5 Reasons Why We Should Support Indie Authors

            Indie Authors, do they ring a bell? First of all, they are INDEPENDENT authors, not the TRADITIONAL ones who are under the contract of one publishing house.

            I’ve come across from the internet a lot of reasons why people should support indie authors. I, for one, agree with them because I believe in the following rationales.

1)    Freedom.

Indie authors are real and free people who are creatively unstoppable. They are brilliant in their silence and solitude. They are FREE souls, mindful of the heavy word, “freedom”. They love to share their thoughts freely. No one controls them. No inhibitions. No restrictions.

2)    Variety.

Indie authors write varied stories. They publish great books that most probably you’ve never heard of. It’s for you to find out their books at your local or online stores, to read, to learn and share with other readers. I’m sure you’ll discover amazing minds!

3)    Diversity.

Buying and promoting indie authors’ books are your big contribution to diversity. In this manner, you build and generate diversity. There is a considerable and cultural “mosaic” in literature. Indie authors write manifold facts or fictions that contain many different elements. They are incredibly at par with other traditional authors. Well, their chosen genres are also products of the "genius" in them.

4)    Economy.

When you buy the books written by indie authors, you support the economy of your beloved country. You help not only the indie authors but also small businesses in the locality. In other words, it is a noble and dignified actuation to patronize first your very own “talents” and be proud of them. In this way, you will feel truly “local”.  It’s a paramount feeling that you belong to your community. You establish a special “bond and connection” with them.

5)    Generosity.

Supporting the local indie authors makes you remarkably generous. Having a big heart, generosity sets you apart from others. You spell a difference by giving. You create the high spirit of “abundance and prosperity” up and around the universe where there is a law of attraction. It returns to you. Extending your help makes the indie authors stand out as well. And to note- oftentimes the proceeds of their book sales go to foundations and charities. Some of their works are for free just to promote and spread their advocacy. Hundredfold blessing comes back and recompenses the giver in multiple and in immense forms.

            Indie authors wish to get a fair share of attention, appreciation and sincere commendation for their published books, too. Hang in there! A simple LIKE from you or a short comment is appreciated, will you?

-Author Lucy Lombos

Easy Household Chores for Kids

I am a mom of 3 wonderful sweethopes. I taught my children to do easy household chores when they were still young. In those early years of motherhood, I was so certain that they would benefit from doing the house assignments. 

The BENEFITS:

1. They will feel they belong to the family.

2. They will learn necessary life skills.

3. They will learn the values of responsibility, self-reliance, and self-confidence.

4. They will feel needed and will know the meaning of "lending a hand". 

5. At a young age, they will understand what work or office is.

6. They will experience and practice the virtue of generosity by giving their time, energy and talent (or treasure) to the family.

7. And by extending help, they learn to be charitable. Well, we all say that charity begins at home, right?... And this is love in action.

The key to success for this matter is to show them examples of doing things. One of the guiding principles to note is self-activity. We all learn by trying, experiencing and first-hand doing things all by ourselves. 

Children are great imitators. Just set good examples for them.

Easy chores can be- setting the table, returning the toys into their proper places or boxes, putting soiled clothes into the hamper, putting the slippers or shoes together in a certain area in the house, checking and cleaning the school stuff, watering the plants, making their bed, folding their undies, pulling weeds in the garden, sweeping the floor, making their own sandwich, throwing pieces of papers and disposing the small garbage bins, arranging the cushion or pillows on the sofa, putting back the dining chairs, and a lot more.

In my published children's book, "The Joys of Junior", the main character wants to play all day long. He is allowed to play because playing is the kid's world. He learns skills also by playing. But he should do the household chores as well to gain and acquire knowledge of practical life-long skills such as the ones written above.

Well, Junior and other kids can be supervised by the parents, guardians, and teachers. Or the kids can begin to do such chores from easy to difficult ones till they do them all without assistance. Sure and soon, they become independent and happy.

We can teach values to our children directly, by examples and by reading to them.

"The Joys of Junior" is available on Amazon, Kindle Edition by Lucy Lombos.

#parentingtoday
#parentingtodaychilddevelopment

The "F" in Fall

The color festival is here! The verdant leaves turn into orange, yellow, gold, brown, red and purple power. It is this time of the year when many people bring out from their closet their heavy and thermal outfit.

One Sunday morning, I went to Joyce Street in Vancouver and I spotted a young lady named "MC" at the door of the St. Mary’s Parish. I approached her with a smile. We introduced each other. Cool, we both came from the Philippines.

Luckily, I got her number. Over the phone, I discovered that she was born in Manila and migrated in Vancouver in 2014. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Film, and now almost finished studying in Vancouver for the Motion Picture Arts Certificate.

