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

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.

 

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

 

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” →

Live your Dreams

Casi’s Radio Interview

Listen to internet radio with Black Belt Jim on Blog Talk Radio

I have had several requests to post my BlogTalkRadio interview on this site so, in case you missed the show, here it is. BTW, my book release is just around the corner and I will be taking pre-release orders through my Facebook page soon. If you’d like signed copies of Wingless Butterfly, pre-release, send me an email and watch for my Facebook announcement. Thanks to everyone for listening to the radio show and for supporting me.

Casi

Live your Dreams

Stop Bullying!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE5yINOn4N4[/youtube]Did you know that every one hundred seconds a child commits suicide because of bullying? I heard that statistic on ABC last week, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. What a waste! Look at the beautiful, talented and loving children in this video. Bullying consistently slithers Read more “Stop Bullying!!” →

Live your Dreams

Enter Casi McLean’s Exciting Writing Contest!

Please help me to spread a message that I am passionate about. Take a look at this contest and share it with your friends. I’m searching for inspirational stories to help launch my new website; a site that will reach out to encourage and empower all ages of people who have lived through damaging life experiences. My intent is to bring awareness and support to show how anyone can change their life, regardless of their age or past, and find the passion and drive to pursue their dreams. One person CAN make a difference. Can you? Click continue for contest details. Thanks, Casi Read more “Enter Casi McLean’s Exciting Writing Contest!” →

Theme by Colorlib Powered by WordPress
Follow

Get the latest posts delivered to your mailbox: