Life always has surprises.

This past weekend was a time of sadness and a time of joy.  On Friday we buried our uncle who had been suffering with emphysema for several years.

But, on Saturday to my surprise and to the surprise of everyone in this picture I actually went on a road trip to Louisville Ky. for the surprise retirement party of Dr. Withers.  That's Danny in the blue shirt.  After 43 years in the education field and having spent the last 22 years as principal at the same high school he once attended.

As I contemplated the long drive and thought about swollen ankles and leg pains I was tempted to cancel, but  I knew my sister in the silver dress(Jackie) and my niece in the black and white dress (Tanya) were taking bets on whether I would actually go.

And then there was the matter of my first cousin (Denise) in the pink dress that didn't invite me because she didn't think I would come. So I had to invite myself and crash the party. LOL.  There was just oo much riding on my going. So pain or not I was determined.

And who is that in the yellow you're asking.  That's Danielle, my second cousin, daughter of Denise and Danny and party planner.  She did a fantastic job.

Saving the best for last, Martese in the white shirt , nephew-in-law, married to Tanya.  I give him kudos for being such a good driver, being funny, making me laugh, and just keeping a ton of conversation flowing.

Now I will admit that Bill and I do appear to be glued at the hip and I will admit that I like to be with him when I go someplace.  It's much harder sleeping without him in the bed.  But considering that Bill didn't want to make the drive and even though he didn't say it, I knew he didn't think I'd go without him either, I had to go.  I never want anyone thinking they always know exactly what I'm going to do.  Not even my sweet husband of 45 years.

So even though I was tired and didn't get to see my uncle James, a goal I wanted to accomplish while in Ky. I'm so glad I went.  I had so much fun, the food was delicious, I danced, and I surprised my cousin.

And considering that my weekend started with a sad event it makes you more mindful of living while you're alive.

One last thing that I suppose as an author I should keep beating you over the head with, ( I HATE DOING THAT) Anyway, my new book, Secrets of the Orient is still on Amazon Scout and in need of votes. Here's the link to vote if you're interested.http://kindlescout.amazon.com      

Don't forget to check out my friend Cici Edward's blog.http://ciciedward.com

Have you ever thought what a long time 30 days is?  Well, if not I have to tell you it's a VERY long time.  As you already know, Cici and I made an agreement to blog twice a month.  We've done that.  Now you know if I needed a partner in order to blog twice a month that apparently I couldn't think of anything to tell you.

Do I want to keep posting, buy my book?  Or vote for me?  NO I DO NOT.


So what am I going to do about it? ROFL.  I'm going to force myself out of my comfort zone and ANNOY THE HECK OUT OF YOU.  But considering I have barely any traffic to this blog and will only be annoying just a few of you, I've decided to do it.


It would be kinda nice if after the Kindle Amazon Scout challenge is over, that I will find a few interesting things to blog about on a weekly basis.


kindlescout.amazon.com

If you'd like to help we keep Secrets of the Orient on the Hot list, you can go to the above link and read an excerpt.  If you'd like to see the book published, a nomination and a share to get the word out and garner more votes will definitely be appreciated.  Cyber champagne and chocolates will be on the menu if  we're celebrating at the end of this.

Don't worry, by the time this is over we'll be on the same page.  I'll be sick of me also.

Giveaway for Secrets of the Orient.

 I'm hosting a giveaway on Amazon for Secrets of the Orient, which is entered in the Kindle Scout contest.  It's a book by Rachel Gibson. I have no idea why it's not showing the picture.  Anyway, check out the link and good luck. No purchase is necessary.  It's a numbered contest and you just have to be the right number.  Amazon takes care of that and all the rest.

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/6c091b49f06a6e17

Secrets of the Orient- my new novel

 Good morning,

Some news: I've entered my new novel into Amazon's Kindle Scout.  It's a reader participation publishing deal.  The link will take you to an excerpt. If you vote for Secrets of the Orient, I'd like to thank you in advance.

https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1MLD8Y01W1QBD

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately on aging.  That's not so amazing considering I'm doing just that. But aren't we all? Every single day you live, you're aging.

But I wanted to tell you my latest aging story. I think the older we get we generally become afraid of losing certain things that make us who we are. Memory ranks number one. You can't help but wonder when you can't remember something if it's a symptom of a larger issue.

About a month or so ago we received a letter from NiCor Gas concerning our home solution protection.  I had no knowledge of  signing up for this program and was bound and determined to demand my money back. But first I had to find out how long they'd been taking my money. It took a month to remember to actually call. LOL.

I make the call, state we didn't sign up for this and how long have you been taking my money?  The answer: since 2001. I won't repeat the entire conversation to you because it would be boring. But my take away is this:  If I am losing my memory it's happening very slowly. 

Since we can't worry about what's going to happen later in life, we may as well live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment we're given. Snap some pictures, take a day trip, laugh a lot with the people you love. Do something you've held off on doing. 

I applaud my son for having that kind of spirit. 

Perhaps I'll take a daring walk without worrying about stray dogs.

What the heck, I'm taking my pepper spray and a stick.

Don't forget to check out my friend, Cici Edward. We're sticking to our blogging plan, and believe me, that's a challenge.  I'll congratulate the two of us on our success.

http://ciciedward.com/writerslife/