This week I had a furry visitor into my world. It's been a fun, trying and often hilarious few days as I have had to confront my nemesis--the Hoary Marmot. I have to admit, I had to research the little creature that chose to reside in the dust covered under belly of my beat up farm truck. The creature was what most call a 'whistle pig' and rightly so--the giant ground squirrel (only slightly less fat than my tom cat) chirped and bleated whenever anything came within 20 feet of MY truck. However, this nugget, Hoary Marmot, taught me a lesson as it sequestered my vehicle--it taught me perseverance (and pepper spray to the face is quite unpleasant).
He stayed in my truck for four days without food (and water only from that of which was shot at him through a pressurized hose) in a habitat that could in only the minimalist way be considered appropriate for an overstuffed squirrel. Yet even with the most adamant of prodding, and an entire can bear spray, he refused to leave. Many questions came to mind, but I had to admire him for his tenacity. Regardless of how hard I tried to humanely remove him, he refused to move from his 'comfort' zone.As a paranormal romance writer, I'm often faced with situations where I'm forced to fight for what I desire (i.e. my trucks wiring to not be destroyed). As I've said many times before, being a writer is a tough business. And like the fat marmot, there are times when I want to stuff myself into a hole for days, and scream at people who even think about approaching me. However unlike the somewhat cute and ornery beast I must exit my den and face the world and all the pitfalls and criticism that come with it.After four days of battle, the marmot disappeared into the night after a hard-won war--he being the clear victor and me being the out-smarted human. I must chuckle and remind myself that like the Marmot, with patience and perseverance I will attain my goal (my wiring remains unscathed). But I must admit, I don't believe I want to meet another Marmot--in my truck's undercarriage or otherwise.
Happy Easter!
I have a love of learning odd facts. As such, I would love to wish you a Happy Easter by sharing the top ten odd facts (shared via Tip TopTens.com and Everything Easter) about this special holiday!
10. The most common thing to eat first from a chocolate bunny is the ears (at a rate of 76%).
9. Peeps are the most popular candy, selling more than 700 million on Easter.
8. Milk chocolate is preferred to dark at a ratio of 65% to 27%.
7. Germany made the first chocolate egg in the 19th century.
6. Easter comes in second as the biggest candy consuming holiday, right behind Halloween.
5. Even at the White House the are Easter events. Since 1878 (President Hayes), there has been an annual tradition of rolling Easter eggs across the lawn.
4. 16 billion jelly beans are made in preparation from Easter. That is enough to fill a 9 story plastic egg.
3. The most famous decorated Easter eggs were those made by the well-known goldsmith, Peter Carl Faberge. In 1883 the Russian Czar, Alexander, commissioned Faberge to make a special Easter gift for his wife, the Empress Marie.
2. Americans spend 2 billion dollars on Easter goodies, and eat 7.1 billion pounds of Easter goodies each year! With 60 million chocolate bunnies being sold each Easter.
1. In 1953, it took 27 hours to create a Marshmallow Peep. Today it takes six minutes.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend, spent with people you love. Have a wonderful Easter!
-Danica Winters
It Only Takes a Moment
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia
I have a memory that haunts me.
Ten years ago (long before being a paranormal romance author), I worked at a large retail store, was going to college, and was filled with the joy of life. A young man whom I had known growing up, walked through the doors and seeing me, waved and eagerly approached. His hair was dirty and disheveled, his clothes ratty and torn, but he smiled.
Though I was at work, we chatted as I showed him around the store. He told me he was still living at home with his Grandmother, whom had adopted him when his mother had lost custody. With sadness in his eyes, he told me about a few things going on in his life, that weren't working out.
I felt immeasurable pity for my peer. But after a few minutes, I needed to return to work. Before he would let me go, he shoved his phone number, cell number and email address in my hand.
That night I went home, still thinking about the conversation. He seemed so desperate and needy and I decided not to call him. I didn't need any more drama in my life. I had homework, school, work, social engagements, and problems of my own...my time was precious.
We had caught up, what else could be left to say?
About four months later, I received a call from another friend. The young man who had
barely fallen short of begging me to be his friend had been found in his grandmother's
house--after he had committed suicide.
At 18, I had missed the truth of his situation. Yet I cannot shake the feeling that if I would have only called him back, if I would have made room in my life, if I would have just lent a helping hand, the young man would have still been alive. After that phone call, my life changed. I began responding to people who reached out, I try to listen to those who have problems they need to share, and the most important thing I have learned is that it only takes a moment to turn a life around.