Category: Uncategorized

True Story Bro

Nickname: Well I have a couple… my friends call me D and my brother calls me Bones.

Any siblings: Yes indeed… the lineup is as follows: Me, Alyssa aka Lu and Zach aka Bubba.

Do you drink: Rarely, I’m not too keen on alcohol, however, every so often I do enjoy a Mike’s hard black cherry lemonade or a Corona with a pinch of salt and a lime wedge of course.

Favorite store: Well, you can more times than not find me perusing bookstores, music shops, the market/ farmer’s markets.

Phobia: You all know this list…lol. Clowns, Porcelain Dolls (yes that includes puppets and ventriloquist dolls). I have a deeper fear, but let’s keep the tempo of this blog light shall we.

Cats or dogs: I love both, but if needing to lean towards one a little more…I love the dogs.

Idea of the perfect date: I’m a simple girl who would be in heaven with a pizza and a movie…yeah, I know…

Any scars/piercings or tattoos: Scars, yeah I’ve got a few. A couple mental, a couple physical (my partying gifts from time spent in the hospital, lol) Scars are still sexy right? Piercings, nope not a one. Tattoos, I have four strategically placed tattoos (get your mind outta the gutter 😜).

Last time you cried: That’s for me, Rico, Bob, Carol, Karen, Jose, Angela and Steve to know and for you to find out. PS, I have no idea who any of those people are.

Do you give second chances: Depends on the crime committed. Parole is possible lol.

Favorite animal: Sea turtles and giraffes are frickin awesome. I know the question isn’t in plural form, but I’m a rule bender, sometimes.

Favorite sports teams: Baseball: Yankees, Football: Giants, Hockey: Kings, Basketball: Lakers.

Favorite color: Purple

Favorite flower: Lilies, Sunflowers and Candycane Roses.

Most important person: My family and friends.

Jealous type: Not even, I don’t have time for that toxic shit. Jealousy ruins trust.

Biggest wish: Finding happiness and love.

Biggest fear: I thought we were keeping this light. Alright, if I must… My biggest fear is that one day I will self destruct, losing to myself.

Favorite band: I love how we go from a deep level to casual conversation in just two questions. I’m going with my top five here… Fall Out Boy, 3DD, Twenty One Pilots, Blink 182, Eminem (I know he’s technically not a band, but his music gets me through those frustrating moments).

Favorite song right now: Trouble by Cage the Elephant and Bandito by TØP.

Someone you miss: My Popee.

Something you love/ hate about yourself: I’m pretty fond of my freckles. I hate that I’m a sucker for those infamous puppy dog eyes.

Day or Night: They both have their inspiring moments.

Questions and Pasta

1. How long have you been blogging?

I began blogging Dec 2015, so rounding the three mark year here soon.

2. Do your friends and family support you in this?

My family supports my writing, but they don’t read my blog lol. My friends read my stuff all of the time. One of my best friends and I enjoy collaborating on blog topics.

3. Which is your favorite time of the day?

Definitely the evening/ night. Cooking dinner while dancing in the kitchen, being in comfy clothes aka hoodie and yoga sweats. Then a coffee (hot or iced depending) and watching either a movie or food network (dude, Halloween Wars! Zesty Zombies or Candy Cadavers guys?).

4. What would be your dream vacation?

No specific location, just to travel the world, soak in different cultures, taste the delicious eats, be in awe of all the beautiful architecture and get lost in the different genres of the local bands.

5. What genre of movies you like best?

Thriller, horror, comedy and yes even a romcom every now and then. (Certain movies I watch solo because there are certain scenes that make me cry) lol.

6. What do you wake up to?

My alarm clock which plays the hook to Stat Frosty Royal Milk Tea.

7. Are you a morning person?

Depends on how the night played out. I’m not grumpy though, it’s more of a “I’m up, but I’m not awake” situation 😉.

8. What motivates you?

All of the negativity in the world. Sounds weird, I know. Oh, and a bowl of Reese’s Puffs (without milk)

9. How do you think your friends see you?

I think they see me as someone who loves her squad, knowing that I will always have their backs, no matter what.

For you I’d go step to a dude much bigger than me… -Twenty One Pilots

Someone who knows she’s not perfect, but she tries her hardest everyday. Someone who never gives up. And, as someone who has the ability to always make you laugh.

10. What would be your idea for saving the environment from pollution ?

Creating an environmentally sustainable fuel that doesn’t put out toxic emissions. Fuel used for any vehicle.

11. Happy or peaceful, what is more important to you?

Well, I find peace within my contentment so…

What’s your most prized possession?

