Category: Patriotism

Mental Health Amplified by Simone Biles & Update on Me!
Life Lessons · My Thoughts · Patriotism · Recovery

Mental Health Amplified by Simone Biles & Update on Me!

Larada Horner-Miller2 Comments
Mental Health

Mental health issues—our own great Simone Biles amplified mental health at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo! So far this year in Paris, she has won three medals and will win more, I’m sure. She has won a total of ten medal—seven gold medals. So many people criticized her for her choice in 2020, but I admire her for raising the level of awareness about mental health in the world. I have had my own personal experiences I would like to share and then I will update you on dog attack.

2020 Olympics in Tokyo

During the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, with the world’s eyes on Simone Biles, she made an unorthodox choice—she dropped out of the competition after experiencing “twisties” in the first event she competed in.

“When Biles stepped down from the vaulting podium after getting lost while attempting a two-and-a-half twisting vault in the women’s team final, she knew she couldn’t keep competing.

She had a case of the ‘twisties’ – where a gymnast’s mind and body fall out of sync.”

https://olympics.com/en/news/simone-biles-bravest-act-choosing-herself

In Tokyo, Simone later rejoined the competition, and the USA women’s gymnastic team went on to win the silver medal as a team, and Suni Lee stopped up and filled the gap and earned the gold medal in the women’s all-around. Many wondered about the future of Simone in professional gymnastics—some said horrible things about her, but she worked hard.

2024 Olympics in Paris

After four years of self-care and training, Simone has taken Paris by storm on her “Redemption Tour.” In 2023, she has married Jonathan Owens, a professional football player for the Chicago Bears. Just look at her now—she’s glowing! She has won three gold medals this Olympics and has the possibility of two more on Monday. Obviously, the choice she made in 2020 was the right one. Her emphasis on mental health encouraged other sports stars to share their personal struggles with mental health issues, making them more authentic!

Simone, A Mental Health Heroine

Self-care - mental health

When Simone decided to take care of herself above all else, she became a major heroine to me. I have done a variety of therapy in my life and know that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t. In recovery, we call that “self-care”—taking care of yourself ahead of everyone else. If I’m wounded and haven’t healed, in so many ways I have nothing to offer a relationship or the world. Yes, it’s scary to make that first call, to walk through that door and sit down, to open up about your deepest, darkest secrets. Doing this has given me the life I have today, a life I couldn’t have imagined.

Struggling with Mental Health Issues?

Struggling mentally - mental health

So many people choose not make that first call for a variety of reasons. But if life is crushing in on you right now, don’t hesitate. There are so many options today, especially with the internet tool, Zoom! Take a breath and look deep—self-care can save your life!

Finally, Lin and I have sat here and cheered our USA athletes on. This afternoon, we screamed and hollered when Noah Lyles won the 100-meter race by such a close call. Because of my injury, I’ve been a captive audience but I love it. We celebrated all of Simone Biles’ victories. My parents loved the Olympics, so I was raised in a family who watched them faithfully. Over the years, I’ve gotten too busy sometimes, but this year has ignited a deep passion in me again for them.

Thank you, Simone, for having the courage to step away in 2020, for expressing your deep concerns about your personal needs and for letting the world know it’s okay to seek help for mental health issues and to heal.

Dog Attack Update

Update - mental health

On Friday, I had the stitches taken out, and it hurt. Lin kept preparing me for it by saying it wouldn’t hurt. Then when he was holding my hand as the stitches came out, he said, “I lied!” The doctor did a close examination of the wound and showed Lin what she saw as an optimistic sign I might not need a skin graft. I have an appointment August 15 with the Wound Clinic and they will decide there about the skin graft.

I continue to have swelling if I’m on my feet for any time. The pain continues, and the nerve sensations and pain attacks come and go with no predictability. And I continue to cry!

Check out my recent interview at Southwest Writers.

Buy My Audio Books:

This Tumbleweed Landed

This Tumbleweed Landed audiobook cover

Let Me Tell You a Story 

Let Me Tell You a Story audiobook cover

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Memoir Audiobook

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir audiobook cover

Enjoy my interview on the podcast, The Writing Table

A Historic Week: The Queen & 9/11
Ireland & England · Memories · My Thoughts · Patriotism

A Historic Week: The Queen & 9/11

Larada Horner-MillerLeave a comment
Remembering 9/11, A historic week
Remembering 9/11
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, A Historic Week
Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Two major historic events happened this last week: the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, September 8, 2022 and the 21st anniversary of 9/11, the day when 2996 died at the hands of an international terrorist’s attack on the World Trade Center in New York City. Both events happened miles away, but touched my life deeply.

I will never forget where I was for both.

Historic Week: September 11, 2001

In 2001, it appeared to be a normal Tuesday morning. I had gotten up early for my Quiet Time, showered and ate breakfast. My ex-husband had the news on the TV on in our bedroom. As I blew my hair dry, I heard the newscaster saying what I couldn’t believe. Both of us rushed closer to the TV and became eyewitnesses to an airplane crashing into the first tower of the World Trade Center.

Shocked, we tried to fathom what was going on. A terrorist? An accident? When the second one struck, it solidified the obvious—a terrorist attack.

For my specific description of my experience of that day, see my blog post on September 11, 2019 named, “Where Were You on September 11, 2001?”

Historic Week: Queen Elizabeth II’s Death, September 8, 2022

This past week, on Thursday morning, Lin and I received news alert on our phones that Queen Elizabeth’s health was failing. We shared our concern and went on with our morning. Preparing for lunch, we received the alert she died at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Thousands of miles away from England, this American woman wiped away tears, and you may wonder why. Queen Elizabeth II had become a heroine to me.

Queen Elizabeth II loved horses; me, too! A Historic Week
Queen Elizabeth II loved horses; me, too!

Many years ago, I learned of Queen Elizabeth II’s love of horses which touched my ranch girl’s heart! My ex-husband and I watched Monty Roberts, the famous horse whisperer work with some of her horses.

“In 1989, the Queen Mother was reduced to tears after Roberts managed to tame her wildest horse.” https://montyroberts.com/monty-roberts-honored-privately-by-the-queen-for-service-to-the-royal-family/

“In the early 1990s Roberts toured England at the behest of the Queen to demonstrate his methods.” https://montyroberts.com/monty-roberts-honored-privately-by-the-queen-for-service-to-the-royal-family/ 

Lin and I made our first trip to England to attend my cousin’s wedding in 2017. We extended our time there, spending 10 extra days touring England and then ten more in Ireland. Being there and meeting the people ignited an interest for me in all things English and especially Queen Elizabeth.

Then in 2019, we did a cruise of the British Isles and my interest grew. We stacked up more memorable experiences with lovely Brits and in the Queen’s lovely world.

These trips ignited an interested in Queen Elizabeth, so we watched “The Crown” which filled in many details about her life I didn’t know.

Lin, a history major, remembers watching her coronation on June 2, 1953, as a twelve-year-old boy, mesmerized by the pomp and circumstance. I was born June 27, 1953, so I didn’t see it. As a history buff, Lin followed Queen Elizabeth closely throughout his whole life, probably influencedy that young boy’s exposure to her beginning. He often offered pertinent details about her life that fascinated me.

Since 2017, I’ve kept my eye on the Queen, admiring her as a role model and woman leader. We so desperately need strong women for our young girls.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip’s Relationship

When Prince Phillip died on April 6, 2021, I wondered about the Queen’s loss and the enormous hole in her life. Their marriage spanned seventy-three years—I can’t imagine that length of partnership and then that loss.

See an informative presentation named “The Queen and Prince Philip’s royal romance,” which describes their relationship.

After her death, I read any article I could find on the Queen, inspired by the world’s love for her, and one raised an interesting question, “Did she die of a broken heart?” https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/health/article-11195881/Did-Queen-Elizabeth-II-die-broken-heart.html

I do believe people die of a broken heart in the loss of a spouse after a lengthy marriage, and the medical world identifies it as “broken heart syndrome.” What do you think? Is it possible?

I plan to watch her funeral on Monday, September 19, 2022, to honor this amazing woman. It’s Lin’s birthday, so truly it will be a bittersweet day.

Finally,

I honor historic events in my life because of who I am. Today, stop and remember the horror that happened on September 11, 2001 that changes our world. Shed tears for the end of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and life, and tears of joy, knowing she’s joined her beloved Prince Phillip.

How do you honor key historic events?

Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? meme
Read, reflect and respond!

~I’m not afraid of tough subjects like the coronavirus. Yes, I get people are tired of hearing about it, but. . . Visit my website to find out about my new book, Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? and my other five books and three cookbooks: https://laradasbooks.com

~Wish You Were Here: A Novel by Jodi Picoult, one of my favorite authors, deals with the COVID pandemic in fiction as opposed to my nonfiction book. Check it out! Interesting story!

~WATCH MY NEW INTERVIEW on Douglas Coleman’s show dated August 5, 2022.

~MY FIRST AUDIOBOOK IS AVAILABLE: Go to Audible to buy my first audiobook, Let Me Tell You a Story. I’m working on Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? but have gotten stalled with shingles.

