The New Book

Okay, okay! I know I have been talking about this new book for a while and I swear I am almost finished with it. I am adding, editing, etc., but I am seriously thinking it will be completely finished in the next week or so. But, then again, to me... None of my work is ever finished. I admit it. I am a perfectionist and I over-think things too much.

BUT now, I'm asking for your opinion. Below is something I wrote that I want on the back cover. Please tell me if you would like to read the book based on this and if it sounds good to you! You can comment on here, e-mail me at krystal@krystalbparrish.com, add me on facebook and tell me there (www.facebook.com/krystalbparrish), or tweet me (@KrystalParrish). Thanks so much!!!

                      "A year after watching her husband die, Mary Ellen Pierre is left, 

                confined in her garage, to dwell on her memories... Until she is sent 

                on a whirlwind of adventures, at her late husband's last request.

                       Something is waiting on her. Something big. Something she can 

                only get to by following the rules of this final scavenger hunt 

                around America.

                       Join her on this crazy adventure as Mary Ellen uncovers a secret 

                that will blow her mind, and yours!"

Switched at Birth - Episode 4

Okay, folks, before I begin my review, if you can even call it that, of the amazing show, "Switched at Birth," there is something you all need to know. I am no longer writing for the website which published my articles before. I chose to quit writing to them because they are misleading. They tell you your views are what your pay is based on, when in actuality, it's the number of ad clicks. Well, I'm sorry but my writing is far more important to me than 6 pennies for 5 articles. Ugh! So, until I start writing for a new company, one where I can continue my articles on this show, I will be posting them on my blog. Now, on to the show.

So, my loving son allowed me to watch, "Switched at Birth," last night, almost, totally interrupted. I think it's because he could tell, possibly from me talking to the television, that I was upset with the show, or just crazy. Trust me, I'm not crazy. :)

Truthfully, I thought the episode was great except for the fact that Daphne is still getting all of the attention, and Bay is thrown out like a dog again. I mean, really? Oh, and I'm sure I have mentioned it before, but I am a huge fan of Constance Marie, so I'm not mad at her, I'm mad at her character (not her personal character, obviously, I mean the character she's playing on the show). Geez, she was standing right there when Bay nearly broke down in tears from watching her family all over Daphne, and them not even noticing she was drinking. Yes, Regina did take the drink from her, but what she really needed was a hug from her MOM. Her real, or biological mom. I mean, come on, if Bay's "parents" are all over their biological kid, why shouldn't she expect the same from her mom.

Seriously, what is taking so long? Four episodes and no real interaction between Bay and Regina? If it doesn't happen next week, I may just have to break down and cry myself.

On the other hand, there was something I quite admired about last night's episode. The ASL scenes. In-depth conversations with only the beautiful art of communicating with your hands. It's amazing.

And, I am proud of John and Kathryn for coming out and telling everyone the truth... And, of course, for Toby's band. They rocked and Emmit was amazing.

Apologies for not having too much to say this time. I'm kind of hung up on the whole Bay and Regina thing. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good interaction with them next week. Only 6 more days until the next episode... You'll hear more from me on this topic then. But until then, or my next post about anything even, remember Sign Language Just Learn It (On twitter at @SignLangLearn) and remember to ALWAYS hug your children! You never know if you'll be in my shoes and come close to losing the person you love most in this world. Goodnight friends!

It's A Great Day... Because I Said So!

A motivational piece from my upcoming book, "Get Off Your Butt!"

How many times have you told yourself it's going to be a great day? How many times have you actually made it happen? The majority of Americans today would much rather have their bad day than do something about it. There is no reason why you can't have a good day if you want, unless you're dealing with a tragic event, of course. YOU have to WANT it... YOU have to MAKE it happen! Below are some tips I use.

1.) MAKE A PLAYLIST with music that puts you in a good mood and gets you going. You know what I'm talking about... That music that you just can't help dance to or sing aloud to every time it comes on. Play these songs first thing in the morning, when you're trying to awaken from those short hours of sleep you managed to get, and as you're trying to get ready for what the day holds. 

2.) MAKE A LIST of the things you are blessed with or happy for. An example might be your family, your job, your home, or even something silly like your favorite show is coming on tonight. Be sure to steer clear of negative thoughts or images while writing this list. You can't allow one semi-negative entry on this list because it could send you spiralling into a list that is sure to ruin your day.

3.) MAKE YOURSELF SMILE at the people you pass on the street, at work, or even just in the grocery store. Now, sure there are miserable, grumpy people that will look at you as if you were an alien walking on earth in a woman's dress, but more often than not you are sure to receiving smiling replies, and probably even a "Hello, How are you?" When you show others you are happy, the become envious and want to show off their happiness. It's a chain reaction. Try it out. I'm not lying.

4.) MAKE IT GO in one ear and out of the other when people say something that makes you want to stomp baby rabbits. Here's a funny thing to try. When someone says something that gets your blood boiling, picture something humiliating happening to them. Ha! Your male boss coming into work late with a pink tutu and tights on is sure to make you laugh. 

I'm not going to go into all of them because if I did, that would ruin too much of my book for you. But here are a few to get you through until, "Get Off Your Butt!," is released. Hope they help!

First Radio Interview

     About an hour ago, I did my FIRST radio interview for KAPB radio station in Marksville, LA. I was super nervous but it turned out good and I am so grateful for the opportunity to spread the word about my book and raise awareness for Congenital Heart Disease. Last year, I co-hosted a radio show out of Corpus Christi, Tx with my dad, Mike Parrish, but this was the first one for my book, "Save His Heart." It's funny. For the first time in my life, I have no words to write! :)

First Official Blog

    Of course, I have written tons of blogs and even more entries in my journals and diaries, but this is my first official blog since my book, "Save His Heart," was published. In a way, everything still feels the same, but then again, everything still feels so different, too. It's the same because they are still my words, my feelings, my thoughts. But they are different because now people are reading my words... People are reading how I feel and what I think about things. People are reading my book, the story of my journey and my son's journey with Congenital Heart Disease. People now know my weaknesses, my fears, and even about my meltdowns; All of the things I experienced during my son's battle.

    The only thing I don't like about having our story out there is that I constantly re-live those horrifying moments every day. I remember the pain I felt for him, I remember how frightened I felt from the first doctor's visit, and I remember my biggest meltdown - when the anesthesiologist took him out of my arms and told me to tell him goodbye. Goodbye! I hate that word. It's so final. But so many good things have come out of writing this book. I have finally been able to let our story out, the whole thing, in the open. I have been able to tell everyone how strong my little angel is. I have had requests from radio stations and a news station for radio interviews about "Save His Heart." But most importantly, I know in my heart, God has chosen Kendryck (my son) and I to be a living, walking testimony of His mercy and love. I know He wants us to share our story so that other families going through this awful and horrifying journey with CHD. I decided as a 20 year old, single mom I would devote my life to raise awareness of the disease that claims so many babies' lives, and nearly claimed my baby's life. So, that is what I am doing. I am raising awareness the best way I know how, with my writing. I sincerely hope our story, and my next book, "CHD: The Untold Stories - Volume I," (which is a compilation of stories of 3 children from all 50 states, will help at least one family going down this narrow road. Thank you all for joining me. I hope you all enjoyed reading.