Sally Ember's Blog, page 2

#DoYou10Q? Rosh Hashona through Yom Kippur, October 2 – 12, 2024
(#Jewish New Year High Holidays), Read, Respond, Review, Forecast 

You don’t have to be Jewish or celebrate #Jewish High Holy Days (Rosh Hashona, Jewish New Year’s, and Yom Kippur, the “Day of Atonement”) to want to spend some time considering your life and your goals/ accomplishments each year. I was raised Jewish, but I am a practicing #Buddhist.

Again this year, the group running this event (http://www.rebooters.net/) has offered new AND the usual questions.

It’s free! http://doyou10Q.com and #DoYou10Q are the connection points.

Check out any local Partners with 10Q: http://doyou10q.com/partners: Reach out to Josh Kanter, Reboot’s outreach and partnership manager, at josh @ rebooters DOT net or (go to the site for his phone number (in the USA)].<

You can respond to all 10 Questions from October 2 through 13, online, and have them put into the “vault” for yourself for next year’s reflections.

10Q: “Reflect. React. Renew. Life’s Biggest Questions. Answered By You.”

The title and all the info, below, come from the 10Q site. Visit! Sign up! Do it!
http://doyou10q.com/

“Answer one question per day [or more than one per day, if you have some to catch up on] in your own secret online 10Q space. Make your answers serious. Silly. Salacious. However you like. It’s your 10Q. When you’re finished, hit the magic button and your answers get sent to the secure online 10Q vault for safekeeping.

“One year later (October 1, this year), the ‘vault’ will open and your answers will land back in your email inbox for private reflection.

“Want to keep them secret? Perfect. Want to share them, either anonymously or with attribution, with the wider 10Q community? You can do that, too.

“Next year, the whole process begins again. And the year after that, and the year after that.

“Do you 10Q? You should. If you have, already, enter the “giveaway” by sharing one or more experiences and using the hashtag, as directed:

Click here to get your 10Q on.

10Q begins October 2, 2024, and goes for 10+ days
http://doyou10q.com/

How do you want to 10Q? It’s up to you!

My responses from last year included:

Is there something that you wish you had done differently this past year? Alternatively, is there something you’re especially proud of from this past year?

Your Answer:

I am very proud that I hardly ever noodged my son and his wife to have a child and then, they DID, April, 2023, so I am her Bubbe! So grateful, excited, happy to have this bundle of joy in our family and wish I could see her more. They are GREAT parents, too!

Describe one thing you’d like to achieve by this time next year. Why is this important to you?

Your Answer:

I would like my plans for moving to the Seattle area in 2025 to become more clear [moved here in March, 2024!] and for my mom’s location to be decided [she was moved to LA in February, 2024, but, unfortunately, died in July] with help as to how to arrange all that.
I [want to be] AM NOW, since March, 2024! close by to help my son and his wife with my granddaughter and have her know me well before I die.

“70 for 70”: Weekly Report Ten (FINAL)

As some of you know, I embarked on my “70 for 70” activities on the ramp-up to my 70th birthday on June 13, so this is my tenth (FINAL) Weekly Report on those activities. Please read the previous posts for details on each week’s activities.

I hope you’re considering doing something similar or supporting what I do by leaving comments, encouragement, applause…. If you want to send money, use PayPal and I’ll donate it. The button is on my cover page of this blog: http://www.sallyember.com

May all beings benefit.

August 16
Found out I am moving into the apartment I most wanted on September 4! Started the moving change-of-address process by registering to vote for the USA national election and state/local elections here in Washington at my new address (already voted in the primary August 6 by mail for local elections)! VOTE BLUE!

August 17
Yesterday (Saturday) I did some grocery shopping for the household so that my housemate didn’t have to do it (she doesn’t like doing it). I made sure to get things each of her daughters and she would like.

August 18
Today, the older daughter returned after being with her dad for a week. The younger one is at overnight camp until Wednesday afternoon, so the older one and I got to spend the evening together today while her mom was at a social gathering/concert with some friends. I made her food she liked and we had some interesting conversations on topics she was glad to talk about; we had fun.

