BLOG TOUR STARTS TODAY!

Why follow me on my blog tour? You’ll get to read exclusive material, character interviews, learn some dirt about me and my bad taste in music as a kid, see what Devon thought of Stone when they first met, and by visiting these places, you’ll put a smile on my face and make the lovely bloggers who’ve agreed to help a gal out with promotion very happy!

 Preorder Seven Minutes from Dreamspinner Press or Amazon.com

December 1 MM Good Book Reviews

December 6 Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter

December 7 RELEASE DAY! Tibby Armstrong.com

December 8 Alpha Book Club. org

December 9 Open Skye Book Reviews

December 12 Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Holiday Author Book Hop and Ahimsa

This week has not been easy to digest for any of us in the LGBT+QIA community or for any women who values prochoice. I've voiced my opinion and met with opposition and have had friends who have been punched or insulted by those who wish to take their rights away. I feel like the world has gone completely mad, and yet for there to be this much animosity, I realize this underbelly of racism and hatred was always there. That alone is a terribly sad realization.

According to the Washington Post, millennials, regardless of religion, race, or ethnicity, believe contraception, inclusive of Plan B, should be accessible and affordable. Also 7% identify as something other than heterosexual. –The Washington Post.com, March 27, 2015. My friend, a middle school teacher, cites her students prefer to be labeled as fluid. These are the voters of the future and they give me hope during this period where our rights appear to be threatened. Whatever happens in the next four years, we will meet it with stern opposition. No person, regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference, should be seen as less than.

Ahimsa is a Sanskrit term, which translates as non-violence. It can be expecting too much of yourself, gossiping about others, or acting out of fear. The Gaia website offers this thought, “Make a decision to intentionally respect and even love the limitations you and your body have. Accept then release the negative thoughts about yourself or others.” There is no doubt I completely loathe the man our country has elected. Releasing negative thoughts about the state of our country seems contrary to what my gut says.

The truth is, I can’t change what happened. I voted and did my civic duty, though it lacked the result I desired. I can’t change him. He is a rich, privileged, white man, who seems to value opinions of other rich, privileged, white men, and who has an agenda that does not align with my beliefs. The only things I can change are my thoughts. I can become proactive, offer others support, sign petitions, protest, and fight for equality and the environment. I will forgive myself if the battle gets too hard at times and I need a break because I know it will leave me stronger to fight later. I invite you all to do the same. Be kind to yourself.  Love is stronger than hate, and let’s stay united.

Now for something completely different…and much needed LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

So many good books coming out this holiday season promoting LOVE! Visit http://www.nickijmarkus.com for a list of authors, including Nicki, who have some holiday cheer to spread. We could all use a little love right about now.

Two Blogs

Coming December 7th: Seven Minutes

Hello, my pretties! I'm very excited to announce Seven Minutes will be available through Dreamspinner Press on December 7--just in time for Christmas. Although not labeled as a Christmas story, the ending is at Christmastime, and the HFN ending will have you singing Deck the Halls!

I'll post the cover soon!

Two BLOGs..
I've found that WordPress has better SEO but I love my Blogger. So torn, so very torn. I think I'm going to keep all my fun personal uplifting messages here and reserve the WP site for more business-like things, but don't hold me to it; I have commitment issues.
https://gracekiliandelaney.wordpress.com

Here's the blurb!

Can love be found in seven minutes?

Heavy metal singer Stone Manson never acknowledged his attraction to men. But when he meets sexy cross-dresser Devon at a party and spends Seven Minutes in Heaven with him, he can’t deny his reaction. His confusion leads him to mess up—big time—with Devon, but after some soul-searching, Stone decides to do whatever it takes to show Devon he’s worth the risk.

Devon’s got a thing for hot, tattooed rock stars—just not the sexually conflicted and closeted ones. Stone’s persistence has Devon warming up to the idea of the singer in his bed, and maybe even in his life until a threat emerges from Devon’s past. Now it’s Devon’s turn to trust Stone or both their lives could be in jeopardy.

Cha-cha-cha Changes

This is a delayed post. Usually I aim for the 8th of the month but I've been combating a move, spiders, contractors, a deadline, and finishing a second draft. 

