Monthly Archives: August 2016

Sitting Fit

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Whether we’re reading or writing or working in an office, most of us spend way too much time sitting. And the latest research on what that does to our health is downright scary—from back pain to obesity and even the increased risk of life threatening illnesses.

The good news is that making ourselves get up and move can change the picture.

Having spent my early adult life as a professional dancer, I already have trouble sitting for too long. But being a writer and editor and loving to read for pleasure in my spare time, that’s what I do for most of my days.

Here are some tips for staying fit and counteracting the negative effects of prolonged sitting that have helped me.

Set a timer. I try to get up every fifteen minutes.

Move your arms and legs when you get up. Maybe play one of your favorite tunes and dance, or if you’re at work, go to the ladies’ room and march in place for a full minute. So what if a co-worker comes in and thinks you’re a bit odd.

Sitting for so long often means our butt muscles lose tone. A good exercise for that is to get down on hands and knees and lift your leg behind you. I recommend at least two sets of ten on each leg. And if you want to get your stomach muscles involved, reach out the opposite arm as you lift the leg.

So how do you keep yourself fit when you have to sit?

 

Guest Author Josie Rivera Explores the Romany Culture

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Guest author Josie Rivera shares some tidbits from her research on Romany culture from her latest historical romance releasing today.

“Gadje Gadjensa, Rom Romensa.”

This is a Romany (Gypsy) saying that means “Gadje with Gadje, Rom with Rom.”

So what is a gadje? A gadje in the Romany language means “not one of us.” Many Rom prefer to not allow outsiders (us) into their lives. It’s no coincidence that in my hours, days, and months of researching the Romany for Seeking Patience, little information was available. Odd, because the Rom have lived in many places throughout the world for centuries. They’re a widely-traveled people. Yet there is little written history regarding their origins, although recent evidence points to an emigration from India 1500 years ago.

I believe the reason there is little information available is because the Rom simply prefer it that way. They are a proud people who keep to themselves. And they are nomads, forever on the move, traveling by horse and wagon in caravans.

It is no secret that the Rom have suffered persecution, prejudice, exclusion, and discrimination for centuries. The “Gypsy” stereotype includes a criminal, fortune-teller, blacksmith, thief, and musician, a dark-complexioned, shadowy figure. But why do so many of us harbor this unfair prejudice? Perhaps because of the Rom’s nomadic existence, lack of a solid religious belief, and exotic clothes and lifestyle. Their dialect is distinct and related to Sanskrit. Their tradition is oral, for they didn’t have the luxury of building libraries.

One belief shared by all Rom is cleanliness. Mahrime means unclean or polluted. To avoid mahrime, clothes covering the top half of their body are washed separately from clothes on the bottom. Certain parts of the female body are considered unclean, and doctors are sometimes avoided because they deal with illness. And, a Rom can become polluted by being too close to a gadje.
These are some of the issues examined for her new Regency Historical Romance SEEKING PATIENCE

Now available on Kindle iBooks Nook Kobo

Do people prove their worth by strength, or by character?

Half-Romany, half-English lord, he lives a perilous Gypsy life … until a sweet English rose saves his life, and perhaps his soul. Widowed by a cruel husband, she’s given up all hope of love. Brought together in peril, they dare to reach for a brighter future together.

Luca Boldor, Romany leader, lives a nomad’s life in Regency England with his Gypsy caravan. Believing his noble father abandoned him at birth, he refuses to acknowledge his English blood, or live a settled life. But when a vicious attack by a rival leaves him bleeding on an English lady’s doorstep, he has no choice but to accept her help. Her gentle faith stirs his heart in a way he has long denied.

Lady Patience Blakwell, widowed countess, lives in near poverty. Her husband’s heir uses threats to keep her from demanding her rightful inheritance. With a few faithful servants, she exists quietly in the country, only her faith keeping her strong … until the day a bold, handsome Gypsy collapses in her hall. He’s unlike any man she’s ever known, and she’ll confront any subterfuge to keep him safe.

But when a secret from Lady Patience’s past emerges, Luca must face his own past, or lose her and all hope of love. Will this strong man humble himself to open his heart for his lady?

Best-selling author Josie Riviera writes Historical, Inspirational, and Sweet Romances. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband.They share their empty nest with an adorable Shih Tzu who constantly needs grooming and an old house forever needing renovations.