I try not to place too much value in possessions, but I’ll say that my 5th Generation U2 iPod. That amazing piece of technology got me through some of the darkest times in my life. It definitely had a well lived life, I drained the battery listening to that little guy for a few years, every day. Still have it. That little black life savor filled with thousands of songs.

Do you believe in ghosts? Tell me why or why not.

Yes, but if I told you you’d think I was crazy 😉

I’m friends with the monster that’s under my bed… -Eminem

Deep dish or thin crust pizza?

Depends…fan of both. 🍕

If you could have dinner with any celebrity or public figure, who would it be and why?

Since this doesn’t specify alive or dead, I wish I could have dinner with Robin Williams. The man was a legend.

What are your top three places on your travel bucket/wish list?

China….during the spring when the cherry blossom trees bloom

Ireland…I’m part Irish

Australia…for the beaches, kangaroo and koala sanctuaries and to see the sites.

Where’s your favorite place in the world?

New York…it’s a beautiful melting pot.

Are you a dog or a cat person?

I haven’t met an animal I didn’t want to hold, pet or play with. I love all the furry creatures.

Let’s settle this once and for all: Which is better, McDonald’s or Burger King?

Ewww…neither lol. Ever heard of In-N-Out 😉

What would your dream job be?

I’m working on my dream job now…Writer 🖤

Do you think your personality aligns with the traits associated with your zodiac sign?

Yes and No… I’m a Scorpio chick 🦂

What’s your favorite chore and your least favorite chore?

Ok listen, chores are a love hate relationship.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People that tag me in clown pics even though they know I HATE CLOWNS!! 😉

Where did you get your name?

My biological father chose it…

If you could change your name, what would it be?

I actually like my name..it’s different and pretty cool.

What was your favorite TV show as a kid?

Tales From the Crypt on Nickelodeon.

Do you have any weird habits?

Let’s just say that there isn’t always music playing even though I’m wearing my headphones 😉

Do you like fall scents/tastes?

Pumpkin spice world baby! Get on my level!

What is your favorite holiday and why?

As much as I love Hallowthanksmas (yes, you read that right) Christmas is my ultimate favorite. There is just something calming, almost magical in the frost bitten air. Yeah, I know…cheesy.

Do you prefer writing it down or typing it up?

Both…I love writing it down then recreating it as I type it out.

Cable or Netflix?

Both…

If money didn’t matter what would you do with your life?

Write…travel..create my own foundation…try the house coffee at all the local coffee shops when traveling…help those who deal with suicide ideation…

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

There’s this immortal program embedded into my brain that doesn’t allow me to give up. So, no matter how gnarly the storm, I’ll see it through and come out the other side. A little worse for wear, but a little wiser.

Riddler

Riddle me this…

I don’t know you, so why are you…

…constantly on my mind?

…constantly in my heart?

…constantly popping into my dreams?

…what do I do?

Got so much to lose
Got so much to prove
God, don’t let me lose my mind

Trouble on my left, trouble on my right
I’ve been facing trouble almost all my life
My sweet love, won’t you pull me through?
Everywhere I look, I catch a glimpse of you

Verbal Traffic Jam

Reason #723 why I love music…when the verbal traffic jam hits, lyrics rush in to calm the mental rush hour.

(Ok, I don’t think that I could actually ramble off 723 reasons as to why I love music, however it’s nearly 1am and the brain isn’t currently caffeinated at high enough levels to fully function. So, you’ll have to cut me a little slack. 👻)

My mind is currently feeling all of the feels, more prominently this emotion…

“Wanna know where I don’t go
When it goes from OK to a oh no
When it goes from hi five to a low blow
When it goes from all five to a solo
Lemme tell you what you don’t know
I been down, so low
I was looking for something but denying that I found it
There’s an elephant sitting in the room
And I can’t find another way to tiptoe around it
I been doing greater good for a long time
But I can’t find any other way to give now
I been putting myself on the sideline
And it’s been time so I’m saying can I live now…” -Mike Shinoda

My heart continues to feel this emotion.. and it won’t stop. ( How do I make it stop?)…

“You could be my someone you could be my scene
You know that I’ll protect you from all of the obscene
I wonder what you’re doing imagine where you are
There’s oceans in between us but that’s not very far…” -Puddle of Mudd

Well there it is, verbally expressed thoughts without speaking a single word.

Alright guys, I hope you have a good night or day and I’ll chat with you later. Time for a little ice cream and Netflix or Hulu…let’s see what looks good. Peace out. 🖤

I am Derra Sabo and I approve the above message 👍

Shame On Me

Hey guys, one of my best friends and I collaborated on this blog idea. Brandi and I wrote about self love. Please make sure you head over to her blog and check out her piece & amazing work. She is such a talented writer.