Changes can make us stronger and can inspire. They can also make us feel defeated. Sometimes all we can do is roll with them and wait until the ride is over. That's the beauty; everything passes in time. 

Whatever change is going on, take a moment and imagine your are through it. How does it feel?

My full book reviews will have to wait until next time. If you're into Mercy Celeste, I'm loving her last two releases. 

Transition

For me and many of my friends and acquaintances, this year has been a time of major transition. The United States has nominated two presidential candidates, who have been the most controversial and historical to date. As a global society, we have lost some of the greatest musicians, Prince and David Bowie, seen terrorism ruin many lives, and divided ourselves into a Us vs.Them mentality. Personally, I believe the sensationalism of the media and the immediate gratification the Internet brings is caustic, promoting violence through hype while the facts become diluted, and often misrepresented (I’m guilty of it, passing along a quote or something I believed true without the proper research. I vow to do better). 

I want us united as a people, to rise above our differences because it is necessary. Our precious planet is suffering its own transition. The air is harder to breathe. Temperatures are rising. The creatures so dependent upon fragile ecosystems are suffering and becoming extinct, whether we believe it’s a product of human consumption, or like some of the less scientifically minded believe, God’s will. What remains is: our planet is heading toward crisis. Its decimation will continue to increase as the population grows and requires more habitat to provide shelter and food for us humans. This future is dark, and it is a future we all share.

Sign petitions. Protest. Stand up for this world. There are injustices. Change is inevitable. Gandhi said, "If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do."* 
I’ve failed at times and I’ve succeeded at other times. I encourage all of us to keep trying to learn, to grow, to direct this transition toward protecting the fragile planet for future generations and for the denizens who depend on us, who don’t have a voice but do have a right to live wild and free. One voice can change the minds of many, but we have to act as a collective to make the required changes to protect our home, planet Earth. I invite you to start small. Transition can happen in baby steps. This month pick one thing you’d like to change, either about yourself or about the world, and take action toward it. 

*Brian Morton, “Falser Words Were Never Spoken,” New York Times, August 26, 2011, accessed August 7, 2016.

Counting Daisies by Nicola Haken is a story all about transition. Cameron and Dylan were childhood best friends, torn apart without getting to say goodbye. Years later, Cameron is a successful chef, who finds Dylan in a dire position. Despite the significant change in his childhood friend, all Cameron can see is the boy he once loved and is compelled to help Dylan rise above the hardships he's endured.
SPOILERS
What I love about Haken is she addressed the issue of addiction in a very believable manner. I've had many people in my life who have struggled with various substance abuse problems. It is something they constantly battle, minute by minute at times, and Dylan conveys how immensely difficult addiction can be. Haken is a admirable storyteller, and while this story isn't for those who want a light fluffy romance, it is a powerful, well-written romance. FIVE STARS

 One Giant Leap by Kay Simone is one of the best thought out romances I've read lately. The format bounced back and forth using press interviews to forward the plot of Curtis and Patrick's evolving relationship. At first I found it distracting, but it grew on me.
Curtis is a bad boy astronaut, who inspired Patrick to work for NASA. When Patrick finds himself tossed in the role of spacecraft communicator, he finally gets to meet his hero. Sort of. Curtis is floating above him in space. During the course of the mission, Patrick is Curtis's tether to life on Earth and through skillful engineering, he's able to talk in near privacy to the single-handed savior of NASA. Curtis has no idea what Patrick looks like, but he recognizes they share an amazing connection and looks don't matter. He'd fallen for the man.
This is a sweet romance and I loved every minute of it. My favorite part was when Curtis and Patrick finally meet. It's so perfect and almost funny. Simone is a gifted writer and I immediately devoured her other books after this one, though this one remains my favorite. FIVE STARS

Couch Wisdom

Well kiddies, it's been a month since I rattled off and I've learned something valuable: Shit never goes the way you think it will. This doesn't necessarily mean it's going to go in a bad direction, it just means hold on because it is going to be a bumpy ride. 

I've never seen so many shooting, so much us vs. them injustice, so many people blaming others for their own actions or lack there of. It's repulsive and it divides us, stripping away the beautiful potential we have as humans to love and be generous. 

It's up to each of us to decide to be kind, to respect each other. Stay positive. Love one another. Prayers go to Orlando and Dallas and to all of those who have suffered by the injustice of another.

Decisions

It's been a trying month full of decisions, the hardest being where to move. With any decision the hardest part is weighing pros and cons. The second is sticking to a choice. The great part about decisions is no matter how crappy, we still get to choose. Which reminds me, it's the California primary today. Vote. Make the decision to be a participate, and earn your right to bitch about this country and its seedy politicians. 

Grace

Victories

This week I got my first publishing contract. I’ve written stories for many years never intending to publish them. This year I wanted that to change, and I’m blessed to have this goal come to fruition. Seven Minutes, a novella, was picked up by Dreamspinner Press and is slated for a December/January release.
I’ve got several stories in progress and have been working diligently now that my health has returned. I’ve also been writing music, which occupied most of my week. Adding to the craziness that is life, I’ll be moving in mid-June. As of now I’ve no idea to where exactly aside from it being closer to Burbank, and by closer I mean an hour or so.
Personal victories, on any scale, are worth celebrating. Somedays getting out of bed is a victory. Other days our dreams come true. The point is, victories come every day to us; it’s just a matter of seeing them and celebrating them.

REVIEWS!!!
I’ve read many books I’d like to share with you:

Like a Lover (Housemates Book 2) Jay Northcote
Josh, to avoid accumulating debt, works as an escort to pay for college. When one of his client’s fails to meet him at the bar, he catches the eye of a hot man, a man he’d sleep with regardless of payment—but that’s not an option.
Rupert is immediately attracted to Josh, and though he’s never paid for sex before, he has to have this man. All too quickly, Rupert finds himself falling for Josh, getting jealous he’s with other men, and wanting to spend every weekend with him. It’s a good thing Rupert has some serious cash because Josh isn’t cheap.
Rupert and Josh’s relationship develops, and their feelings develop beyond client and escort. Josh can’t afford to have a relationship, especially with a jealous man, and Rupert can’t have Josh sleeping with other men, not when he’s got enough money to take care of Josh’s needs. And yet to Josh, that’s simply a different form of prostitution.
I like all the books I’ve read by Jay Northcote. This story bares resemblance to “Pretty Woman,” without doubt. But I loved that movie, and I enjoyed this m/m version of it. If you’re looking for a light, feel-good read, this is your book!

Salvation (The Protectors, Book 1) Sloane Kennedy
Ronan lost everything the day he lost his lover. From that day forward, his Hippocratic Oath meant nothing. He became an Angel of Vengeance and used the money his fiancé left him to start a business righting the wrongs the Justice system failed to correct. There’s only one problem: the brush of Seth’s lips haunted him, threatened to deconstruct his carefully build world of vengeance and retribution for his dead lover.
A violent home invasion took the lives of Seth’s parents and almost killed him. With one kiss, he also lost the man he’d been pinning for since he was a teenager; it didn’t matter Ronan had been his brother’s fiancé. When Ronan is forced back into his life, the undeniable—and molten hot—fire between them pits their relationship into a tug of emotion full of angst, anguish, and reluctant love.
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I enjoyed the first of the series, Absolution, but Salvation had some of the hottest, angst-sex I’ve read since Clouded Hell. The tension between Ronan and Seth was beautifully written, unfolding and developing like a slow on-coming orgasm. Kennedy provided a refreshingly unique environment for her main characters and an equally refreshing history to create such a powerful relationship for Ronan and Seth. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. Read this one. You won’t be disappointed.

In Front of God and Everyone Nealy Wagner
Josh lived in what most people called a cult where if anyone knew he liked men, one in particular, he’d been thrown to the curb—literally. Josh loved his friend, Caleb, though he’d never tell him. Caleb was straight.
Their utopian life came to a halt when Josh gets thrown out, and like always, his good friend protected him, even though it meant they had to face the real world without money or a place to live. There was one perk: in the real world Josh learns other people are gay and not chastised for it. Too bad Caleb, the only man he’s ever wanted, isn’t gay…or is he?
 Josh is sweet, innocent, and naive. Thankfully, Caleb is far more outgoing and willing to break the rules. Together, they balance each other, and as their trust blooms for each other and the new friends they meet, their relationship gets deeper…until an expected visitor threatens their happiness.
Religious cults, or cults of any kind, make me cringe. People stuck in situations because they know no better way of life makes me cringe. Add the two together and Imma go punch someone. But it does make for a good story. I recommend this read for when you want to bash some skulls and fall in love, though are uncertain which appeals more.

