DAYS OF OUR LIVES

     As much as I hate to admit the fact I still watch Days of Our Lives after 37 years I hate to admit even more that the writers have been nothing more than inconsistent and unbelievable for the past few years.  Characters come back from the dead, years after they have been killed off the show, and ressurected by mad scientist. Characters go to jail for murder, kidnapping and rape and get to go free after a few months and don't let me get into the fact they have unlimited free time to call anyone they want and get a multitude of visitors while being held for questioning at the Salem Police Dept and even more so in prison. They escape prison, get caught, no solitary confinement and still allowed visitors so no additional time given. The list goes on and on. The stories become more and more unrealistic and the writers seem to think all viewers are clueless or lack the intelligence to see they are struggling to come up with acceptable and realistic story lines.  The ratings cannot be that great in recent years and these are the key points why.

Kristen DiMera, stabs Victor Kiriakis, goes to jail and is taken away from the love of her life Brady Black, the daughter she just recently got back as she was switched at birth with a stillborn and raised by another for a year. In prison she is allowed to make constant phone calls, escapes by holding her brother at gun point as she grabbed a gun, very easily I may add, from a correctional officer and is able to walk out of the prison with no one else noticing. Kristen later turns herself in, gets put back in jail to then come up with another plan. Pretend to be ditzy Susan Banks again as she feels being in prison will open up the door for her love to move on with another. The entire Kristen D'Mera plot is tiring. No one can get away with all she has and still be free to continue to wreck havoc. Her character is pathetic, selfish, insecure and downright insane. 

Ben Weston & Ciara Brady Weston, separated for months as she is assumed tohave died in a car explosion. Months later she resurfaces behind a glass partition wheere she is being kept against her will. The connection between her and Ben so intense they appear in each others dreams. He finally rescues her after nw being in areal explosion and can remember everyone else except him when she comes out of surgery. 

Clare Brady, wants so much to be loved. Tries to kill Ciara as she feels the only ones available to be with her are ore interested in Ciara, goes to a mental instituttion and once released falls for th first guy she meets who then ends up being a rapist who eventualy gets killed off. Find someone for her she can stay with, open up the door for additional supporting characters. This swapping men thing must also stop. 

To the writers currently in place I ask, please do better or hire someone who can make the characters shine.  You have thirty seven years of viewing experience here speaking, but my mental capacity can't take the bs you guys are continuing to put out. It's not only repetitive, but also a bore. 

All rights reserved ~ Susan B. Anna 

SWEET TYMES IN GOSHEN NY

 

As small businesses struggled during a citywide shutdown to make ends meet and remain open after a three month hiatus it was wonderful to see our local shops opening and our city begin to flourish, and even more so to get out of the house. explore our surroundings and become a bit more familiar with the small businesses that make Main Street pop.

A FLASHBACK IN TIME

Sweet Tymes in Goshen New York was one of our first stops and what a true delight that venture turned out to be as we were greeted instantaneously and the shop took you back to your childhood years and memories of the penny candy shop you frequented every time a family member gave you a quarter. They had everything from Charleston Chew to Plenty of Honey, an assortment of organic and regular jellybeans, and let us not forget Fudge for every season ready for one to sample.

The customer service was incredible and since that first visit I have returned with my son, my niece and a third time with a friend who quickly grew interested once I told her about the many delectable candies one cannot easily find anywhere else. Each visit was better than the last and each person I brought in had the same wow experience I had.

If ever in the Orange County NY area it is highly recommended that you make some time for Sweet Tymes, you will not be disappointed, and you certainly will not leave empty handed. Did I mention they also serve locally made ice cream? Come in person or visit their website at shoplocalocny.com.  Holiday treats also await. Support our local businesses. It is up to us.

All rights reserved ~ Susan B.Anna

Author Spotlight

~ Elise Brooke

My story from survival to thrive

 My name is Elise Brooke, I grew up in Hawkes Bay NZ.  My parents moved to NZ from England and South Africa to create their New Zealand Dream, this quickly turned into my New Zealand nightmare. I have written and published two autobiographies in my book series, "The New Zealand Dream,” by Sheila my pen name, I wrote this book to inspire and give hope to others.  

    Writing is a very powerful healing tool, sharing your story can  help others as well as help you on your healing journey. I am a writing mentor who can help people write their own story or with any writing project they are creating.

My passion is creative writing, I’ve been writing for 24 years in fiction, non-fiction, poetry and content. I have published many articles and guest posted on various sites. I conduct interviews on my website which I built from scratch to help promote my fellow writers and host guest postings to collaborate with other writers.

My website is mynzdreamblog.com. One can follow me on Instagram at mynewzealanddream, facebook at fb.me/mynewzealanddream or join us in the group “A Journey of Transformation.”

A brief about my books

    “The New Zealand Dream” is a story and account of my life so far.

You take a journey from birth, growing up in a beautiful countrytown. Moving to the suburbs, discovering New Zealand’s underground in book one; "The Seeds are Sown." Life has been astruggle and a uphill climb, I was born with learning difficulties that caused me challenges every day. My mother, who single-handedly raised my brother and I suffered from mental health problems. Idove into the drug and alcohol scene at a young age, growing up surrounded by violence and gangs. I escaped a religious occult, got married and had children. In book two; "Growth and Destruction,"before I hit the age of thirty, I was a divorced single mother. My support network passed away, and I sank into a world of abuse. I stayed trapped in an abusive relationship for over eight years untilone night he nearly killed me and I finally escaped.  Within these books  you will meet characters you may relate to and characters that will shock you.  "Come on read my story, it is aimed to assist and attest to one being able to cope with setbacks and bounce back."  Elise  

Visit me at my blog if interested in being mentored or just want to collaborate. I have other writers share their work and post, you can too @ mynzdreamblog.com

A message from Susan B. Anna, I met Elise via FB and was instantly a fan. Can't wait to read her work and continue to collaborate and grow with her leadership and guidance. As writers/authors it is important to continue to uplift and support fellow artists.  Thank you Elise for sharing your work with Bella Newsletters, Reviews & more. Interview coming soon as can't wait.  ~ Susan

All rights reserved ~ Susan B. Anna