Thanksgiving 2020

Yes, even this year, with a horrible virus going around,

 I am thankful for many wonderful things. 

I suppose we used to take life for granted. 

This year it's on the top of my list.

Being alive and being able to share

life with those we love is a gigantic blessing.

 Of course, I miss relatives and friends, but I'd rather

 know they are snug at home,

 instead of taking a chance and being exposed to dangerous germs.

Fortunately, I also have many virtual friends like you, and I imagine you're staying safe!

It's not that I'm oblivious--I'm a writer and I have a great imagination. 

I can visualize you with a mask on, while you're social distancing!

Additionally, I can think of about five thousand other things to be thankful about.

What about you?

 

A Dose of Sunshine on a Rainy Day!

 

 

 

This morning, it’s raining outside. Fluffy gray clouds are passing overhead unveiling patches of blue. Californians are always grateful for rain, especially because of the recent fires. Me, I’ve never liked gloomy gray. It’s my least favorite color and it’s sort of depressing. Usually however, the rain doesn’t last long, and rays of sunshine will soon be blasting down. 

Today, as luck would have it, I notice an Amazon package at my gate. I step over a few puddles to retrieve it and am delighted at the timing! Inside the wet, brown wrapper is a dear friend’s book, filled with instant sunshine!

Sunny Simon recently published a book called Life on the Sunny Side—Inspirations for Busy Women. Though I had read an eBook version, today I received the impressive paperback copy.

Oh, my goodness, this is not just some flimsy little booklet with motivational adages. This book has serious inspirational information you can begin using immediately. There are fabulous quotes throughout, from Yogi Berra or Dale Carnegie, but don’t misunderstand, it’s not simply a volume of platitudes and short little sayings. Every chapter is an example of why, and how, we should remain sunny during the tough and gloomy times.

With an extensive background in career and life coaching, Sunny tackles those unexpected challenges that take us for a loop. She takes examples from friends, her husband, colleagues, party-goers, messages in dreams and even her dog. It’s a mindful creation meant for busy people who might need to slow down and focus on the present. It’s a book I’ll return to again and again, because everything she writes is uplifting and sunny. Thanks, Sunny!

If you’re interested in a book that might change your life, click here:

An Autumn Recap of 2020

I guess I work better under pressure. After all, I remember how my patriotic love for this country helped me stay positive after 911. Even through tears, Americans pulled together to show solidarity during a difficult time. People wore flags on their lapels, or red, white and blue knitted beanies, even stars and stripes on their baggy pants. I still own a flag scarf I’d wear with my navy-blue suit. Yes, things were different.

Somehow, things have changed. Everyone, even kids, are so darn independent. Personally, I think people have forgotten all the beauty surrounding us. I challenge anyone to argue next to the rim of the breathtaking Grand Canyon. No one will hear you shout next to the incredibly loud Niagara Falls. Dare you disturb the hidden creatures within the Hoh Rainforest? Right now, at this exact moment, there are wonderful things happening in the world. Penguins and pandas are born, Monarch butterflies are fluttering into Mexico and birds are flying south for the winter. And, I'm busy too. 

With all the hoopla going on outside in the political, germ-filled world, I found it the perfect time to finish my fourth novel, The Happy War.

Then, with help from talented friends, we created magic for the local library, which you can check out in my previous post. It's a video I’ll be proud to share over and over again, far into the future! In my opinion, that song should win a Grammy and the video an Academy Award. 😊

Later, a story was accepted into an upcoming anthology titled, Frightening Fables, which is on special right now, for ereaders. The paperback should be available next week. Click on the photo to get your copy of these spooky stories!

Also, exciting, one my most romantic poems is coming out in the winter issue of Heart magazine!

 And the year isn’t over. Who knows what amazing opportunities are headed my way! 

 

Do you work better under pressure?

Can you focus during tough times?

Stay healthy my friends and wear a mask!

 

Don't Forget to Vote!

Many of you may have already watched this short video, 

but I wanted to make sure everyone sees it before the election. 

 

Our local library invited me to create something about our town, the founder, and the 19th Amendment. 

Though a huge honor, it took some planning due to the pandemic. Everything had to be done with computers, phone calls, books, emails and text messages.

What to do? 

