Author Archives: Frostie

Trump Card: New Book Picks Apart The Empty Policies & Flawed Logic of Donald Trump As a Warning To The World

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Donald Trump, policies, president, Trump Card: New Book Picks Apart The Empty Policies & Flawed Logic of Presidential Candidate Donald Trump As a Warning To The World

~ Trump: Monster or Hero by Mohammad O. Alanjari compares the Trump phenomenon as a disease which could spread across the globe and lead to a new generation of right-wing super-nationalist leaders ~

~ Trump represents the same demagogue archetype as Hitler and his investiture could lead to serious negative economic, social and military repercussions for all nations as well as representing a virtual ‘Jonestown’ suicide pact for the whole of the United States ~
The election of Republican candidate Donald Trump as the next President of the United States of America will spell catastrophe for the UK and Europe, experts warn.

 

Far from being a bumbling buffoon with wild hair, Trump is said to represents the latest and potentially most dangerous incarnation of an extreme right-wing demagogue, comparable to such vilified historical leaders as Hitler.

 

His manifesto has little or no basis in reality, it is claimed, and is a shameless attempt at winning popular votes rather than building a workable economic or political blueprint for America.

 

Trump’s apparent xenophobia and tendency to appeal to common prejudices, meanwhile, will only spark greater social divides, spur on extremist groups such as ISIS and the Ku Klux Klan, and like a “disease” fuel the rise of a new generation of right-wing leaders across

Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

 

That is, according to Trump expert and businessman Mohammad O. Alanjari, whose new book – Trump: Monster or Hero – reveals how Trump will inexorably damage not only political relations but also economic, military, technological and social ties across the globe if he succeeds in entering the White House.

 

Purposefully not a biography, Trump: Monster or Hero instead focuses on the Trump phenomenon, examining his policies and claims in relation to concrete facts and figures to expose the fallacies and empty rhetoric.

 

The x-page book also looks at where Trump is drawing his support and projects the likely repercussions both for the US, UK and rest of the world if the undisputed leading global powerhouse falls under his, or more likely his super-nationalist backers’, control.

 

Containing 50 original and informative infographics along with a wealth of little-known facts, figures, statistics and outrageous Trump quotes, this hard-hitting yet approachable book seeks to enlighten readers to the realities behind Trump’s campaign, debunking his thoughts on immigrants, terrorism and employment among others.

 

Author Mohammad O. Alanjari decided to write the book as a warning to the world, fearing for the future direction of the country that had once liberated his own homeland of Kuwait from Iraqi forces during the first Gulf War.

 

He said: “Trump as a phenomenon represents a disease in the same way as Hitler did before him. It is vital that people are woken up to the realities of Trump’s threat to the free world before his far-right polices and scapegoating spread across the United States and to other countries.

 

“Trump, however, is only a reflection of those who support him. He represents a thermometer of the moral and ethical standards of a nation, and has brought to the surface the prejudice and sectarianism that has been bubbling under within the population for some time.

 

“Yes, there are many issues that America needs to deal with to restore social harmony and generate better economic equality, but Trump is not the man to do this. He will only make things worse while some of his supporters, I fear, are only using him as a ladder to reach their own far-right goals and are forces he won’t be able to control.”

 

“The United States is the world’s most powerful nation. If Trump were allowed to pursue super-nationalistic policies and cut America off from the world, it would be a disaster leading the US to a virtual Jonestown suicide pact and having a major negative impact on Britain and Europe.”

 

Trump: Monster or Hero by Mohammad O. Alanjari is out now, published in paperback by Pin Mark Research Center and priced at £22.50, and as a Kindle eBook priced £7.68. Visit www.MonsterOrHero.com.

 

 

Giving Birth – The Real Story

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Giving Birth – The Real Story

  • 72% of mums-to-be are nervous about giving birth
  • Over half of respondents (61%) said their births didn’t go according to plan
  • The biggest fear (27%) about giving birth was medical complications affecting themselves or their baby
  • Almost a quarter (22%) found their birth partners more annoying than helpful

giving birth, birth, childbirth, the truth about giving birth

For most women, experiencing pregnancy and giving birth will be one of the most momentous times of their lives, but this doesn’t come without a certain amount of worries and anxiety. New research from The Baby Show with MadeForMums, which will be returning to Kensington, Olympia from the 21st to 23rd October, revealed that 72% of mums-to-be were nervous about the prospect of giving birth with the biggest worry cited as medical complications (27%)  affecting themselves or their baby. This was followed by 18% saying they were scared of unwanted interventions (e.g. inductions, caesarean section or forceps) and then 17% saying they were anxious about not being able to manage the pain.

The research found that while most mums-to-be will stay close to home the nearer the due date gets, some babies are keen to get things moving in unusual or inconvenient places. Of the mums surveyed, 42% went into labour in their home, with 28% in hospital. These were some of the more unusual findings;

  • Tube station escalator
  • Car showroom
  • Whilst watching a live rugby match
  • On the A1 motorway
  • In IKEA

While the majority of women (92%) chose to have their partners by their side in the birthing room, when it actually came to the labour, almost a quarter (22%) of people admitted they found their birthing partner more annoying than actually helpful, either falling asleep or playing games on their phones whilst mum does all the hard work! Senior midwife, maternity educator and managing director of Marie Louise Maternity, Marie Louise Hurworth says: “Being a birth partner is one of the most important jobs you could have. But it can be challenging and should be taken very seriously. Being there and sensitive to her changing needs will go a long way and set the foundations for your new family. Even if you are unsure of how to help, stand nearby and make eye contact to let her know you are there and willing to help at any opportunity. One of the most important things is that you don’t become disconnected; remember to participate throughout the journey.”

When asked for amusing labour stories The Baby Show were inundated with funny anecdotes from women across the UK including;

  • Nina Motylinski-Davies from East Sussex said: “What kept me going throughout my horrendous labour experience was the fact my husband, who after not getting the opportunity to try the gas the first time round, was determined to have a go this time. Put simply, he got absolutely off his face. He climbed into the birthing pool naked, asked the midwife for a margarita, text my Mum saying he could murder a curry when she was actually asking how I was doing, and then danced around the room to Neil Diamond! I look back and laugh now….”

 

  • Clare Boss from London told The Baby Show: “With my first baby, the fire alarm in the hospital went off which resulted in two firemen coming in to check on the room whilst I was legs akimbo and mid-push!!”

 

  • Laura Jackson from Cheshire explained her dramatic birth story: “I opted for a home birth and hired a birthing pool but sadly never got round to using it! I woke in the middle of the night with a small leak, one week over due, which turned out to be my waters breaking. I woke my husband who immediately started filling up the birthing pool whilst I called the hospital who said the midwives would take around an hour to get to my house. Within moments I had a really strong contraction and suddenly I knew my baby’s head was already out. I was desperate to get into the pool but it wasn’t full and my husband was having problems with the valves. He was in complete disbelief and just said ‘the heads not out’ whilst staring at the front door thinking this would make the midwives appear! Thankfully he snapped into action because with the next contraction he literally had to catch our baby. Such an amazing experience but personally I felt it was a shame for happening so fast…”

 

Wing Yan Lee, Marketing Manager at The Baby Show says: “Birth plans can be a contentious subject and as our results show many births don’t go according to plan. However, most experts would still agree that planning and looking into your birth options is essential, allowing you to prepare and feel in control of your birthing experience, no matter what direction it takes. We have midwives on hand throughout the show who are able to answer any questions or concerns, no matter how big or small, regarding your pregnancy, birth and beyond.”

Marie Louise continues: “Each and every woman is different and has specific individual needs so there is no one rule for all when it comes to labour and birth. As healthcare professionals we focus on women’s individuality and are guided by what women tell us; we then use technology according to the woman’s history and verbal communication to ensure we do our very best to make the entire process as safe, easy and calm as possible. It’s natural to be nervous about your birth and potential intervention but always remember that our aims are reflective of yours to have a happy, healthy mum and baby.”

Once you’ve arrived home and settled into a new routine, another subject you may be thinking about is sex… Am I ready? Will my partner be expecting sex straight away? Will it be hurt? Will it be the same?

The highest number of couples surveyed chose to wait between six weeks to three months before having sex again (42%) whilst one in five (20%) waited just 0 to six weeks. Reassuringly, a quarter of new mums said they didn’t feel self-conscious about their bodies during sex post-baby, and 29% said at first they did but their partners made them feel comfortable and relaxed.

