Turn the Page & Begin a New Chapter

When you find your favorite genre of books, give yourself the time and energy to enjoy reading! It's an awesome way to self-care. The following selections are Contemporary Romance novels I recommend. Please note: They are for mature audiences only.

MoonStone Beach by Linda Seed:  This story is set in the beautiful backdrop of Cambria, California.  Kate is a local business owner and a divorcee looking to make that leap back into the dating pool.  It starts out pretty hilarious. But as a reader, I related to Kate and couldn't help but root for her.  Jackson is the local upscale restaurant chef and although he seems rough around the edges, underneath it all, a good person exists.  Both characters are likeable and I could picture myself in the setting watching these two do their thing.  This was a beautiful love story.  

 

 

Nothing But Blue Skies by Christie Ridgeway: This sweet story is set on the beautiful island of Abrigo, CA, and it's just as much a living breathing character as any other.  We follow the romantic journey of two couples: Yaeger & Zoe and Deke & Lyssa.  Each person is unique and wonderful on their own--struggling with their own demons or coming to terms with their own realities.  The theme of destiny and meant-to-be's is strong and dare I say, magical. 

 

 

Going Down Easy by Carly Phillips:  What I enjoyed about the main couple, Kaden and Lexie, was that they didn't waste any time letting each other know they were attracted to one another. One of the biggest complications to their romance, however, is that Kaden is Lexie's boss--as if that's going to stop Kaden from pursuing Lexie.  But aside from wanting each other, they both have separate complicated lives that could really derail any progress they make towards a healthy relationship.  Mental illness is a big theme in this story--and a lot of hope. 

 

If you have a chance to read all or any of these, I hope you like them.  As always, sending light & love to all! XOXO 😘

 

This is true for me. I enjoy many things, but reading is a special kind of enjoyment.

 

Let it fly free for all to see!

The perfect book meme and life advice meme. 😉

It's the most affordable way to travel.

 

Comparison is a Waste of Energy

 

I captured this amazing piece from a blogger on one of my social media sites & I wanted to share it because I feel like at any one point in our lives, we need to hear this message. Let's work on being truly happy for others, without feeling like we're less than. We don't know what they're going through, what challenges they're facing and any other "behind the scenes" of another person's life. Also, they could really be having a fabulous, amazing life. That's awesome. No need to compare.

We've had some rough things happen to us in recent times, and there are moments when I go through the "why me?" black hole. But, thankfully, I have a pretty remarkable support system that pulls me out of it, and instead, focus on the good things...the things that are not going wrong. Everyone has good times and bad times. It's just the cycle of life. Appreciate the good times and know that the bad times are temporary. I make an effort to stay positive especially on social media because I feel like it's a platform that needs more of that kind of energy. I'm fortunate that when I divert from that path sometimes, I have my main people around me to make me realize that there are more good things than bad and yes, there is always, always something to be thankful for.

If you're in the midst of comparison and feeling unworthy in your own life, I hope reading the above piece helps, even if a little bit. As usual, sending light & love to you all. XOXO 😘

 

If the Doors Could Talk

Before

It was announced that these beautiful doors from our Parish Church will be replaced because they haven't been functioning to the optimum level for a while.  I immediately felt that sad, nostalgic feeling...remembering how much those doors have been a part of many events throughout the years.  They are the backdrop to many Sacrament photographs: First-Communion, Confirmations, weddings, funerals as well as celebrations of graduations, Quinceaneras, anniversaries, and so on. The aesthetics is striking with those lines that spread out, with that circle centering it all--looking majestic and powerful. They are also as heavy as they look, requiring some muscle power to open and gently close. What if these doors could talk? What would they say after all these years?  What have they heard? Sadly, all we can say to them is "goodbye".

 

These are the new aesthetics now. A huge sentimental part of me had a hard time even looking at these doors when I passed by them. They are nice doors, but it'll take some time to get used to. But change is inevitable and constant. And these new doors will now be part of similar future celebrations and be seen in a new generation of photographs.