Keep Me Still Steven Hoppa
Travis ran away from his past life and did his best to survive. Pizza delivery boy didn’t have a promising future, until it brought him to Cody’s doorstep…or giant bear.
Cody’s secluded cabin kept him safe from everything—except cute deliveries boys who ruined the damn bear statue he meant to take down. Cody sees Travis is hiding something and Cody wants to heal him, help the young man face the pain he so clearly avoids. And he knows just how to help Travis surrender and release. So what if it involves being tied up? All the better.
Travis trusts Cody and surrenders to his dominate fetishes. But happiness can’t last, not for someone like Travis. Cody has secrets, and one of them is downright deadly.
Secrets and sex? Who doesn’t love that in a story? Add in a little bondage and you’ve got a steamy romance. Cody’s one of those guys you could snuggle up to at night and know if anyone unwanted came around, he’d kick their ass to protect you. Travis needed to heal from his pain and Cody was his perfect match.
This book will take you to a backwoods cabin where leeches, angry goats, and some mean asshats exist. Perfect for a late Spring read.

Thoughts about Balance and Review of Always Forgotten

Balance.

This week had extreme highs and lows. The highs were successful contract negotiations regarding my husband’s work. The lows were the bronchial infection has returned, or perhaps never went away, and as an additional bonus I’ve acquired a throat infection of some nature. More antibiotics. Let me tell you being on antibiotics for over a month has made me near suicidal at points. The drug effects me in such a way as I’m typically not prone to such depression. So what’s going on? Many major changes are approaching and I’ve let them stress me the f*ck out. My body is warning me to take time out and rest. I hate resting. I want to write, play piano, sing, create music, walk, run, and practice yoga. I don’t want to sit in bed and watch Netflix. I’ve read so many books thanks to my Kindle Unlimited account (otherwise I wouldn’t be able to afford to read all of them).

This coming week, once contracts are signed, is a new beginning for my husband and me. We’ll be moving in a few months and I’ll have to find a new job after we settle in. Primarily, I’ve got to get healthy and rest now, as much as I hate to admit it, because there’s a whirlwind of fun work ahead.

When aspects of our lives are unbalanced it manifests as illness. Some believe where that illness occurs is indicative to where balance is needed. Research chakras and illness to see where/if you need a little more balance.

REVIEW: Always Forgotten L.M. Brown

“Everyone who spends a night with Caleb forgets him right after they leave. Then they meet the love of their life before the end of the day.” Ethan’s friend Philip tells him. Ethan skeptically makes an appointment for a one night stand, hoping he will find the love of his life as well. When chemistry strikes, Ethan is convinced Caleb is the one and he does everything he can to stay with Caleb--a man he doesn’t remember. Caleb, however, remembers Ethan and desperately tries to make their relationship work. Will the warlock that cursed Caleb 200 years ago let the man find happiness or will he tear the two lovers apart?

I like the concept of this story and overall it was a good read. I would’ve liked more depth to each of the characters, especially since Caleb was over 200 years old and had a rich history to explore. When Ethan professes he wants to be the one for Caleb, Caleb pushes aside his cynicism and lets himself believe he and Ethan can work it out. Though Ethan forgets who Caleb is after every time they have sex, somehow Ethan's body remembers the cursed man. With the assistance of videos and notes, they learn to manage their relationship until the warlock returns. Displeased with Caleb's new found happiness, he alters the curse ruining Caleb and Ethan's relationship. But is their love too strong for the warlock’s power?

This book was a fun, short read (96 pages). I enjoyed the story and would most definitely read another book by L.M. Brown.