August 19
Short women get wet blouses/shirts in public bathrooms (and private ones, too) when we wash our hands or use the sinks because the previous users of the counters and sink do not wipe them down/dry them off. I did the wipe downs in three bathrooms today.
Today, at a doctor’s office, a young Resident (student doctor) was part of my intake. He wanted me to call him by his first name. I refused, explaining my reasons: A) he had earned that title; B) some people would feel uncomfortable calling him by anything else; C) he needed to own what he was to “grow into it”; and, D) it was his duty to be fulfilling that role to help people trust him.
I insisted he call me “Doctor Ember” to demonstrate. I called him “Doctor” from then on.
I know I did him a huge favor, even if he doesn’t know it, yet.

August 20
Two more days until I turn 70. I am leading one of our Buddhist group’s Saturday sangha Zoom sessions with this topic (doing good deeds before one’s birthday), so today I compiled all these posts into one document to prepare for that leading (for August 31, since I have another appointment on August 24).
I hope learning about this project inspires others to do the same.

August 21
Today and last night I managed to put my housemate’s children’s clothes from camp and the week into and through the laundry late last night and early today so she could go to the doctor and rest. She has had a respiratory virus (not COVID or RSV) and a nasty cough from it that won’t quit.

August 22 — MY 70th BIRTHDAY!
May all beings who need comfort, shelter, love, safety, food, friendship and employment find and have what they need and maintain it as long as they need it.

“70 for 70”: Weekly Report Nine

As some of you know, I embarked on my “70 for 70” activities on the ramp-up to my 70th birthday on June 13, so this is my ninth Weekly Report on those activities. Please read the previous and upcoming posts for details on each week’s activities.

I hope you’re considering doing something similar or supporting what I do by leaving comments, encouragement, applause…. If you want to send money, use PayPal and I’ll donate it. The button is on my cover page of this blog: http://www.sallyember.com

May all beings benefit.

August 9
Went to babysit my granddaughter today and agreed to come back tomorrow so my DIL can get more personal time, since I have the use of my housemate’s car, which cuts the travel time by 1/3.

August 10
Today I avoided at least 3 car accidents. You’re welcome, strangers.
In a driver’s ed/”Defensive Driving” class I had to take for a job many decades ago, this mandate stuck in my mind and has become a guiding edict/metaphor for many of my life’s choices:
“The person who has the last clear chance to avoid an accident is OBLIGATED to do so.”
Words to live by.

August 11
Doing extra cleaning up in preparation for my housemate’s return from her family trip/vacation later today.
Shopped for produce today at the local small produce market to help them stay in business.

August 12
Made some extra seafood salad yesterday and left some for my housemate, then brought a container to my acupuncturist, because he’s great.
And, even though I wanted privacy, at the gentle (NO PRESSURE, really) request of my acupuncturist, I agreed to let a recent graduate of acupuncture college observe the intake/check-in part of my session today. As a trade, my doctor then did not let him return for the rest of the session, and I got to have the private parts (the actual two-part treatment) with just the two of us. Perfect.

August 13
Took the local county public transportation survey online to help them assess their services AND enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card! There was no place to put comments, so I also signed up to be contacted if they want more info from me.

August 14
Attended a volunteer orientation last night on Zoom for the local Vietnamese community Today, I filled out their forms to become one of their ESL/EFL or other instructors, help with grant writing or other nonprofit admin (all of which I have extensive experience in), or other things I could do, for after I move in to my new place in September.

“70 for 70”: Weekly Report Eight

As some of you know, I embarked on my “70 for 70” activities on the ramp-up to my 70th birthday on June 13, so this is my eighth Weekly Report on those activities. Please read the previous and upcoming posts for details on each week’s activities.

I hope you’re considering doing something similar or supporting what I do by leaving comments, encouragement, applause…. If you want to send money, use PayPal and I’ll donate it. The button is on my cover page of this blog: http://www.sallyember.com

May all beings benefit.

