tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64472245487940553732024-03-19T01:27:50.071-07:00Guam GODDESS in TrainingI am an AUTHOR, hear my words ROAR! My life is a garden of treasures, just doing some weeding to find my balance. Yin and Yang. Writing is my soul....This is the Official Blog of Author, Tanya Taimanglo (Secret Shopper).Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-60120609472634035612018-04-02T21:28:00.000-07:002018-04-02T21:28:58.773-07:00A Story of a Stolen Mermaid--(and the Infringement of an Artist)Fact: I wrote <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sirena-Mermaid-Tanya-Chargualaf-Taimanglo/dp/1452057265">Sirena: A Mermaid Legend from Guam</a> in 2010.<br />
Fact: My brother, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Heroesandheadkicks/">Sonny Chargualaf</a> is the talented artist behind the imagery.<br />
Fact: Our Sirena is copyrighted.<br />
Fact: I haven't blogged in two years and this incident has made me mad enough to start again.<br />
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And so begins the story of a sister/brother team, who collaborated to bring a platform to our Chamorro culture and a book to honor their late father to the forefront.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sirena-Mermaid-Tanya-Chargualaf-Taimanglo/dp/1452057265">Sirena</a>, the legend of a mermaid, told to me first by my father and next by my teachers in Guam was always my favorite story. When my father died in 2007, I struggled with the loss. When my mother, moved back to Guam after living with me for a few years, I was again sad. I decided to channel that into creating a children’s book, retelling Sirena in my way. A legend that is public domain, that I wanted to spin into a rhyme. A book that I wanted to create with my artist brother. We began to collaborate via e-mail in May of 2010. By August of that year, I completed the book and Sonny brought to life a gorgeous cover and rich art for the story itself. <br />
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A thousand dollars later, invested with an independent publisher, Authorhouse, I had a product. A book dedicated to my dad, with a by line by me and illustration attribution to my brother. I never thought that the cover art would bring us anything but pride…<br />
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The first time we began to see the cover art reproduced without permission was for school projects. Children on Guam identifying with the image of Sirena from our book? That was fine. It is a classic representation of ‘imitation is the sincerest form of flattery’. These children were not using the image or their recreation of Sonny’s version of Sirena for financial gain. We smiled and moved on.<br />
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In 2015, within a Guam group I was connected with in my new home of Washington State, Sonny’s Sirena image emerged from the deep in the form of stickers. Stickers solely created to be sold for profit. Stickers he never approved. Money not entitled to the people involved in creating the sticker. A Sirena image hijacked from my brother. With some detective work, I received a name. I was begrudgingly given a phone number in Guam. I called and confronted the woman involved. She questioned me, asked me if I owned the image. She was confrontational and tried to make me feel guilty. I invited her to Google Sirena+Taimanglo+Chargualaf and she would see the book. She calmed down after I said my brother’s full name, then blamed a graphic artist she hired. I wrote a letter to the editor addressing this particular incident. It was received well by fellow artists, but scoffed at as being too harsh by others. Apparently, I wasn’t allowed to be upset or question my culture or fight for artists’ rights.<br />
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It’s Monday, the day after April Fool’s, and in the last week, in the midst of my brother’s visit from Guam, we had a stronger case of the misuse of Sonny’s Sirena. This particular company etched our Sirena on their product. They sold this product for a substantial price, $149.99. They went through the process of ‘hiring a graphic artist’ to create a Sirena, which is basically from our book cover. They debuted the product at the March 24th, Chamorro Cultural Fest in San Marcos, California. Ironically, a large annual event produced for the Chamorro people by the honorable non-profit group, CHELU’ Inc. of which I was a Board member for four years, being an organizer for the first 4 fests. Family, friends, those who know Sonny and me and our book began messaging us, tagging us, and questioning the validity of the use of Sirena on this product. Monday, March 26 was stressful. My brother just got to Washington to visit me and we had to deal with this infringement. It was fortunate for us that we were together. It made us fight stronger, in that our father’s 11th death anniversary was looming as well. He always taught us to stand up for ourselves. After finally getting a name for the company, a call was made. I recorded it, heard his explanation. Something not new to us, oh, the “graphic artist” did it. Stealing is stealing. They claimed it was an ‘honest’ mistake. That didn’t sit well with us.<br />
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They came up with a weak proposal and asked us to censor our posts on-line. They wanted us to remove “negative” posts on our business and personal social media accounts. Say what? Censorship? Nah. We simply requested help in finding the company owners. The responses from other people were outside of our power and their right to voice their opinion.<br />
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We didn’t agree to anything in writing, but suddenly Sonny’s name was being associated with them on their website. I screen shot everything. Yes, I did. I told my brother, it’s like they forced you into a marriage you didn’t agree to.<br />
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We discussed the limp proposal and offered a counter offer. After three days and no response, I checked their social media and website. I found that all traces of Sirena disappeared, even their post admitting that they did not mean to use Sonny’s artwork, but did. My brother followed up for a response. None was made. Big sister mode kicked in and I texted the co-owner. Finally, an emailed response came to Sonny only, I was not cc’d this time. They wrote that it was too bad that we didn’t accept their miniscule cut of the profits and that they took the product down. They are claiming to provide refunds to those who bought the unauthorized product. We have no proof that this has been done, at least not via their social media.<br />
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It’s like they are erasing the mistake and hoping we will also be silent. My brother and I can’t. Their mistake will not be made into a tall tale, because this is not fiction, it’s real life. We need artists to be protected. We need the infringement to end. There are still 30 of their products out swimming recklessly in the world. They claim they will relaunch the Sirena product with something original. They hope this won’t happen again to us. But, the damage was done. A price must be paid.<br />
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Sirena, the story, the legend belongs to us all. The artwork my brother created is his. Good luck to this company. We wish you the best, as long as you don’t force us to swim with you.<br />
Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-90394513086969397202016-02-08T22:56:00.001-08:002016-02-08T22:56:02.352-08:00Chamorro Language & Culture: Literature Spotlight: Tanya Taimanglo<a href="http://chamorrolanguage.blogspot.com/2016/02/chamorro-literature-spotlight-tanya.html?spref=bl">Chamorro Language & Culture: Literature Spotlight: Tanya Taimanglo</a>: In the Chamorro community, we're seeing an increased interest in writing, fine art, and other creative pursuits. Tanya Taimanglo is...Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-15312369431449630352016-01-20T20:35:00.000-08:002016-01-20T20:36:13.103-08:00Tales From Pasifika's Generous Review of Secret Shopper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnKpghCFSeWu3EJX7ck1nWdWpryQA9-IHetX4KAAs84dkcyLdlvfptRo9MB4m-tNQtWVmrDj_O6cjRFr2Z1iFB2_rQ8PEhQjB2x52Gqi2YfxhYNratTTV29eUAEVZqmxZNItr-b83ygo/s1600/Secret_Shopper_Cover_for_Kindle+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnKpghCFSeWu3EJX7ck1nWdWpryQA9-IHetX4KAAs84dkcyLdlvfptRo9MB4m-tNQtWVmrDj_O6cjRFr2Z1iFB2_rQ8PEhQjB2x52Gqi2YfxhYNratTTV29eUAEVZqmxZNItr-b83ygo/s320/Secret_Shopper_Cover_for_Kindle+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Humbled by this latest review of Secret Shopper. "We don’t wait for the big storm to happen – we just live. This may be the reason why the plot is so incredibly believable and easy to relate to – this is not a fairytale you dream of, but a story solidly anchored in reality." -<a href="http://talesfrompasifika.com/2016/01/20/secret-shopper-by-tanya-taimanglo/">Tales from Pasifika </a> <br />
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Click <a href="http://talesfrompasifika.com/2016/01/20/secret-shopper-by-tanya-taimanglo/">here to read more.</a> Thanks!<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00COPBPKS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1">here to purchase your paperback or eBook from Amazon.</a>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-51245218500565754102015-11-24T15:29:00.001-08:002015-11-24T15:29:32.598-08:00NaNoWriMo 2015 Finished.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFZZg463EePdB6zIVFc_OUlCNZCjA__vWmhGqt8wjar7x8iYrJMCdRp5YqMfqcVmcOmbThDV_2vyJV_TF1MShv4EIJJP-_N11X3_hEREYamSk1NwBI4VZiLb1KGm4VPywK0Od6WCDtWE/s1600/NaNo-2015-Winner-Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFZZg463EePdB6zIVFc_OUlCNZCjA__vWmhGqt8wjar7x8iYrJMCdRp5YqMfqcVmcOmbThDV_2vyJV_TF1MShv4EIJJP-_N11X3_hEREYamSk1NwBI4VZiLb1KGm4VPywK0Od6WCDtWE/s400/NaNo-2015-Winner-Banner.jpg" /></a></div>I was motivated to get my 50K words out for NaNoWriMo in 20 days. Did it in 24 because, life. I was extra motivated because of Tae Kwon Do. Namely, the exam that awaits me on December 5th. I was additionally motivated to complete before Thanksgiving so I could watch Mockingjay 2. Whatever pushes you, right?<br />
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Wonder Fall, first draft, completed at 50,013 words. Thank you, NaNoWriMo. Can't wait for my winner's shirt!<br />
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Drops mic.<br />
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Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-9660264467698334602015-11-18T21:08:00.000-08:002015-11-18T21:11:32.529-08:00Twyla Tharp. She's a Rock Star.I was headed to my Tae Kwon Do Instructor's Training Camp in Bellingham last Saturday. It was raining, gray, the usual for PacNorWest. I was wondering why I was torturing my 41 year old body with extra martial arts training trying to achieve more levels than the black belt I already had. Why bother for more? I asked myself. Why do this extra training when I know that it will be two days of muscle aches (before recovery) and mind twisting to remember hundreds of moves I'm required to learn from white belt to danbo level? Self-doubt is normal for me.<br />
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I wasn't in the mood for music. I just wanted to hydrate, and counteract that hydration by sipping my coffee, and focus on my one hour drive. When I'm pensive, I prefer to listen to talk radio. Lucky for me, <a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/11/14/455898346/if-twyla-tharp-is-dracula-dance-is-her-lifeblood">Twyla Tharp's</a> interview was on. A 74 year old woman, doing what she loves.<b> Dance</b>. She described her journey so eloquently. She made me want to be better at the passion of my choice. I am thankful for hearing the interview, as it came at just the right time for me to be inspired. I had always known of Twyla and her association to dance, but nothing more. <b>Now, I am a fan.</b><br />
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Here is the <a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/11/14/455898346/if-twyla-tharp-is-dracula-dance-is-her-lifeblood">NPR interview</a> I listened to, enjoyed, absorbed, and made mine. Please <a href="http://www.npr.org/2015/11/14/455898346/if-twyla-tharp-is-dracula-dance-is-her-lifeblood">click here. </a><br />