Marie Louise says: “Guidelines suggest that women wait until they “feel ready” to have sex after birth but there isn’t enough discussion about it. Once again, everyone is different and has a unique experience during childbirth. You may have had a home water birth with no complications or you may have had a forceps delivery in hospital. If you have had a C-section, for example, you may feel ready mentally but your wound may need more time to heal. Or maybe you don’t feel ready mentally but your body has healed well. The most important thing is that you do what’s right for you at the right time and always ask a health professional if you are concerned.  If you are experiencing pain during sex postnatally don’t just put up with it, talk about it.”

From the 21st to 23rd October the biggest pregnancy and parenting event of the year, The Baby Show with MadeForMums, will be returning to Olympia, London.  The Show is the must-attend event for mums and dads-to-be and new parents, with over 200 exhibitors showcasing all the latest essentials for your new arrival, plus a stage programme jam packed with fashion shows and informative talks by renowned baby experts.

Advance tickets are available from £12.25, while on-the-door tickets cost £20.  For more information visit www.thebabyshow.co.uk.

Opening times:

Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October, open from 10:00am-5:30pm each day.

 

 

Do You Have to Lose Your Hair During Breast Cancer Treatment?

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breast cancer, hair loss,

Breast cancer, by its very nature, can challenge a woman’s perception of her femininity. Who wants people to think they have abnormal breasts? I didn’t. Breast surgery can also be psychologically traumatic, and radiotherapy can affect the appearance of the breast too.

Sometimes, as part of cancer treatment, chemotherapy drugs are used, and some of these cause hair-loss – another devastating blow to confidence and self-esteem. Even when hair regrows, it may be damaged, becoming delicate and curly (so-called chemo curl) for a long time afterwards.

So does your hair have to fall out or weaken? Well, chemotherapy tends to damage fast-growing cells, which is why it works against cancer. However, for the same reason, hair follicle cells are also sometimes affected.

Wearing ‘cold-caps’ during treatment can help by lowering scalp temperature. This reduces blood supply to hair-roots and thus local exposure to the chemo-drug. This can limit hair damage/loss in many people, but not all.

Recently, hairdresser and biochemist, Daniel Field, has developed products to protect hair during and after chemotherapy.

Daniel has a fascinating story. Whilst young, he hated the smell of his mother’s perming lotion, and decided to invent non-smelly products. They were so successful that he became a very young millionaire. He then opened several hairdressing salons and trained as a hairdresser himself.

Sadly he later had the heart-breaking experience of shaving his own mother’s hair when she started to lose it during treatment for ovarian cancer. He told me of the frustration he felt, as he tried his best to cut a nice style into a less than perfect wig for her.

This inspired him to use his biochemical expertise to develop natural products to protect hair during chemotherapy. They restore the alignment of hair amino acids, thus reversing damage and chemo-curl, improving texture and strengthening delicate hair. He also has hair-colour products which are so gentle that they can be used whilst having chemotherapy. His Hair Growth Active spray keeps hair in the growing phase, thus encouraging regrowth after hair-loss.

But breast cancer treatment affects hair in other ways too. Many women require anti-oestrogen treatment for years after diagnosis, such as tamoxifen or aromatase-inhibitors. These reduce natural oestrogens and thus can cause scalp irritation or dryness and dry/frizzy hair. The hair can thin, sometimes leading to male-pattern baldness. Daniel tells me that his products are able to help these problems too.

Daniel has recently opened a suite in central London where he provides hair-care services and advice. A wig service is also provided by Jane Whitfield, and Fiona Murphy, who has her own interesting story, provides beautician services specially for people going through cancer. Daniel’s hair products can also be ordered from his website and he offers fifteen minute free consultations.

So yes, some people will suffer hair loss or damage during their breast cancer treatment but it isn’t inevitable, and there are steps you can take which may help. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co,uk

Note: This article expresses personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Further Information:

http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/hair_skin_nails/cold-caps

http://danielfieldsuite.co.uk

http://www.sparklethroughchemo.co.uk

http://bit.ly/2d7Vn2l

 

 

National Poetry Day: Tigress Tigress Poem From What Do You Think?

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poetry, poetry book, poems, women authors, Scottish writers, poetry book, female writers,Happy National Poetry Day! To celebrate here is a poem from our editor Catherine Balavage’s new poetry book What do you think? A collection of poems. Enjoy and send us your favourite poems.

 

Tigress, Tigress.

She lies on the ground.

Silent as night.

Pouncing on her prey.