August 2
Shared the playlist I made on Spotify for grieving the loss of my mom with my youngest sister (the only one I am currently speaking to among the 3 of them). She was grateful.

August 3
Cleaned the shared bathroom, stovetop/range, sinks, microwave, refrigerator door/handle. Emptied toaster crumb tray. Took trash, compost and recycling to bins. Filled, ran, and emptied dishwasher. Made shopping list. All is prepared for their return tomorrow.

August 4
Heading down to see my son, DIL and granddaughter because one of my nephews is visiting from LA. Before going, since my housemate let me use her car while she was gone, I did almost all the grocery shopping for them (and me) since I know she doesn’t like to do it and I do like to do it.
While at one of the stores, I helped someone pick out a better bargain for toasted sesame oil at the Asian Market.

August 5
The girls I live with and their mom were all jet-lagged/exhausted and on different schedules than usual this morning. I get up early, anyway, so I made the girls’ breakfast and spent time with them to let their mom sleep in a bit (the girls came in from Europe Saturday and aren’t on Pacific time, yet).

August 6
The dental clinic student who is seeing me this week texted that she has to change our appointment due to her mis-handling her schedule. She knows that this has happened to me with this clinic’s other students several times in the last few weeks and apologized, but she didn’t have a choice, she said. I was not happy, but I agreed to change my appointment (even though I asked her to change someone else’s instead). It’s HUGELY inconvenient for me and I don’t know when we can reschedule, I told her, but it didn’t matter. Bummer.
I didn’t tell her how mad I was. That was my good deed.

August 7
Helped my housemate and her two daughters get ready for and off to their next airplane trip/vacation to a family reunion in California. Cleaned the kitchen last night and this morning, helped the girls choose travel clothes and did their laundry to help them pack yesterday, and today and yesterday, made one of them breakfast.

August 8
Listening to podcasts on Spotify (free account) related to healing from/surviving trauma, getting trauma out of one’s body, using one’s abilities and gifts to help heal oneself and others. Great Episodes. Left some appreciative comments, which I know podcasters treasure.

“70 for 70”: Weekly Report Seven

As some of you know, I embarked on my “70 for 70” activities on the ramp-up to my 70th birthday on June 13, so this is my seventh Weekly Report on those activities. Please read the previous and upcoming posts for details on each week’s activities.

I hope you’re considering doing something similar or supporting what I do by leaving comments, encouragement, applause…. If you want to send money, use PayPal and I’ll donate it. The button is on my cover page of this blog: http://www.sallyember.com

May all beings benefit.

July 26
Babysat for my granddaughter again today (LOVING THIS) so my DIL could attend her online work meeting.

July 27
When I did my laundry this morning, I also did the “house” laundry, since my housemate is not here much these weeks due to work and personal travel commitments. Also, hard-boiled some eggs for her to take “on the go,” as she loves to do.

July 28
Made a lot of marinated veggie salad for me and my housemate (she really likes this) for the week (cukes, tomatoes, red onions, homemade dressing). I may bring some on Monday to my medical appointment to share with the office people, since she is going to be out of town again Thursday – Saturday.

July 29
Had a housing application paperwork meeting with an assistant housing manager of a large, all-ages, low-income apartment complex in a terrible location that has openings for vacant studios that are a lot larger than the one I might get in Pike Place.
However, I probably won’t live there, mostly because it’s unwalkable (very steep hills all around it), too close to the freeway (polluted, noisy), and has many very unstable people living there.
But, she was quite helpful and very nice.
Brought her some dark chocolate with nuts because “doing paperwork should be sweet.” She was very pleased.

July 30
First full appointment (cleaning, x-rays, exam) at dental clinic (couldn’t find a dentist who took my insurance). Students do almost everything and it all takes longer, but very inexpensive and not far away. Lucky they exist here, or I’d have no dental care at all.
Complimented and thanked each student, giving them positive and constructive feedback as much as I could along the way. They seemed pleased.

July 31
Went to babysit my granddaughter today since I can’t come Friday due to doctor’s appointment and DIL invited me to come today.

August 1

LAST DAY for JULY SALE! #Smashwords The Spanners Series’ #ebooks 25-50% off through 7/31/24!

The discounts will automatically apply to your shopping cart at checkout. There’s no need for you to enter or remember coupon codes!

Many other authors’ ebooks on Smashwords also on sale! VISIT TODAY!

The Spanners Series’ first three Volumes of utopian science-fiction/romance by Sally Ember, Ed.D. are on sale NOW!

The Spanners Series‘ cover art and logo by WillowRaven: http://www.willowraven-illustration.blogspot.com/

Smashwords is STILL having its annual July Summer/Winter Sale and The Spanners Series‘ ebooks in every format (reader’s choice) are either free (Volume I) or only $1.99 or $2.99 (usually $3.99) for the entire month of July! See below for info! And, go browse on Smashwords for other great discounts and sales!

LAST DAY!

Whether you’re sweating, freezing, smoked-out, flooded, rained or snowed on or anywhere in between, there is still time to READ!
Give books for gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, vacations: any time!

The paperbacks of all three Volumes are available on Amazon. Check out the KINDLEMATCH program for deals when you buy both ebooks and paperbacks of the same volume at the same time.

This Changes Everything, Vol. I, The Spanners Series

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the consortium, the secret visits are made public. Now Earthers must adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are.

Clara is selected to be the liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective and she chooses Esperanza Enlaces to be the Chief Media Contact. They team up to provide information to stave off riots and uncertainty. The Many Worlds Collective holos train Clara and the Psi-Warriors for the Psi Wars with the rebelling Psi-Defiers, communicate effectively with many species on Earth and off-planet, eliminate ordinary, elected governments and political boundaries, convene a new group of Global Leaders, and deal with family’s and friends’ reactions.

In what multiple timelines of the ever-expanding multiverse do Clara and her long-time love, Epifanio Dang, get to be together and which leave Clara alone and lonely as the leader of Earth?

This Changes Everything spans the 30-year story of Clara’s term as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, continuing in nine more Volumes of The Spanners Series.

Are YOU ready for the changes?

Volume I, This Changes Everything:
Ebooks are PERMAFREE on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376197
and Amazon: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8 

This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, Vol. II, The Spanners Series

Intrigued by multiple timelines, aliens, psi skills, romance and planetary change? Clara and the alien “Band” are back in Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever.

Now as Chief Communicator, Clara leads the way for interspecies communication on- and off-planet. Fighting these changes are the Psi-Defiers, led by one of the oldest friends of the Chief of the Psi-Warriors, its reluctant leader, Rabbi Moran Ackerman. Stories from younger Spanners about the first five years of The Transition fill Volume II.

How would YOU do with the changes?

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever:
EBOOKS now $2.99, 25% off the regular price of $3.99, on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424969

Paperbacks and ebooks are on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Changes-Family-Forever-Spanners/dp/0996999817

This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Vol. III, The Spanners Series

Clara, Moran, Espe, Epifanio and the alien Band of holos are back in This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Volume III of The Spanners Series. Psi-Defiers launch increasingly violent protests during this five-year Transition, attempting to block Earth’s membership into the Many Worlds Collective. Earth’s nations and borders must dissolve and Psi-Warriors must strengthen in their battle against the rebels.

Clara, as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, also juggles family conflicts and danger while creating psi skills training Campuses to help Earth through the Psi Wars. Clara timults alternate versions of their futures as the leaders’ duties and consciences force them to make difficult choices across multiple timelines, continuing to train and fight.

Will the Psi-Warriors’ and other leaders’ increasing psi skills, interspecies collaborations and budding alien alliances be enough for Earth to make it through The Transition intact? If there is no clear path for Clara’s and Epifanio’s love, does she partner with Steve or go it alone?

What do YOU do with wanted/unwanted changes?

