Live your Dreams

Why Take The Chance?

Have you ever dreamed about what your life would have been like if you had only changed just one big decision? Just think about it. What if you had a do-over––got that one chance to go back in time and take the other fork in the road––the one that could have changed the course your life?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrkr9Ipj1XA[/youtube]

I love the concept. It inspired my soon to be published time-travel romance, Beneath The Lake, as well as my new short story, The Promise. (Stay tuned for more details.) But alas, fantasy isn’t reality. No one can actually go back in time, but a do-over is definitely within the realm of possibilities. How? Well, my destiny unravels . . .

Read more “Why Take The Chance?” →

Live your Dreams

The # 1 Best Gift Ever!

Children are the future. With innocent eyes and magical dreams, they touch our hearts––and sometimes try our patience. My two sons have always been my life’s greatest treasures. I wanted to give them the world, protect them from pain and encourage them to live their dreams; a gift I had never been able to open . . . until recently. I preached ad-nausium . . . okay, that’s not really a word, but you get the picture . . . I tried to tell my children to do as I say, not as I do––a daunting task, especially through the tantrums and outbursts of their teenage years. I was convinced they had no use for Mom’s incessant messages. Those of you who are really close to me––or who read Wingless Butterfly––know the trials and tribulations I went through with my boys; especially Jace. Still, I never gave up––and somewhere along the way, when I wasn’t looking, they just got it. How do I know?

A glimpse from our new home

Well, yesterday I clicked on a status on Jace’s Facebook page and Read more “The # 1 Best Gift Ever!” →

Live your Dreams

My Christmas Wish

Over the years the Christmas season has grown more and more difficult for me. My mother died Christmas of 1995. In the years that followed, losses mounted. My 20+ years of marriage ended in divorce. My children grew into strong, confident men with busy lives, but the pride, happiness and love I felt for them didn’t muffle the echo of silence that lingered in my empty home where children’s laughter once dwelled. My design business collapsed in December 2008; but the ultimate loss broke my heart when Daddy passed away shortly before Christmas 2009. And 2010 seared more loss into my heart. But throughout those years, silent embers softly glowed deep within me.

Christmas conjures wonderful memories for most people; visions of magic, sleds gliding through sparkling snow, glittering lights, love, and children sitting in their mother’s lap as they struggle to stay awake to catch a glimpse of Santa. But for many, those visions have faded over years of abuse, loss and pain; and Christmas serves as a reminder of what they’ve lost. I have friends, who’ve recently lost careers, their homes, loved ones and so much more, yet they persevere.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0et-zyoKLw[/youtube]

A good friend of mine sent me an email recently with a Read more “My Christmas Wish” →

Live your Dreams

A Woman Should Know . . .

As a writer, I’m inspired by those elite and gifted enough to stir passion within the souls of humanity. Those who focus on the human race and show us universal threads that unite us all as we search for love and meaning in our lives. Maya Angelou’s writing does just that and she touches my soul. Today I want to share one particular masterpiece that has been on my bathroom mirror since the day I first read it. Not only does it incapsulate the message of Wingless Butterfly, it also reminds me why I write.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6AaK1FoVWA[/youtube]

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . . .

enough money within her control to move out

and rent a place of her own,

even if she never wants to or needs to . . .

something perfect to wear if the employer,

or date of her dreams wants to Read more “A Woman Should Know . . .” →

Live your Dreams

Are You Insane?

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results. Now, most people wouldn’t consider themselves insane, yet how often do we see people continually repeat the same patterns, while they hopefully yearn for happy endings. Like Scarlett O’Hara in Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind, they’ll “worry about it tomorrow.” Patterns drench our lives, yet most of us don’t even realize we have them. That can be good news if our habits lead to great health, financial security and incredible relationships, but what if they don’t?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGRRJW8ynR4[/youtube]

Have you ever heard people complain that they just can’t get a break? Or how about friends who Read more “Are You Insane?” →

Live your Dreams

Wingless Butterfly Lands In Greece

I received an email a few days ago that touched me like none I had ever received before. It was from a woman who lives in Greece. Now I don’t know where all of you live, but Greece is literally on the other side of the world from me. I was so moved that she would take the time to write to me about the impact my book, Wingless Butterfly, had on her––and I hope she realizes that she and others like her are truly my inspiration!!

