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Her mother’s warning haunted her through a childhood steeped in mystery, and sparked a domino effect reflecting what she perceived was true––until she uncovered secrets and lies in her past that changed everything.
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Interview with Casi McLean, author of Wingless Butterfly
Live your Dreams
Live your Dreams
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.
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A good friend of mine sent me an email recently with a Read more “My Christmas Wish”
Live your Dreams
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI5kV69UxKg[/youtube]Have you ever wondered why it was so easy to make friends as children? Trust came easily––before it was jaded by life experiences. In the pure innocence of childhood, hopes and dreams flourish, but Read more “Do You Look, or Truly See?”
Live your Dreams
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Ahhh, the summer sun, beach trips, picnics at the park … What a wonderful time of year, but summer will always remind me of something more than lazy summer days. It brings to my mind the life of a man who to me was a true hero. I never knew him, but Randy Pausch was, without a doubt, the epitome of an eternal optimist. If you Read more “Remembering Randy Pausch”
Live your Dreams
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
You’d never dive into a shallow pool, right? No one would consciously do that, but people dive right into new relationships every day––without testing the waters first. It’s no wonder so many break their ‘buts’ (yes I meant to spell it that way) But he said . . . But she was . . . But we have . . . Moving too fast, is a sure way to add to your ‘but’ list and chalk up another failed relationship––so if you missed part one in this series, check it out before reading on, because today I’m adding to the top five reasons relationships fail with: The History of Failed Relationships, Part Deux.
How many times have we all heard the cliches, “men are all alike” or “Women! I’ll never understand them?” Maybe we do speak different languages, but honestly people, it’s our differences that keep things interesting.
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Men (or women for that matter) aren’t all the same and if you have that attitude or experience, then it’s time you look at the common denominator––YOU!
If your relationships continually end the same way, Read more “The History Of Failed Relationships, Part Deux.”
Live your Dreams
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
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.
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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: