Winter time

There is nothing in the world nicer than sitting in front of a fireplace on a cold winters’ day or evening sharing the quiet moments with friends, family or  even by yourself with a good book. The warm glow that contrasts the outside of snow or rain always helps me to appreciate how wonder life can be.

There were many times I’d be on the road, late, on a cold winter night dreaming of those moments at the fireplace, resting warm with a hot cup of chocolate or herbal tea. It doesn’t get much better.

Special Holiday Message

December is the time of year we celebrate the holidays with our family and friends. No matter what holiday you celebrate:  Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, etc., people are what make the holiday.

I created an animation that shows what holidays are all about. Just click on the link below and be sure your sound is turned on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi0gKoJ_2WM

or

http://www.thosedesigners.com/Dec_2012.html

Happy Holidays!

Veteran's Day

 

 

 

Veteran’s Day is when the Starting Gun goes off to remind us to prepare for the holidays that will sneak up on us.

Yet the true meaning of Veteran’s Day gets lost in the shuffle. It is time to honor our military veterans for dedicating a part of their lives to protect our freedom.

I made an animated video several years ago that honored our Vets. that gets requested every year. Just click on the link below and be sure your sound is turned on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5EWJHfgH6M

Thanks to all of you who’ve served!

Halloween

Halloween has always been MY holiday!

During the fall and winter seasons, holidays follow one after the other:  Thanksgiving is for family, Christmas is for friends, New Year’s is for everyone.  So Halloween is my time to enjoy everything about it. From decorating, baking (spooky stuff) carving pumpkins, trick or treating, parties, and dressing up, I enjoy it all.

Dressing up always is the most fun, beginning with planning and assembling my costume. To this day, dressing up is still a joy for that one special day a year. I can be anyone or anything I want, including a piece of chalk (Halloween 1988).  My husband dressed up as a felt tip marker that year.

Enjoy your Halloween!

September 2013

 

September first marks the second anniversary of the publishing  of my first book, South of the Pier. I remember my first sale and I kept the receipt!

It has always been my dream to write. And I must say it is wonderful to have a dream come true!

Many people ask how long it took for me to write my first book.  I tell them ten years, from my first writing seminar to the actual publishing of my book. Of course, it takes less time to write now, but the long haul of getting my first book completed brought confusion, enthusiasm, frustration, elation, and long suffering. Some well known authors also include blood and sweat as things they’ve given for their first novel.

When you have a story to tell you need to tell it. To those who want to write, my best suggestion is to start writing and keep writing. Remember, if you go after your dreams, they can come true.

Thank you to all those who supported me during this rough ten years and those who believed in me and have read my work,

 

You’re the best!

Summertime

August, the end of summer. It is my cue to go all out and squeeze out the last bit of summer before life gets back to normal, and the “old grind”.

I can’t seem to get enough of outdoor dining, barbecues, and the love of swimming every day!

Nothing beats a long swim in a lake, bay or beach in the middle of the day, with the sun warming my back as I press through vast open water. And, depending on what state or country I’m in, the occasional fish, dolphin, and turtle swimming alongside of me.

Doesn’t get much better! 

Enjoy the rest of summer!

Fourth of July

The second summer after our niece, Jenny, joined us she was 27 months old that July. My sister, husband and I decided to introduce her to the Fourth of July and went for a full fledged American picnic and fireworks display.

During the early evening there were displays, military vehicles, fire trucks, and helicopters, all for the public to enjoy up close and personal. Music blared from peoples radios. Jenny’s mother brought some flags for us to wave.

Just as the entertainment began, the band played our national anthem. Jenny stood up took two flags and began to wave them in the air as the night sky darkened. It was particularly poignant since Jenny was born in Guatemala and she how has freedom that she will grow up with and enjoy the rest of her life.

          Let’s celebrate our freedom every year!

Enjoy your 4^th.