What is your view of America today?
Is it anything close to the America you grew up in?
Do you think it is better or worse than it was ten years ago?
I don't think there is a yes or no answer to any of this.
My feelings bounce from happy to sad and back again.
I love the way we are more open about things like discrimination.
I feel sad that it has turned into a tool used to attack other people.
I love the way we have cleaned up the air and chemical messes.
I feel sad when people are told that the planet will burn up in their lifetime.
I feel proud when I see beautiful buildings, bridges and statues.
I want to cry when fellow Americans burn them down.
I feel secure when I see police doing their difficult jobs.
I feel sad when our wonderful police force is abused.
My heart skips a beat when I see the American flag.
And I gag on my tears when I see it disgraced and ignored.
I will always vote for what makes me happy and proud.
Joyce Oroz

                               Fancy Steelhead Seen Crossing Aromas Bridge

"Muraling for Fun and Profit" I am especially proud of this book (recently published) because it contains pictures of many of my murals. Tomi Edmiston did a wonderful job putting the book together for me. If you have ever considered painting a mural, this book will walk you through it. Happy muraling!

 

Great news! I have another published book, "Sena's Light,"

a collaboration really, with Asenath Knornschild--Singer, entertainer, teacher, adventurer, mother and friend. This is the story of her life. She is now 98 years old and clearly

remembers everything.

Annie Gets Her Bounce has become the first book in a series due to the publishing of Annie Gets A Brother.

New Books

Hello, my name is Joyce Oroz and I'm writing my eleventh book in the Josephine Stuart Mystery series. In this book I'm talking about a Honda Civic with dark tinted windows, big exhaust pipes and it's painted mettalic purple. What is the modern slang for this car? If you can help with this question, please contact me at joyceoroz@sbcglobal.net

thanks for listening!

New Books published in 2018

September--Annie Gets Her Bounce--children's book written and illustrated by Joyce Oroz

October--Hill Street Clues--a Josephine Stuart Mystery by Joyce Oroz

November--Muraling for Fun and Profit--written and illustrated by Joyce Oroz

Yes, I've been busy. Now I have three more books I'm working on. 

I accidentally found out that I love to multi-task--at least when writing and painting. I loved skipping back and forth from writing to illustration to writing and back to painting.

Responding to Criticism......by Rosalinda Randall

What does a writer do when she runs out of words? She borrows an intelligent article from her friend, Rosalinda, who talks sense and politeness in spite of some people's rudeness and ignorance. by Joyce Oroz   July 2016 Summer is a great time to dine outdoors, take a walk around the neighborhood, or take a day off. Whatever you do, I hope you're enjoying it. BOSS'S BEHAVIOR SPAWNS BAD BLOOD IN THE WORKPLACE We've all heard it; management sets the tone for behavior, productivity, and morale. Well then, why are there so many bad bosses out there? Why do they get away with bad behavior? Send me a note about a boss's bad behavior. In the meantime, here are the top three transgressions that are sure to cause bad blood among employees: 1) Gossip. When the boss has a loose tongue, tosses about his/her personal opinions, talks about other managers, or divulges confidential information, it is a recipe for distress, mistrust, and an easy way to create employee cliques. You can bet that no one will be running to him/her to discuss anything of a personal nature! 2) Favoritism. When the boss favors one of his/her staff members, it will place all others on alert. Whether it's meeting with them behind closed doors, whispering in the hall, or meeting outside work hours, you can bet the others are wondering if they're missing out. Will they receive the same consideration for a promotion?  Additionally, this can create bad blood between the favored employee and coworkers. 3) Misuse of position is when the boss is chronically late or takes extra long lunches, expects staff to handle personal matters, uses intimidation to "motivate" employees, asks staff to lie or falsify information for him/her. HR might begin to wonder why the mad rush on "transfer requests."   RESPONDING TO CRITICISM If the criticism is coming from your boss, take it easy before responding. Think about it. Request to meet privately. Listen. Remain open and objective. Blatant: You don't really think you have what it takes to get that job, do you? Response: You might be right, but I've decided to go for it anyway - or -   I guess I'll find out.  (You just took the ornery wind out of their sail.) Subtle:  I guess you haven't started that diet yet. Response: No, but thanks for your interest. - or -   What do you mean? (A bit cheeky; they'll back-peddle so fast. And it could be fun to watch.) The best response to criticism is a calm response.                                    ***   ***   *** Note: My advice is general and may not suit your particular situation. In addition, there is usually more than one way to handle a dilemma.   If you enjoyed reading this, please pass it on to your colleagues and friends. Thank you.  Kind regards, Rosalinda Randall Civility & Etiquette Speaker, Trainer, Media Source, Author E: rosalinda@rosalindarandall.com T: 650.871.6200