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‘The Butterfly Effect’ and ‘The Starfish Story’ appear in my book, and if the message hasn’t reached your eyes––or heart yet, you’ll Read more “Wingless Butterfly Lands In Greece” →

Live your Dreams

Belief In Yourself Is Contagious!

I had every intention of adding to my ‘Top 5 Reasons Relationships Fail’ today, and totally plan on continuing it, but I was side tracked this morning when I took a moment out of my busy schedule to take a closer look at a friend. Patty was my student a hundred years ago. Well, not a hundred, but certainly in another lifetime. She was in 8th grade and I was her 26 year old English teacher.

 

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Patty was the most amazing young teen, smart, talented, compassionate and beautiful inside and out. I never had any doubt she’d be a great success at what ever she chose to do in life, despite the fact that at 11 years old, she was in a terrible accident that had ripped apart the right side of her face—a lifetime scar that had wounded her soul along with her flesh. But her beauty of spirit radiated through and I felt a connection to her. I Read more “Belief In Yourself Is Contagious!” →

Live your Dreams

Positive Power-Contest Winners

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us that can derail the best of plans, but instead of wallowing in Murphy’s Law, try looking at the silver linings along the way. I used to wonder why some people attain amazing goals despite adversity, while others cringe and complain at the slightest bump in the road. Now I realize that attitude is everything and the perspective and perseverance of these positive people inspire me.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4uG2kSdd-4[/youtube]

Wingless Butterfly hit a few speed bumps on the road to publication too. Formatting issues kept pushing back the launch date. I had great plans, but the schedule I had so neatly set in place had to continually change. Book signings were rescheduled, and my contest winners were left in limbo, but Wingless Butterfly is finally published and it’s time to show the wings of some amazing people.

I did have a problem though, the entries were so compelling, it was difficult to choose the winners––and I finally had to split first prize between two people. Their stories are both filled with incredible strength and determination and their inspiring attitude will touch your hearts. I featured their stories on the ‘Taking Flight’ section of my website so please read about the incredible strength and courage of these two special women.

I’m honored to announce winners who will share first place in my contest! Congratulations to:  Barbara Tsouklas and Alice Shapiro.

Click here to read their stories:

Barbara’s Story

Alice’s Story

Live your Dreams

Wingless Butterfly—The Trailer

My publisher at Aberdeen Bay says the best things in life are worth waiting for. Some people don’t believe that, but I have to say I’ve found it to be true. I think everything happens for a reason but, for me, patience has never come easily. Ha, my mom used to tell me that patience was a virtue and she got pretty upset when I stomped off saying, “Then I guess I’m just not very virtuous.” I’ve been so excited for my book to actually be released, that it’s been difficult to sit back and wait for the step by step process to play out. Those of you who know me personally can testify that I’m pretty high energy, so instead of simply waiting anxiously, I decided to focus on something a lot more fun.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiApc7HXQ-c[/youtube]

For the last 3 weeks I have been working on my book trailer with Acosta Production’s CEO, Jon Acosta and Downstairs Studio’s Owner and Chief Audio Engineer, Drew Gibadlo. These guys are creative geniuses and Read more “Wingless Butterfly—The Trailer” →

Live your Dreams

An Unexpected Review

My new book, Wingless Butterfly, will be released in just a few days and naturally I’m excited. Most all of my friends and family are anxious to get their signed copy, but I have to admit I hope the world will see my passion and purpose, and receive my manuscript with open arms too. Well, this past weekend I got an unexpected review that encourages me. I’ve always thought Read more “An Unexpected Review” →

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