they had. They went to separate Universities and they weren't happy about it. They were like Romeo and Juliet. They always needed to be with each other. They dropped out of their respective schools and decided to go to Western Michigan University together. The same place where I would go twenty plus years later. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm incredibly pumped because my wife and I are flying to Chicago tomorrow. It's going to be cold, but that's okay. I haven't seen Damon ( my brother ) in months. Matter of fact, I've only hung out with him one night in the last year. We're going to hang out in the city and celebrate my birthday. My birthday is the 27th. I will be 31 years old. Also, my sister and her husband will be joining us for dinner on my birthday. I haven't seen them in a while either. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I probably won't write very much over the weekend. However, I will get a chance to show Damon what I have so far. Damon writes too and I will most likely be incorporating a chapter from him in the book. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Well it's time to pack and get ready to leave. Hasta luego!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-35159853855796689122012-01-20T12:09:00.000-08:002012-01-20T12:10:57.290-08:00My wife's name<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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Hello,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We celebrated my wife's birthday on the 17th by going out to dinner with some friends at a Japanese Steakhouse. Also, we went shopping and to a circus in Orlando. It was really cool. I hadn't been to a circus in like 20 years it seems like. Some of the stuff they do is crazy. I don't know how they pull it off. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wanted to take this time to introduce my wife. Her name is Patricia. The same name as my Mom. She is a Colombian-American born in Chicago and raised here in Florida. That is not what matters though. What truly matters is the fact she is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met; inside and out. She is also one of the funniest people ever. She cracks me up all the time. When I first met her, I was inticed by her looks, wit, charm, and personality. I also loved the fact that she had the same name as my Mom. It's really cool to think she shares the same name as my Mom. I know that my Mom would have loved my wife. They would've had a lot in common. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As far as writing goes, I haven't been able to write much this week. However, I plan on kicking it into high gear this weekend and next week. I just need to get into a zone and bust some words out. Hasta luego! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8219518123182530378.post-14742392739672057762012-01-12T14:13:00.000-08:002012-01-12T14:28:07.975-08:00My New Book-Our Beloved Red<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hello Everyone! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is my first blog post ever! I am starting this blog to connect with people who are authors, publishers, writers, readers and anyone interested in books and telling a story. My first book entitled, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Our Beloved Red"</span> is currently a work in progress. It is a memoir about the trials and tribulations dealing with the passing of my Mother. My mom was the number one person in my life and she was tragically killed in a car accident in 2002. I was only 21 at the time. I went through a lot of ups and downs before and after she passed away. This book tells my story of dealing with this heartbreak. It is also a celebration of her life. The plan is to finish the first draft very soon and then go from there. Thanks for listening. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ryan Krohn</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” Charles R. Swindoll</span>Ryan Krohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10622401656387443951noreply@blogger.com0