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change:
EBOOKS now $1.99, 50% off the regular price of $3.99, on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/588331

Paperbacks and ebooks are on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Want-Things-Change-Spanners/dp/0996999825/

The Spanners Series‘ three paperbacks on Amazon

Print editions and ebooks published under Timult Books

REVIEWERS: Ask for FREE Ebook coupon codes for Volumes II and III on Smashwords any time: sallyember AT yahoo DOT com

For more information about Sally Ember, Ed.D., her bio, books, blog, video talk show (CHANGES conversations between authors), guest blog posts and guidelines, links to author interviews, book trailers, proofreading/editing services and more: http://www.sallyember.com

3 more days for JULY SALE! #Smashwords The Spanners Series’ #ebooks 25-50% off through 7/31/24!

The discounts will automatically apply to your shopping cart at checkout. There’s no need for you to enter or remember coupon codes!

Many other authors’ ebooks on Smashwords also on sale! VISIT THIS WEEK!

The Spanners Series’ first three Volumes of utopian science-fiction/romance by Sally Ember, Ed.D. are on sale NOW!

The Spanners Series‘ cover art and logo by WillowRaven: http://www.willowraven-illustration.blogspot.com/

Smashwords is STILL having its annual July Summer/Winter Sale and The Spanners Series‘ ebooks in every format (reader’s choice) are either free (Volume I) or only $1.99 or $2.99 (usually $3.99) for the entire month of July! See below for info! And, go browse on Smashwords for other great discounts and sales!

Three more days!

Whether you’re sweating, freezing, smoked-out, flooded, rained or snowed on or anywhere in between, there is still time to READ!
Give books for gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, vacations: any time!

The paperbacks of all three Volumes are available on Amazon. Check out the KINDLEMATCH program for deals when you buy both ebooks and paperbacks of the same volume at the same time.

This Changes Everything, Vol. I, The Spanners Series

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the consortium, the secret visits are made public. Now Earthers must adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are.

Clara is selected to be the liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective and she chooses Esperanza Enlaces to be the Chief Media Contact. They team up to provide information to stave off riots and uncertainty. The Many Worlds Collective holos train Clara and the Psi-Warriors for the Psi Wars with the rebelling Psi-Defiers, communicate effectively with many species on Earth and off-planet, eliminate ordinary, elected governments and political boundaries, convene a new group of Global Leaders, and deal with family’s and friends’ reactions.

In what multiple timelines of the ever-expanding multiverse do Clara and her long-time love, Epifanio Dang, get to be together and which leave Clara alone and lonely as the leader of Earth?

This Changes Everything spans the 30-year story of Clara’s term as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, continuing in nine more Volumes of The Spanners Series.

Are YOU ready for the changes?

Volume I, This Changes Everything:
Ebooks are PERMAFREE on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376197
and Amazon: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8 

This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, Vol. II, The Spanners Series

Intrigued by multiple timelines, aliens, psi skills, romance and planetary change? Clara and the alien “Band” are back in Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever.

Now as Chief Communicator, Clara leads the way for interspecies communication on- and off-planet. Fighting these changes are the Psi-Defiers, led by one of the oldest friends of the Chief of the Psi-Warriors, its reluctant leader, Rabbi Moran Ackerman. Stories from younger Spanners about the first five years of The Transition fill Volume II.

How would YOU do with the changes?

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever:
EBOOKS now $2.99, 25% off the regular price of $3.99, on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424969

Paperbacks and ebooks are on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Changes-Family-Forever-Spanners/dp/0996999817

This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Vol. III, The Spanners Series

Clara, Moran, Espe, Epifanio and the alien Band of holos are back in This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Volume III of The Spanners Series. Psi-Defiers launch increasingly violent protests during this five-year Transition, attempting to block Earth’s membership into the Many Worlds Collective. Earth’s nations and borders must dissolve and Psi-Warriors must strengthen in their battle against the rebels.

Clara, as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, also juggles family conflicts and danger while creating psi skills training Campuses to help Earth through the Psi Wars. Clara timults alternate versions of their futures as the leaders’ duties and consciences force them to make difficult choices across multiple timelines, continuing to train and fight.