Recommended Books and Deep Thoughts

March was a bitch. I hated March. I spent the entire month being sick, tired, and grumpy. One of my many sources of income requires student recitals. I performed yesterday, and two out of three performances went very well. The first one I barely survived. My hands shook while playing piano. I swear the notes disappeared from the page. I tried all my usual tricks to overcome stage fright, which you’d think after performing for nearly twenty years I’d be over it by now, and none seemed to help. The audience didn’t notice my mistakes. Everyone said it sounded wonderful. But I knew. The thing is, I should forgive myself of this performance and move on. I will. There were a bunch of excuses I could use legitimately to cover my ass—exhaustion, getting over pneumonia, hadn’t performed in over a year—but I don’t want to use them because the other performances went so well. The point, as I see it is, no matter how well prepared we think we are for something, unforeseen shit happens and we just have to roll with it and do the best we can in that moment. Improvise. Accept. Learn from it and move forward.
Being sick has allowed a substantial amount of time to read. The following books I’ve enjoyed quite a bit and highly recommend and in no particular order:
Who doesn't love a frustrated billionaire looking for the perfect sub with whom to fall and love and spoil rotten? It's kinky love at it's best.
http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Master-Manse-Lynn-Kelling-ebook/dp/B018496PW0








Shattered. Not just broken, heartbreaking. Haken beautifully developed the two main characters, and I struggled with them, my heart broke for them, and I cheered for them. I read this in one day. A isolated head of a publishing company meets a new employee and quickly finds himself enjoying his company a little more than he expected. The only problem with it is he knows he's broken and doesn't deserve love.
http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Nicola-Haken-ebook/dp/B01CEUZT40




The mood is dark, the sex full of angst. The son of a mobster loves a good underground fight, and when he decides to expand his business to a tiny shit-hole town, he meets the very man capable of satisfying his need, a need that if anyone discovered, especially his mobster father, would make him appear weak and potentially cost him his life. I felt like I walked through hell with these MCs. There is BDSM, hot angry sex, fighting, and a very satisfying ending.
http://www.amazon.com/Clouded-Hell-J-R-Gray-ebook/dp/B01DB0B4GO


Seven years can change many things. Finley got a note to come home, and he intended to get the man who sent it out of his system once and for all. When he sees him again, the memories come back, and the love Finley thought he could stomp out only grows like a wildfire. Finley is faced with a decision to continue his successful career as a lawyer or stay in his home town with the professor he loves. I loved this story. Of all the books I've listed, this is the most lighthearted one and it'll make you feel good.
 http://www.amazon.com/Finley-Sunset-Cove-Series-Book-ebook/dp/B01D8PTUQS

WARNING: This is not a standalone novel. I finished this book and was desperate for the second book. I mean like a dog in heat, I wanted the second book so much...but...it's...not...out...yet! These characters, Blake and Cade, grow and learn, and engage in some kink. Their dynamic will have you panting, swearing, and pinning away for them. Secret pasts, relationship hang ups, daddy issues, yeah. Read it. You'll like it. But if you want a feel-good ending, it's not here, not yet.
http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Past-Anne-Pine-ebook/dp/B0131HHBBE


Witches, vampires, demons, and politics surrounding the city of Boston, which I'm partial to because I grew up there, set the backdrop of this well-written urban fantasy. Vampires aren't my thing and it put me off from reading this for a long time. I'm glad I pushed that prejudice aside. This is a fantastically thought out story with a very three dimensional main character. The bond between him and his vampire is so hot, it drips sex, even when they're not having sex. Nothing sparkly or teen angst like here. Give it a chance, even if you are over the vampire thing. I think you'll be happy you did.
http://www.amazon.com/Necromancers-Dance-Beacon-Hill-Sorcerer-ebook/dp/B01C8VW8GC

Talent

Talent.

Everyone has a talent of some sort. We usually equate talent with the arts, but there are so many other gifts. For every profession there is talent behind it. Maybe our talent is simpler, maybe it’s the way we care for another person or animal. The point is, all of us have talent, and it is up to us to recognize it and use it to help us become the best person we can be. It makes life easier and more fun when we do.

One of the biggest issues with talent is comparing our gifts with others. I’m very guilty of this, and I’ve let it stop me from writing music on many occasions. When we think we shouldn’t bother doing something because so many others do it better than us, its not only untrue it’s detrimental. There is only one you. No one else does exactly what you do, and no one else does it exactly how you do it. Your talents inspire and influence others. You may not be aware of it, no one may say anything, but I assure you, it’s true. I’ve heard it time and time again, usually when I think no one gives a rat’s ass about what I’m creating.

