About How Orples Came To Be

My about me page has been put off for too long now. Indeed, The orples have a story to tell.

My name is Marcy C. King. I am an orplekeeper.

 

A more recent photo, waiting for my hair to grow back after Chemo. Stay posted for an future update.

My most recent photo—waiting for my hair to grow back, after Chemo.

The creation of the orples was my attempt at closure over my father‘s death in 1986. Olivia and Oscar not only metamorphosed from oranges into orples, they transformed my internal conflict into resolution. When Dad died, I was overcome with guilt for letting the final two years of his life pass without visiting him when I had the opportunity to do so. It is a long and personal story, best saved for another time and place, as to why the circumstances of my misgivings were what they were. With Dad’s passing, the seed had been planted. I’d created these two imaginary characters to carry the conversations between my conflicting selves. Their conversations were recorded, shelved, and retrieved, to be reread—later—for reflection. Then life happened, and I got busy with other things, and my manuscripts got buried under other priorities. My story slept for approximately fifteen years, only to be revived when I moved from Dinwiddie, Va.  to Danville, Va.—not a smart move in the long run, and another story, still. During my time in Danville, I added pictures to my words, adding character and visual impact to the story as told in my book, ‘How Orples Came To Be’.

A glimpse of Olivia before she was transformed into an Orple

A glimpse of Olivia before she was transformed into an orple.

When I first started this blog, I began posting a variety of topics in an effort to gain recognition in general, and all was good, until I took a break, then returned. Now, the orples and I have once again metamorphosed, giving attention to the Orples, and to Olivia’s dismay, my newest book series, ‘Brides‘.

At this point in time, it is time to shift gears one more time, and dedicate this blog, from here on out, to Olivia, Oscar, myself, and anyone else who would like to leave a request to be included in our ‘Visiting the Neighbors’ category. To date, several of my friends have shared their photographs and postings for the orples to wander through, adding their two cents, while giving recognition my fellow bloggers. Of course, we are delighted when our friends re-blog and/or ping-back with a message so that their followers are introduced to the orples on their own blogs. This is a way for everyone to win and have fun at the same time. I work spontaneously, so I never really know who will be next to be featured, and neither do they. Feel free to read through the comments and/or my previous posts for a better idea of what this blog and the orples are all about.

You can purchase “How Orples Came To Be”  in paper back or ebook

at Barnes & Noble by clicking HERE

or from Amazon. com by clicking HERE

“The “Orples Make A Tree Home” . paperback via Amazon.com HERE .

Visit Orples on Facebook HERE

If you’d like to meet the orples, then check out these links

Insight into ‘How Orples Came To Be” ,  part 1

Orples in Photos

Orples Overview

Visiting the Neighbors

Brides . Books 1&2 Available now.

To take a peek into what my new adult trilogy, Brides, is all about click here.

To purchase the book from Amazon.com, click here.

72 responses to “About How Orples Came To Be”

  1. Hello Marcy,

    You wrote this in response to my comment on this post of yours.

    The Middle Finger . the story behind it.

    >Glad you stopped by. Please visit often.
    – I like the simplicity of your words. Straight from the heart, no fuss, no hang-ups. I, too, like to wear my heart and my big, fat mouth on my sleeve. I find life so much easier to get through and be enjoyed that way.

    I read through a couple of your earlier posts and I liked what I saw. Your site is different and I like to learn new things. You seem to focus on the little things; and in my opinion, it’s those little things that count. So I RSSed you stat!

    I do not get a lot of time at the PC for personal work, so I will not comment on your blog as often as I’d like to. But I’ll be doin’ my lurkin’ an’ learnin’ thang alright.

    >I am looking forward to checking your blog out as well. With your sense of humor, I’m sure I will have a ball.
    – Thank you! My posts are not as humourous as my comments because I blather on so much in my posts, there’s nary a spot for a joke. But my serious stuff is not too shabby, I guess. 😉

    Thank you for your time and your encouragement. I am looking forward to hanging out with The Orples, too! (Aww! The Orples is such an endearing sound. I mean, name.)

    Kate

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    • Wow Kate, I’m honored. Thank you so much for the kudos, the encouragement, and posting those links. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me. I wrote the first book (to what I hope becomes a series of adventures) 25 years ago when my father died. It began as just two characters talking to each other, in my effort to find closure over Dad’s sudden death. He’d remarried and I had the evil step-mother, so did not visit my father the last two years of his life (that is a story in itself). I’d submitted the book for publication in 1987 and was told it entailed too much conversation and not enough action, so I rewrote the content and added characters, which over the years evolved into (if I do say so myself) a cute story. There is a lot of emotion between the lines in the first book “How Orples Came To Be”, making it suitable for anyone. I’ve gotten some good reviews from adults as well as children, so am hoping it will one day take off. After I get my next two sequels out (which I’m working on now), I hope to circle back and offer the first book via a second printing available directly through Amazon’s channels to try to bring the price down to make it more competitive. In the meantime, I appreciate all the feedback I can get. It’s hard when you are just beginning in any venture, not knowing if your efforts will pay off or not. I spent 4 years designing house plans (small, sweet simple designs) and put a website together only to have it flop. (http://www.plansbymarcy.com) If the housing market ever returns, I may circle back and try to resurrect those efforts. For now, I’ve been bitten by the ‘orples’ bug, so off I go following my dreams and hoping I’m not spinning wheels again, reaching for rainbows. I must admit, becoming an author has opened doors for me. It has led me to the world of blogging, for one, and I am meeting a lot of cool people (like you!)as a result. So, again Thank you for you encouragement. I hope you enjoy my little ditties along the way and I look forward to visiting your blog often as well…. See and you thought you were the only one that could ‘prattle’. LOL. Have a great day!, Marcy.

      Howevere book o

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      • Thank you, Greg. I really appreciate your having given us the opportunity to introduce ourselves. ?) Feel free to join us on our adventures. The orples are very playful, and do manage to get around. Who knows whose blog they will end up on next (with credit given) of course,and re-blogs and/or ping-backs appreciated.
        It’s a fun way to connect with the blogging community.

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          • I say ages 8-80. Strategic Publishing says it is a kid’s book. There are some moral issues the book deals with, and it will did help me find closure in my own life. However, my original emotions blended into an entirely different story from the one that inspired their birth. This story has been edited, tweaked, and molded since 1986. I didn’t even add the illustrations as shown in this book until 2010. Those too, evolved with time. I’ve contemplated writing a book “How Orples Came To Be, Came To Be.” Maybe one day I will. For that is a story in and of itself.

            For now, here is a link to take a peek inside the books, or you can click the cover page on the side margin of my blog to take you to Amazon, where they allow you to examine the book further, as well.

            Insight into “How Orples Came To Be” … Part 1

            http://sbpra.com/marcycockerilleking/

            Thank you for your interest in my books. If you have an event, you might want to go to my author page, otherwise, Amazon is a much better deal.

            Also, just for the record, I have an adult trilogy I’m working on as well. Title cover’s are posted on the side margin. You can get a glimpse inside those as well, on amazon’s site. I still need to set up a blog to introduce that series …. ah, if I could only squeeze another 24 hours in the day.

            Thank you so much for your interest in my work. ?)

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  2. >I wrote the first book (to what I hope becomes a series of adventures) 25 years ago when my father died. It began as just two characters talking to each other, in my effort to find closure over Dad’s sudden death.
    – What a nice way to channel your grief! It saddens me when I see some resort to destructive options to soothe their pain.

    >For now, I’ve been bitten by the ‘orples’ bug, so off I go following my dreams and hoping I’m not spinning wheels again, reaching for rainbows.
    – Well, you are spinning wheels, and that in itself is fun. If you don’t get the one of those seven beautiful colours, you will still be among the clouds, Marcy. Not bad, don’t you think? But I do wish you get the pot of gold, too.

    Kate

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    • Thank you Kate, I really enjoy your feedback. You are such a source of inspiration. If my books take off, I’ll be thrilled, if not, I still enjoy working on them and sharing the adventures of life with others, both in and out of the world of orples. I’ve learned a lot in general since I’ve been trying to market these books. Too, I tend to get side tracked with all of the other wonderful blogs and people I am meeting along the way. The world is full of talented and unusual people that I might not have ever met if it weren’t for blogging; reaching out to introduce my characters (which is really why I began a blog). Obviously, this blog site is not focused on the orples alone. I thought it would be rather boring to leave it offering just one topic, so I am bouncing back and forth in an effort to keep my content somewhat interesting to all. One day I might even learn how to set up my blog with all of the bells and whistles. In the meantime, I’m playing it by ear and taking life as it comes. With age, come patience, and I’ve come to the conclusion that none of us are promised tomorrow. Therefore, my real goal in life is to get a little joy out of everyday and learn as I go. Things will fall into place for us all as they are meant to, I’m sure. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. I look forward to your input. Marcy

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  3. >With age, come patience,
    – So I’m learning. Not too patiently though. *grin*

    >Therefore, my real goal in life is to get a little joy out of everyday and learn as I go. Things will fall into place for us all as they are meant to, I’m sure.
    – See what I mean? *This* is exactly what I’m talking about where your posts are concerned. If one goes just below the surface of some of your words, there are these little treasures to be found. And *that* is what life is truly about, I believe.

    >One day I might even learn how to set up my blog with all of the bells and whistles.
    – While that will certainly be nice because we are drawn to the packaging, the advertisements and the hoopla surrounding something, but what it all boils down to, eventually, is the content. On those grounds, your site a shoo-in already for me.

    Kate

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    • Good Morning Kate, There you go again . . . providing all of that inspiration. Thank you for your input and your kind words. You’ll never know how much I appreciate the encouragement. 😉 I’ll bet you are just as wonderful with your patients. People like you should be cloned the way I see it. The world sure could use the kindness you portray. Again, thank you. Marcy

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    • Welcome aboard. I try to mix my little orples up with trail shots and of course shots of my beloved Magi and our many rides and adventures together. We were an odd couple, usually riding bareback with a hackamore and always for the pleasure of the ride. I can tell by your blog you respect the critters too, so I’ll be back to check you out ….lots!

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  5. Good morning, Marcy – I saw that you stopped-by my blog last night…thank you for visiting and for letting me know you were there.

    You have a very compelling site…nice story…nice photos. Thank you for sharing them as you do.

    Scott

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    • Thank you Scott for stopping by. I love your sense of humor. You choice for ‘color’ cracked me up. 🙂 I look forward to seeing more of your posts as times goes on. In the meantime, I hope you will continue to drop in and see me on occasion as well;)

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      • You are welcome for the visit…and I’m glad you can appreciate my sense of humor. I was a little hesitant to post my version of “color,” but it seems to have been received well. And yes, I shall be visiting. See you around. 🙂

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  7. Hi,
    Recently http://elladeewords.wordpress.com was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Pete Denton – Writer http://petedenton.wordpress.com.
    I have posted the award details at http://elladeewords.wordpress.com/2012/03/14/the-versatile-blogger-award-7-things-about-elladee/.
    The rules for accepting this award are as follows:
    1. Thank the award-givers and link back to them in your post.
    2. Share 7 things about yourself.
    3. Pass this award along 15 or 20 bloggers you read & admire.
    4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
    Your blog is amongst the 20 that amuse & inspire me I nominated as my part in fulfilling rule 3. If you feel so inclined, please accept from me the Versatile Blogger Award, and my congratulations for great blogging, and pass it on to others also deserving.