So, I wrote an introduction, a skit, a song and a short narrative. The song is called, "I'll Never Stop Thinking" and I needed to find a composer! I have a few musical friends on Facebook but only asked one, and he came through like a true professional. (Last time I saw Keith, he was 8. I remembered a flurry of fast-moving freckles.) Anyway, I have no other words for Keith Walsh, other than amazing. He understood my words and interpreted the song better than I could have imagined. 

Also amazing, is the singer, Candace Grewe who sang the song and performed the skit with the talented Suzanne Saunders.  Candace and her family assembled the entire video! Again, I'm speechless. 

Thank you to the Wildomar Library and all involved with this short production. I am proud to live in this town and thankful for wonderful friends! 

 

Lessons From Sir Lawrence for 2020

 

As a young archeology student, Sir Lawrence of Arabia was sent to the Middle East by the British Museum. During that time, he was beaten, shot at and robbed, and yet, when the military sent him back to Syria on a fact-finding mission, where Ottoman Turks lorded over the land; Lawrence saw it as an opportunity to help liberate Arabia.

Recently, I re-watched the legendary Peter O’ Toole, in the famous 1962 movie. I saw it before, but in my case, age and experience helped me appreciate the finer points, the cinematography and the all-star cast. (Plus, I always thought Peter O’ Toole was a handsome fellow.)

With a bounty on his head, Sir Lawrence led his rag-tag troops into battle against sophisticated armies. Upon being captured, he was beaten and imprisoned, but continued his stealth operations in order to help his friends—nomads-- Arabs—and a Prince.

Whether historically true or not, the positive attitude of the main character in the movie keeps you riveted. When the British commanding officer asks him to return to the parched, dangerous land where he knows anything can happen, he cheerfully agrees to go, even saying, “It will be fun.”

Of course, none of it is fun.

Which immediately reminded me of this year.

When faced with adversity, do we give up or proceed?

Will our battle scars slow us down?

Will we continue to protect our friends?

Do we fight for peace?

Do we surrender?

Can we make it fun?

The Happy War-A Novel

 Have you read it? 

If yes, please leave a short review on Amazon. Thank you!

Stream of Consciousness Writing On the Anniversary of 911

 

There’s a virus among us. It came from far away and is now everywhere. We’re supposed to stay home and when we go out, we’re supposed to wear a mask, like Zorro. And, there are fires all over California. People with asthma can’t breathe. People are sad. There are riots all over the place and a few peaceful protests that end up being taken over by mobs. I think God turned up the heat on the chaos in the streets. Bad folks don’t like 120 degrees either.

I don’t like people who act like animals.

Those people who flew into the tower—they were animals.

 I guess it’s all perception. Maybe people who tend sheep in New Zealand think the world is a peaceful place. Being a shepherd near Wellington sounds idyllic.

I love my dog. Like a border collie, she has come out of retirement to watch the neighborhood. Her nose twitches from the scent of smoke. She loves our neighbors. Every night she watches the news with us and she can tell something is wrong. She is on high alert. Not bad for being 15 years old! Right now, she stares from the window, her eyes scanning the street. Finally, after many years, she recognizes the postman and figured out she doesn’t need to bark.  Right now, nothing looks out of the ordinary, but she is ready. Ready to love and kiss everyone. Ready to protect.

I love animals who act human. Pinky loves everyone.

My book, The Happy War is about a couple who will risk their life for peace. It’s now available in a hard cover version too. I think that’s pretty impressive, if I may say so myself. 😊The reviews I’ve received, so far, are awesome. I am honored by the kind words. Just wow!

 There needs to be a real, legal way to create happiness. At least my characters tried something unethical and immoral to fight hate. But it’s fiction, and their perception of things is skewed by me, the author. In other words, I lived my dream of peace on Earth vicariously, through the lives of my characters. When you read a book, doesn’t it take you on a journey somewhere? Don’t you feel better when reading a book? I guess that’s one of the reasons I wrote this book. If even one person finds my novel entertaining, during this maelstrom called life, then I did something right.  In a desperate world, we hold onto hope. We hold onto every morsel of beauty and love.

Join me in silent prayers...

For those who lost their homes. For those who have Covid.

And, let us never forget those who died on September 11^th.

 

Friends, I wish you peace. Stay safe.