Something ain’t right inside of me… -MGK

Shame on me for having freckles that are sporadically speckled all over my body. Shame on me for having scars that intermingle with certain areas on my body. Shame on me for not having a perfect human form that is beautifully tan and unblemished.

Shame on me for having a physical disorder that has left behind evidence of surgeries. Shame on me for being a size zero in jeans, I must having an eating disorder, right. Shame on me for not being the perfect specimen that society prefers I’d be in order to be deemed acceptable.

Shame on me…

I became such a strange shape tryin’ to fit in… -FOB

Shame on me for finding contentment within myself, with my body. Shame on me for loving my porcelain freckled skin. Shame on me for being proud of my scars, for they are the proof that I have survived many battles, both physical and mental. Shame on me for tarnishing my body with inky pictures that describe certain parts of my life’s story.

Shame on me for having an appetite for all different types of cuisine, including delicious carbs. Shame on me for being born into this world damaged and loving that fact.

Shame on me for loving humans for who they are, for their intellectual minds, their kind hearts and beautiful souls. Shame on me for not judging someone because of their imperfections.

Shame on me for going against the grain, for thinking outside the box, for standing up for what’s right and shame on me for starting a fire and continually adding fuel to it.

Shame on me…

Sing it for the boys, sing it for the girls…sing it out for the ones that will hate your guts… sing it for the world…MCR

Entertainer Blogger Award

Firstly, thank you to Andrea over at The Perks of Being Different for nominating me to attach a few answers to a few fun questions. These types of posts are cool and they give you a few fun facts about the bloggers you follow. So without further ado…

Why did you start blogging in the first place?

-I began this whole blogging journey in hopes of finding contentment within myself. This life of mine has been anything, but easy or boring, I was definitely dealt that “shit” card in my hand. A lot of mental struggles came attached with the physical struggles. Writing and blogging became apart of my outlets, a way of healing myself instead of harming myself. I continue to blog about my scars in hopes that it helps someone out there who is going through or has gone through their own struggles. 🖤

What is your favourite book?

I love this question, but it is hard to answer. It’s like asking what’s my favorite song. I have to say though, I’ve always been very partial to The Great Gatsby. 🖤

What do you dislike the most?

I know that I could answer this question with a serious aspect, but instead we’re going to to dip into my weirdness here. I dislike mushrooms. I do, I just don’t like them. I do like those little mushroom toads in the Mario Bros. games, you know those guys with the cute red or green polka dotted mushroom heads. Actual mushrooms, nope and I’ve tried liking them believe me. I don’t mind their earthy flavor so much, it’s their texture I just can’t seem to get past. To phrase my five year old self, “they’re squishy “. I’ve tried. 🍄😝

What is your favorite food at the mall?

Oooo, now we’re talking, food. Mall food? I’ve got to go with pizza. I love a slice of New York style pizza. Bomb! 🍕😋

What is your favorite pastime?

Part of me wants to say a baseball game because I have grown to love sporting events thanks to my Dad, Go Yankees! Part of me wants to say a good ol’ fashioned piece of apple pie because, well, foodie over here. But, I’m going to go with the ultimate classic, summer days/ nights at the beach. Blue skies, warm vitamin-d sunrays, soothing sand and ocean, family and friends, bonfires and s’mores. You just can’t beat it. 😎🏖

Dear You | Storyteller Alley

http://www.storytelleralley.com/content/dear-you

Dear You

Dear You is a collection of letters written to the people and events that have made the most impactful influences in my life. This book started out as a personal series of letters to the people I love. Letters filled with memories and life lessons. I began writing these letters after finding out that I was very sick. As each letter was written, certain events and memories began popping into my mind which inspired more letters. Dear You is my way of sharing an underdog story about a girl who was never meant to live, but did. I’ve survived surgeries, bullies, depression and being suicidal. I’ve seen this world at its brightest and at its darkest. Living with a rare disorder has allowed me to see this crazy thing we call life in a whole different perspective. The main message embedded within Dear You is my message to those out there who feel like giving up, who feel alone or forgotten, those who feel lost…you are worth everything this life has to offer, never ever give up. The book opens and closes with a letter i have addressed to the reader…hence, Dear You.

Author Bio

My name is Derra Sabo, I am a Cali native who stumbled into writing as a way to escape the daily life as the freak born with a rare disorder. That disorder being Epidermolysis Bullosa, or EB for a non tongue twisted pronunciation. I was the kid who was never meant to live past the age of 14 and here I am 33 years young. The best way to describe my life is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. My family and friends are my everything. My scars and past demons are my inspiration to never give up. While most of my insomnia nights are filled with writing and tunes vibrating through my beats headphones, my days are my time to spend with my squad, cooking, movies, reading, blogging and spending as much time as possible at the beach. I’m the extroverted introvert who loves a good sunset and a caramel macchiato.

