The dedication, the thank you to all of Harlan Coben’s connections who taught him about golf discouraged me as I am not a golf fan. I’d never read a book about golf, never golfed, would and could never watch the sport on television or otherwise. I was a caddy once, well, half a time I guess, and enjoyed the club house much more. But I decided to keep reading, to give the book a chance and I’m so happy I did.

How Does Harlan Coben Do It?

Harlan knows how to spin a mystery so that you think you know whodunit but never quite figure out the how or why and then he has a way to turn it around so it’s the person you least think it could be.

I’ve done that, I think, with my first novel which is still under review; the complications are arising while getting it edited simply because I cannot find a reliable one. I realize now that Harlan Coben has a much more extensive budget than I do and editors most likely seek him out if he doesn’t want to continue working with the same one I just wonder how writer’s get their first novel out or to the point where they can work on a second.

Back to Back Spin

Myron Bolitor is a repeat character, an investigator of sorts, who takes on many more jobs than his sports agent professional entails. When Myron meets award winning golfer Linda, wife of Jack who is the height of th U.S. Open, not only does she hire him to aide in the search for her kidnapped son but admits to being related to Win.

If you haven’t met Win you probably know just as much about him as his best friend, Myron Bolitar. Normally secretive, sneaky and quiet Win aides in Myron’s adventures but as he no longer talks to what family he has left he bows out graciously. This leaves Myron in a bind he’s never been in which leads to life or death circumstances he needs to learn how to escape – on his own.

When you read this book, not if, please tell me what you think and if you are able to connect with Win more easily discovering why he left is mother behind and her gifts unopened.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

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You can comment more than once as long as each comment is relevant to the blog.

*By relevant I mean actually pertains to what was written (yes, you’ll have to read the post).

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

If a smile sets everything straight then a compliment or validation sets everything right. When you wake up in the morning late and realize it’s Monday, you have to go to the dentist after a meeting with your boss all it takes is a breath, a smile, a compliment or a funny moment to change your way.

Hearing someone tell you that you’re beautiful, smart, hilarious or all of the above is like setting foot on solid ground after being on a turbulent airplane ride for hours. It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining or rain is pouring, being validated for something you did or for someone you are is brilliant.

There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Day

You might want to disagree with me but it’s never a bad day; it’s a wrong decision. If you change your thought process, realize what you have to be thankful for and smile you’ll immediately make a difference in your day.  When there’s a line up at your favourite coffee shop and you go to order and find out the person in front of you paid for your coffee don’t you feel a lot better? Why not pass it on and do the same for the person behind you?

Next time you’re stuck in traffic sing the song that’s playing on the radio, put down your windows and sing out loud. I bet you you’ll make someone’s day and in turn yours will be made/

No matter what you have planned for the rest of the day, how busy you think you are, take the time to watch this video and pass it on. The world will be happier for it.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thanks for reading and watching,

Sarah Butland

PS: Smile! You never know who it’s cheering up.

A heart warming tale of strength in many forms – physical, emotional, the power of love.

The connection with Nova Scotia, my home province, was what caught my eye first and I am a huge fan of Luanne Rice. I was drawn to Rose, Lily’s daughter who was born with heart conditions and continues to battle what ails her. Having just started my family stories like this are making me so appreciative of my own son’s health. I have been privy to tales of abusive relationships and Lily’s story is one that is experienced far too often.

When I read a novel, even though it’s fictitious, I want to be able to take something out of it, to grow and this novel certainly did that for me. Very much recommended.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

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A fan of Kelly Moran‘s immediately after reading An Insomniac’s Dream, a collection of poetry and short stories, I was honoured to read her children’s book The Tiny Caterpillar and the Great Big Tree next. This was another enjoyable story by Kelly as well was Idle Thursday, the first novella I read by the author.

Summer’s Road Coming Soon

In its final stages, Summer’s story of loss and found is compelling and a must read. I connected with Summer Quinn’s sorrow immediately and never let it go. While I refuse to give anything away, Kelly Moran describes Summer’s loss of her mother and father with heartbreaking realism. No child nor adult should go through the emotional trauma of losing both parents they way Summer did.

