A year ago today, I watched in horror as the Capitol Building of the United States of America was stormed by American citizens. Let us never forget this tragic moment in history when those among us resorted to violence to solve a perceived injustice.
Hate and violence are not solutions to our country’s problems. Greater communication, tolerance, respect, honesty, truth, compromise and love are the qualities that will allow our democracy (republic) to thrive as our founding fathers intended.
Freedom and the spirit of democracy are never guaranteed…they need to be treasured and nurtured every bit as much as do our relationships with each other.
Many holidays are celebrated at the end of the year. Regardless of what you celebrate, I wish you and your families, peace, joy and love! For those of you who find this a difficult time of the year, may your burdens seem lighter and your hopes for the future brighter than ever before. Thank you all for your support!
On a day when the wind chill is in the 30’s, it warms me to think of summer memories at the Jersey shore and the peacefulness that I feel when I watch the waves. Hopefully, you will enjoy them too. 🙂
Sunset Beach, Cape May Point, NJSunset Beach, Cape May Point, NJSunset Beach, Cape May Point, NJ ( SS Atlantus wreckage)Sunset Beach (Delaware Bay) on a windy day
I’m happy to announce that my novella, Where the Heart Goes, is now available on Amazon for purchase as a Kindle or paperback! The book is a western about a young woman who moves from Philadelphia to Texas in the 1800s on a journey of self-discovery where the events and people in her life bring her to a greater understanding of love. Those of you who liked my short stores from a few years ago will delight in this extended and more detailed story of Becky’s life! (link below)
I’m happy to say that my novella will FINALLY be released in November, 2021.
“Where the Heart Goes” is narrated by Rebecca Adams, a strong, unforgettable woman who travels from Pennsylvania to Texas to follow her dreams in the mid-1800s. She shares with the reader clips of the most memorable and poignant moments of her lifetime beginning in young adulthood. It’s an ordinary life in many ways, woven with themes of love, romance, motherhood, abuse, spirituality and death. Yet, Rebecca has a remarkable ability to learn and reflect from the experiences of her heart. She aptly sums it up with, “It’s strange how the heart can take the reins from you but still allows you to think you’re in control.”
When I published two short stories several years ago about Rebecca’s life, I had no idea her saga was not yet complete, on paper that is. The original idea was inspired from an unusual daydream I had of a man riding a bronco, who became the character, John Coulter. From there, the story took on a life of its own and developed into “That’s Just the Way It Is” and “Return to Texas.” This follow-up novella is a deeper and much expanded version of the earlier short stories with more emphasis on the historical times in which it took place. Perhaps its basic theme—deep love that lives in the heart and soul, never truly dies—bears repeating in a world that often appears loveless. It has truly been a joy and a heart-warming experience to write this piece.
The book will be available in paperback and Kindle formats…I’m looking forward to sharing more information with you next month!
In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in the complexity of our society. Our life can become a whirling mass of chores, things, people, responsibilities and places, leaving us feeling lost and joyless.
When that happens, take some time to make yourself a top priority. Decide what really matters to you…your well-being and peaceful existence. Eliminate as many of the “shoulds” as possible, and let go of unnecessary things and people. Take some time to do what makes you happy and clears your mind. Relax and go with the flow of life; don’t complicate it with overthinking. When you return to what you absolutely have to do, you will approach it more lovingly because you’ve found time to nurture yourself and relax back into yourself.
My favorite go-to place locally is without a doubt, Cape May, NJ. The beauty of the ocean and rhythm of the waves relaxes me and helps to clear my head. The same is true to some extent for writing and genealogy although those activities can at times be bittersweet. 🙂
Do you have a special place or activity that allows you to relax and free yourself from your routine?