Connect with Derra on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon

  • Critic Score:92/100

    Our Review Ranking:

    A Great Read

Our Review

Our Review

Cover:

This cover design does not do this great story the justice it deserves.

Cover design problems:

The background is blurry and is actually a problem for the eye to view easily.

The objects super-imposed in the foreground: a laptop, a tablet and pen, a vase with feathers in it, and a cup of coffee, all look like they were drag and dropped onto the cover from a collection of emojis or computer icons. The size ratio and distance between any and all of them in relation to each other is badly out of proportion. The computer itself actually looks like it’s floating instead of sitting on the desk, that’s made worse by the shadows on the edges of all the items not matching one another.

None of the cover elements reflect any part of the story or the struggle within the pages of this book.

Cover typography is not bad. Size of font for the book title as well as name of author are fine.

Book Blurb:

The blurb for this book is a good introduction to the story inside. It draws interest by speaking of particular events included in the book as well as the promise of helpful advice gained through the experiences of the author.

There is a typo in the last sentence of the book blurb. The “I” should be capitalized.

Formatting :

There are some problems with formatting.

Most of the front matter is in correct order , but the introduction is the first thing the reader sees in the book and it’s not labeled as an ‘Introduction‘.

The “Dear Beach” letter is written as though it is one of the Chapters or “letters” and it is placed before the title page of the book.

There is no Table of Contents included . Since the Chapters or “letters” are each very distinctly labeled sections of the book, it would be good to list them in a table of contents.

Pages are numbered well, beginning with page 11 where chapter one(the first letter entitled “Dear You”) begins.

Some paragraphs are indented, some are not.

Paragraphs and sentences all run together in block form, making the book difficult to read.

There are paragraphs with double space between them when they should be touching.

Grammar & Spelling:

Grammar and spelling in this book runs just passably fair. I found a several errors for grammar and spelling as well as quite a few problems regarding sentence structure, missing words, and missing and/or incorrect puntuation.

Character Development:

To say that character development is a big part of this book would be an understatement! In fact, I would say that this book is predominantly aboutcharacter development.
All of the ‘letters’ in this book from the author to each individual list in great detail the ups and downs of the things they’ve gone through together which have developed their characters in one way or another over time.
It outlines this development of each character including that of the author in a very clear, and detailed way. As the story develops so do it’s characters.

The underlying theme that threads it’s way through this book is one of the main characters’ caring and unswerving devotion to others as well as to herself. It demonstrates a continued growth and change of inner self.

Plot & Structure:

The structure of the book is decent. Throughout most of the book the author is narrating each letter to family members and friends and you read them as an outsider looking in. Further into the book the letters change and actually feel as though they’re written in the presence of the reader, as though this was the final point of the work as a whole.

The plot of the book ,one of struggle and recovery , moves well all the way through without becoming monotonous or repetitive.

Pacing:

Story is paced well all the way through . Each letter shows a new aspect of the family and friends that surround the author. The more you read ,the better understanding you have of where the author is coming from with different comments and outlooks over time. The reasons why certain things are said or done become clear as it progresses.

Use of Language:

The use of language is fair. The book uses the language of the day and is easy to understand . Even the brief and infrequent use of the word “ain’t” is acceptable given the conceptual layout of this book. It speaks the lanugauge of the common man in today’s times.

Originality:

I find no problems with the originality of this book. It reads as a story unique to it’s author while reaching out to those in similar circumstances.
This book provides an interesting look into the mind of a children growing up in the digital age. Conversations between siblings via digital means such as I-pods and music shared via digital devices etc, all reveal an inside look of how kids see the world in the time they’ve been born into.
It also provides a look at someone dealing with many troubles at a very young age and overcoming them to live a good life.

Overall Readability:

Overall , I can say I enjoyed reading this book. In spite of the writing problems it had, my interest in the storyline kept me turning pages to see what was next.

A Note From the Critic:

I enjoyed reading this book and I wasn’t sure I would when I started it. It turned out to be a well written story related in a very personable way that is friendly to the reader. I believe it will do what the author intended and be a help to others that are going through similar difficulties in life and I can recommend it as good in that regard.
Toward the end of the book, in the letter entitled “Dear World” the authors remembrance of Nine-Eleven is a touching tribute to the strength of our nation and it’s people on a very dark day that forever changed the way we see the world.
There are quite a few problems inside as far as errors in grammar and formatting, as well as the occasional typo,bad sentence structure or spelling mistake . This surprises me as I see on the title page that it has been published with a traditional publishing house and I expected they would have a round of proofreading for each book they put out. It could use just a little polishing, but it is overall a great read and I am happy to have read it!