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<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BvligZSUnnA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-44620323978458372492015-10-25T13:29:00.000-07:002015-10-25T13:31:23.431-07:00ChaNoWriMo about NaNoWriMo-Full Interview HereHello. <br />
My Name is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TanyaTaimanglo">Tanya.</a><br />
I love <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a>. National Novel Writing Month.<br />
I love <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chanowrimo?fref=ts">ChaNoWriMo.</a> They gave me an opportunity to share my strategies to surviving 30 days of writing to reach the goal of 50K words. <br />
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They've been sharing bits of the interview on their wonderful Facebook page. Be sure to like them by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chanowrimo?fref=ts">clicking here</a>. In case you missed those tidbits, here's the full meal.<br />
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Thank you and good luck if you're taking on <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo. Click here</a> for more information about this wonderful writing challenge.<br />
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1. <b>What first got you interested in NaNoWriMo / ChaNoWriMo?</b><br />
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With NaNoWriMo, I can’t pinpoint how it came to my attention, but I believe it was via Facebook, perhaps a post from an author I follow. We were new to Washington State, making a long journey up the Pacific Coast for about a week in October. Once we settled in the area, but before we found our home, I remember being at our lodge and deciding to go for it. I needed a distraction from the stress of our long journey. I liked the idea of challenging myself to write 50K words in 30 days. That was 2012, and I’ve participated ever since. For ChaNoWriMo, I learned about it in 2014 and love the idea. <br />
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2. <b>What keeps you going through a whole month, day by day?</b><br />
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Most days, it’s the story that unfolds in my mind—the characters, the events, the dialogue. But, for less motivated days, I love that NaNoWriMo keeps tabs on your daily word average. I also keep up with other writers in my city as well as those on Guam.<br />
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3. <b>How much time do you try to spend writing every day in November? What does an average November writing day look like, for you?</b><br />
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I try to carve out time in the morning, before the family rush, and in the evening after the home is tucked in and sleeping. If I get a solid hour or two a day, I can meet my goal.<br />
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4. <b>What (if anything) do you do in advance to prepare for actually writing the novel during November (drafting, outlining, lists of scenes, etc.)?</b><br />
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I’m a girl scout in that I’m honest. Sometimes I wonder if other NaNoWriMo participants start writing long before the November start date. For now, I’m debating in my head about two story lines. I don’t actually start writing (again, because of my innate honesty), but I may begin an outline and I love having my character names settled. It helps propel the story and my writing efficiency. <br />
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5. <b>Any tips and secrets you would like to share on building plot, character, etc.?</b><br />
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I love sharing. It helps get writers motivated and stories born. <br />
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I keep files on my computer for each book I write. I include drafts, outlines, scenes, and character profiles. In my profiles, I may have “journal” entries of the main characters, lists of my character’s likes, dislikes, quirks, and personality. I even go so far as finding celebrities I envision as my character (as if in a movie) and using their pictures as a visual guide. Some people like music when they write, and I’m in that group. I make a ‘soundtrack’ for my book and it helps with feeling and tone as I write. In addition, I print out my drafts and use index cards and stuff them into a journal or folder. If I find time away from home, I have things in front of me that I can work on in my car, or the library, or a coffee shop. As much as I love computers, I keep printed copies of everything I have, so the progression doesn’t need to be dependent on my accessibility to my laptop. <br />
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6. <b>Who are the Chamorro or Micronesian, Oceanic, writers that you consider role models?</b> <br />
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There are so many. I love that <a href="https://craigsantosperez.wordpress.com/">Craig Santos Perez</a> is making waves as a poet. I’m a fan of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/illumineher?fref=ts">Sieni A.M.</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lani-Wendt-Young-136359673048533">Lani Wendt Young.</a> I’ve been able to bounce off ideas and information with Young. I’ve met the wonderful author, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KristianaKahakauwila?fref=ts">Kristiana Kahakauwila</a> and her short story collection, ‘This is Paradise: Stories’ is read worthy. And, I appreciate the art and writings of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Judy-Flores-Guam-Batik-Gallery-175511362497736/">Dr. Judy Selk Flores.</a> She continues to be an inspiration to me.<br />
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7. <b>Any Pacific novels in particular that really inspire you in terms of what literature can do?<br />
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I feel like my last novel, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Shopper-Tanya-Taimanglo/dp/1482313774">Secret Shopper</a> was a blend of Guam meets Bridget Jones’s Diary. I like what Lani Wendt Young has done with her YA Telesa Series, and I’m pretty fervent about her dive into Contemporary Romance/Comedy with her Scarlet Series now. For Guam, I am not aware of any novels that are in my genre specifically, which is women’s literature/romantic comedy. I have a number of projects in the Young Adult genre, and again, would love to see a rise in Chamorro titles out there.<br />
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8. <b>What inspired you to use Chamorro motifs and language in various pieces of writing (especially in your wonderful short-story collection Attitude 13)? What do you think that adds to your work?</b><br />
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The biggest inspiration is being Chamorro. It’s what I know and what I am. My father passed away in 2007 and that’s when the short stories started to build in me and burst onto paper. I feel like writing stories that reflect my island and upbringing brings a mirror up to those readers from the same heritage and a light to those not familiar with us. I wrote Attitude 13 with a conscious effort to include Chamorro themes and ideals. I’m working on a volume 2 of short stories that I want to be more wide ranged and organic. I have many influences that I would like to seep into the writing.<br />
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9. <b>What does the Chamorro canon of literature look like, to you? What do you dream of it looking like in the future?</b><br />
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It’s misleading to say it’s burgeoning, because, it’s always been there, a constant, but gentle flow. With the rise of indie publishing, there is more out there than we realize. Sometimes, and I invite others to try it, I type in ‘Guam’ or ‘Chamorro’ in the search bar of Amazon, under books. You’ll be surprised by what’s being published. Some of them come from a genuine place and from Chamorro writers. My hope is that Chamorro writers, whether on Guam or other places in our great big world, continue to write, to hone the craft, and be bold and publish. <br />
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10. <b>What advice might you give about publishing, promotion, etc.?</b><br />
<br />
I’ve been doing self promotion since 2010. I’ve attended Chamorro Festivals up and down the west coast—selling my books, speaking on writing and publishing. Social media is a big help to authors, so as introverted as I may be, I utilize Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and my blog, Guam Goddess in Training, to my advantage. I used to carry business cards, but found them, at least for me, an uncomfortable tool. <br />
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In terms of publishing, indie publishing is great. I used Authorhouse in 2010 to publish Sirena and Attitude 13. I didn’t in 2013 when I self-published Secret Shopper. The difference, money. Amazon’s Createspace offers a free self-publishing program. I’ve done the traditional publishing route too and hold my numerous rejection letters as trophies of honor. I would travel that route again, once I’ve polished a manuscript I deem worthy enough to submit. Find yourself a publishing company, large or ‘boutique’ and follow their submission guidelines. Brace yourself for the sound of crickets, i.e. ‘no response’, or a cookie cutter rejection letter, but don’t stop, because what one publisher might turn their nose up to, another might love.<br />
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11. <b>Are there any historical or current events that inspire you in terms of writing? <br />
</b><br />
I can’t say that there are any specific events. I’m very inspired by people who are underdogs or wallflowers who rise to an occasion, even if it’s just discovering their own power. I’m inspired by other writers who keep trying. And, that’s why I love NaNoWriMo, because it gets me to wring that story out of my brain, which would otherwise not happen.<br />
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Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-37046088856466854892015-09-11T08:38:00.001-07:002015-09-11T08:53:53.486-07:00Let's Support Art and Writing! The Dark Reaches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPw8yAkxFhZobY6CpGZgNVU0q2Yn2Bnb6aKrUQn70OopzRTiO1otRYkW_F8vNaqM-blau9MoaEB5WYX1RyP7V2jncc9ElKocNyIN1sI_fWi76CSDujmIZcp7M-Luq7rSOhRH0rLbbS04/s1600/f56bc9d7b967c3efb522a4e9a1ef7e3f_original.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPw8yAkxFhZobY6CpGZgNVU0q2Yn2Bnb6aKrUQn70OopzRTiO1otRYkW_F8vNaqM-blau9MoaEB5WYX1RyP7V2jncc9ElKocNyIN1sI_fWi76CSDujmIZcp7M-Luq7rSOhRH0rLbbS04/s400/f56bc9d7b967c3efb522a4e9a1ef7e3f_original.png" /></a></div><br />
Here's a Kickstarter Campaign that’s personal to me. My kid brother, awesome artist (HeroesandHeadkicks), <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Heroesandheadkicks?fref=ts">Sonny Chargualaf</a></b> is to be included in some major artist company and I couldn’t be more proud. <i>Literally, I’m so proud, I’m blogging about this before my morning coffee and that’s a big deal.</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGrVbQbBt1bSnoH1paLF7orws_5QOxfhN7OTKP7eG6O64ZODp826MNfNUkXwS4SF86sXem-CiTOu1Y66nBS8eWitLN4v1wRcQeCf2cViQ0uUGyaxQO49_BacXcTyXAB9XcHImlfAyDgM/s1600/12002213_10153610272699907_5406875957895883829_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGrVbQbBt1bSnoH1paLF7orws_5QOxfhN7OTKP7eG6O64ZODp826MNfNUkXwS4SF86sXem-CiTOu1Y66nBS8eWitLN4v1wRcQeCf2cViQ0uUGyaxQO49_BacXcTyXAB9XcHImlfAyDgM/s400/12002213_10153610272699907_5406875957895883829_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ruswooton/the-dark-reaches-horror-anthology-comic/description">The Dark Reaches</a></b> is a horror anthology spearheaded by Rus Wooton (The Walking Dead). With your support, this project can take off.<br />
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Thanks in advance! Share and share and share. <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ruswooton/the-dark-reaches-horror-anthology-comic/description">Link here.</a><br />
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https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ruswooton/the-dark-reaches-horror-anthology-comic/descriptionTanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-12582090781263611782015-06-21T16:37:00.000-07:002015-06-21T16:37:31.957-07:00Tae Kwon Do / About a Boy / Black BeltI received my Tae Kwon Do black belt yesterday. It was the best thing I could do for myself. A twenty five year journey with stops and starts. Below is the 500 word essay I was required to submit for my testing criteria. I share it now...<br />
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<blockquote><b>My Tae Kwon Do Journey</b><br />
<br />
<i>By<br />
TANYA TAIMANGLO<br />
February 2015<br />
USTA<br />
</i><br />
<b>“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”—Lao Tzu</b><br />
<br />
My journey in Tae Kwon Do began 25 years ago when at the age of 16, I joined my first dojang in Guam. I had been familiar with this school for four years prior, but never had the courage to join the class. I sat in the back while my two younger brothers moved up in the ranks. During those four years of observation, many of the tenets of Tae Kwon Do seeped into my being. My father would nudge me to join from time to time, but not having the courage to do so, I declined, even when my father added, “You need to honor your Korean culture and mom by joining.”<br />
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My first Master, Hyung Ho Lee was young, skillful, and proud. Classes were on the second level of an old two story building. The hard wood floors were not pristine, but the wide windows brought in the fresh ocean air. For five years, I continued to move up slowly in belt rank, ending my time with Master Lee at a high blue belt. Belt testing happened only every six months, and with graduating from high school and beginning college, I advanced slowly, but surely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK-8x6aOV7XaCHXdYThMEiLibwTpnYBeoN4OGM4JS9nnyi9fn-c_rklbWokjLbohQ_JrrxkD4WRrCQgD05wwBUrSyUkwpQUnayEOc_fBc4A18yQ5dqe3qckS4PqEwSbuFuXJIojqtCMw/s1600/11350416_10152968044390980_4439359951429431633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcK-8x6aOV7XaCHXdYThMEiLibwTpnYBeoN4OGM4JS9nnyi9fn-c_rklbWokjLbohQ_JrrxkD4WRrCQgD05wwBUrSyUkwpQUnayEOc_fBc4A18yQ5dqe3qckS4PqEwSbuFuXJIojqtCMw/s200/11350416_10152968044390980_4439359951429431633_n.jpg" /></a></div>I remember the day that would be my last with Master Lee. I was competing in an island wide Tae Kwon Do tournament. I was 21 at the time. Prior to that, I had some success with poomse and sparring competitions, gaining further confidence and trophies with each year. But, this day was different. I was unfocused, because I was transitioning socially. I had my first date that evening (in my entire life), which is late by today’s standards. I lost the tournament, already abandoning Tae Kwon Do for a boy. For six years, while I established my teaching career and hoped for marriage with the boy I had my first date with, I let my physical self deteriorate. At the age of 27, I found myself suddenly single, unhappy, and unhealthy.<br />
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My knee jerk response was to join Tae Kwon Do again. Master Lee no longer had a gym, and I found Master Chuuth Sekria. He welcomed me at my blue belt level, but I saw his disappointment when he realized that I lost much of my training. That first week in his class was frightening, with a weaker me struggling to not faint. I made it though and even got a few teacher friends to join with me. For the next three years, I flourished. Advancement came quicker and I realized that Master Sekria was both a teacher and a business man. At the age of 28, I reconnected with a childhood friend, who is now my husband. My husband was in the Navy, and I knew that after our wedding I would relocate to California. Master Sekria knew my time on Guam was limited. With an upcoming belt test, he told me, “I’m going to give you your junior black belt, then you’re getting married and leaving our gym.” It was true, once again, I was leaving Tae Kwon Do “for a boy.”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN8D1DmFMB_4aHf8zvsEtDfL1Y0WpM3CfPX8D7UrEqWaiMMUJpnRAPzIHLA5J26umgRDi1Ej6xPrWr2VuP14wDNUvz0wr54skhx0LOMEYCYNu-t5izZWuEpRgDycmvzLDGTTUnNdCWYM/s1600/dadtkd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieN8D1DmFMB_4aHf8zvsEtDfL1Y0WpM3CfPX8D7UrEqWaiMMUJpnRAPzIHLA5J26umgRDi1Ej6xPrWr2VuP14wDNUvz0wr54skhx0LOMEYCYNu-t5izZWuEpRgDycmvzLDGTTUnNdCWYM/s200/dadtkd.jpg" /></a></div>My new focus was marriage and starting a family. Fast forward ten years and another military move to Washington State. My son joined USTA after two years of proving his worthiness. His first class brought back many memories of sitting in the back with my father. I was filled with pride and at home with the familiar sights and sounds of the dojang. <br />
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When Master Ekle announced that parents would be invited to practice for free, my immediate reaction was YES. I’ve been with my new dojang and new Master now since October 2014. It has been the best reinvention of myself, even if my Korean mother thinks I’m “too old.” I’m proving that at age 40, it’s never too late to strive for a goal. My goal is my black belt. <br />
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My father passed away in 2007, but I’m certain that he would be proud to know that a black belt is in my grasp. I’m thankful for the opportunity to put my body and mind to the test. This time, I joined a dojang and embraced Tae Kwon Do again “for a boy”, my son.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQHKKk_UyHJL3w4-Xy8M7omXpElL03nHvsy3Id57y8vSjEZRb2pCaBzSi-TOAw8yfnVLR4ZzyzSeoGO8xyEoZevNec5xbXF8UDrUTxhh6Blieq-3f6MGT5x3Lbvvv5F6HipfAo1zB4FU/s1600/10339555_10153401941114267_3403822672972115488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUQHKKk_UyHJL3w4-Xy8M7omXpElL03nHvsy3Id57y8vSjEZRb2pCaBzSi-TOAw8yfnVLR4ZzyzSeoGO8xyEoZevNec5xbXF8UDrUTxhh6Blieq-3f6MGT5x3Lbvvv5F6HipfAo1zB4FU/s320/10339555_10153401941114267_3403822672972115488_n.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-1082824377264799222015-05-26T13:57:00.000-07:002015-05-26T13:57:56.088-07:00Guam Goddess in Training Does a Book Review! 'Scarlet Lies' By Lani Young <blockquote><b>“Scarlet, are you a cynic?”<br />
<i>“No, I’m a realist. I think you’ll find many romance writers are.”</i></b><br />
</blockquote><br />
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<i>*SPOILERS.</i><br />
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This is a book review of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lani-Wendt-Young/136359673048533?fref=ts&ref=br_tf">Lani Young’s</a> <b>‘Scarlet Lies’</b> <i>(Book One of the Scarlet Series)</i>. I was excited to receive this book from Lani herself in April. There are so many reasons I love anything Lani does and so many ways I loved ‘Scarlet Lies’ even before reading it. For one, Lani has become one of the strongest female voices for Pasifika writers. Her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Telesa-Covenant-Keeper-Book-ebook/dp/B005I3WD8Q/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8">‘Telesa’</a> series (YA) is a force upon itself. Young’s work is important because it offers islanders of all backgrounds a connection to characters who reflect their culture. <b>We need more stories about US in this sea of literature, and she is a pioneer.</b> <i>Photo:jennphotog.com</i><br />
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I nibbled at ‘Scarlet Lies’ at first, getting to know Scar, the heroine of this story. Sometimes I devoured entire sections of the book; much like Scar would when faced with a tasty dessert. I had many LOL moments and many moments of cultural connectedness. I’ve discovered so much of the Samoan life reflects my life as a Chamorro from Guam. As I jumped from chapter to chapter, I highlighted sections in blue that hinted at Scar’s tortured past, pink for cultural observations, and brown for progression in her connection with love interest, Jackson.<br />
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Jackson=perfection. I’ll leave it there and let you discover more about him. #JasonMomoa<br />
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Young does an excellent job of giving you glimpses of the true pain that Scar has lived with. <i>The Scarlet Letter A,</i> so to speak that she’s been branded with controls her life in so many ways. And aren’t we all tortured by something in our past? Being from an island, they don’t let you forget it, do they?<br />
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The writing, every delicious layer, kept me eager to find out more about Scar. The broken Goddess that she is, Scar begins an evolution in this story. Scar is such a real person in my mind that I want to be her friend and bask in her unknowing awesomeness. I love that she is a dessert fiend and also blogs. Big Brown Beeetch.com, I wish it existed, <i>trust me I checked</i>. But Scar’s blog exists in this book and Young folds it into the story expertly. And Lani's blog link is <a href="http://laniwendtyoung.me/">here.</a> <br />
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Without giving away too much more about this lovely story, <i><b>because you should really get a copy and read it for yourself</b>,</i> I will praise Young’s writing magic and the journey I took with Scar. I identified with lovely Scar immediately—from being more woman than the norm #curves, to her predilection for anything sweet #croquembouche, and her admiration for sculptured physiques #mancandy, ‘Scarlet Lies’ is a complex, sophisticated dessert of a story and I cannot wait for the next serving, <b>‘Scarlet Secrets’.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Nwn27inw2vMdM-1mJrJIidfA3NkfnYkxbC2imTg8-CLwMRnCWcelJDSeoTJAmNfHl7_1U4FeJuELOOui46e9PnM7I20hfE-_CRcISGZvj7_HA8mXbxlJqFq3jKn8TpYoggjMHLMntoI/s1600/11169994_989603911057434_5942582585787682034_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Nwn27inw2vMdM-1mJrJIidfA3NkfnYkxbC2imTg8-CLwMRnCWcelJDSeoTJAmNfHl7_1U4FeJuELOOui46e9PnM7I20hfE-_CRcISGZvj7_HA8mXbxlJqFq3jKn8TpYoggjMHLMntoI/s400/11169994_989603911057434_5942582585787682034_n.jpg" /></a></div>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-45630927523083159402015-05-23T19:42:00.000-07:002015-05-23T21:14:15.051-07:00Solitude Makes Me a Better Me.<blockquote>"I only go out to get me a fresh appetite for being alone."<br />
--<b>Lord Byron</b><br />
</blockquote><br />
<b>Random fact:</b> I attended <i>both</i> my junior and senior high school proms alone, or stag as it was called. I didn’t stress that I was dateless. I had my bestie with me and we had fun. I only bring this random fact up because as I was sitting in my mechanical massage chair getting a pedicure yesterday, and the many young ladies around me were discussing prom. I was privy to their schedule for the day, with nails getting done, hair and make up later and so forth. It was nice to see their enthusiasm. It’s been great seeing my friends' children’s prom pics on Facebook, reminding me that time has surely flown. <br />
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I have a good seven years or so before my first born is in the throngs of prom season. I want him to know, and my daughter to know when it’s her time that going “stag” or whatever they may call it in the future is fine. <i>Not going at all, not a big deal either. </i>You won’t get screwed up later in life despite the messages we get in movies or books or TV, as in <i>Pretty in Pink</i>, when Annie Potts’s character, <i>Iona</i> tells Molly Ringwald’s character, <i>Andie</i> that she had a friend who didn’t go to prom and is now “off’ somehow.<br />
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I’m also reading, and enjoying <b><a href="http://johngreenbooks.com/paper-towns/">Paper Towns</a></b> by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/vlogbrothers">John Green</a>, where prom is a hot button topic. (Book review soon/in tandem with a movie review once I see it).<br />
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Here's Seventeen magazine's take on going to prom solo and I agree (except for the high heels thing). <a href="http://www.seventeen.com/prom/g534/going-to-prom-solo/">LINK, yo!</a><br />
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<b>Solitude is a good thing.</b> To be alone and to like yourself, that’s a healthy thing. I’ve had many opportunities to explore this, from eating alone in a restaurant, attending a concert solo (many, actually), and heading to a part of town that I don’t particularly like just to attend an author signing (as in <a href="http://www.joehillfiction.com/">Joe Hill</a>). I know when the house is quiet, that I will be fine. I crave some solitude daily and use it, well heck, mostly to do chores, but more importantly to check in with myself. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Sl-5clNkWtiDiBgMmt804ZFVl3NFE7qocyAgTAJU3e_YmEOqh_anjFn68AWifGWfFf9yPPbEqYVpQLWi6sKGlK7hTAog1XZ7yGdwJvk9VrsGxG3CH1UaChQR-YJNxq0fcnZb-xtyO68/s1600/flat%252C800x800%252C070%252Cf.u2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Sl-5clNkWtiDiBgMmt804ZFVl3NFE7qocyAgTAJU3e_YmEOqh_anjFn68AWifGWfFf9yPPbEqYVpQLWi6sKGlK7hTAog1XZ7yGdwJvk9VrsGxG3CH1UaChQR-YJNxq0fcnZb-xtyO68/s320/flat%252C800x800%252C070%252Cf.u2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As my family is playing golf in our backyard, and checking on wildlife (we have a raccoon family under our hot tub), I’m carving out a bit of time to write, in solitude. <br />
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<b>I may feel this way too because I am an introvert, but alone time will always be my party time.</b><br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HO4e4nCYBEo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-27695439976606668812015-04-26T19:56:00.000-07:002015-04-26T20:03:59.384-07:00United Roots Event-Island Night at The Jet ClubMe, stay out until 2:30 AM? Unheard of, at least in the last ten years (I even wore contacts, that's major). But, being a part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnitedRootsPacificNorthwest?fref=ts">United Roots</a>, a group gelling to promote Guam/Marianas culture, I did. I'm happy to be connected to a group of twelve talented <a href="http://www.guampedia.com/">Chamorros/Guamanians</a>. Just sharing the Animoto videos I created to commemorate last night's fun.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSb5v9n7wza-Jaj1mz-f02V8hjpn59o7iYOgjD22bCcgNJxAYQkxklB1qjaClGUCgmXURJj81chz9Nc0EWP0hHm8L9_dVaM7Xej5uvLz_SFxTXBwL6exSFXtAlRxS42Ac7fIfsqdLTyA/s1600/11150526_10205118617018376_2295302673501453096_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSb5v9n7wza-Jaj1mz-f02V8hjpn59o7iYOgjD22bCcgNJxAYQkxklB1qjaClGUCgmXURJj81chz9Nc0EWP0hHm8L9_dVaM7Xej5uvLz_SFxTXBwL6exSFXtAlRxS42Ac7fIfsqdLTyA/s320/11150526_10205118617018376_2295302673501453096_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Biba, Chamorro! Biba, Guam! Biba, Ma Tulaika! And, Biba, to cha cha dancing in a 2' x 5' space. It was awesome to see our elders smile, dance, and enjoy.<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ENDLvX3tqqc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kLqzaY3EynY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsnxbJ5-bt_07XYKII7ZsbdcNAmtUXrCnsRHMKpm3cbNeRwXDwDH5s53spcA33EKt_B1b4Y8coRbdv7G3e3EFPKAM7iSmRJEVaPWMvtGz0a9LbzTpJ0PVUovUG76TowqmHudz6yhKtx8/s1600/matilda-and-books.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsnxbJ5-bt_07XYKII7ZsbdcNAmtUXrCnsRHMKpm3cbNeRwXDwDH5s53spcA33EKt_B1b4Y8coRbdv7G3e3EFPKAM7iSmRJEVaPWMvtGz0a9LbzTpJ0PVUovUG76TowqmHudz6yhKtx8/s400/matilda-and-books.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF8cS53nTdqD4oPOEres6h_V39wCoxLaWOSoll6JO33r1ZjZ3SxCDK1qHQSQFr7c5HLuRaFcuZJj_hf40gFEq7ZQfLGBXrCsHSeqnCNiZL_Gw43BGbG5NZgb6wvHozUAGX8BsISqwtOo/s1600/tumblr_nl2ffecQKI1rkdafao1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCF8cS53nTdqD4oPOEres6h_V39wCoxLaWOSoll6JO33r1ZjZ3SxCDK1qHQSQFr7c5HLuRaFcuZJj_hf40gFEq7ZQfLGBXrCsHSeqnCNiZL_Gw43BGbG5NZgb6wvHozUAGX8BsISqwtOo/s320/tumblr_nl2ffecQKI1rkdafao1_500.jpg" /></a></div>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-57432945974436005152015-03-31T00:23:00.002-07:002015-03-31T00:56:25.229-07:00Emerald City Comic Con<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDCZEvZbX0JBf4S6hffhsOGgm4KN6JlhxlDSObAY40_5_sWOrljYlaj0XQc-T51MmR5EOfkGIxzv-aNpB2qw_wFVZIGCt4IrNMOKvSpPdj4PG5e5BE3CsBsCpRXviWVH4-a-9JxZdEs0/s1600/emeraldcitycomiccon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDCZEvZbX0JBf4S6hffhsOGgm4KN6JlhxlDSObAY40_5_sWOrljYlaj0XQc-T51MmR5EOfkGIxzv-aNpB2qw_wFVZIGCt4IrNMOKvSpPdj4PG5e5BE3CsBsCpRXviWVH4-a-9JxZdEs0/s200/emeraldcitycomiccon.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Mission meet <a href="http://therealstanlee.com/">Stan Lee</a>. Complete. Excelsior! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8FkLxMvjVxNkQdK1YQAXAhuPLLYLAPNhspmOjy7fMKi-1uBC-cLbeGj-7WZt6AB5RmZaXglj_8Bz1aiqWQUrCO7lTeEDwRnFezk6Rqbw_Rv9QHyrVDJrucLZp0UnSMzzoOIUREptVFE/s1600/img281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8FkLxMvjVxNkQdK1YQAXAhuPLLYLAPNhspmOjy7fMKi-1uBC-cLbeGj-7WZt6AB5RmZaXglj_8Bz1aiqWQUrCO7lTeEDwRnFezk6Rqbw_Rv9QHyrVDJrucLZp0UnSMzzoOIUREptVFE/s320/img281.jpg" /></a></div>Mission meet <a href="http://www.isaacmarion.com/">Isaac Marion</a>, author of <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588173/">Warm Bodies</a> (which is also a good movie). Complete. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xMrNrjWNwNqYWELftObZ0mhvTQwUtoq8Z7QuzOASlKTEnsN4L-DoRwWz40q_2_ciXmpBHOwt6VaA9uk6iGN_G3vYTeEE0r2PgFzXcScy4kM-T4lgBrsf4Re2LmwaaqrLhA327gtcoqE/s1600/2015-03-29+13.37.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xMrNrjWNwNqYWELftObZ0mhvTQwUtoq8Z7QuzOASlKTEnsN4L-DoRwWz40q_2_ciXmpBHOwt6VaA9uk6iGN_G3vYTeEE0r2PgFzXcScy4kM-T4lgBrsf4Re2LmwaaqrLhA327gtcoqE/s320/2015-03-29+13.37.52.jpg" /></a></div><blockquote><b>“In my mind I am eloquent; I can climb intricate scaffolds of words to reach the highest cathedral ceilings and paint my thoughts. But when I open my mouth, everything collapses.” <br />
― <i>Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies</i></b></blockquote><br />
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<a href="http://emeraldcitycomicon.com/">Emerald City Comic Con</a> became a lovely reality when my awesome husband said, "Go, forth, Geeky Wife and have fun."<br />
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So, without a pass, and with a fellow Geeky mom, we set off early to Seattle. Within three minutes of arriving we were armed with passes and off exploring. <br />
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It was my first excursion to Emerald City's version of Comic Con, but it won't be my last. It was a manageable con, after what I like to think is a crazy big con; being initiated via <a href="http://www.comic-con.org/">San Diego Comic Con</a> in 2011 and 2012. If you're afraid of large crowds, then that's not the con for you. But, ECCC might be your fit. <br />
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Overall, I was happy with ECCC. There were great writers and artists. It was nice to gaze at the likes of Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf) and Scott Wilson (Hershel from the Walking Dead).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rtDWbtvpSH9co6_eVhmhioNOzIk1w_cndKROzesVauzmoC-hNrhPRHXuI8tbkaoGvmtLyzMwm6xJk2OfsuJrW1XVG-mNeHTfEHvn30NiL79XBUqycSHbGitPmArCcliplkitp4O3Vj0/s1600/teen-wolf-x05-The-Tell-tyler-hoechlin-23978433-1280-720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9rtDWbtvpSH9co6_eVhmhioNOzIk1w_cndKROzesVauzmoC-hNrhPRHXuI8tbkaoGvmtLyzMwm6xJk2OfsuJrW1XVG-mNeHTfEHvn30NiL79XBUqycSHbGitPmArCcliplkitp4O3Vj0/s200/teen-wolf-x05-The-Tell-tyler-hoechlin-23978433-1280-720.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SXlhnTwxblMHY-dzhhHzTSi797F5Sf4oMg1Lp50BsIB59opTQT9_ZmNK33KFOhS3RsFvPmKMwjPnvlNfG_7Y8XWtu9Ued0GWNunTNYj9wV-XYBEZH2Bd4eMNt9A-0NlQ526mlyNpio0/s1600/df08a92f4f18bc989a179fc472522e9c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SXlhnTwxblMHY-dzhhHzTSi797F5Sf4oMg1Lp50BsIB59opTQT9_ZmNK33KFOhS3RsFvPmKMwjPnvlNfG_7Y8XWtu9Ued0GWNunTNYj9wV-XYBEZH2Bd4eMNt9A-0NlQ526mlyNpio0/s200/df08a92f4f18bc989a179fc472522e9c.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Being in Stan Lee's easygoing presence was great. Especially when my first picture was blurry and they declared a retake. So, upon sidling up to Mr. Lee, and smiling, he said, "You go girl." And go I did, because my 10 seconds of basking in his genius geek glory was over. <br />
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The nicest surprise was meeting Isaac Marion. When he politely accepted my request for a photo, he rose, and kept rising and I craned my neck to look up at his scruffy brown beard. Like a dufus, I declared, "Wow. You are tall!" He replied, "Yeah, that's why it might be better to stay seated." Although I told him to sit if he was more comfortable, he didn't and I ended up with a great picture next to a tall awesome author who writes of love and zombies, and I looked like the happiest Pacific Islander Asian hobbit next to this statue of a man, but that was okay. <br />
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Future Mission. Meet <a href="https://twitter.com/thatkevinsmith">Kevin "Silent Bob" Smith.</a><br />
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COSPLAY!<br />
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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dwg9JrcAf1JCa1m99iRxIeE6Eqhg5SuyiIlfwjF5f8N8zrVhMjTpUEWCVcaIlOF14PB3yKydpIn65lZt1rIPCLkPMyYTo5E_c4JPg2GNXwRiTmAkqZzgSaSf2V-vSgWwnX0I5czm1XY/s1600/IMG_8038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dwg9JrcAf1JCa1m99iRxIeE6Eqhg5SuyiIlfwjF5f8N8zrVhMjTpUEWCVcaIlOF14PB3yKydpIn65lZt1rIPCLkPMyYTo5E_c4JPg2GNXwRiTmAkqZzgSaSf2V-vSgWwnX0I5czm1XY/s200/IMG_8038.JPG" /></a></div>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-49920313535983023762015-02-05T14:56:00.001-08:002015-02-05T15:08:16.525-08:00Once Upon a Mickey.<blockquote><b>Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.</b> ~John Betjeman, Summoned by Bells</blockquote><br />
Mickey Mouse and Disneyland were never big highlights in my life. Wonder Woman and Bruce Lee, well that’s another story if you know me. I didn’t actually set foot in Disneyland until I was 28 during a vacation with my fiancé in California. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2w4sKPtIVEVsWXpKd_gOnVPO3yyPO7gDxzs4UINqpKYB0VUWwrWMEvLgodRNCh-6w0H7SnWsGz8QvLUe0-L-on1IcsoNUAfU6b5p9UCJBCAa0xNJeZdxjY2IEk8xEpWr_RwhyurDga4/s1600/IMG_20150204_173158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2w4sKPtIVEVsWXpKd_gOnVPO3yyPO7gDxzs4UINqpKYB0VUWwrWMEvLgodRNCh-6w0H7SnWsGz8QvLUe0-L-on1IcsoNUAfU6b5p9UCJBCAa0xNJeZdxjY2IEk8xEpWr_RwhyurDga4/s400/IMG_20150204_173158.jpg" /></a></div>But yesterday, when I walked into a thrift store to scour shelves for books, comics, or geek toys, (my regular pastime), I found a vintage Mickey Mouse piggy bank and I didn’t even realize that I missed it until I saw his cute self on the toy shelf. <br />
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I had a similar 1971 Mickey bank as a child in Massachusetts. I recall that when my dad left the Army for life back in Guam, that bank made it home with me. I can’t tell you when Mickey left my life, but I’m quite sure I had him throughout my grade school years. I remember collecting my coins from chores and birthday gifts into that Mickey. I remember my grandpa on the hard floor and me earning a dollar for walking on his back to relieve his sore muscles (a Guam thing). I would fold each dollar neatly and use smelly masking tape to wrap my cash, wrote the date on the tape and pushed my earnings into the back of Mickey’s head. I recall the smell of the bank’s plastic, the red shirt and green button and his smiling face. So much of that bank reminded me of some 30+ years ago and simpler times.<br />
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I was glad to bring home vintage Mickey for $3.99. Considering, this bank goes from <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Disney-Mickey-Mouse-Vintage-1970s-Hard-Plastic-Coin-Bank-Play-Pal-Plastics/311250243096?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D28773%26meid%3D5d0070f72d304472939e5c51c4f6c0d4%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D141558927329&rt=nc">$15.00</a> to $275.00 online; I’m thankful to have found a piece of my childhood. <br />
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Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-15388312840204236692015-01-22T12:55:00.001-08:002015-01-22T12:55:50.605-08:00Finally......an effort to promote Chamorro Writers.<br />
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Happy New Year. <br />
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Sharing this link and a list of Chamorro writers. Happy to be #67. Yeah, it's in alphabetical order. Needed this to fuel more writing inspiration. <br />
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Click on the<a href="http://chamorrolanguage.blogspot.com/2015/01/chamorro-authors-bloggers-and-poets.html"> LINK here. </a><br />
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Here's my author page for the latest. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TanyaTaimanglo">Facebook, Tanya Taimanglo.</a>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-91495553694508106182014-12-27T13:17:00.003-08:002014-12-27T13:17:39.283-08:00Becoming..."becoming" is a continual process, but I ♥ this quote....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVTPpzZu96SSuVPnJZr0Iv2LAzUEmuiuPzuR6rHsxyQLOqIXyoHxvCT2mkR489e1lrsJWJ54e2-Y2_9j17BXc6Gzgw6M4HPY-lHs1X9fO1sRfvyuszI7dDIBU3Ih3XMvlNY0M3Tjc-ro/s1600/efa3ce3833be9ff680d6dbe0f713fa9e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVTPpzZu96SSuVPnJZr0Iv2LAzUEmuiuPzuR6rHsxyQLOqIXyoHxvCT2mkR489e1lrsJWJ54e2-Y2_9j17BXc6Gzgw6M4HPY-lHs1X9fO1sRfvyuszI7dDIBU3Ih3XMvlNY0M3Tjc-ro/s400/efa3ce3833be9ff680d6dbe0f713fa9e.jpg" /></a></div>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-50864487039309495492014-11-13T12:50:00.000-08:002014-11-13T12:52:52.587-08:00Talking NaNoWriMo with Marianas Variety GuamJust a late post for posterity. Speaking about my third year participation in <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> (National Novel Writing Month) with <a href="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=4982f75a-815b-4d16-97a3-d9b6e51e169e&pnum=1">Marianas Variety Guam</a>. <a href="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=4982f75a-815b-4d16-97a3-d9b6e51e169e&pnum=0">CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE.</a> Just hit 20K words. 30K to go by November 30th! Been creating good writing sprints with the help of Youtube and music by Hozier, Vance Joy, Boyce Avenue, Birdy and Future Sunsets. <br />
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Good luck to all you NaNoWriMo-ers!<br />
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http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=4982f75a-815b-4d16-97a3-d9b6e51e169e&pnum=1<br />
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http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?eid=4982f75a-815b-4d16-97a3-d9b6e51e169e&pnum=0<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oLgZo6Qi3Uo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-11452891353315007702014-11-01T19:44:00.000-07:002014-11-01T19:44:13.426-07:00100 Reviews of Secret Shopper on Amazon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xi2ulWf97qGvmOIHJiyRxb3HSaHAvwAMDa9IQ_sfurIDZAHAySde-NgPLdcarc1yngybsmVFh5GJUIjx0XLS8hYohiE1K0m-XzXNgo-PN5F2KXa4mozO2y6mGzMFCntWWEipZrgsK6Y/s1600/Secret_Shopper_Cover_for_Kindle+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xi2ulWf97qGvmOIHJiyRxb3HSaHAvwAMDa9IQ_sfurIDZAHAySde-NgPLdcarc1yngybsmVFh5GJUIjx0XLS8hYohiE1K0m-XzXNgo-PN5F2KXa4mozO2y6mGzMFCntWWEipZrgsK6Y/s320/Secret_Shopper_Cover_for_Kindle+(1).jpg" /></a></div><br />
Thank you, Abby. Your kind words and lovely 4 star rating for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Shopper-Tanya-Taimanglo/dp/1482313774">Secret Shopper</a> has made my launch into <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/">NaNoWriMo</a> more meaningful. 100 reviews!<b> Hooray! Phoenix and Thomas thank you!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWQvNedeRTjHIm3CjZXBGruZC1cVakbktXsOMngqrlxGm6UOmJi6C2d5g4gNdhzWI3VFYD2w8hUoCVowzWiHy232rvLV-nEGO6J6J9PqOjXtzzC66HBhOwFe6qFzdOKA4g6g62KU0q-U/s1600/10696367_10152652554704299_1892699931611470474_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWQvNedeRTjHIm3CjZXBGruZC1cVakbktXsOMngqrlxGm6UOmJi6C2d5g4gNdhzWI3VFYD2w8hUoCVowzWiHy232rvLV-nEGO6J6J9PqOjXtzzC66HBhOwFe6qFzdOKA4g6g62KU0q-U/s320/10696367_10152652554704299_1892699931611470474_n.jpg" /></a></div>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-67883107952561184012014-09-30T21:53:00.000-07:002014-09-30T21:53:49.851-07:00Round-Up, Recap and Review of Rose City Comic ConIt’s been over a week since <a href="http://rosecitycomiccon.com/">Rose City Comic Con (RCCC)</a><i>*and 3 months since I've blogged,</i> and my family and I have finally recovered from our day trip to Portland, Oregon. It was our second time attending, my husband’s first and it was Wonder<i>Woman</i>ful. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjsX0V1PNBNY9pxtGHexCkLrB9MtgqaySaqAJ0FaLVZvRb-UWSg1NSWh61p_PfJZc3PQN_pMUZ5SQNKDCMxzm6_wI1PnrTdI4LLBii0nu8huvpg2kA_X7aKJgvxthIH2TtoomjFLQFMc/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjsX0V1PNBNY9pxtGHexCkLrB9MtgqaySaqAJ0FaLVZvRb-UWSg1NSWh61p_PfJZc3PQN_pMUZ5SQNKDCMxzm6_wI1PnrTdI4LLBii0nu8huvpg2kA_X7aKJgvxthIH2TtoomjFLQFMc/s400/download.jpg" /></a></div> While we were stationed in San Diego, we jumped into the <a href="http://www.comic-con.org/">San Diego Comic Con </a>craziness two years in a row. We loved it both times then, even with the massive crowds, like 150,000 geeks strong. So, when we moved to Washington State, Rose City, although 200 miles south of us was a nice outlet for our geekiness.<br />
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Last year, we enjoyed a smooth flowing RCCC. And this year, I observed that the Con grew by about 30%, but I’m not a statistician. We were able to get there by 10AM, get our passes and rush to our first panel. My kids love <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventure_Time">Adventure Time</a> (I do too, especially after identifying BMO’s Korean accent and falling for the Korean speaking, Lady Rainicorn). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremy_Shada">Jeremy Shada,</a> the voice talent of Finn spoke of his work. My kids quickly broke out their 3DSs and began recording video. I urged my son to ask a question, but shyness ruled.<br />
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We scoped out the Celebrity Area, obvious with the sweeping red carpet, and an RCCC Henchman urged us to approach actors if their lines were short, so we did for a few of them, for us and their egos.<br />
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I stared at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Astin">Sean Astin's</a> busy table,(Goonies, Rudy, Lord of the Rings, The Strain) from afar, and since you get pounced on for taking pictures in this area, I just tried to paint mental pictures of higher profile celebs like Astin and <a href="http://wilwheaton.net/">Wil Wheaton.</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguB89VZ9RN0mQWbfaSvMtmyF1uhayiCzA5gKubdP9_hcT483ZAtdowbgS6lR9HMuN2pYOyN2SvPPIQIQDsWS1cJkkZLz7gJC13DVIDOnPEIweioOnNJLTcrcgD4b7mLZR2tUO-aoATqhQ/s1600/sean+gif+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguB89VZ9RN0mQWbfaSvMtmyF1uhayiCzA5gKubdP9_hcT483ZAtdowbgS6lR9HMuN2pYOyN2SvPPIQIQDsWS1cJkkZLz7gJC13DVIDOnPEIweioOnNJLTcrcgD4b7mLZR2tUO-aoATqhQ/s200/sean+gif+2.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu31-WY-G72SlggZ0RCyIpeLQB8rMlEkFV9DmP0AItaWtbrF-6hM4KnFRQy2oiwL3d5tcMbrdxxEjUfmmEm8H-TUSJ8ZvEcAWs7vH-BGNnyYa2doYs0VffZV_zPotKgFLdIxly8kmq_4/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu31-WY-G72SlggZ0RCyIpeLQB8rMlEkFV9DmP0AItaWtbrF-6hM4KnFRQy2oiwL3d5tcMbrdxxEjUfmmEm8H-TUSJ8ZvEcAWs7vH-BGNnyYa2doYs0VffZV_zPotKgFLdIxly8kmq_4/s200/download.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Benedict">Dirk Benedict</a> allowed us to take a cellphone pic with him for a mere $10.00. Meeting the man from Battlestar Galactica and “Faceman” from The A Team was a childhood dream come true. He looks well for his 69 years and still has great hair. Long after my kids and I left his table, he carried on a conversation with my husband about how TV shows have changed since his time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Wj5-2-V3QdP5e5WvIY9MvIMnKmrqffJkq9C5Hek2_xpvFDA9oMuIwH_2F_TtsHDvX0zQqqD8rZbSDsEZb87vaZ-R5ERQ2VtvquKtuqHap6dRrg1mPFP2OVyiXzlv0EADjgpeu1z_dA/s1600/dirk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Wj5-2-V3QdP5e5WvIY9MvIMnKmrqffJkq9C5Hek2_xpvFDA9oMuIwH_2F_TtsHDvX0zQqqD8rZbSDsEZb87vaZ-R5ERQ2VtvquKtuqHap6dRrg1mPFP2OVyiXzlv0EADjgpeu1z_dA/s400/dirk.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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We met Jeremy Shada up close (who reminds me of the late River Phoenix), but of course my kids clammed up, so I did all the talking, especially about his work with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incredible_Crew">Incredible Crew</a> (I described it to him as the SNL type show my kids could watch). He asked what their favorite skit was…silence. I told him Solar System Wolf and the Pancake Genie were cool (which made me realize that I also like IC too much--too bad the show was discontinued, as he described).<br />
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I then tentatively approached and shook <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Biehn">Michael Biehn’s</a> hand. His dark stare made me feel like a kid again, being scared of the intensity he displayed in Terminator, so, after an awkward moment, we turned our attention to his wife, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Blanc">Jennifer Blanc-Biehn</a> (CSI, Dark Angel)….she asked about my kids and gushed over my daughter’s Minecraft Creeper manicure. She offered a signed picture for free (most celebs charge $30.00 or more for a signed photo) to the kids. <br />
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My hubby and I then approached <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sasha_Roiz">Sasha Roiz,</a> Captain Renard of GRIMM. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV3k0oCT8k4fLusXRzm_ge_Cuu7T_N8CIR1-JGA1PvwuAU-NSLO5E99d0pTwlfplmY37ANX4aDNnRaZmLFEAQUpc9mO72MBMqR8yXP-A4HinafaTrkdUPx_l6vGGCNpPP5GBoilVX8F0/s1600/sr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV3k0oCT8k4fLusXRzm_ge_Cuu7T_N8CIR1-JGA1PvwuAU-NSLO5E99d0pTwlfplmY37ANX4aDNnRaZmLFEAQUpc9mO72MBMqR8yXP-A4HinafaTrkdUPx_l6vGGCNpPP5GBoilVX8F0/s400/sr.jpg" /></a></div>He was nice, lovely to look at and thanked my husband for his service in the military. My kids could care less at this point as mom and dad geeked out, and Sasha pointed at my daughter and asked if she was having a good time and laughed when she stared back at him grimly (see what I did there).<br />
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I did pay for a photo op with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernie_Hudson">Ernie Hudson</a>. He was described as a Ghostbuster, and that was indeed cool, but for me, his role in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Crow_(1994_film)">The Crow</a> superseded all his other roles. I’m a big Bruce Lee, Brandon Lee fan, and I wore my Crow t-shirt for the photo op. He smiled and gave me a big hug at the sight. <br />
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Cosplay was awesome this year. I was impressed by the dedication and artistry overall. Most of my pictures are with Wonder Woman cosplayers and my husband continuously pointed me in the direction of the numerous Wonder Women, but I was a bit snobby about who I posed with. I didn’t much care for the disco version of Wonder Woman, for example (spandex camel toe was not my thing). My favorite WW was <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RetiredWonderWoman">Retired Wonder Woman</a>. After a pic together, she told me to follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/WonderWomanRET?lang=en">“twatter”</a> in her raspy voice, and now I do. She ended up winning 1st place in the adult cosplay division. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepCKbG1M8dr0CZe1G3eHNUZSBOlR4ZzBFa-i2BUFM9HU3Zu-S5DxV_EhOuWjJZAEXooIXqsHlkKmF8tsmXfwEBycNLBfCZPV3ya2trRzqxCpmiJn_fnWIeDx8j_ODp-HA4-7RNEA5TdE/s1600/2014-09-20+14.49.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepCKbG1M8dr0CZe1G3eHNUZSBOlR4ZzBFa-i2BUFM9HU3Zu-S5DxV_EhOuWjJZAEXooIXqsHlkKmF8tsmXfwEBycNLBfCZPV3ya2trRzqxCpmiJn_fnWIeDx8j_ODp-HA4-7RNEA5TdE/s400/2014-09-20+14.49.14.jpg" /></a></div>I am very impressed again with the organizers of Rose City Comic Con. It is an annual family event for us and I’ve described going to cons to my non-geek friends as my Superbowl. The event continues to grow, and it may very well get as mammoth as San Diego’s, but until then (and especially when), keep up the great work and we can’t wait for next year.<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Guam Goddess in Training and her Geek family</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilY6MErMi5cJIKykebBJMi57veIxkbZQNmeCmEhkbaXvN8SuLWNyy2-1TBFvuxuetGYYQTSVQSlIS1F3qIUhHrG2NmWLm-gr3_8qb30R7s3Kwl-WwfIEXNMxycwj49x-QLPoJSGOYwul4/s1600/10665182_10152720698119267_9212801507451328141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilY6MErMi5cJIKykebBJMi57veIxkbZQNmeCmEhkbaXvN8SuLWNyy2-1TBFvuxuetGYYQTSVQSlIS1F3qIUhHrG2NmWLm-gr3_8qb30R7s3Kwl-WwfIEXNMxycwj49x-QLPoJSGOYwul4/s400/10665182_10152720698119267_9212801507451328141_n.jpg" /></a></div>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-21540437062054439162014-06-18T22:22:00.000-07:002014-06-18T22:25:34.601-07:00Let's Meet...M.B. Dallocchio, The Desert Warrior.<blockquote><i>"Writing can't change the world overnight, but writing may have an enormous effect over time, over the long haul."</i> <b> --Leslie Marmon Silko</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdYTlDyM1Sq97ZqoWoTCHst5fjyt9wbv7D069sBfXw0leo0C4FpuX63UerPGCtRx9SfBlfF7BozeRtVnGSNo-6ViExkYCyBcJvCaGTwvmRMul7zUFi-hix63NEvgTGhyphenhyphen00Ha2Dkx6q0w/s1600/9555982_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdYTlDyM1Sq97ZqoWoTCHst5fjyt9wbv7D069sBfXw0leo0C4FpuX63UerPGCtRx9SfBlfF7BozeRtVnGSNo-6ViExkYCyBcJvCaGTwvmRMul7zUFi-hix63NEvgTGhyphenhyphen00Ha2Dkx6q0w/s320/9555982_orig.jpg" /></a></div><br />
M.B.(Wilmot) Dallocchio first came onto my radar via my cousin/business partner at <a href="http://www.guambooksandbeads.com/">Guam Books and Beads</a>, Alison Taimanglo Cuasay (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tasi-Matina-Story-First-Clown/dp/1452066728">Tasi & Matina</a>). I recall Alison showing me Dallocchio's artwork. They share the commonality of being war veterans and Chamorritas and that made us both instant admirers of Dallocchio's art and writing. I was excited and honored to meet Dallocchio this past March in San Diego at <a href="http://www.chelusd.org/">CHE'LU's 5th Annual Chamorro Cultural Fest</a>. The beauty of our meeting is that we are united in celebrating each other's works and I'm thankful that we have connected. <br />
<b><i><blockquote>*@ CHE'LU's Chamorro Fest, March 2014. (L-R) Taimanglo, M.B. Dallocchio, Judy Flores, Alison Taimanglo Cuasay.</blockquote></i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDQQVXp9-plHh9zS8XM_aknrkYhjSkdnuOB26D2vlV1Ut3X9sPtDuvg4R_yCY4a6Zs4kYL4V4F7yopJrgiwNMOkuuvNEhXVerLSgA_lBFS3b-IWBCdMn3MDW8uJffRMtMN_3tW8u3Dzw/s1600/1620423_10152321863099267_423249802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDQQVXp9-plHh9zS8XM_aknrkYhjSkdnuOB26D2vlV1Ut3X9sPtDuvg4R_yCY4a6Zs4kYL4V4F7yopJrgiwNMOkuuvNEhXVerLSgA_lBFS3b-IWBCdMn3MDW8uJffRMtMN_3tW8u3Dzw/s320/1620423_10152321863099267_423249802_n.jpg" /></a></div></blockquote><i><b>Here's the wonderful interview!</b></i><br />
<br />
1. <i>Labels can be bad, but with someone as multi-faceted as you—it helps us understand the many hats you wear. If you could string a necklace with beads that represent what/who you are, what words would be on those beads? (Mine would be mother, military spouse, geek, Chamorrita, goddess in training, writer, self-doubter, dreamer, amateur drummer, karaoke diva, etc.)</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Chamorrita, warrior, mother, friend, writer, itinerant artist, surrealist, diviner, globe-trekker, foodie, desert nomad, combat veteran, visionary.<br />
</b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmtV3Ce3F2YIb-hY_LJSelmJrQejWWokVRihe_HP5tyZpUhMGWO4hmiHZzG_JhKyxbdY5aL13W-At_Ydq0uvpFoapG0Y3aWMFqw1rRNMpfPgCYv7P82loUW34WzHXhUjXUdqC0C9yHbo/s1600/the-desert-warrior-michelle-wilmot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmtV3Ce3F2YIb-hY_LJSelmJrQejWWokVRihe_HP5tyZpUhMGWO4hmiHZzG_JhKyxbdY5aL13W-At_Ydq0uvpFoapG0Y3aWMFqw1rRNMpfPgCYv7P82loUW34WzHXhUjXUdqC0C9yHbo/s400/the-desert-warrior-michelle-wilmot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
2. <i>Where would you like to see yourself in ten years?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Hopefully in Santa Fe or Taos, New Mexico with my family.</b></blockquote><br />
3. <i>Tell us about The Desert Warrior. Contact information? How to purchase your art/book? Appearances?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>I wrote a book under my old name, M.B. Wilmot, called “Quixote in Ramadi” and it can be purchased on Amazon (red cover edition). You can purchase my art and books at <a href="http://thedesertwarrior.com/">www.thedesertwarrior.com.</a> </b></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18Mrc07GDlF7ZaVdD08061dw93_cM4zAbuq2TWFyeNqQlaPZlZ3g68iuBABE4K8a-VyyADi3I4efqr1mfneuuTovtpyuT6T8ifAUxmYbsKRYsNBB8iTXqK8GUoetJ4vTxbJnIEnvXTjI/s1600/quixote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18Mrc07GDlF7ZaVdD08061dw93_cM4zAbuq2TWFyeNqQlaPZlZ3g68iuBABE4K8a-VyyADi3I4efqr1mfneuuTovtpyuT6T8ifAUxmYbsKRYsNBB8iTXqK8GUoetJ4vTxbJnIEnvXTjI/s400/quixote.jpg" /></a></div><br />
4. <i>You have stunning imagery with your art. What’s your favorite medium(s) for your art?<br />
</i><br />
<blockquote><b>I like combining acrylic and ink the best, but I prefer to print my finished products on metal. I think my work stands out best on metal for some odd reason.<br />
</b></blockquote><br />
5. <i>Who are your influences, in writing/art?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Frida Kahlo and David Cerny (Czech artist) are my two biggest influences when it comes to art, but writing is a different story. I really enjoyed “Desert Solitaire” by Edward Abbey as well as books by Carlos Castaneda, Leslie Marmon Silko, Paulo Coelho, Winona LaDuke, and Sherman Alexie.</b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZSCob6zL8nifPLEvDdKMFgyadJz-vYdMrLrf2Nnk6fOWEy62XRmozcvMj4FmIIECBmOOFYQk3o_5zU2r-KuuIp-0TpDYorbStgLfJe3hThle4UfAjrluzM89MAM5yfAemeBVXn4Oy64/s1600/universidad-de-frida-michelle-dallocchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZSCob6zL8nifPLEvDdKMFgyadJz-vYdMrLrf2Nnk6fOWEy62XRmozcvMj4FmIIECBmOOFYQk3o_5zU2r-KuuIp-0TpDYorbStgLfJe3hThle4UfAjrluzM89MAM5yfAemeBVXn4Oy64/s320/universidad-de-frida-michelle-dallocchio.jpg" /></a></div><br />
6. <i>If you could rid the world of one (or two things-or more) what would they be and why?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Indifference and bigotry. Those have been the two most evil sources I’ve seen in my life.</b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUGiEtofLJYLnKJci4H0I_i3EoBwCQdA0BWscqpb5lacqYAU89a4aPhYFJ9rf7o2y_4vqPxtmLbcGpFiKSjezfQqut0hUHeTH3KxE-VWesujlDl9kpRKGSODFHtn9PPYk14MW4Su8kBs/s1600/papers-please-michelle-wilmot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUGiEtofLJYLnKJci4H0I_i3EoBwCQdA0BWscqpb5lacqYAU89a4aPhYFJ9rf7o2y_4vqPxtmLbcGpFiKSjezfQqut0hUHeTH3KxE-VWesujlDl9kpRKGSODFHtn9PPYk14MW4Su8kBs/s400/papers-please-michelle-wilmot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
7. <i>You are a native Chamorro from the Northern Marianas Islands from your maternal side. Have you visited the CNMI? What do you miss most about home, the culture? </i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>We used to visit Saipan quite a bit as a kid, but we actually moved to Guam for a few years where I attended Piti Middle School and Oceanview High School (before they moved everyone to Southern High). The parts of Saipan Chamorro culture I miss is that there is less pretension, or there was less pretension years ago. With growing influences of US and East Asian culture, I think people are changing. However, I am seeing a lot more Chamorros waking up to how events around the globe affect them, as it has always been that way since Spain colonized us in the 1500s. I would say that I miss the cooking, but my mom taught me well, but the clear water in Saipan, the persistently calm, ambient environment is always missed.<br />
</b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM2MvkM-8U4dLGspL7zmHgRwfnh5TEC2kg1UqS_Q_v2eh935OjslqyJd9CD5ix9FkOcwt_f7lK2p_I7Ec6xjBLhpVW7BYbhh7c_qH0ImuJDOIGGRMkSCiY4xitGly2hRZb7XIj5F8aTA/s1600/suruhana-michelle-wilmot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJM2MvkM-8U4dLGspL7zmHgRwfnh5TEC2kg1UqS_Q_v2eh935OjslqyJd9CD5ix9FkOcwt_f7lK2p_I7Ec6xjBLhpVW7BYbhh7c_qH0ImuJDOIGGRMkSCiY4xitGly2hRZb7XIj5F8aTA/s320/suruhana-michelle-wilmot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
8. <i>Your book, Quixote in Ramadi: An Indigenous Account of Imperialism has made what kind of impact in the military community? What feedback have you received? Any memorable encounter from a reader?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>I have had quite a few people I didn’t know personally who read the book and thanked me via Facebook for telling my story as they could relate to it. My story is not your typical white Anglo-Saxon protestant story of Johnny or Jane going to war or coming home from war. I didn’t glorify war in any sense of the word, and I think it’s a mistake to view death and dying as patriotic or romantic. I have had more interest on the book overseas and with other veterans of color, but after presenting it at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, I think that’s starting to change. <br />
</b></blockquote><br />
9. <i>Any plans for future books?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>I’m currently wrapping up a memoir about coming home called, “The Desert Warrior”. It’s narrated from the point of my return from Iraq and discloses how Chamorro culture and other Indigenous cultures and people helped me to survive after being practically abandoned by VA and other veterans groups who simply didn’t have room for a minority female combat veteran.</b></blockquote><br />
10. <i> Would you let your child join the military?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>Joining the military is a personal decision and I’m not one to completely encourage or deny one’s vocation. However, I would encourage her to be as educated as possible before making any commitments.<br />
</b></blockquote><br />
11. <i>What organizations or groups are you affiliated with?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>I am still affiliated with “Los Veteranos de Arizona” in Phoenix, and a few veterans’ art projects on occasion. I also support indigenous activism in the Americas. I’m careful about who I align myself with and I tend to do a lot of my work and activities on my own or with my close friends and family.</b></blockquote><br />
12. <i>How has life after the military been?</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><b>It was a struggle at first, but I found my way through. “The Desert Warrior” will be very detailed on how that was, but in the end and with much perseverance, I’m still standing.</b></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4RZOTUmZO3THyKZ3ipThfNN5Yh10rN1IOYY0ng_jPbkMMn-sksbmp_gnJcy0RK8EfyDzsrWXQ2XylZYcvDOHDkTEAhhT5wte_RzzQSyRVW8d0L0sQ9CipbUzHAomGeyAbUnpGK04Y7o/s1600/women-warriors-and-the-pinup-michelle-wilmot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4RZOTUmZO3THyKZ3ipThfNN5Yh10rN1IOYY0ng_jPbkMMn-sksbmp_gnJcy0RK8EfyDzsrWXQ2XylZYcvDOHDkTEAhhT5wte_RzzQSyRVW8d0L0sQ9CipbUzHAomGeyAbUnpGK04Y7o/s400/women-warriors-and-the-pinup-michelle-wilmot.jpg" /></a></div><br />
13. <i>Where can we get the latest about you?</i><br />
<blockquote><b>Any updates or information is viewable on my website at <a href="http://thedesertwarrior.com/">www.thedesertwarrior.com</a> or my blog <a href="http://www.quixoteinramadi.com/">www.quixoteinramadi.com. </a><br />