Will the Psi-Warriors’ and other leaders’ increasing psi skills, interspecies collaborations and budding alien alliances be enough for Earth to make it through The Transition intact? If there is no clear path for Clara’s and Epifanio’s love, does she partner with Steve or go it alone?

What do YOU do with wanted/unwanted changes?

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change:
EBOOKS now $1.99, 50% off the regular price of $3.99, on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/588331

Paperbacks and ebooks are on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Want-Things-Change-Spanners/dp/0996999825/

The Spanners Series‘ three paperbacks on Amazon

Print editions and ebooks published under Timult Books

REVIEWERS: Ask for FREE Ebook coupon codes for Volumes II and III on Smashwords any time: sallyember AT yahoo DOT com

For more information about Sally Ember, Ed.D., her bio, books, blog, video talk show (CHANGES conversations between authors), guest blog posts and guidelines, links to author interviews, book trailers, proofreading/editing services and more: http://www.sallyember.com

“70 for 70”: Weekly Report Six

As some of you know, I embarked on my “70 for 70” activities on the ramp-up to my 70th birthday on June 13, so this is my sixth Weekly Report on those activities. Please read the previous and upcoming posts for details on each week’s activities.

I hope you’re considering doing something similar or supporting what I do by leaving comments, encouragement, applause…. If you want to send money, use PayPal and I’ll donate it. The button is on my cover page of this blog: http://www.sallyember.com

May all beings benefit.

July 19
Babysat granddaughter again this morning so her mom could get some things done in her office. Very delightful.
Before I got to my son and DIL’s house, I went swimming at the local pool, again. While there, I got the lifeguard to do two things for others: put the stairs in (instead of the installed ladders, they’re easier ways for exiting and entering the pool for many of us; they’re are portable and not always “in”), and turn the music down (it was horribly and unnecessarily loud) so people talking to her or each other could actually hear one another.
Soon after the stairs were put in, two women came who definitely needed them but didn’t speak much English. I was glad I had asked for the stairs before they got there. Several others thanked me for getting the music turned down.
If so many wanted it that way, why am I the only one who asked for lower volume?

July 20
My housemate comes home today to pick up her car, then drives to her ex’s to take their kids and him to the airport. I parked right in front of the house, left the door unlocked and the inner door open, because she’s always running late and in a hurry.
I also made some seafood salad that she can gobble down before she leaves because she needs food with protein and doesn’t usually have anything planned or prepared, nor does her BF usually feed her very well (although breakfast is usually his strong suit, so we’ll see).

July 21
The buses weren’t stopping at several of the regular stops today due to Sunday’s road construction, and the only signs about it at the usual stops were posted in English only. Some non-English speakers at the stop I usually use weren’t understanding the situation.
I don’t know what language they were speaking (sounded African or Middle Eastern to my untrained ears), but with gestures, facial expressions and body language, I managed to convey the detour information to them. They followed me to the substitute bus stop successfully.

July 22
Today I made and purchased some food that I knew my housemate would like because she’s in-and-out for just one day and then travels again tomorrow. I am also helping her set up her schedule for when she returns and her kids return from their vacation. I may drive her to the airport tomorrow as well.

July 23
Gave my housemate a ride to the airport and postponed my swimming time to do that. That lets me keep her car, which she often lets me use, for which I am very grateful.
I will stock up on food while she’s gone, getting ready for her return and for her daughters to come back in another week as well.

July 24
Read up on the candidates for the Washington State primary elections and marked up the information booklet so my housemate (whose politics are in alignment with mine) can review it quickly and vote (we vote by absentee ballot) when she returns. No presidential candidates on this ballot; only state and local positions.
Ballots are due August 5.

July 25

One More Week for JULY SALE! #Smashwords The Spanners Series’ #ebooks 25-50% off through 7/31/24!

The discounts will automatically apply to your shopping cart at checkout. There’s no need for you to enter or remember coupon codes!

Many other authors’ ebooks on Smashwords also on sale! VISIT THIS WEEK!

The Spanners Series’ first three Volumes of utopian science-fiction/romance by Sally Ember, Ed.D. are on sale NOW!