I mentioned to her that at our first meeting, I could sense that she carried herself well with a sense of fashion. I immediately asked her fashion style and she said, “My fashion style is very versatile, depending on the occasion or time of the day. But I would say, it is a combination of being casual and chic.”

Moreover, MC’s fashion statement is inspired by Filipino Fashion Bloggers. With the use of Instagram, she could easily check out the bloggers’ feeds and see what’s popular and trendy in the fashion world.

MC also works at my favorite shop where I buy my dresses. Working in that famous shop keeps her updated with the monthly fashion trends. The visual merchandising in that store gives her ideas for good combinations of clothing.

She told me that her key elements in fashion are form, color, and texture so she could feel good and be comfortable.

In addition, she said, "I repeat my dresses and other apparels but I try to make different combinations, especially at this time of the year when leaves are falling."

Brrr…the air was cold outside when I saw her. MC looked great with her brown leather jacket on top of the white, classic jacket with a hood. She matched those tops with a pair of blue denim and tawny boots. 

Oh, "F" is Fashion this Fall. 

This is just my simple outfit inspiration this year. I fall in love with a plain yet trendy fashion!

- By Lucy Lombos

Please LIKE my FB account- "Jun N Lucy"

Please FOLLOW me at my Instagram account- "Lucy Lombos"

Authors' Primary Aim

Authors write books primarily to connect. They use social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Medium, LinkedIn, etc. to come in contact with their family, friends, readers, literacy advocates, fellow writers, and supporters. They market and sell their books in their chosen platforms as those can supplement their websites and newsletters.

As for me, I use my author’s platforms often, and that's almost everyday. My favorites are FB, IG, “Good Morning” Newsletter and this blogspot to post my articles, and links to articles, my published books, fellow authors’ newly released books, poems and updates or publications of other literary genres. 

With the inspiration coming from the Holy Spirit, I write my random thoughts most of the time here in my blogspot. 

I share with everyone the book promotions, even donations of the book sale, reviews and blurbs. Thank God, I have time to generously share and support also other people’s literary works, added skills, and achievements.

***God showers us with lots of channels of blessings. I, for one, am so thankful. 

By the way, here’s my bio: #children #creativity #connections #acupoofcoffee

Connections are important.

I'd like to take this opportunity to include here my published books this 2019: "Rose of Calapan" (a novel), "The Joys of Junior" (a children's book), and "Swanie's Bag" (a children's book). Amazing, 3 published books in 2019! All available on Amazon shop.

             

My request: Follow me at my IG account- Lucy Lombos. 

#goodvibesonly #supportindieauthors #supportfilipinoauthors

U in the Philippines this 2020

        Yuletide festivities or parties are everywhere in the Philippines most especially in the “ber” months. Part of them is the practice to have the Christmas and New Year’s countdown. Soon, the bells will ring in the New Year. For sure, we welcome 2020 in our own kind and style of celebration and tradition.

        What’s in your bucket list to do and visit this 2020? Have you already planned your vacation next year in our country, the “Pearl in the Orient Seas”? Imagine now U (Youself) in the Philippines this 2020.

        A Filipina-Canadian outdoor enthusiast once said, “I wanna go home. I missed the Philippine beaches in summer.”

        “I think island hopping is the best thing to do,” a teen-ager shared his dream activity.

        A housewife said, “I would like to go to the museum and learn more about the Philippine History.”

        And then, a University employee answered, “I’d like to visit the University of the Philippines.”

        Beautiful answers! The Philippines is known for white and pulverized beaches. Island hopping is a great activity to explore the archipelago; we are known for that! A visit to the Museum is perfect for we are a marvelous country with glorious history. And the last reply but not the least, a visit to the University of the Philippines is amazing. It piques uniqueness, curiosity and interest.

        Why is University in the Philippines, or simply UP in his bucket list? It is the premier state university system in the Philippines. It has a catchy tagline from its official website and it says, “Shaping minds that shape the nation.” It has a motto, “Honor and Excellence”. It is a wow to a lot of Filipinos and other foreign educators and policy-makers in terms of setting a high standard in Philippine tertiary education.

        The entire UP system is enormous as it is situated in a vast land in Diliman, Quezon City. It has also campuses in Manila, Los Banos, Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, and Tacloban, Leyte. As UP Open University, offering online courses, it has seven learning centers.

        UP is dedicated to giving quality instruction at par with other prestigious universities in the world. Since June 18, 1908, founded by the Americans, it has provided well-adept and quality instruction in the courses and programs they offer such as, just to name a few- law, medicine, education, literature, mathematics, statistics, fine arts, music and a lot more.

