“I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

– President John F. Kennedy

On Sunday, July 20th, 1969, the world watched on television sets as two astronauts – Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin – become the first to set foot on the surface of the Moon.  Armstrong climbed down from the lunar module (called the Eagle), saying, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” 

While on the Sea of Tranquility, Armstrong and Aldrin deployed a television camera, raised the American flag, collected samples, talked with President Richard M. Nixon, set up scientific equipment, and gave millions of listeners a description of their experiences.

 The mission fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s goal of reaching the moon by the end of the 1960s.

I consider myself a neophyte when comes to new media (though I have been an avid email user for years) but it should not come as a surprise to anybody of any generation that the Internet is an amazingly bountiful resource for authors (or any vocation for that matter). And it has been and continues to be a wonderful journey of discovery.

Since I’m sure I am not the only “newbie” out here, thought I’d share my Top 5 Sites for Authors (and people who love what authors do).

1. Amazon (www.amazon.com) – This site is in a class of its own. Besides being the largest online bookseller in the world, Amazon helps authors connect with readers through such tools as reviews, search inside, and recommendations. They make it easy to sell/promote your book (for a significant percentage but no worst than any other seller). They now have a self-publishing tool called Digital Text Platform for those interested in selling ebooks.

2. Shelfari (www.shelfari.com) – Is a bookshelf site where your books are displayed on a bookshelf for others to view. The site looks great and easy to use. You can search for an author and then add books by the click of a button. Each book has a page where you can rate it, write/read reviews, see other members who own it, groups that discuss it and more.  There are many ways to explore the community and discover books.

3. LibraryThing (www.librarything.com) – Another bookshelf site that has been around awhile. It is not pretty but what it lacks in looks it makes up in brains. It is easy to organize your books with tags and you can sort them any way you want. LibraryThing is probably the most comprehensive of the book sites. You can of course review books, read other peoples’ reviews, check out other people’s libraries, and start a book club. LibraryThing can be set up to search the Library of Congress or any of a number of national libraries in addition to Amazon.com worldwide.

4. Goodreads (www.goodreads.com) – This bookshelf site is the new kid on the block. It has all the social community feature you would expect (e.g. reviews, friend lists, recommend) but is little more “conscientious” to its members than the other sites. 

5. AuthorsDen (www.authorsden.com) – This is truly a site for new and self-published authors. I am relatively new to this community and still exploring but so far found easy to use. It has a features that help publicize your book online with links to reviewers and booksellers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble (you can add others).

No doubt, some of you out there know many more resources for authors and book lovers; and I would love to know what they are. Feel free to comment and recommend your own Top 5.

Happy Independence Day to all! And a special thank you to those men and women who serve and who have served this great nation of ours. God bless.

A Personal Legacy is a something that passes on your values to your family and community. It transfers those attributes which cannot be measured by money. It reflects the foundation of values by which you live; the essence of the good lessons you have accumulated during your lifetime. It is, perhaps, the greatest gift.

Future Vision

With a little foresight, and a little insight, it can help those who come after you learn from your successes and learn from your failures. Most importantly, your personal legacy confirms to them that they have your faith, encouragement and vision to enable them to build upon the base you have created during your lifetime. With hard work, and a bit of luck, they may have the opportunity to go and grow during their lifetimes even further than you may have been able.

Creating A Personal Legacy

Reflect on your own life for the benefit of your family and your community. This can result in them learning valuable background information and values that otherwise are easily lost over time.

Think of it this way — do you wish you had a Personal Legacy from your grandfather or another respected ancestor? Would you value it? You have the opportunity to create one for later generations of your own family. You might discover that it’s just the thing you wanted to do, but never realized it.

Personal Insight

In too many instances of people leave this world without passing on their wisdom and their insights. Families are often left without the wealth of accumulated experiences and knowledge that multiplies generation after generation.

By writing Shadows In My House of Sunshine, I wanted the present and future generations of my family to be able to build upon what has come before them and share my personal legacy with the world for inspiration. I wanted them to know where I have come from and what I have learned and share my beliefs on how to live a meaningful life.

I was interviewed by Eric Greene on Education Notebook on News 12 CT where I talk about why I decided to write Shadows in My House of Sunshine.

I’ve always had a penchant for writing but It would take nearly eight and half decades to finally pen my life’s story. The process has been illuminating to say the least.  I have learned a lot about myself and the business of telling your story (and I’m still learning).

I hope to use this space to continue to learn but also I hope to encourage others considering telling their own personal legacy. To help you get started, I’ve put together a series of questions to ask yourself called My Personal Legacy. You can download the PDF here and print it out.

I will be at the Norwalk Public Library on Sunday, May 4, from 2 to 4 p.m, to discuss my autobiographical memoir Shadows in My House of Sunshine which describes my life, living, over the past 85 years, in twenty-nine different homes in 7 states.

In addition, Mayor Richard A. Moccia, will present me with a special Norwalk Public Library “Read” Poster prepared for the event. Copies of the poster will be given to all who attend. Copies of Shadows in My House of Sunshine will be available for signing.

Admission is free to this “Books and Authors” event, one of an ongoing series presented by the Friends of the Norwalk Public Library System to provide writers the opportunity to discuss their books with the public.

On Thursday, April 10th at 11:30 a.m., I will be at a book signing and luncheon at the Norwalk Senior Center.

Meet me and enjoy a special luncheon with friends. Books will be available for signing. Please note this event is open to the public. Pre-registration and payment are requested by Tuesday, April 8th. Fee: $7 includes lunch. You may reserve tables of 10 by calling Debbie Cole at-203- 847-3115 ext. 104. The Norwalk Senior Center is located at 11 Allen Road, Norwalk, CT.

Look forward seeing you there.