~Do you listen to podcasts? Here are three podcasts with interviews about my new book & some Flippo stories:

Just Another Square Dance Caller: Authorized Biography of Marshall Flippo meme
Grab a last drink on the beach with Flippo & enjoy!

~Have you bought a copy of Flippo’s biography yet? Believe it or not—it’s been two years. Go here for your hardback or paperback: https://www.laradasbooks.com or at Amazon.

~For me, it’s Christmas all year long! Here’s a variety of Christmas greetings from Flippo & Neeca, featuring his song, “When It’s Christmas Time in Texas”: https://youtu.be/mpJCUGffU3A

Freedom Isn’t Free!
My Thoughts · Patriotism

Freedom Isn’t Free!

Larada Horner-Miller2 Comments
Freedom is never free. Maya Angelou

Freedom has a price! Happy 4th of July to everyone as we celebrate this day. I want to look at the price of the freedom we enjoy!

First, we need to see where this festival day originated.

“On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.”

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th

The price is enormous, but do we minimize it on this special day, overshadowed by our traditional celebrations and busyness? Over the years, many American men and women have fought to keep this dream of freedom alive for you and me.

My Family’s Experience

In my family, my dad didn’t serve in the military during World War II—his rating was 4-F because of health issues. Many of his young ranch friend served, so Dad found a way to help out. He worked on many of the ranches in the surrounding area, doing day work, to ease the shortage caused by the young men who fought in that war. He thoroughly enjoyed this time with the different families and told hilarious stories about ranchers I knew.

Both my half-brother and brother were drafted into the Army. I know little about my half-brother’s experience because he was ten years older than me. I know he served in Germany.

However, I knew more about my brother, thirteen months older than me. Drafted at the end of the Vietnam war, he saw no action overseas, but from this, I realized the stress on families. He had severe asthma, and we never thought they would draft him. He ended up staying for the shortest amount of time and regretted it and wishes today he had stayed in until he retired.

My third husband served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, yet had a remarkable experience in the Army Air Corps. He felt totally rewarded for his twenty-five years of service.

Your Experience

So many of you have had tragic losses and given up so much. In facing these, you have paid the highest price, and I honor that today. Thank you so much.

So, what am I saying? Men and women like these identified have provided the freedom we enjoy every day by making our world a safe place to live in. Our great country allowed me, a country girl from Colorado, to pursue my many dreams over the years, and I still chase them today.

Happy birthday America. Freedom isn't free!

In conclusion, this year, take the time to think about all the freedoms you have and maybe take for granted. The price for those freedoms came high—the loss of life, losing limbs, and/or losing time with loved ones. Yes, it’s America’s birthday, but please realize your freedom today to barbecue a hotdog or hamburger, to drink a cold beer and to watch a spectacular celebration of fireworks or a drone presentation, cost someone else something and be grateful.

Do you have military people in your family or know friends who served? If so, have you thanked them for their service? What freedoms do you enjoy the most as an American? What are you willing to give up for the next generations?

~WATCH MY NEW INTERVIEW on Chat & Spin Radio, from Friday, June 24, 2022. Join us for a lively description of all my books!

~MY FIRST AUDIOBOOK IS AVAILABLE: Go to Audible to buy my first audiobook, Let Me Tell You a Story. I’m working on Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? but have gotten stalled with shingles.

~Do you listen to podcasts? Here are three podcasts with interviews about my new book & some Flippo stories:

Just Another Square Dance Caller: Authorized Biography of Marshall Flippo

~Have you bought a copy of Flippo’s biography yet? Believe it or not—it’s been two years. Go here for your hardback or paperback: https://www.laradasbooks.com or at Amazon.

~For me, it’s Christmas all year long! Here’s a variety of Christmas greetings from Flippo & Neeca, featuring his song, “When It’s Christmas Time in Texas”: https://youtu.be/mpJCUGffU3A

Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? meme

~What happened to you in 2020-2021 during the coronavirus pandemic? Do you care? Are you on a spiritual path? Do you want to heal from the horrible effects of the pandemic of 2020? Visit my website to find out about my new book, Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? and my other five books and three cookbooks: https://laradasbooks.com

My Fifth Book: Flippo’s Veteran Story & More!
Marshall Flippo · My Books · My Thoughts · Patriotism · square dance

My Fifth Book: Flippo’s Veteran Story & More!

Larada Horner-Miller2 Comments
A young Marshall Flippo, the Sailor - fith book
Young Marshall Flippo, the Sailor

My fifth book was a book project that fell into my lap! How à propos—today being Veteran’s Day, and writing about Marshall Flippo’s biography who served in World War II.