Maybe you don’t know what your talent is. Take stock in the things that make you the happiest. Maybe it’s gardening, being a good parent, cleaning…it doesn’t have to be something artsy or something that produces a material product.

Maybe there’s something in your childhood you used to enjoy and stopped doing because someone critiqued you negatively. There is always some asshole willing to put you down; it makes them feel better about what they are lacking in life. I was once told I sounded like another artist, then he added a lovely backhanded compliment, “only she can sing.” I could’ve let that crush me, but I let it take me to the next level. He was still an ass. Our talents, at any stage of development, are rarely perfect. Like anything else, we must nurture the raw talent, and if we want to improve, move forward and seek those who are better than us in order to grow.

As a writer, I’m so green, I could be related to Kermit. My grammar, in case you can’t tell, isn’t exactly my strong point. But I am learning. I’ve talked with other writers, hired an editor, looked up grammar rules on the Internet. I don’t expect perfection, and that is liberating. Who can create anything when constantly judging and second- guessing? Don’t be afraid to learn or ask questions about your talent/passion.
As you go into this week, think about your talents. If you don’t know, ask others what they think you’re talents are. Usually, we have more than one thing we are good at doing. Find the one that makes your heart happy this week and make a vow to nurture it.

Unofficial.
It's all very premature on my part to post this header for "Seven Minutes" when the novella is only on its second edit and first round of beta reading, but I'm just so excited to share. Hopefully "Seven Minutes" will be released the end of March.

Stone, a hard-edged lead singer for a metal band, finds himself at a party where an adult version of Seven Minutes in Heaven is being played. With trepidation, Stone pulls Devon's name. Devon, a cross-dressing mechanic, finds himself locking lips with the last person he'd ever suspect willing to do so. Stone can't get Devon out of his head after the party. Devon thinks Stone a complete closet case and writes him off until Stone appears at the garage where Devon works and apologizes. Stone's got a temper. Devon's got attitude. With fire and sass, these two come together...but for how long?

Protection

Protection. What does that word mean to you at this moment? Is there a job you want to keep safe, a home, or maybe a child? Or maybe you're going through a challenging time and feel like you're drifting and wish for some assurance.

Things are challenging for me and my family. We are facing a major move (again) for a job, meanwhile my mother is 800 miles away in a place state that offers little to no work for me and my husband's business, and her health is questionable. We moved there once before and it drained us financially and emotionally, nearly caused divorce. But how do I decide between being with my mom for whatever time she has left or staying with my husband and work? I know many people have been exactly where I am. Many have moved and never regretted the decision; many have stayed because they had to. There isn't a right or wrong answer. And I have to believe when the time is right, and our current lease is up, I'll make the best decision.

Protection and being guided. Sometimes decisions are made for us, like a lunch date being cancelled and then learning later the restaurant had food poisoning. We dodge proverbial bullets all the time. It's a miracle, if you really think about it, that you are here and able to do everything you do. I don't think it's coincidence. Sometimes terrible things happen that are beyond our control, and sometimes for no reason. But those things shape us and often define us. I got hit by a car my first year of college, no permenant injuries, thankfully. I sued the driver and won. Had I not, I wouldn't have had the money to finish school. Terrible, but necessary?

Whatever is going on in your life right now, you are protected, and you are guided. Watch your thoughts and remember simply by being you, you may unknowingly be protecting someone else.

Limitations.

Limitations can be externally or internally created. The external ones we might not have control over, like a debilitating illness or being laid off, but the internal ones we have more power over than we realize.

Take a moment to inventory your beliefs. Examine the truths of statements you might think, ones like "I'm not good enough for that promotion" or "I'll never have that" for validity.

Someone once said to me that the greatest gift we have is the ability to control our thoughts. The more we focus on what we don't have, the more we concentrate on the negative and limit ourselves from obtaining what we really need. 