Much like life in general, we all have to accept change and move along. Because time moves so fast--sometimes I just feel overwhelmed at how fast it's moving--and with the constantly moving time there are inevitable changes that sometimes are great & create lots of feelings of joy & happiness, but there are also changes of loss or ones that create anxiety and unease. I feel like that's where I'm living at the moment.

These feelings are all a part of this life journey of ours. Stay positive. Be thankful. Sending light & love to everyone as usual XOXO...also I kind of felt it was appropriate to include one of the best prayers of all time--The Serenity Prayer:  

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

   

Refusing Alcohol Needs No Explanation

It feels like an absolute no-brainer for me to completely and without hesitation accept someone who abstains from alcohol or just decides they don't want to have alcohol in the moment. I, personally, am not a big-time drinker myself--only very occasionally. The Huz is a complete non-drinker--and wholeheartedly proud and unapologetic about it. And yes, he's been pressured to drink on certain occasions. The constant messages (in media or social settings) that drinking alcohol makes someone more sophisticated, cool or even fun is so much just about societal pressures and expectations. It's a perception & nothing much else. Ultimately, it's a choice.  If you want to drink, go ahead.  Don't push that agenda on someone else.

I saw the above posted the other day & thought, the fact that this is even being said just shows the need for non-drinkers to be normalized. Let people be & who they want to be without pressuring them to do or be what makes you more comfortable.  Do drinkers feel uncomfortable hanging out with people that are not drinking?  Sounds totally like a "you" problem.  Work on that.  LOL. 

And again, if you decide not to drink.  Don't.  And don't allow anyone to pressure you or make you feel weird about it. 

Sending light & love to all! XOXO

 

Don't Cry Over a Spilled Cart

We've been spending some quantity time at our home improvement store lately and I'm going to be honest, it's not my favorite thing. Full disclosure, I'm not a great shopper in general.🙅 I am, however, a self-proclaimed people watcher expert.  At these kinds of stores, you'll see couples looking at paint samples, people in work clothes gathering supplies for some kind of project, people filling their carts with gardening supplies and so on. Some may look happy, some have a look of determination and some just look overworked/overwhelmed. All have personal stories and motivations for being at a home improvement store on any given day.

On this particular visit, we were looking for some kind of lumber or lumber alternative to create a base for a shed we're putting together. Naturally, we go up and down the aisle as The Huz decides this might work, no it probably won't and ok, this will do.  It can be a tedious process that I often have low patience for but I know that The Huz likes my company and moral support for these kinds of projects. So, I go and try my darndnest to be a kind and patient wife. 😜

I noticed a guy with a scarf mask gathering his stuff and filling his cart...lumber, planks, those kind of heavy materials. We were near the exit and the side check-out area just because our final purchase was in that vicinity. As that scarf mask guy exited, he made a sharp turn with his cart and all the contents (big heavy wood pieces & more) just spilled. I remember making a gasping noise as he frustratingly looks at what just happened to him. Everyone around just seemed to go about their business. The Huz and First-Born, who at the time were looking for a cart just outside the exit, saw the whole thing & immediately walked over there to help.  They started picking up his (heavy) purchases and placing them back on the cart.  Their action may have spurned two workers to go out there and help as well (they may have also gone out there on their own regardless of The Huz and the First-Born, but that's just how it happened).  I stayed back because I can't lift heavy things and would only be in the way. I could only see them, not being within earshot. When they re-entered, I felt compelled to take a picture (above) just because I felt proud of their kindness. 

Since I didn't hear what happened, I asked and The First-Born said the scarf mask guy was flustered and stressed that all his stuff fell. But he was thankful for their help. I hope that he felt just a little less stressed and alone knowing he had help at that time. Who knows what his story is and why he was at the store, by himself, at that particular time with all those heavy materials? But at that moment of need, he had help. And my guys were there to offer it.  

Sometimes, it really is just the little things, the little moments--a blip in time. And we never know how one small gesture, one kind word can make someone feel. So, just choose kindness. Sending light & love to everyone! XOXO 😘

     

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