But even though her family was lost Summer is taught time and again that family is more than blood relatives. And although she’s taught this lesson many times it takes some major events to have her learn them.

“I think only when you are truly alone can you see you never were.”

Four friends from school days come together to conquer what we all hope to someday. Through stormy weather, torrential downpour and beautiful sunsets, an artist emerges and blossoms like orchid’s and lily’s.

A painting, a garden, a life threatening to be lived is the story of Summer Quinn as she finds herself in friends Ian Memmer, Rick and Dee. Not everyone can be as unlucky while being lucky enough to have such a long-lasting friendship as 28 year old Summer but it takes her a long time to realize they may be all she really needs.

A Romantic and Inspirational Novel

Summer’s Road is mixed with romance, heartbreak, friendship and a road not commonly travelled but in the end it taught me to cherish what I have and not dwell on what I don’t.

While travelling a road you can stop to smell the orchid’s, take in the sights but you need to keep moving as you never know what beauty is waiting just ahead.

Remember what made you who you are but be that person and grow.

Thanks again to Kelly Moran for sharing this novel with me. It’s like we’re Summer and Dee even though we haven’t met yet.

And thank you for reading,

Sarah Butland

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Cross answered a lot of questions I had throughout the series and only wish I actually read this series in the order it was intended. Learning about the circumstances behind Maria’s murder was just what I needed and to follow Cross as he made a new life for himself and his family was refreshing.

Patterson has developed his characters so thoroughly that I can see them and feel their pain. Instead of seeing them as characters I often find myself questioning why Cross did that or “Sampson” said that instead of why Patterson had them do it. This is true brilliance when it comes to writing a compelling novel.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

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I’m only on page 71* and already have been seeing the effects of mental preparation and the power of knowing you can be successful. Last night I joined a Facebook group (Get Your Blog Followers) encouraging people to follow other bloggers but realized there currently wasn’t a way to follow my site so I set out to change that.

Being very computer literate but programming, HTML, WordPress maintenance illiterate, I usually depend on my husband to make my site changes. Last night he was busy, this morning he’s at work so I took it upon myself to make the changes myself and lo and behold you can now follow my site! (Top right, I’d love for you to be my first follower, or second or one of many ).

THE MAGIC OF BELIEVING is a must read for anyone who desires success and, when you read it, it will change your life, I assure you.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

PS: If you want more followers for your blog I recommend joining Get Your Blog Followers and mentioning that I sent you!

My Final Thoughts

This book came to me through the power of believing and I didn’t even realize it. That’s because I’m so used to verbally asking for what I need instead of sending it out subconsciously and realize that’s what I’ve been doing wrong.

I believe in myself so much, I believe in my family and my husband and where we will be and I told people. I told family, friends and strangers so that they could help me get to where I wanted to be. THE MAGIC OF BELIEVINGopened my eyes to the most effective method of using this and that’s to simply believe. I think I’ve been telling people so I could have a public example of this really working and every time I’ve attempted that it’s backfired.

THE MAGIC OF BELIEVINGby Claude M Bristolis life changing to say the least. It has taught me that my success is all the proof needed that this power exists but the hardest lesson for me to learn what that I only need to prove it to myself – scientists are working on proving it to everyone else.

The Law of Attraction is amazing in that it works whether you know it’s effective or not. If you believe you’ll receive and whenever I put out a plan I would have an abundance of negativity thrown at me and get down on myself. If I keep the positivity inside, keep my determination in check and dream big I know there will be nothing in my way and everything backing me up.

You do have to depend solely on yourself no matter how many loved ones are in your life. This is key to your own achievements and you’ll be even more proud of yourself for not asking for the help of others.

I wanted to share a few quotes from this book with you but the books entirety is relevant and so important to read. Just go get it and read it again and again – it’ll change your life.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

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This winner could still be you – if you have time, patience, passion and the desire to become an Internet Marketer. I’ve been learning so much from him and am envious as to what Sean Rasmussen has been doing for his fans while reaping a lot of SEO benefits for himself.

Whether You Are New or a Pro At Internet Marketing….