This week try taking a small step away from negative reinforcement by turning an "I don't have" into a "I have." For example instead of saying "I don't have enough money to buy a new car," turn it into "I will have a new car" or by simply appreciating the car you currently have. It's not easy. Our thoughts are generally more negative than positive. So for one day, if not all week, try to catch yourself and see if what you're thinking or saying is limiting you from achieving what you want, and if so, reword it into something positive. Good luck.

Celebration

Celebration.

Lately, I’ve been completely stressed due to financial worries, new job, and health concerns for both my husband and myself, as well as worrying about my parent’s health. It’s like this big cloud of worry descended, and I’m stuck thinking what the f*ck, Universe.

Today the word Celebrate came up, and I wondered what exactly I had to celebrate when so many worries seem to overwhelm me. The Upanishads have this saying, “Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become character.” By choosing to focus on the things I’m concerned about, I’m actually bringing them into fruition and not seeing the good things, the things worth paying attention to.

Last year, I was terribly ill and during that time I was forced to slow down and think of what was important in my life. It forced me to cut out unessential things and let go of people who had no respect for my illness. It gave me a break, like a pause button on life, which I hadn’t known I’d desperately needed. Even more miraculously, the Universe gave me financial means to take that break.

This year, I’m back to working out and doing things I love and feeling nearly 100%. Cause for Celebration! I finished the fourth edit of a story and got encouraging feedback from a publisher on a previous one. Celebration! I applied for and got a new job, even if it isn’t as many hours as I’d like, it certainly helps my financial concerns. Celebration!

If we can change our perspective, we can find little things to celebrate everyday even when something we view as terrible has happened. I’m not trying to sugarcoat a shit situation. There are dark elements in this world and in our lives, chronic illness, terrorism, environmental disaster, etc., where a reason for celebrating may seem impossible. But there are others worth celebrating, and it’s important to pay attention to those.
A Queen song comes to mind, and though it speaks of miracles, it is a reminder of things we should celebrate, to not take for granted. And I’ll leave you with this…

THE MIRACLE
 by Queen
Every drop of rain that falls in Sahara Desert says it all,
It's a miracle,
All God's creations great and small, the Golden Gate and the Taj Mahal,
That's a miracle,
Test tube babies being born, mothers, fathers dead and gone,
It's a miracle,
We're having a miracle on earth, mother nature does it all for us,
The wonders of this world go on, the hanging Gardens of Babylon,
Captain Cook and Cain and Able, Jimi Hendrix to the Tower of Babel
It's a miracle, it's a miracle, it's a miracle, it's a miracle,
The one thing we're all waiting for, is peace on earth - an end to war,
It's a miracle we need - the miracle, the miracle we're all waiting for today,
If every leaf on every tree, could tell a story that would be a miracle,
If every child on every street, had clothes to wear and food to eat,
That's a miracle,
If all God's people could be free, to live in perfect harmony,
It's a miracle, we're having a miracle on earth,
Mother nature does it all for us
Open hearts and surgery, Sunday mornings with a cup of tea,
Super powers always fighting,
But Mona Lisa just keeps on smiling,

The wonders of this world go on,
It's a miracle, it's a miracle, it's a miracle, it's a miracle,
The one thing we're all waiting for, is peace on earth and an end to war,
It's a miracle we need, the miracle, the miracle,
Peace on earth and end to war today,
That time will come one day you'll see when we can all be friends,

I hope everyone is having a great start to the new year! It's time to jump on those treadmills and run to work off all those cups of eggnog, and delicious pieces of apple pie! 

This year, I want to give back. I want to help other people. More. I'm still figuring out the best way to do this, but one way is to beta read, another is to play/sing at hospice or work with kids, or maybe  just be nicer to people. Maybe helping each other is our only redeeming quality as humans at this point: our government is frozen and the majority of our citizens--as a whole--are paranoid.

I'm guilty. I barely know my neighbors, but I do talk to them on occasion. But if I took the time to know those in my neighborhood, would it help? Would my neighborhood be less hostile? Hmm. Maybe I'll try it out for the new year and see.

The writing:
I'm adoring my beta readers. They have been so very helpful. I also heard back from a publisher, who loved the characters to one of my stories, and if I am willing to make some (drastic plot) changes, I can resubmit. It seems like a positive thing, right? I'm staying hopeful here.

I wish you all the best in the coming year.
Peace and Love