    Best regards,
    EllaDee

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  8. Marcy,
    I just wanted to stop by to let you know that I have passed The Very Inspiring Blog award on to you! You are very much deserving of it and I just wanted you to know how much I enjoy your blog and hearing about your work on your latest book. I really loved your latest illustration, so full of life and color! Feel free to accept this award or just relish in the fact that I think your blog is great and you, very inspiring 🙂 I have just published a post about it on my blog where you can find out more about it.
    Karen

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    • Thank you so much Karen. Dolly and I were just discussing some awards she’d recently received. Due to the time frame and deadlines, it may be awhile before you see my award posted, but you will see it posted (hopefully) in the near future. In the meantime the award, along with you kind thoughts, are greatly appreciated. 🙂

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  9. Hi Marcy! I love your idea for the children’s book. How very creative! An orange that turns into an orple. I wish you much success with your book and the whole series. And thanks for your comments and advice about self-publishing. It is much appreciated.

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  10. Hi! I nominated you for the ABC (Awesome Blog Content) Award. I was moved to do so because I am delighted whenever I see an email from you in my in-box. You can read about the award at http://elladeewords.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/a-community-garden-and-abc-awards/ .
    Accepting awards to enable you to nominate other worthy recipients isn’t for the faint hearted or time poor, so please accept if you choose and there’s no timeframe on responding, or obligation to do so if it’s not right for you.
    Best wishes,
    EllaDee

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  12. Hi again sweetie,
    Trying to get your username or email addy to invite you to my blog. I opened another one again but decided to keep it private just for the few close and nice friends I’ve made here. You are more than welcome. 🙂
    *hugs*

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    • I am so glad that you contacted me, Sonel. I’ve been worried about you since I’ve not seen you on the blogs much in the past month. I was hoping you’d taken a nice vacation, but couldn’t help but worry that something bad may have happened to you. So I am relieved that you’ve merely switched blogs. You can e-mail me at marcy.king@yahoo.com … use Sonel as your subject line in case the first contact hits the spam box, please. I usually delete all spam, but try to glance through first. If I recognize something that shouldn’t be there, I un-spam it. I have a lot of viral protection on my computer since I’ve picked up some nasty viruses over the years. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. There are plenty of assholes out there that have nothing better to do than to make trouble by creating viruses and worms. So sad. Anyway, I am flattered that you’ve included me as your list of friends and you know that feeling is mutual. I am not blogging as much mysel, as in the recent past. It just seems there is not enough time to fit everything in, so for awhile I may be sparse myself. No matter,
      you are always thought of with affection, whether you hear from me or not. In the meantime, it eases my mind to know that your are okay. Have a wonderful week ahead, dear. Big hugs sent your way, Marcy

      Liked by 1 person

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  14. Congratulations. You have a gift to inspire others. It is such a joy and honor to know a blogger who is able to write her heart and thoughts into a book. That is one of my dreams…or for most of us. To one day celebrate our journey in life through a book. Thank you for the music video by Tracy Lawrence. beautiful words and melody.

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    • Thank you for the kudos. My books are meant to be inspirational for children,to teach simple little lessons in life, and hoping offer encouragement. Of course my books are centered around the orples, thus the reason for including orples here and there in many of my posts.

      I’m glad you enjoyed that song by Tracie Lawrence. I always liked that particular song… such a kicky little tune downplaying the importance of money. 🙂

      Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with me. Your company is always appreciated. Marcy

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  18. Hello! You were one of the top 5 commenters on my blog in 2012, thank you for staying with me and being active! I appreciate it! I hope you have a great New Year!

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  19. Congrats on the accomplishment of your books, Marcy. I have to say, if nothing else, I just love the word Orple. Their adventures are surely entertaining, and the photos of them are edible. Sorry guys, only an expression.
    Cheers

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    • Thank you. These kiddie books have been out for awhile, now. Quite a few of my fellow bloggers were familiar with the Orples, then I dropped the ball on blogging, trying to keep up with life in general. Now, I’ve written an adult book series — almost. Book 3 is still in the works, and books 1 & 2 need some tweaking, although, already self published through Amazon. It’s just hard to keep up with everything, being a one man show. I really do appreciate your stopping by, and hope you’ll visit again. Orples, in this case stands for orange-people. However there are edible Orples, which are comprised of alternating apple and orange slices to pack in lunch boxes. The idea is to keep the apple fresh, using the orange. If you’re interested in learning more about ‘my’ orples, or know anyone with children, please don’t be shy, tell them to stop on in for a visit please. Olivia is eager to meet new friends. She’d love to meet a promoter, or a large publisher that would make her a star, don’t you know. LOL. She’s very optimistic.

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  25. Hello…

    I was recently ‘told off’ by a blogger (not a follower I might add), who said my style of ‘welcome’ note was very much against blogging etiquette. Hmm, well I hope not to cause offence, but as you volunteered to become a follower of Uncle Spike’s Adventures, I just wanted to catch up and say “thank you, and that I appreciate your ‘follow’ as there are so many interesting and entertaining blogs out there.

    Blogging since June 2013, my aim is to deliver an eclectic offering of posts, from my ‘point n shoot’ attempts at basic photography, to the sharing of my travel adventures over the decades, as well as day to day happenings here on our farm in Turkey. Oh, plus a few observations, opinions and lighter-hearted stuff thrown in for good measure.

    I normally keep to a couple of posts a day, maybe 3-4 at weekends if I have something special to share. But if you are at a loose end one day, maybe you’ll enjoy trawling through some of my older stuff too. I have added plenty of categories to help in said digging process. That’s not me trying to be pushy or ‘spamming’, but just want you to know what I’m all about.

    Thanks again and hope you have a great day…
    UNCLE SPIKE

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    • Greetings Uncle Spike. I don’t know how I missed your comment on this thread. I try to answer my comments as they are made. I also try to cruise the various blogs as time allows. There are so many things to see, and people to converse with. I’ll be sure to circle back on your blog, and I hope you will do the same with my blog, as time allows. In the meantime, thank you so much for your comments and feedback. You are appreciated here. Did you want to join in the Orples Adventures? I just want to be sure, as I add people’s names to my ‘list’, and try to weave other blogger’s work in as I can for fun and exposure. 🙂

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  29. Hello dear Marcy… Congratulations to all of your accomplishments with your books… really amazing. I’m so happy for you.
    Also thank you so much for liking “French Talk” to follow as well as my other blogs. I’m so grateful about this and as a token of my appreciation, kindly accept this gift I have for you here: http://allaboutlemon.com/le-cadeau/
    Just simply because YOU ARE LOVED!… mmwahhhh

    Dolly

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  33. I been traveling around your blog. Fun Orples … love them. I didn’t see where to sign up for your/visiting-the-neighbors/ but no matter i’m signed up for future blog posts. I want to THANK YOU for signing up for my blog entries. I try to have a variety of posts as that’s the way my mind works. 😊
    Perhaps, the Orples would like to have a play date with my Little Oliver. MMMmmm … that’s funny … they all have names that start with the Letter O.

    http://isadoraartandphotography.com/2014/10/16/wordless-wednesday-oliver/

    Toodles,
    Isadora
    http://insidethemindofisadora.com/

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    • Hi Izzy, The Orples and I are very familiar with your blog. And we’re thrilled that you want to let us tag along. I’ll proudly add your name to my ‘list’. Watch out, you never know when Oscar and Olivia will be splashing in your mud puddle. 🙂 Thanks for checking us out!

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  34. Tonight I took the time to read your “about” page because you write the most thoughtful and interesting comments on my blog posts. It was good to see your photo, too. Hello Marcy.
    I loved that my photo today reminded you of your experience with your horses responding to the neighbors elaborate decorations.
    I will definitely have to send you a photo for the Orples to have an adventure.
    Going to get your book, too.
    Night now and thanks for the likes and comments.

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    • Thank you for stopping by Ruth. If you’d like to join us in Orple Adventure land, I can take ‘screenshots’ of photos and surprise you, if you’d like. My computer is ready to burst so and screenshots take less memory. I’ve been trying to clean files to make room until I get my ‘other’ computer set up. Good night to you, too. I will see in blog-land coming and going I’m sure. 😉

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