The Spanners Series‘ cover art and logo by WillowRaven: http://www.willowraven-illustration.blogspot.com/

Smashwords is STILL having its annual July Summer/Winter Sale and The Spanners Series‘ ebooks in every format (reader’s choice) are either free (Volume I) or only $1.99 or $2.99 (usually $3.99) for the entire month of July! See below for info! And, go browse on Smashwords for other great discounts and sales!

Three more days!

Whether you’re sweating, freezing, smoked-out, flooded, rained or snowed on or anywhere in between, there is still time to READ!
Give books for gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, anniversaries, vacations: any time!

The paperbacks of all three Volumes are available on Amazon. Check out the KINDLEMATCH program for deals when you buy both ebooks and paperbacks of the same volume at the same time.

This Changes Everything, Vol. I, The Spanners Series

Dr. Clara Ackerman Branon, 58, begins having secret visits from holographic representations of beings from the Many Worlds Collective, a consortium of planet and star systems in the multiverse. When Earth is invited to join the consortium, the secret visits are made public. Now Earthers must adjust their beliefs and ideas about life, religion, culture, identity and everything they think and are.

Clara is selected to be the liaison between Earth and the Many Worlds Collective and she chooses Esperanza Enlaces to be the Chief Media Contact. They team up to provide information to stave off riots and uncertainty. The Many Worlds Collective holos train Clara and the Psi-Warriors for the Psi Wars with the rebelling Psi-Defiers, communicate effectively with many species on Earth and off-planet, eliminate ordinary, elected governments and political boundaries, convene a new group of Global Leaders, and deal with family’s and friends’ reactions.

In what multiple timelines of the ever-expanding multiverse do Clara and her long-time love, Epifanio Dang, get to be together and which leave Clara alone and lonely as the leader of Earth?

This Changes Everything spans the 30-year story of Clara’s term as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, continuing in nine more Volumes of The Spanners Series.

Are YOU ready for the changes?

Volume I, This Changes Everything:
Ebooks are PERMAFREE on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/376197
and Amazon: http://www.amzn.com/B00HFELTG8 

This Changes My Family and My Life Forever, Vol. II, The Spanners Series

Intrigued by multiple timelines, aliens, psi skills, romance and planetary change? Clara and the alien “Band” are back in Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever.

Now as Chief Communicator, Clara leads the way for interspecies communication on- and off-planet. Fighting these changes are the Psi-Defiers, led by one of the oldest friends of the Chief of the Psi-Warriors, its reluctant leader, Rabbi Moran Ackerman. Stories from younger Spanners about the first five years of The Transition fill Volume II.

How would YOU do with the changes?

Volume II, This Changes My Family and My Life Forever:
EBOOKS now $2.99, 25% off the regular price of $3.99, on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424969

Paperbacks and ebooks are on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Changes-Family-Forever-Spanners/dp/0996999817

This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Vol. III, The Spanners Series

Clara, Moran, Espe, Epifanio and the alien Band of holos are back in This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change, Volume III of The Spanners Series. Psi-Defiers launch increasingly violent protests during this five-year Transition, attempting to block Earth’s membership into the Many Worlds Collective. Earth’s nations and borders must dissolve and Psi-Warriors must strengthen in their battle against the rebels.

Clara, as Earth’s first Chief Communicator, also juggles family conflicts and danger while creating psi skills training Campuses to help Earth through the Psi Wars. Clara timults alternate versions of their futures as the leaders’ duties and consciences force them to make difficult choices across multiple timelines, continuing to train and fight.

Will the Psi-Warriors’ and other leaders’ increasing psi skills, interspecies collaborations and budding alien alliances be enough for Earth to make it through The Transition intact? If there is no clear path for Clara’s and Epifanio’s love, does she partner with Steve or go it alone?

What do YOU do with wanted/unwanted changes?

Volume III, This Is/Is Not the Way I Want Things to Change:
EBOOKS now $1.99, 50% off the regular price of $3.99, on Smashwords, any ebook format (reader’s choice): https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/588331

Paperbacks and ebooks are on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Want-Things-Change-Spanners/dp/0996999825/

The Spanners Series‘ three paperbacks on Amazon

Print editions and ebooks published under Timult Books

REVIEWERS: Ask for FREE Ebook coupon codes for Volumes II and III on Smashwords any time: sallyember AT yahoo DOT com

For more information about Sally Ember, Ed.D., her bio, books, blog, video talk show (CHANGES conversations between authors), guest blog posts and guidelines, links to author interviews, book trailers, proofreading/editing services and more: http://www.sallyember.com

“70 for 70”: Weekly Report Five

As some of you know, I embarked on my “70 for 70” activities on the ramp-up to my 70th birthday on June 13, so this is my fifth Weekly Report on those activities. Please read the previous and upcoming posts for details on each week’s activities.

I hope you’re considering doing something similar or supporting what I do by leaving comments, encouragement, applause…. If you want to send money, use PayPal and I’ll donate it. The button is on my cover page of this blog: http://www.sallyember.com

May all beings benefit.

July 12
Today I babysat my 15-month-old granddaughter so her mom could attend a professional meeting online, as I have been doing every Friday since late June, and I am so delighted to be doing this. She is a treasure.
I also made some food to bring Monday: more meals for my wonderful healthcare provider, a gifted acupuncturist who has proven repeatedly that I am extremely fortunate to have found him and be working with him to heal old, physically stored traumas, and be currently healthier, both.

July 13
Talked with a long-time friend on the phone today about my mom’s passing, her mom’s failing health, her great adult children and their upcoming plans, and lots of other things. Great to catch up. Sent her some book and other recommendations afterwards.

July 14
Spent a lot of time on the phone last night and in a video call today discussing next steps and offering my experiences/advice for a friend’s friend’s career/job/possible live-in positions, and then got on to some very interesting topics and intersecting life experiences. May have made a new friend!

July 15
Brought the food I made (as part of my mourning period and good deeds) to my medical provider today, which should be enough for at least 2 and maybe 3 meals. Tuesday is the “long” day in which I fed him last week and he was very grateful. I hope he likes this week’s offerings.
I won’t be seeing him for two weeks, next, and probably won’t bring food unless he requests it.

July 16
I have been spending a lot of time alone these last two weeks, with my housemate and her kids out of town. Doing my meditations, swimming, cooking, resting, and, mostly, grieving.
Today, at the pool, someone was seemingly having a hard time, sitting on the stairs and looking very flushed. I asked her if she was all right, and she said she was, but then she wanted to talk. I listened. Turned out, she had recently suffered a loss. Her story brought me to tears and let hers flow. I explained my recent loss, and we bonded for a few minutes, two strangers, in grief and connection as humans. Sweet.

July 17
My son and his wife invited me to spend the day with them so I wouldn’t be alone all week, grieving, and I very much appreciated that. So, I went to their place after swimming in their local pool (one I used to swim in often when I visited them from Missouri).
My granddaughter is now 15.5 months old, and has suddenly (really, suddenly) gone from being a baby to being a toddler. She looks and acts so differently from just a few days ago. My DIL said this happened “over the weekend”! I was there last Friday, so from then to today is only 5 days! Amazing.
We had a great time together, just the two of us and with her parents, reading books, singing, dancing, playing with her toys, eating, walking around her house and on the beach at the park nearby, with lots of laughing, which is healing in itself.

When I was getting ready to leave, I told her “I love you,” and she said it back and gave me a hug! Sweetest, ever!

July 18

My housemate is coming back late tonight, and called me a few days ago to ask me to put her hiking boots outside for her BF to pick up on Friday. Somehow, I knew he would come sooner, so I put them out before I left yesterday. Sure enough, she called after I was already with my family to ask if I could put them out since he would be dropping by to get them Wednesday. “I already put them out,” I told her, “since i’m not there today.” She was relieved.
Today, I am cleaning up the house (already cleaned the bathroom), giving the refrigerator and kitchen and the living room (when they left, it was somewhat chaotic) a bit more attention, for her return.