She gives it a fright.

Tigress, Tigress.

Don’t become extinct.

Tigress, Tigress.

What do you think?

When a hunter comes along,

What do you think?

She looks at her cubs.

Clear as day,

Some day they will have to go away.

She feels proud, keeps her head up high.

Tigress, Tigress.

Don’t become extinct.

Tigress, Tigress.

What do you think?

When a hunter comes along,

What do you think?

She closes her eyes.

Feels someone watching.

Ready for attack.

She puts her cubs to safety.

Tigress, Tigress.

What do you think?

Tigress, Tigress.

When a hunter comes along,

What do you think?

(I think this was the first poem I ever wrote. It was written in November of 1996 and I got a lot of positive comments about it. Along with a lot of encouragement. It was the start of everything and for that I am thankful).

Tigress Tigress is taken from What do you think? A Collection of Poems by Catherine Balavage. Available in ebook and print format now.

 

Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Whisky Review

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Glen Moray prides itself on providing a range of excellent quality single malt whiskies at an excellent price. Yes, they come from Speyside and yes, they are the 6th biggest selling single malt whisky brand in the UK but they do not charge high prices because they understand the position that Glen Moray has strived to achieve and they are proud to offer value. NEW GLEN MORAY SHERRY CASK FINISH IS AN EXCELLENT QUALITY SINGLE MALT WHISKY AT AN EXCELLENT PRICE Frost always gets excited when a bottle comes through the door. Not that we are lushes or anything. We just like a wee dram. We got send The Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish which came with these words from the PR:
“The Glen Moray prides itself on providing a range of excellent quality single malt whiskies at an excellent
price. Yes, they come from Speyside and yes, they are the 6th biggest selling single malt whisky brand
in the UK but they do not charge high prices because they understand the position that Glen Moray
has strived to achieve and they are proud to offer value.
NEW GLEN MORAY SHERRY CASK FINISH IS AN EXCELLENT QUALITY SINGLE MALT WHISKY AT
AN EXCELLENT PRICE 
The Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish offers a new twist on the traditional Glen Moray taste-profile
by adding layers of rich and spicy sweetness to the spirit’s typically light and floral flavours of
butterscotch and lemongrass. Sherry Cask Finish is a celebration of the age old tradition of maturing
whisky in the finest Oloroso sherry casks.”
But what did we think? We loved it.This whisky is from Elgin, the capital of Speyside, Scotland’s most famous whisky region. Burnished gold in colour, with toffee candy, dried fruits and cinna on the nose, this whisky has a gloriously long finish and just the right amount of sweetness. Eat with shortbread or fruit cake. We reckon it would also go well with red meat. A very fine whisky indeed.
Available from Sainsbury’s and sainsburys.co.uk price £22.00.

Top 20 most Stressful Things about Parenthood

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baby, shared parental leave, feminism, equality, childcare, leave, maternal, work, working mothers, lean inThe answer to this could be everything. No, we jest. A recent poll of 2,000 parents has revealed the Top 20 most stressful things about parenting. The nightly teeth-cleaning battle, the bedtime routine and the dreaded school run are among the most stressful things about parenthood, a study has found.

The average mum and dad spend almost two hours a day feeling stressed, with trying to keep the house tidy the most common cause.

Others feel the strain at bath time, while trying to get children to behave in public and shopping for new clothes with the youngsters in tow.

Mornings – complete with getting the children out of the door for the school run, persuading them to finish their breakfast and clean their teeth – are the most stressful time of the day, claiming five of the 10 top stresses.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who has been working with belVita Breakfast to help relieve parents, particularly in the mornings, said: “The stress and challenges of parenting can feel overwhelming – especially when we feel under pressure to get a lot done in a short space of time.

“Morning can be especially challenging and it’s key to develop a positive, convenient routine in the morning as it sets the rhythm for the day.

“When it’s ‘back to school time’, trying to get everything done and leaving the house on time is at its most pressurised so developing strategies that you give you and your family a sense of control is really important.”

The study by belVita Breakfast of 2,000 parents of school-age children, found that staying on top of the house chores is the biggest cause of stress for mums and dads, while getting the children to do their homework and the bedtime routine are also big triggers.

Researchers also found the average parent spends one hour and 48 minutes of each day feeling stressed, with 63 per cent going as far as to say the majority of their stress is parenting related.

Mornings are the worst time of day for parents with the average mum and dad having at least one day a week where they struggle to get out of the front door on time for school and work.

The children taking too long to do things is usually to blame for the family’s lateness, followed by youngsters not doing as they are asked and not getting out of bed.

But as a result of the frantic mornings, one in five parents has dropped the kids off at school after the bell and the same percentage have ended up late for work as a result.

Others have given the children lunch money instead of a lunch box, sent them to school in dirty or un-ironed uniform or with wet hair.

As families prepare for the dreaded ‘back to school’ week, it’s not just kids who bear the brunt of the ‘morning madness’, with over a third of parents forgetting breakfast and 38 per cent having a fight with their partner over who takes on the most in the morning.

Eighty-seven per cent even said they look forward to the weekends when they don’t have to worry about the school run and leaving the house on time.

It also emerged that 66 per cent of parents believe mums bear the brunt of the morning and back to school stress, with half admitting they often argue with their partner about who gets the raw deal.

 

 

Top 20 most stressful things about parenthood

1. Keeping the house tidy and the chores up to date

2. Getting the children ready and out of the door in time for school

3. Getting back into a school/morning routine after the school holidays

4. Getting children to do their homework/reading

5. The bedtime routine

6. Getting children to eat certain foods

7. Getting children to clean their teeth

8. Making sure my children are well behaved in public

9. Getting back into a school/morning routine after the school holidays

10. Getting children out of bed in the mornings

11. Meal times

12. The school run

13. Entertaining children on a rainy day

14. Remembering everything they need for school

15. Shopping for new clothes

16. The back to school period

17. Getting children to sleep through the night

18. Getting children to eat their breakfast

19. Juggling your children’s different after school/weekend clubs schedule

20. Getting children dressed in the mornings

 

 

The Modern Day Signs of Class. How Classy Are You?

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signs of class, class, Minding your manners, avoiding emotional Facebook rants and knowing what cutlery to use are the modern day signs of class, according to new research.

Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is the cornerstone of class according to a survey of 2,000 Brits, followed by reading widely and having good table manners.

Avoiding text speak, being bilingual and maintaining great posture also made the top 50 touches of class.

For women, subtle make-up, never drinking from a bottle and displaying cleavage sparingly were signs of holding yourself well.

While for men having a firm handshake, knowing when to admit you’re wrong and owning a tailored suit made the cut.

A spokesperson from European fashion brand Peter Hahn, who commissioned the study, said: “Projecting the essence of class successfully requires a number of factors to work harmoniously, from your dress sense to your manners to your skillset.

“It helps if you have read your way through a bookcase of classics or can speak a couple of languages, but if your skirt is too short, your bow tie too sloppy or your posture too lax, your classy persona can falter.”

Also in the top 50 were being able to handle your drink and knowing poetry that doesn’t just begin and end with ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ from William Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’.

Placing a napkin on your lap when eating and not wearing football strips as casual wear also featured.

For women, smelling nice, confidence and sensible heels are sure-fire signs of classy couture.

While for men, crisp white shirts, holding the door open for others and taking pride in their appearance are all ingredients that go into making gents suave.

Age is also a factor in levels of class. Brits believe the optimum age for classiness is 45 and that men and women generally get better with age, though men more so.

Dignified decorum on social media is a must for a quarter of Brits, while a fifth thinks wine knowledge is a sign of sophistication.

Despite these simple rules of class and etiquette, 86 per cent of Brits believe that people lack class nowadays.

In fact, an honest 36 per cent happily admit to having no class, with just one in 10 Brits confident in their classy credentials.

Nearly three quarters of those surveyed think that a touch of class is an important trait, but also believe that the manners, behaviour and fashion sense necessary are dying out in modern times.

 

TOP 50 SIGNS OF CLASS:

1. Says please and thank you

2. Is well-read

3. Has good table manners

4. Doesn’t swear

5. Knows what cutlery to use

6. Is discreet

7. Doesn’t start eating a meal until everyone else at the table has their food

8. Holds doors open

9. Never drinks directly from the bottle

10. Doesn’t use text speak

11. Avoids emotional Facebook or Twitter rants

12. Gives up a seat on public transport for someone else

13. Able to speak more than one language

14. Has great posture

15. Doesn’t gossip

16. Brings gifts for hosts when attending events

17. Shops in Waitrose

18. Doesn’t get drunk

19. Knows correct way to pour a bottle of wine

20. Places a napkin on lap when eating

21. Doesn’t discuss money or how much things cost

22. Knows more than two types of wine

23. Knows correct way to hold a wine glass

24. Doesn’t wear football strips as casual wear

25. Is a good listener

26. Doesn’t watch reality TV

27. Knows Mozart from Beethoven

28. Owns a timeless pair of shoes

29. Is up to date with current affairs

30. Has good culinary knowledge

31. Has National Trust membership

32. Only gives compliments when they actually mean it

33. Attends the Chelsea Flower Show

34. Prefers champagne to prosecco

35. Pays the bill

36. Isn’t easily flustered

37. Doesn’t get into arguments

38. Never borrows money from friends

39. Knows more poetry than ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’ from William Wordsworth’s ‘Daffodils’

40. Never forgets a meeting

41. Doesn’t fill the wine glass to the top

42. Uses the word ‘supper’

43. Rarely eats takeaways

44. Listens to Today on Radio 4

45. Avoids drinking instant coffee

46. Is a generous tipper

47. Knows how to flirt properly

48. Never caught running for the bus or train

49. Arrives fashionably late to a party (but not too late)

50. Owns a pedigree dog

TOP 10 SIGNS OF A CLASSY WOMAN:

1. Wears subtle make-up

2. Ages gracefully

3. Confidence

4. Never drinks directly from the bottle

5. Accepts compliments graciously

6. Doesn’t wear heels higher than she can walk in

7. Always smells nice

8. Doesn’t downplay her intelligence

9. Reveals cleavage sparingly

10. Wears dresses tight enough to show she’s a woman, but loose enough to prove she’s a lady

TOP 10 SIGNS OF A CLASSY MAN:

1. Respectful of women

2. Holds the door open for others

3. Takes pride in his appearance

4. Stands up when women join the dining table

5. Takes his hat off when indoors and in the company of women

6. Has a firm handshake

7. Knows when to admit he’s wrong

8. Owns a tailored suit

9. Always smells nice

10. Wears crisp white shirts

When it comes to classy celebs, the Royal Family are considered beacons of style and substance, with Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince Harry securing top spots in the countdown.

Taylor Swift, Emma Watson and Idris Elba are also considered some of the classiest public figures around.

As for the decade with the most charm and swagger, the 1950s come out on top followed by the decadent 1920s.

By comparison, just one per cent of those surveyed chose our current decade as the classiest of the last hundred years.

The Peter Hahn spokesperson added: “We’re all accustomed to the adage ‘sex sells’, but actually leaving something to the imagination can be much more alluring than the shortest skirts or an overt cleavage.

“At Peter Hahn we know that a well cut garment will achieve the perfect silhouette, which is far more likely to get you noticed for all the right reasons.”

 

 

Frost Editor Catherine Balavage Writes Poetry Book

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poetry, poetry book, poems, women authors, Scottish writers, poetry book, female writers, Frost editor Catherine Balavage has released her new book, What Do You Think?: A collection of poems. This is Catherine’s fourth book. She has previously written three non-fiction books on acting, wedding planning and blogging. 

In her fourth book Catherine Balavage turns to poetry. A collection of poems that speak from the heart and tell the truth about the world. You will be left nodding your head in agreement and relating to these poems about love, loss and life. The book features poems over the course of Catherine’s life. The first one was published when she was just 12-years-old. The poems cover every aspect of life, from love, motherhood, loss and even mean girls.
Best-selling author Margaret Graham wrote the foreword. 

I’ve long thought Catherine Balavage is an extraordinarily accomplished young women: author, writer, editor and actor, mother, wife, and she can add poet to that roll of honour.

In What do you think? a collection of her poems written throughout her still young life, she connects with the vast majority of the human race, as she writes of the struggle to achieve a sense of who a person is, the efforts to release oneself from early angst and stand tall; finally achieving confidence potential and contentment.
In her introduction Catherine says that As an artist it sometimes feels like you are born without skin, yet spend your life rolling around on razor blades. Well, quite.

In What do you think? Catherine has written poems that could be songs – I could hear music. She has written poems beating time with the rhythm in her head, poems hauled up from experience, observation and unflinching, sensitive thought.

A triumph.

What do you think?: A collection of poems by Catherine Balavage is available on Kindle and in print.