Book about “Derek” released.

It finally looks as if the snow is melting and we are on the way to see the sun again. It was only two days ago, on Easter Sunday, that we were battling a snow storm. But it is April, so the weather performs as it always does.

Totally unpredictable.. 

In the meantime, I tried to stay on target with the mini goals I set for myself at the beginning of this year and this included to write a little story about one of my readers in England. He had the bright idea to teach his children by apparently understanding the bird language of the Blackbirds which nested in the trees behind his home. I learned, by communicating with him, that these Blackbirds never whistle the same tune. This triggered in him the habit to imitate their songs, which led his children to believe that he could actually communicate with the birds.

The book is titled: Derek and the Blackbirds of Southport.

In spite that is was only a short story, it took me several weeks to complete. But once it was done, my trusted VA, Christina Haas, of “Zenith Business Solutions”, stepped up to the task, created an attracting cover for the paperback edition and published it in record time. I have been working with Christina since my first book, back in 2013,  and a I am always stunned by her ability and dedicated work habits.

As for my future “milestones”, – I started to write the story of a German submarine crew who was ordered to ferry Nazi officials to Argentina. It is a true story, based upon discussions I had with one of the surviving sailors, (and POW), in 1955.

I thank you for your loyalty, and promise to keep you informed.

Horst

Another milestone reached

I am pleased to announce that I finally finished my rather small book about the workings of a mature mind.

It is titled: “How I Developed A Successful Mindset” with the subline: “Based On Ninety-One Years  Of Practical Experience” 

I started to write about this subject with the idea to share some of my experiences with you, in the hope that they might be beneficial to my readers. It is not intended to be a guideline to success, but I hope that it will induce my readers to think about the countless opportunities that are always around us, waiting to be explored.  

Contrary to my self imposed target of three months, it took me more than four years to get it finally done. Sure, I have plenty of excuses, such as moving from California to Idaho, finishing some other books which needed to be written, building shelters for our expanding herd of Llamas and Alpacas, having bouts with high blood pressure, diminishing eye sight, getting older, the list goes on and on..

Just to imagine that I reached my “Nineties”, was a  mental adjustment in itself. People, many years my junior, kept on telling me that “Now was the time to stop working “. But, I refuse to think that way. Now, that I am at the height of my life’s experiences I should stop? There is simply no way that I can relate to this kind of thinking. However, I have to admit that the above list of scores which needed to be addressed and done, slowed me down. A lot.

So, what did I do? I moved my targets, which I call my milestones, further and further down the line. I know that this sounds pretty reasonable, but the brutally honest truths is that I missed my three months target by four years. Period.

But, I finally kept my promise to get the book published.

Thanks to my valued V.A. Chris Haas, of “Zenith Business Solutions”  it is now available on Amazon.

As for the future: Well, I almost finished another small book, about a retired friend who entered a retirement home in Southport, England,  It might be another week, but then I will submit it to Chris Haas, for publishing.

I also finished the outline of a new, two book series. 

And, like always, I will keep you informed.

In the meantime, ” Take good care of yourself’.

All the best,

Horst.

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas story released

Last week I finished writing my short book, entitled “ A Christmas Story Of Hope”, and yesterday I was informed by Chris Haas of Zenith Business Solutions, that the book has been published on Amazon.

She not only published the book in record time, but she also created the cover art, featuring a picture of the church, which was a major part of the story. Chris, I can’t thank you enough for your constant support of my efforts. If any of my readers wishes to write their own stories, or a book, do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to introduce you to my most valued assistant. 

So, I am happy that I finished another one of my milestones. My next one will be the completion of my book about the workings of the mature mind. I know that there are many books written on this subject. Most of them boring us to tears, but this one will be a bit different. I am writing it from the view point of a layman, based upon my encounters during my lifetime of travels. I am not attempting to teach anything, but rather touch the mind of my readers, in an effort to trigger their own thoughts.

I will keep you informed about my progress.

Wishing you personal comfort and Inner Peace during these trying times,

Horst 

Postwar Intrigue.

Well, my second, and final book about the life of my friend Harold, has been published.

It was difficult to write, because (as I mentioned before) it was based upon the notes and the few meetings I had with Harold, after our ways parted.