How My Fifth Book Started

Marshall Flippo, an icon in the square dance world, was nearing ninety years old. In March 2017, a group of square dancers were sitting around after a dance weekend and Flippo’s name and age came up. One enthusiastic fan said, “Someone should write his biography.”

My husband, Lin, looked at me and said, “You’re the writer in the group. What do you think?” Nothing more was said, but the thought tumbled around in my mind. We prayerfully considered the possibility, and I decided to run it by Flippo.

In April, I called Flippo and proposed the project to him, and his swift response showed his quick wit. “Larada, no one would want to buy a book about me. But I do have a book you should write: a collection of stories of all the thangs that happen to traveling callers over the years. Wait a minute—that would be R-rated.” Another Flippoism!

At that point, he gave me no definite answer.

At the New Mexico Square Dance Festival, in May in Albuquerque, Marshall fulfilled his last calling contract in New Mexico because he was retiring. Early Friday night, while a group stood around him before the dance, Flippo brought up the topic.

“Larada wants to write a book about me.”

He continued with a humble air, “Who would want to buy that book?”

“I would,” said a longtime friend and caller, Greg Tillery.

“Me, too,” replied Jim Martel, another local caller.

“Put me on the list—I want a copy!” Ted Clements, a caller from southern New Mexico, chimed in. The chorus continued and everyone standing there raised their hands. Flippo turned to me and said, “Come over to my hotel room about 1:30 a.m. and we’ll talk about it.” The group laughed at his flirtatious nature, but he agreed to do it that weekend.

Later that year, I planned a trip to Tucson, Arizona, in October for the Women Writing the West conference. Lin and I met Flippo at the Texas Roadhouse there for dinner on Friday, October 27, 2017, to start our research. We planned to meet on Wednesday, October 25, but the Houston Astros were playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. Flippo, an avid fan, wanted to watch the game, so we changed nights.

When we met, he immediately started with a saucy story. “Mama said, ‘If you play with it, it will fall off.’ Ninety years later, it still hasn’t.” I had to grab my notepad and start taking notes.

The waitress hadn’t taken our orders, and Lin started the questions. Flip immediately jumped into relaying his life with the exact addresses of the multiple homes he lived in Abilene, Texas, as a child. In fact, he had trouble with only one address. I still wonder why he forgot that specific address. But he had also picked a restaurant that had TVs 360 degrees around us, and he watched the World Series out of the corner of his eye.

After dinner, we moved from the restaurant to his home to finish the first interview. We muted the TV, and he watched the game over my head as he talked. One minute he’d be sharing his life stories, the next he’d catch me off guard with a comment on a batter, “Knock the hell out of it.” He amazed me how he could be telling a Navy story about a destroyer tender he was on, then comment on what a player on TV should have done. We took brief breaks when the game took its twists and turns. During one break, he lamented, “I can’t get my mind going again.” Lin and I both assured him that his memory was exceptional.

Within that short evening, he covered many of the major topics of his life: his childhood and family, his Navy experiences during World War II and afterwards, and he ended the night with how he met Neeca, his first wife. With the flair of a master storyteller, Flippo gestured his hands like when an umpire signals the runner is safe and said, “Let’s leave it.” We watched the rest of the baseball game together.

He sent me home with seven photo albums busting at the seams with memorabilia, precious stories, and the assurance that we had embarked on an adventure.

During the next year, we spent many hours together talking over the phone, and we had one more face-to-face opportunity to compile this document. As you can imagine, it was a delightful, fun adventure.

Flippo’s Naval Career

Flippo referenced his naval service several times during our interviews. As a patriotic seventeen-year-old lad from west Texas, his life changed forever the moment he volunteered. Because the war ended soon after he enlisted, his service time took a unique twist—he played baseball for DesPac. Destroyers of the Pacific baseball team took two guys off of all the destroyers who had baseball teams and formed a team. This tells me he was an exceptional baseball player.

So, you can see where his interest in the World Series came that night we talked in Tucson.

Flippo led a large life, calling square dances all over the United States and the world. I Said “Yes!” to the project of a lifetime I will never forget. Grab the book—hardback, paperback and/or one of the popular e-book formats—to see the full extent of his amazing life.

Just Another Square Dance Caller: Authorized Biography of Marshall Flippo - fifth book

How about writing a biography, autobiography or memoir? What family stories need to be told? Leave your comments below. I’d be interested in your thoughts!

Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? fifth book

Visit my website to find out about my new book, Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? and my other five books and three cookbooks: https://laradasbooks.com