Anything and Everything.

I'm sure this blog has been a long time coming, but it's so very hard for me to talk about. VERY few people know what's going on, only because I've felt it's not my news to share, even if it's deeply affecting me. Even typing this, I'm crying -- which is why I can't actually voice it. So to my friends who are reading and hearing about this for the first time, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I can't say it in person. I wanted to, but it's too hard. I hope you understand why. (I hate crying in front of people, or even my own family.) My dad has cancer.  There I said it. Still doesn't make it easier. We just got through my maternal grandfather dying from it on March 14, 2016. And then my maternal grandmother passed on February 4, 2017. In between that I lost two friends, one on November 20th (to cancer) and another on Dec 29th. I'm really tried of Death hanging around. Seriously, it needs to chill out and take a vacation --- far away...

Alright 2018 - I'm ready for you! Bring it on.  My goals are lofty and ambitious, but I think I can achieve them.  Professionally:  To do more giveaways. Watch my twitter and facebook pages for more details. Finish up Joy's story by Jan 30. Write Meghan's story by March 15.  Select covers for the four books in the Westside Series by March 30.  Secure editing for all four books.  To swallow my fear and talk to the powers that be at our local book store that carries local authors. Contact bloggers for the fall release of the entire series.  Release the books 4 - 6 weeks apart starting mid to late September.  Continue to promote the hell out of other books. Continue blogging. Perhaps even streamline it a bit, but we'll see. I like showing you parts of me that aren't always writerly.  To stop be a stepping stone for others who abuse my time and generosity.  Personally:  To read 30 books or more. ...

What a year 2017 was! It didn't start out so well, with two celebrations of life within the first week. It marginally improved until I lost my beloved Grandmother on February 4. At least now she and my grandfather are together again , and that gives me some peace, even if I miss her every day.  2017 was also the year I dealt with my youngest's health issues. At each respirology visit, he got worse, and his medications were increased. It wasn't until October, after a really bad visit where we were told my young son would need new lungs, that we got referred to a new pediatric Respirologist. That visit in November changed things for us. My son wasn't as sick as the other doctor was reporting (and to his credit, he was going based off the breathing test report done in another part of his office). It seems like that may have been where things went south. But I know now. He's on meds he was on 2 years ago, and is doing fine! Amen!  In November, my Momma Bear came...