If it would not have been for the agreement between us, that the survivor would write a book about our life, after the war, I would have not finished the story.

But, now I am glad that I can put my memories back to sleep, or so it seems.

I am sitting here, in front of my computer, and write: “so it seems” because after my trusted VA, Chris Haas, informed me that my book was published, – – – –  my mind took a temporary nose dive, which landed me in the ER of our local hospital.

After a complete check up, I was assured that there was nothing wrong with me.

So, “it seems” that I am good to go, and finish my Christmas Story.

It’s good to have a goal to pursue, so I am striving to have it published before the Holidays .

I will keep you informed,

Horst

 

     

 

 

Can’t believe it is November, already.

So, I am way behind my envisioned schedule..

That’s the bad news, and since I am tired of non-productive excuses, I will concentrate on the “Good News”.

And, there is plenty to report. First of all, I finally finished the last chapter of the “Kellner Chronicles”. The manuscript is now with my trusted VA , who tells me that my work is on her front burner, As soon as I know the publication date, you will know it too.

Secondly, finishing the series about WW II , allows me now to share with you some of the lessons I learned during  my lifetime. Please remember that I never attempt to teach you anything. I write about my experiences, in the hope that some of them might be helpful to you, and maybe, just maybe, causes you to think. (let me know if I am succeeding) 

But before I embark on this journey, I am currently in the process of writing a very short Christmas Story, about a youngster I met in 1946. It is almost finished and I hope to publish it before the Holiday Season.

Otherwise, all is ok. My blood pressure is under control, my eyesight is improving, and I am feeling great, ready to tackle tomorrow.

There is soo much, I aim to share, so back to the keyboard.

Best,

Horst  

 

It’s always about the “Beginning” of a task..

Due to a freak storm during the past winter, we lost some of our larger trees.. Our friendly neighbors helped us tremendously by cutting up the huge tree sections which blocked our driveway, leaving us with the minor task to clear the debris caused by the torn bushes. So far, so good. However, the trees, as well as the bushes, had been a nice visual barrier between our home and the lightly traveled  road. And that’s not so good. We are just as everyone else and like our privacy.  Now that the snow is gone, we are finally able to access the full damage which is far greater than we first thought.

At first blush our job looked simple enough.. “Just clean up the area and start planting new bushes and trees”. Yeah, right! First of all we wanted to be sure that we did it right. Hmm, this resulted immediately, into doing  . . . . .nothing.

Remember? We wanted to be sure that we did it right!. . . . . and there is no such thing!

Alone the abundance of suitable trees turned the selection into a serious challenge. We wanted “deer friendly” trees and our local expert told us: “Good luck with this one”. Then we needed to consider the time, costs and back breaking labor to install water lines. (Not to mention that a water line would mean that we would need to cross the drive way.) It was extremely easy to postpone the whole idea, Which we did, every time we thought about it.

Easy? Yes. .Productive?  No.

That was until I remembered that I solved likewise problems by simply deciding  to start.

So, we started. We went ahead and bought a 38 ton log splitter, Bought a bunch of assorted trees and bushes, irrigation lines, and mulch, . . . . and we are digging already the holes for the trees. . . . . .we are halfway done.

It is always the same: “You need to decide and “begin”. The rest is easy.

(Hmm, yes, I also bought a bottle of “Ibuprofen” the large, economy size)

 

Looking forward – – –

Well, the winter is almost over, and I am well behind my self-imposed mile stones.

Sure, I have plenty of excuses and explanations, but the fact remains that I am way, way behind my intentions of yester-year.

So, what happened? Well, there was this incident, last May, when I developed some kind of double vision, followed by a bout with high blood pressure and then followed by side effects from the medications. In two words: “Not Fun”.

Then there was this thing with the Corona Virus. Without being directly affected by it, just being exposed to the stringent rules and the constant bombardment from “experts” and media commentators, was triggering distractions (and a headache) which still lingers on.

As if this was not enough . . . our well run dry. Now this was serious, and something we could not fix by ourselves. Luckily we found a competent well driller.

On the “plus” side of the ledger, we are now enjoying better water than we had before. Above all, we are healthy, and I am determined to continue writing. I also intend to keep you informed. 

All the best to my friends and readers,

Horst 

May is here, and so is the start of a new book

So, while I am still  writing my second book about  Harold, I am also starting a book about the lessons I learned  during my ninety years of living.

This means over seventy years of being an entrepreneur. .I am not sure about the final title  but, here is sample of the beginning.

My mental tool box.

It is a given that in order to achieve anything worthwhile we need to know what we want.

Do you know what you want?

No?

Don’t feel bad. You are not alone. Very few people know exactly what they want.

If you would need to define, exactly what you want, you would be mentally challenged. I mean immediately.

Give it a try.

I am asking you again: “Do you know what you want?”

How long would it take you to decide upon it?

Still no answer?

OK. Let me give you some help.

“What are you passionate about?”

If you know the answer to this question, you are definitely already ahead of the curve.

Most of the time we know in general terms what we are passionate about. But are you willing to go the extra mile for it? Are you willing to sacrifice for it? How much?

If you are muddled by the many choices, and don’t arrive at a definite answer (like most of us) you need to decide.

There is no way around it.

Once you decide, you are willing, even happy, to put everything else on the back burner and trust ahead.

OK, now we are on the same page. We got a start.

We used already three of the most important tools in my box.

1) We asked ourselves what we want.

2) We asked ourselves what we are passionate about.

3) We made a decision. 

Ouch, I know, you got stuck with the decision making process. We all do. It is extremely difficult to make an empowering decision.

So, let me help you again. You need to use your greatest gift which separates you from the animal kingdom. You need to use your imagination.

How?

If we use our imagination we need to picture the most beneficial outcome. We need to imagine how we will feel when we reach our objective. Anything less is counterproductive.

Matter of fact, if we don’t use our imagination in the most productive way possible, our mind will get the message that we don’t really want the best possible result. Our mind is essentially our servant and will bombard us with doubts. It is the job of our mind to assure our wellbeing. Therefore it wants to be sure of the most minute and last detail.

In other words: If you don’t use your imagination in the way it was created and intended to be used, your mind will stop you before you even start on the project. Whatever it comes up with, varies from individual to individual, but most of all it wants to be sure that you don’t fail.

You have to be aware of this, otherwise you are stuck in self-doubt. Period.

How do you get out of this catch 22?

“Easy, let me reach in my tool box.”     

This should give you an idea about my work in progress.

Any and all comments are greatly appreciated.

Hope you are doing well in these trying times.

Horst 

 

Postwar Destiny released on Amazon

Well, I promised to let you know when my new book will be available on Amazon.

I also like to inform you that I reduced the price to $ 2.95 for the first two weeks.

After that time span it will be available at my regular price of $ 4.95

And, like always I invite your comments, or questions. I will do my best to answer in a timely manner.

In the meantime, please, stay healthy and safe.

Horst 

Postwar Destiny Published

Postwar DestinyAs of yesterday afternoon, I was notified by my VA, Christina Haas, that my book “Postwar Destiny” has been published by all of the retailers, except Amazon, who is presently experiencing a technical glitch.

According to Amazon, it should be fixed within the next seven days. Well, given the present situation this is not too bad. I will post on this site when the book is released.

In the meantime let me, please, tell you what the book is about. It covers, to a degree, the immigration of Karl to America and his first few experiences in his new home country. Just like in my previous books, I try to write it in a balanced way.

Sure, there where a few culture shocks, which were not only real, but almost impossible to understand. So, I wrote about them the way Karl experienced his new world. He tried his best to understand and not to judge. He was determined to “fit in” and to adjust.

Sometimes, however, it was a bit difficult. Especially the American habit of starting the meal with an appetizer. In the first place, he never liked to eat. For him it was a complete waste of time. In the second place, he had no idea how hungry he was, when he sat down in a “diner”. So, in order not to miss out on a sweet treat, he always started the meal with a dessert. And, when, after eating it, he was still hungry, he ordered a second one. It nearly drove him insane when the waiter asked: ” Soup or salad?”

I also avoided to describe his mindset when he tried to deal with ice cubes in his drinking water. You have to be an immigrant, to understand. There is no other explanation.

But, most of all, Karl loved his new Homeland which presented him, and still does, with unlimited opportunities. He never regretted his decision to leave his birth-land behind.

Horst 

 UPDATE: Amazon fixed their glitch and now Postwar Destiny is available!