Although I am still working at becoming a full time stay at home mom through Internet Marketing I felt his lessons may be over my head and was daunted by the experienced people joining the competition early on. I didn’t need to be as everyone there is there for you. Of course we are all there for ourselves, too but if you have a question or need an opinion you can get it on Sean’s site.

Internet Marketer Sean Rasmussen

His lessons were easy to understand and, through the competition, I’ve learned of many individuals who didn’t even have a Twitter account before joining in and now use Twitter on a regular basis.

It’s Never Too Late to Learn

Sean Rasmussen is so nice that in all fairness and worldwide interest he made recordings of his webinars available for us “sleepyheads” in Canada (webinar’s would take place between 2 and 3 in the morning and although Don White woke up, I had no plans to). Sean’s webinars covered everything from creating your own blog, making money with a blog, setting up a website with no outlay, how to become an affiliate marketer and so much more.

I’ve Been Busy With My Son

With my active son I’ve been cramming in as much as possible while he napped and have been able to absorb and put almost everything into effect. Although my personal site, where you’re reading, is used primarily for information and an avenue for me to rant and rave, I have many other sites that I’m using for Internet Marketing.

I’ve learned so much and know that you can/ will too by visiting Sean’s site. I’m pretty sure you’ll always remember his name and will very soon be able to simply Google it or Internet Marketing for your way to Learning and Earning.

Sean Rasmussen Has a Family to Support

I’m not the only one with different priorities so the amount of time, effort and thought Sean and his wife have put into his websites and his followers is outstanding. I’m envious that he is doing so much for us while still doing amazing things for his two son’s and wife.

I’m in awe at the dedication he has to be where he is and where he wants to be and know that I’ll get there some day. I, too, have the passion to make things happen and that’s a main reason I took such a big part in earning points for his competition.

If you visit Sean Rasmussen’s YouTube channel you’ll see how amazing his son’s are and how happy they are to have such a dedicated and passionate father. Make sure you search for Tim Rasmussen Ring Dance – Instrumental so you can see how Sean’s efforts are paying off when it comes to his son’s.

I know I’m thankful I stumbled upon the opportunity to participate in Sean Rasmussen’s site and will forever be a fan. Will you?

Just go to any of these sites to start learning today:

• www.seanrasmussen.com
• www.webvision2020.com
• www.universalwealthcreation.com
• www.propertyoptions.com.au
• www.seanseo.com
• http://affiliatemarketingmastery.wordpress.com/
• http://www.youtube.com/user/seanrasmussen
• http://twitter.com/bullhunter

Thank you for reading,

Sarah Butland

Rewind to 2005

Sean Rasmussen fired his boss.Tired of living paycheck to paycheck and not having much time with his family, nervous about living for someone else and dying for someone else he decided he had enough. Knowing the internet was a fountain of information and resources he focused his efforts on working for himself doing something he loves.

He set his goal to reach by December 8th, 2005 and reached it 6 weeks prior to it. This is the law of attraction in action and he wants everyone to know of his success.

Present Day, 2010

Sean has many blogs making him money. Enough money that just gave a lucky commenter $1000 and has recently up the ante to $20 000 AUD in Cash and Prizes, promising to raise this again to $50 000 AUD if he has enough interest. Of course, if this doesn’t interest you, he’s also offering many lessons in affiliate marketing, blogging for money, selling ebooks, proper blogging and commenting etiquette and so much more.

This is all provided to you free of charge and it’s worth just as much or more than a university degree would provide and you don’t have the text books to buy and drag around – it’s all online!

Sound to Good to be True?

If working from home is something you have always dreamed of, being your own boss sounds reassuring in this tough economy where job security seems but a myth or you just want some extra spending money this is a spectacular way to figure out how.

It’s not a miracle method, it won’t give you thousand’s of dollars for sitting still or clicking on links but it will inspire, motivate, direct and guide you to much more than $20 000 AUD in Cash and Prizes. It’ll be whatever you want it to be for you.

When you click on THIS LINK you will be asked for your personal information but that’s all it costs to access a wealth of information and resources and you’re chance to win up to $50 000 AUD in Cash and Prizes.

This is only available for a limited time so visit now!

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland

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These days when anyone mentions possibly building their house out of straw most everyone’s first reaction is to think of the horror which happened to the straw house in the three little pigs. In this day and age the population has been following the second pig’s advice and building out of wood but they fail to remember that this house faced the same demise as the one of straw. It is time to look to the future and unconventional ways of construction to help not only the current builder but their possible children as well.

The average house owner looking to build their next house is most likely uneducated of all possible construction options. With the house market as hot as it currently is, people are looking to end up with the perfect house and money left in their pockets. Straw is currently the least popular building material yet it is the most economical – both initially and in the long run.

Build Your Dream Home for Less

Depending on where you plan to build the price of a straw bale ranges from $1.00 to $3.00 versus the average cost of wood which can range from $4.50 to $5.50. A basic two thousand square foot house requires about three hundred three-wire (standard) bales of straw, average cost of which would be $1000. Straw bales are not only more inexpensive than wood but offer many other positive features including energy efficiency and simplicity to build any type of structure.

Straw bales offer an insulation value of R-50 which is comparable to a wood frame and fiber glass insulation which offers R-12 to R-20. What does this mean to someone just beginning to consider building? R value means a great deal to anyone especially Martimers who never know what kind of weather to expect. R-value, put as simply as possible, is the ability of a material to resist heat flow and the greater the value the warmer or cooler you are. To the money wise: the higher the R value the lower your heating bill is. The consideration of your R value will certainly benefit your pocket books but what about costs before you move in?

Cost for labour decreases depending on the amount of people you know that are willing to help. Building with straw bales is as simple to an adult as building a lego house is to a child. It is basically a matter of stacking bales on top of one another in the shape of the structure you want to create.

Everyone Is Doing It…Well, Everyone SHOULD Be Doing It!

There are plenty of resources to look to while constructing your new home, unfortunately they may not be local but with the progression of technology this as not as difficult as it once was. All over the world enthusiasts are researching the benefits of straw building and most are willing to answer any questions you may have. The great thing is that if the researcher does not know the answer he/she will be interested to find out for you.

Researchers have already discovered the sound benefits of building with straw as they absorb sound much more effectively than dry wall. The thick walls also allow for an unordinary benefit of a thick casing around every window which would allow plant enthusiast to fill their approximately twelve inch wide windowsill with beautiful plants. For those without a green thumb imagination can fill the shelves with whatever the owner can think of.

The downfalls of building with straw include the absence of knowledge and popularity of it in the Maritimes. Unfortunately local banks, which are serious money sources for any builder, may have heard very little about the new method of building so tend to be quite skeptical when lending money to unheard of projects. When approaching any financial institution, as in all situations, make sure you are prepared with research, presentation of the research, resources and confidence.

Bank Support at Minimum, Let’s Teach Them a Few Things

Banks tend to appreciate knowing the public views of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation towards building with straw. Make sure you approach the bank prepared to beg, in a professional and civilized manner of course, to have them back you up financially so that you can in turn support your local farmers. Your plea, if given any difficulty, should include your helping the environment as well as worldwide research. Questions you’ll surely be asked include risks of fire when building with straw. You can smartly advise them that the only real danger is during construction where common sense precautions have to be taken when working with straw and wood. Once built a straw bale house is commonly sealed with stucco and becomes an example of an almost fire proof building.

Building a house of any kind is definitely a time and money consuming task and shouldn’t be thought of lightly. Planning and researching should be the very first step into building your dream home or any other structure. No option should be overlooked especially when money is concerned. No matter which pig you follow in the footsteps of, your fairytale is up to you and, in the Maritimes, a big bad wolf should not be a character in the story you write.

Habitat For Humanity

To help the world we first need to help ourselves. Pepsi Canada has allowed us the opportunity to receive a $100 000 grant to get this project started. Sounds like a lot after I said how inexpensive building with straw is? Well, it’s not only for us but to teach others.

With this money we’ll be able to document our progress to teach Habitat For Humanity a different way of offering more. With their funding and donations they can buy a lot more strawbales from local farmers (helping the local economy), easily and quickly put up more houses and be of renewed interest for more volunteers. They can start their own strawbale building revolution and you can help.

Simply go to Pepsi Refresh Everything and cast your vote today and everyday until August 31st to get us a win!

Thanks for doing your part!

Sarah Butland

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