</b></blockquote>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-12028318866649743722014-06-14T12:02:00.000-07:002014-06-17T16:45:16.936-07:00Happy Father's Day<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP1Lkc1ZctZ3Ki_0CXjgVAxcxQQG8br_X20c6GOQUF6GztYZXGpv9oEnPWsvlMaA4vngJemITlxGkOLuiSjCPaXZkTjZf-8jr88vcB9AQkURi6mCGgGvAlBRvGp6vI_ab0UQaIa_VycY/s1600/10402746_10152495667989267_3506402127002287818_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVP1Lkc1ZctZ3Ki_0CXjgVAxcxQQG8br_X20c6GOQUF6GztYZXGpv9oEnPWsvlMaA4vngJemITlxGkOLuiSjCPaXZkTjZf-8jr88vcB9AQkURi6mCGgGvAlBRvGp6vI_ab0UQaIa_VycY/s320/10402746_10152495667989267_3506402127002287818_n.jpg" /></a></div>My father passed away seven years ago. His legacy has touched many aspects of my writing, coming through in my <a href="http://guamgoddessintraining.blogspot.com/2013/10/happy-birthday-dad.html">blog posts</a>, demanding a major role in my romantic comedy, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Shopper-Tanya-Taimanglo-ebook/dp/B00COPBPKS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=">Secret Shopper</a> and creating ripples in many of my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Attitude-13-Daughter-Collection-Stories-ebook/dp/B0041T4HAK/ref=la_B00GAF1Y6S_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1402771390&sr=1-1">short stories.</a><br />
<br />
To say that I miss him is a major understatement. There are so many reminders and echoes of my father, <i>Tedy Gamboa Chargualaf</i> in my everyday life. Not to mention that my son looks like him, in stature, in his handsome face, in his kind heart and also at times in his stubbornness. I’m reminded that my father is absent in my daughter’s life at major milestones like her Kindergarten promotion this week or the fact that she finally has one of her baby teeth loosening. I know he would have loved her, so I remind my children (my son was 1 ½ years old when his ‘Tata Tedy’ died), that they are extensions of this great man I love. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEVcAqsJJlD4BtsqqPBqNW4kwNqOX_rJAcnTv9CxNdCnFihLTR2gxgrB4Jlwhj_3uD0-0qcfqGwjeLnyQEu4AEUmw5vQrsWBgjjyigXFFuf8v3tkFxeYulqxaMMt_Z1KQHEU-ho0bEDs/s1600/295876_10150359200009267_737455482_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEVcAqsJJlD4BtsqqPBqNW4kwNqOX_rJAcnTv9CxNdCnFihLTR2gxgrB4Jlwhj_3uD0-0qcfqGwjeLnyQEu4AEUmw5vQrsWBgjjyigXFFuf8v3tkFxeYulqxaMMt_Z1KQHEU-ho0bEDs/s200/295876_10150359200009267_737455482_n.jpg" /></a></div><i><blockquote>To honor my dad this father’s day, I just wanted to share 7 memories, some sweet, some sour.<br />
</blockquote></i><br />
<b>1. I’m a Mermaid. </b><br />
<br />
<i>Massachusetts.</i> I was the ultimate tag along. My dad was going fishing. I wanted to go too. I was about four years old. The pond, scummy and green looked otherworldly to my little girl eyes. My father went about his business of fishing as we sat in a tiny boat. He dropped tiny red balls in the water around us to attract fish, which was absolutely fascinating that I just had to dip my face in the water to discover where these things went and what they did. Along with heading into the water face first, the rest of my body followed. I had a few seconds of floating in a beautiful sea of green water, dotted with red. I’m sure it was cold, but I don’t remember that now. My father, with one strong arm, lifted me out of the water and put me back into the boat. His face was mingled with relief, horror and anger. But, in my memory I detected amusement too. My little dip into the unknown ended our fishing trip.<br />
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<b>2. Pillow Rides! </b><br />
<br />
<i>Massachusetts.</i> Sitting squarely on a pillow, my father grasped each side and offered my brother and I turns on a magic pillow ride. I remember soaring so high I could touch the ceiling and being in awe of my father’s strength. <br />
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<b>3. Death Stare.</b><br />
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<i>Guam.</i> <i><b>Red light.</b></i> A man in a taxi stared at me while we waited at a traffic stop in East Hagatna. I was 13. I began to slink into my seat, trying to disappear. My dad, aware asked what my problem was. I told him it was nothing, but then he looked around us and found the man. At this point, I was completely on the floor of the car, both embarrassed by the unwanted attention and afraid of my father’s wrath. He told me to sit up, and in a flash flipped the bird to the man and yelled some choice curse words. The man mouthed, “Sorry,” and put his hands up in surrender.<b> <i>Green light.</i></b><br />
<b><br />
4. The Second Love.</b><br />
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<i>Guam.</i> My first major heartbreak. A relationship of nearly seven years ended and my parents let me react the way I needed to, anger, sadness, hunger strike, desperation, chocolate binging. But, when I packed up two trash bags of my ex’s gifts and placed it by the back door, my father said, <i>“<a href="http://guamgoddessintraining.blogspot.com/2011/03/atta-girl-this-one-is-for-my-dad.html">Atta girl</a>. I never liked him anyway. Don’t worry, in this family the second love is the one that’s real.” </i>And, he was right.<br />
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<b>5. Common Nonsense.</b><br />
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My father gave tough love. And, in those times he questioned our maturity he would always say, “Wow. My kids are so smart, but sometimes you have Common Nonsense.”—his word play on our lack of <a href="http://guamgoddessintraining.blogspot.com/2013/03/six-things-my-father-taught-me.html">common sense.</a> <br />
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<b>6. I’m Going to Knock You Out.</b><br />
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<i>Guam.</i> I don’t condone violence, unless it’s for survival, but my father grew up a fighter. Of course, being a family man tamed him, but my mother would share stories of my father’s shenanigans during his young Army days in Korea. When I was twelve, we were at a neighbor’s barbecue. A man, whose ‘common sense’ was soaked in the many beers he drank, set his sights on my dad. He sat next to my father and touched his arm. <i>“Wow, you are strong.”</i> He said derisively. My dad shoved the man, nearly knocking him off his chair and warned him not to touch him again. The drunk persisted. Then in an instant, my father had punched him in the face and he crumpled to the floor. <i>“I told you not to f’ with me.”</i> It was the only time I saw my father violent first hand. I was upset all day because we left the party, but also afraid that the man and his teenage sons would want retribution. We lived on the next street over and as they pulled their limp father into the bed of their truck, the son told my father he would come back for him. My father wasn’t ruffled and nothing came of it. <br />
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<b><br />
7. College Classmates.</b><br />
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<i>University of Guam.</i> As I was finishing my education/English degree at UOG, my father started taking courses too, already a Chamorro teacher at John F. Kennedy High School. <i>“Would you mind if we were in the same class?”</i> He would ask shyly. <i>“You won’t be embarrassed?”</i> It was interesting to see his concern, but I was an adult then and proud that my father was brave enough to step into the college realm to better himself. <i>“I won’t be embarrassed!” </i>I told him.<i> “I would be proud! Just don’t ask me to do your papers for you.”<br />
</i><br />
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rZLbUIa7exE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-53004634122310600272014-05-31T14:04:00.000-07:002014-05-31T14:12:55.206-07:00But I Would Drive One Hundred Miles, and I Would Drive One Hundred More.<blockquote>"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."--<b>Muhammad Ali</b></blockquote><br />
Hundreds of miles of driving to sell one book. <i><b>Yes. I did that, twice.</b><br />
</i><br />
An indie writer’s hustle is never ending. For me, a high functioning introvert, that is taxing on my nerves. So, twice in the month of May, I sojourned south to attend two events. <br />
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<b>On May 3rd, I attended a Guam fiesta in Graham, Washington. <i>Miles logged? 88</i>. </b><br />
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The San Jose Fiesta was hosted by the generous Leon Guerrero family. Two rows of vendors braved the rain and cold to showcase their wares. I was happy to be canopy mates with author and Principal Investigator at Hålé Chamoru ~ Chamorro Roots Genealogy Project, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bernard-Timothy-Punzalan/e/B00JNBQFHO">Bernard Punzalan</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipilkfE2ZhNZND_0_gwUGKyJSgH8im0syWICFN4xDiD9x7x2tnruuzhyphenhyphen8jWUKEGYDLxWe9PBn1cGRXE99E0vnhycQgEmGhgS-Gqrf_bPj29z4jXASOjEvjcZXG13EabhCbbPMxC63v4Fw/s1600/10155980_10202091868321827_5867354011343266179_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipilkfE2ZhNZND_0_gwUGKyJSgH8im0syWICFN4xDiD9x7x2tnruuzhyphenhyphen8jWUKEGYDLxWe9PBn1cGRXE99E0vnhycQgEmGhgS-Gqrf_bPj29z4jXASOjEvjcZXG13EabhCbbPMxC63v4Fw/s200/10155980_10202091868321827_5867354011343266179_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I was grateful for the exposure to a new Chamorro audience. The extensive buffet of Chamorro cuisine was also a great pay off. Vending was free with a small contribution of two books to the hosts for a raffle. After selling one book, I resigned to the fact that I would end the day with that one success. I looked on the bright side. I had quality time with my best friend who drove in from Tacoma. My son hung out with his godparents. I met up with my former Tae Kwon Do classmate, who I last saw when he was a preteen, now a husband and father. I met a former JFKHS teacher whom I shared the honor of working in the Tourism Academy. And, I met up with a former volleyball teammate who I haven’t seen in over twenty years. <b>So, a good day all in all.</b><br />
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<b>On May 28th, I drove down to Gresham, Oregon to attend Mt. Hood Community College’s 3rd Annual Hang Loose Luau. <i>Miles logged? 240</i>. </b><br />
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I had reservations about attending a seemingly “Hawaiian” event, but the R.I.C.E. member I knew (again a child classmate from Tae Kwon Do) assured me that it was a celebration of all things Pacific Islander. Thankful that my best friend joined me, we set off for a cold, rainy luau. After three hours of vending, I sold one book. Sirena (my little mermaid) seemed to be the most popular with passerbys. I had to remind myself that there were many a starving college student who may not have the disposable funds to purchase books. It was a good day anyway, since I saw up close, hula dancing, enjoyed 90s R & B music (apparently a favorite genre of the dj, but not mine), and bonded with my bestie since the 10th grade. <br />
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<blockquote><b>In the end, after two events, I logged 328 miles of driving, make that 656 counting the drive home. </b><br />
Books sold? 2. <br />
Redemption? Selling 2 books to the owner of <a href="http://www.pdx671.com/hafaadai">PDX671.</a> <br />
Additional redemption? People, experience, hanging with my bestie twice, Guam food and doughnuts.</blockquote><br />
<b>Meanwhile</b>, 6,000 plus miles away across the Pacific Ocean, in my home-island of Guam. My short story collection, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Attitude-13-Daughter-Collection-Stories/dp/1452072418">Attitude 13</a> has been featured in a two part series for <a href="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?pbid=f720eb2d-91af-4778-af5d-488025f9c9be">Marianas Variety Guam’s Sunday Variety-Literary Corner</a>. The links to the digital copies are here. <a href="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk//launch.aspx?eid=7cdd8ab9-5cc3-4505-ba62-5adac74b7010">PART 1.</a> <a href="http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?pbid=f720eb2d-91af-4778-af5d-488025f9c9be">PART 2.</a> It’s a nice way of getting my short story, <i>Resurfacing</i> in the public eye. So, thank you to the editor, Mar-Vic Cagurangan for considering me. It’s an honor! And, as any indie author will tell you, if the experience helps me sell just one book, then it was worth the effort.<br />