        In the recent news, Times Higher Education (THE) of London has listed the University of the Philippines in the 401-500 group of 1,396 ranked research worldwide universities. It is noted that UP has climbed up from top 1,000 in 2017 and from top 800 in 2018. (www.thewur.com)

        It is wonderful to visit or revisit our beloved university. Remember that there is U (university) in the Philippines this 2020. Congratulations to all UP stakeholders and all Filipinos… Mabuhay!

- By Lucy Lombos

September 24, 2019

Photo cred to my fellow UP friend- Ma Jeanette Garcia- Librero, PhD

Martina Turner Diaz, #Binibini3, #BbPilipinas2019

I wrote a Young Adult Christian Romance Novel entitled, "Rose of Calapan" (And Her Pearls in the Box). To complete the manuscript, I began to jot down the list of names who could give me a blurb, sort of promotional piece for my book. 

With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I thought of Miss Martina Turner Diaz, one of the honor awardees, talented and generous past pupils of Lombosco Academy (L.A.), "The Threshold of Academic Excellence and Growth in God's Love", located in Muntinlupa City.

Like me, Martina is also an advocate of literacy. Well, I believed that she got this passion from L.A. Full of determination to finish my book, I contacted her. I requested her to give me a book review. 

Without second thoughts, she said, "Yes, I am willing to help you, Mrs. Lombos! Glad to know you're writing for the youth and the millennials."

Not so long, she sent me the review.

She wrote: Loss of self-confidence, struggles, indecision, survival, and a love story... "Rose of Calapan" is beautifully written. With additional "Pearls in the Box", Author Lucy Lombos shines in this novel.

Her words were perfect!

"Thank you, Martina for your legitimate review which really was as beautiful, smart and kind as you."

Days passed, I found out that this outstanding and stunning Filipina Beauty is our #Binibini3 who has chosen and trodden the road to #BbPilipinas2019. She's amazing!

Whooo-wo-wow! She's my sure bet, a strong candidate; absolutely she brings to Muntinlupa-Philippines the glorious crown! Go, Martina! God is with you.

*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***

Dear friends,

I solicit your support to VOTE for #Binibini3 Martina Turner Diaz, #headturner, to win in this prestigious pageant this May 2019. Voting has already begun.

Kindly put a heart or wow, comment and share in #BbPilipinas2019 Official Facebook page and in The Online Pageant world in its Official FB page.

Thank you & Blessings to all!

Martina Turner Diaz,

#Binibini3

#BbPilipinas2019

- by Author Lucy Lombos,

Fil-Canadian 

Love Addicts

What’s your favorite part or corner at your house? J

Mine is the family’s breakfast nook. It isn’t just there for sipping coffee, eating bread and eggs Benedict, and for the quick, morning conversation, but also for uttering prayers and goodbyes when I daily send my loved ones off to work, especially my husband. 

Let me show the particular spot in the breakfast nook where I stand. I look out the glass window, waiting for my Ju(I)Cy  (a tandem, short cut for Jun and Lucy, such a unique endearment; no more "I" in our relationship) and watching him pass by. Down there at the street, he looks up, waves his hands and smiles at me. My day starts with sweet, gestural expressions. :)

Just that part, perhaps we’re like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. We immortalize their love for each other. Well, we called ourselves as love addicts since 1988. We hardly noticed the passing of years and time… yet, one thing was sure we experienced the genuine calling and blessings of marriage. And we still do. Problems are inevitable though; expect that they exist. They are the challenges (issues, arguments, and conflicts) to be solved, hurdled and talked about. As a big part of the vocation, problems are present to test and strengthen the marriage.

Hey dear, with the presence or absence of problems, I feel like Juliet who is a classical character or icon of love. LOL

Whoo-hoo! JuCy commits to be love addicts in spite of so many concerns. We still say, “I do”. On March 26, 2019, it’s our 31st. Aloha! We treat each other in the sincere spirit of love, peace and compassion.

Happy 31st, JuCy!

By: Lucy Lombos,
Children's book author and other multiple genres

Her upcoming book is "Rose of Calapan" with Her Pearls in the Box. It's a Young Adult Christian Romance Novel.

www.lucylombos.com

*** "Juliet" Photo creds to Mike Maranan

Martina, a Beauty Queen

And the Winner is...

Martina Fausta Turner Diaz!

In 2015, Martina was once the pride and joy of our beloved place. She won in a beauty pageant held in Poblacion, Muntinlupa City. Everyone rejoiced and admired her beauty. City folks also believed in her talents and abilities, and in her beautiful soul. Beauty and brains, and a generous heart, a complete gift package that God gave her, she's really got what it takes to be a Beauty Queen.

Presently, a dreamer and an achiever at the young age of twenty-two, Martina would like to be an advocate of the programs and projects for the out-of-school youth. In fact, she already started as a volunteer of Gabay and Kalinga, an NGO which helps and educates children who cannot go to schools. With this organization, she provides physical, mental, and spiritual education to children in different communities in Muntinlupa and in the neighboring towns and cities.

Martina, without doubt, supports the youth and her co-millennials at large. In view of this, her generosity extends in giving kind words to my Young Adult Christian Romance Novel entitled, "Rose of Calapan." She knows that the book sale proceeds go to the scholarship program of Lombosco Academy. She has faith in her alma mater that sends poor but deserving children to College education. 

And Martina's valuable words to the YA Novel readers and lovers: 

"Loss of self-confidence, struggles, indecision, survival, and a love story... "Rose of Calapan" is beautifully written. With additional "Pearls in the Box", author Lucy Lombos shines in this novel." 

- Martina Fausta Turner Diaz

Miss Muntinlupa City-Philippines 2015

Take note: She is now being groomed to be our next Miss Philippines. 

Heeding a call and helping the youth, for sure Martina is a Beauty Queen! 

Thank you so much.

- Author Lucy Lombos

The Rose of Calapan

I'd like to share with you a beautiful poem which I lifted from my upcoming Young Adult Christian Romance Novel, Rose of Calapan with Her Pearls in the Box. 

A good friend of mine composed this poem entitled, "The Rose of Calapan" which he especially dedicated to me.

The Rose of Calapan By Ding Monserate Where do I find an island rose Who stands unbridled under the sun From her stems of deep green a string of thorns grows Out to protect her from pelt clutch of man Behold this rose blooms, gaily, unwithered Come rain, sunshine or storm she prevails, ... she's less bothered Her velvet-soft petals - playful yet untattered Vainless, pure albeit conscientious Nonetheless, unencumbered And while she bloomed where she's deeply-rooted Alas! Her strength had been challenged and meted Plucked by fate, moved by circumstance In a foreign land, she thrived Armed with virtue and endurance The rose from Mindoro, see her flourish among trilliums She'll rise and prosper though the harshest season dooms She gains vigour in summer, all set as autumn looms She grows leaves in winter and in spring she blooms There's more to her than just being enchanting A right she had claimed by doing more than dreaming But, beneath the surface - sturdy, flinty as steel She's laid-back, forbearing and subtly genteel How endearing... How inspiring... How rare. Thank you so much, Ding! Indeed, it fascinated me. - Lucy Lombos

"A Rose is a rose is a rose"

I took this photo, and I remembered this famous line "A Rose is a rose is a rose" by Gertrude Stein in her poem Sacred Emily. What a beauty! Love! And joy!


Like authorship, I can say that the real beauty of a composition, the true love or passion for literacy, and the joy of writing, of telling a story is when I share it with the young ones, with the adult-readers and those who believe in the power of creative, written words.


"Rose of Calapan", a Young Adult Christian Romance Novel, is coming out soon.



Written by Lucy Lombos.

Book Cover designed by Ian Roy Ranosa.

To be published by Lombosco Publications-Canada.

The Rose of Calapan

Hi guys! I'm back with my favorite hashtags: #lucywrites, #lucyspeaks, #busylucy.

The good news is that I'm putting the finishing touches to my Young Adult Christian Romance Novel entitled, "Rose of Calapan".

I would like to share with you, with my so many F's- family, friends, FB and IG followers, fellowmen and fellow writers, and bFF's - the blurb for this book written by the Honourable Mayor of Calapan City. Please spread the word! - - -

The novel “Rose of Calapan” by Ms. Lucy E. Lombos is an expression of her affection to the place where she has deep roots having studied and lived in Calapan City for several years.  This work also fills the serious gap in written works about Calapan City.  Ms. Lombos’ work is, therefore, a welcome development and an invaluable contribution to the literary arena. 

           Ms. Lombos is an accomplished author and writer of children’s books and memoirs.  As an educator, her writings carry an authoritative weight.  She is also passionate about promoting literacy which is reflected in her numerous works.  Her wide experience as an educator and author thus provides a solid framework for her writings that will intellectually empower those who will read and learn from it.

           The “Rose of Calapan” will prove to be a worthy and priceless addition to any personal library and book collection.

-     -  Hon. Mayor Arnan Panaligan, Calapan City, Or. Mindoro, Philippines

*Book Cover Design by Ian Rañosa