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<b>Further</b>, a blogger friend and supporter of my writing in Poland has featured a great review of Attitude 13 on her blog. <a href="http://talesfrompasifika.com/2014/05/21/attitude-13-a-daughter-of-guams-collection-of-short-stories-by-tanya-taimanglo/">LINK here</a>, as well as an interview of me.<a href="http://talesfrompasifika.com/2014/05/28/a-chat-with-tanya-taimanglo/"> LINK here</a>. Thank you, talesfrompasifika!Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-53206099873285924862014-05-21T14:16:00.000-07:002014-05-21T14:20:46.208-07:00Attitude 13 Receives a Lovely, Honest Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVdsKIhyphenhyphenNFMZv5msafrUqa_u_dUogvndnw4L6v7ZXYEFIiA1tO0FxFTC7FN58NFercgO31PJEm7dAVWtRfnd6wpD6E9N_NJ4lBumHUaZiNI202BNJbj_pxJ2DWYCPzGj6J-R5fe_7IMk/s1600/logo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVdsKIhyphenhyphenNFMZv5msafrUqa_u_dUogvndnw4L6v7ZXYEFIiA1tO0FxFTC7FN58NFercgO31PJEm7dAVWtRfnd6wpD6E9N_NJ4lBumHUaZiNI202BNJbj_pxJ2DWYCPzGj6J-R5fe_7IMk/s320/logo1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><b>"In addition to being very interesting, the book is also beautifully written. The author is a former English teacher and that can be noticed quite easily. Vivid imagery changes the words into thousands of pictures that appear in your mind, unlocking your imagination. Suddenly you are transferred to a different place, far away from home, where the youngs and olds share their stories with you."</b> <br />
--TalesFromPasifika.com<br />
</blockquote><br />
I never thought I could say I had a friend in Poland.<i> But, I do.</i><br />
I never thought my stories or my words would impact someone in another country. <i>But, they do.</i><br />
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I'm thankful for the support of the wonderful blogger of <a href="http://talesfrompasifika.com/2014/05/21/attitude-13-a-daughter-of-guams-collection-of-short-stories-by-tanya-taimanglo/">TalesFromPasifika.</a> Someone who loves all things Pasifika, who took the time to learn about me and my books. Someone who supports me unsolicited. <br />
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Here is TalesFromPasifika's review of my collection of short stories, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Attitude-13-Daughter-Collection-Stories/dp/1452072418"><i>Attitude 13.<br />
</i></a><br />
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<a href="http://talesfrompasifika.com/2014/05/21/attitude-13-a-daughter-of-guams-collection-of-short-stories-by-tanya-taimanglo/">LINK HERE! </a><br />
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You can follow this great blog on <a href="https://twitter.com/PasifikaTales">TWITTER! @PasifikaTales</a><br />
Always grateful,<br />
Tanya TaimangloTanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-21424053774011827952014-05-14T13:43:00.001-07:002014-05-14T13:53:01.275-07:00Let's Meet...Tony Dela Cruz, Artist of TDCart<b><blockquote>"All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."--<i>Pablo Picasso</i></blockquote></b><br />
<blockquote>I've decided to start a <b>Let's Meet...series</b> to highlight artists, writers and the like whom I admire. <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TDCart">Tony Dela Cruz</a>, a fellow islander from Guam is the <b>FIRST</b> subject of my series. <br />
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I've met Tony once, at a Comic Con, which is no surprise to people who know me. I set off to find him at the artists’ tables because my brother and sister-in-law told me he was there. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoseCityCC">Rose City Comic Con</a> was a welcoming, laid back experience and finding Tony was a breeze (I compare my Portland con experience to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/comiccon?rf=103107216395767">San Diego’s</a>, which is massive and overwhelming and tons of geeky fun having been to twice).<br />
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When I found Tony, he recognized me as my kid brother’s sister. Sonny is also an artist. We exchanged pleasantries and I recall asking him if he had any Wonder Woman art, my favorite hero of all time. He graciously directed me to another artist, but I leaned in and told Tony that I would only want to support him, both being from Guam.<br />
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Thanks to Facebook, I’ve been able to watch Tony’s art portfolio grow. I’m eying several of his Wonder Woman designs and will make good on my promise. Soon, Tony, soon! <br />
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<i>With his own words, I hope you enjoy learning more about this talented artist!</i><br />
</blockquote><br />
<i>1. When did this passion for art start?</i><br />
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<b>Pretty early, a couple things really stand out, I remember being a kid watching some artist on PBS drawing workers on a bridge with charcoal and I recall trying to copy what the artist was doing as he was doing it. I also grew up watching my Dad doodle on tiny strips of paper, something I find myself doing from time to time to this day.</b><br />
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<i>2. Why the comic genre specifically?</i><br />
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<b> When I was 13, a lot of my classmates and specifically my cousins were heavily into comic books. It was either that or Dungeons and Dragons, which I never really understood. I opened up one of my cousin’s comic books and I was just hooked from the get go. I started collecting then and have yet to stop. Comics have also helped me grow my skills too. I believe if you’re going to learn something why not incorporate things you love and make the journey enjoyable.<br />
</b><br />
<i>3. Where are you based?</i><br />
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<b> I am based in Seattle, WA more specifically West Seattle.</b><br />
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<i>4. Where can people see your art, purchase? Contact info.</i><br />
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<b> I am currently hosting an art page on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TDCart">(facebook.com/TDCart)</a> I also have my professional portfolio page (<a href="http://adc1171.wix.com/adc">adc1171.wix.com/adc</a>.) This site showcases my professional work in the gaming industry. I also now have an art store (<a href="http://tdcart.storenvy.com/">tdcart.storenvy.com</a>) and I can be reached at adc1171@gmail.com</b><br />
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<i>5. How is the comic con experience for you as an attendee/fan and artist vendor?</i><br />
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<b>The funny thing is have been doing conventions for 8-9 years now and have only attended as a fan once. As an exhibitor in Artist Alley it has been an enriching experience. It has pushed me out of my artistic shell and comfort zones and has forced me to grow and learn to network and market myself better as an artist. Something not every artist is taught in school.</b><br />
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<i>6. How would you describe your style?</i><br />
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<b>I tend to favor a very illustrative style. Comic books have definitely influenced this. I used to work as a graphic artist on Guam and some elements of that type of work also drive certain decisions. </b><br />
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<i>7. Who are your influences?</i><br />
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<b>In comics, I was very influenced in my youth by John Byrne, Art Adams, John Buscema, Jack Kirby, Walt Simonson to name a few. More modern artists have played a role as well like Alex Ross, his composition and sense of design is very strong. In terms of art as a whole, Normal Rockwell, Salvador Dali, and the great masters of course.</b><br />
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<i>8. Which character(s) are you all time favorite(s) to illustrate?</i><br />
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<b><br />
My absolute favorite character to draw is the Hulk. By far, the most challenging yet most liberating. I actually find myself making angry faces/expressions as I draw him. </b><br />
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<i>9. What medium do you illustrate with? Digital? Paints? </i><br />
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<b>I primarily use the digital medium nowadays. Photoshop, Sketchbook Pro and Manga Studio are my go to tools now. But when all else fails I always go back to pencils and paper. I just feel I am most comfortable with a pencil in hand.</b><br />
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<i>10. Any comments/observations/criticisms on any of the upcoming comic based movies?</i><br />
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<b>As a whole I think we are living in a great era of cinema and comic books. Advances in technology have helped. My personal opinion though is that the writing has yet to catch up. The movies coming out of the Marvel/Disney pairing are a strong step in the right direction. There are still some curious creative choices being made from the top out there. It’s definitely a challenge when the Internet and the notion of ”creating something new and exciting” come into play. My biggest criticism is too much information gets spoiled early now. A certain movie that just came out is a perfect example of overexposure killing interest.</b><br />
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<i>11. Marvel or DC?</i><br />
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<b>Ah, I grew up Marvel. To this day 98% of my monthly pull box at the comic shop is still Marvel. There was a brief dalliance with the DC universe in the mid to late 80’s, but that has stopped as a whole. I’m not knocking the DC universe, but my first love of comics will always find me back at Marvel.</b><br />
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<i>12. We are commonly connected because of growing up on Guam. What do you most miss about the island?</i><br />
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<b>I definitely miss the people and the culture. I love Seattle, and generally people here have been terrific, but nothing beats home.</b><br />
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<i>13. Please add any additional information you would like the readers to know about you.<br />
</i><br />
<b>As a Marvel fanboy, it was my dream come true to work first hand on an online game for Marvel called, Marvel Superhero Squad Online as well as providing artwork for the physical trading card game that accompanied.<br />
</b><br />
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Thank you, Tony! Please check him out at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TDCart">TDCart!</a>Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6447224548794055373.post-82768548626065382372014-05-07T13:29:00.000-07:002014-05-07T13:29:51.109-07:00Happy Anniversary, Phoenix and Thomas!My romantic comedy, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Shopper-Tanya-Taimanglo-ebook/dp/B00COPBPKS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=">Secret Shopper</a> has been swimming in the indie author literary universe for a year now. It's been nice getting feedback, both good and bad about this love story.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeAY9zxz_qyvboSUvAuiRRU7cJFuh3p-uyRJG_314h_v7ly-ccD29AkNo7oWSR7WBiNyhWj9wWIjkDfyBYkWNiFkoaV7FcUp0M7c_rO2JIss7L3dkpgQE830tWW216AZzUfqfaH_CHqs/s1600/ebook+anniversary+sale.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdeAY9zxz_qyvboSUvAuiRRU7cJFuh3p-uyRJG_314h_v7ly-ccD29AkNo7oWSR7WBiNyhWj9wWIjkDfyBYkWNiFkoaV7FcUp0M7c_rO2JIss7L3dkpgQE830tWW216AZzUfqfaH_CHqs/s400/ebook+anniversary+sale.JPG" /></a></div>Thank you, everyone! The EBook is just 99 cents for a few more days as a celebration. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Shopper-Tanya-Taimanglo-ebook/dp/B00COPBPKS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=">LINK HERE!</a><br />
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Tanya Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08391200093243830244noreply@blogger.com0