46 isn't that bad...right?

I'm not afraid to reveal that it's been a long year. In some ways it's been a good one and in many ways it hasn't been that great. On the negative side, we are still dealing with the sudden death of my brother-in-law. Between his death and the consequences of being a victim of a vehicular manslaughter has brought much heartache to my family. We are still waiting for the woman to go to trial for hitting him and hopefully, we will before the year is over. I personally believe it won't happen until after the holidays are over, but we will see.

On the positive side, I've discovered a lot of things this year. I've made many supportive friends and enjoyed putting myself back out there again. This is not an easy thing for me to do because I'm basically an introvert and I've been burned many times before, but I've learned that nothing ventured is nothing gained, right?

Also, I am finally getting my writing published again. I'm thrilled to see my books being read and enjoyed by many readers. It has given me the drive to continue to do what I love...and that is write. I will have a new book published soon and I'm working hard on the next Men of Charlestown book, Flowers for Him. I hope to have at least two to four books finished by the years end, so please keep your fingers crossed for me.

The picture above is of me and my beloved niece Snow White. It's a pretty recent pic and as you can tell I adore the ground that baby walks on! This year she started third grade and I am so proud of her!! Here is a picture of her on her first day of school this year:

It's amazing to see how much she's growing up. She loves to read and told me the other day she wants to write a books just like I do...isn't that the coolest?

We spent my birthday at with my family at the lake and had a blast. It was good to be surrounded by people who love me and who I love. As usual, time flies when you're having fun and our weekend together was way too short. BUT I loved it and look forward to making many more happy memories together in the years to come.

While I was at the lake His Christmas Wish was rereleased through eXtasy books! I'm so thrilled and I hope that those to chose to buy it will enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

So after much reflection, after having the year I've had I've realized it's basically been a good one. I'm actually ready to see it go and I'm anxious to see what the next year for me will bring. Thank you all for taking this amazing ride with me.  *HUGS*

Happy Monday!

Sasha and I Wish You a Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Mine was good. Did some writing and spent time with hubby and his parents.

The woman who hit and killed my brother in law is on trial Wednesday. I'm worried, but ready for it to be over. It's time for some justice for him so we can all lay him to rest peacefully.

If you don't see me before the 10th, have a great week ahead.

*Hugs*

It's a hard lesson to learn

My husband has been dealing with some issues over his brother's death. Many of you may or may not remember my brother-in-law was killed in a motorcycle accident last year. He had done everything right that morning. He wore a helmet. He had some protective gear on. He stayed in his lane and didn't drive reckless. Unfortunately, he was still hit head on and was killed instantly by a woman driving a Tahoe and who was running late for a Dr's appointment.  She has finally been arrested and charged. There has been a trial date set and now the waiting begins. 

I'm not going to pretend this year hasn't been one of the hardest years we've ever had. My husband is a strong man, but tragedies like this will push at the boundaries of anyone's strength. I'm proud of him. Together as a unit we've been to work through some stuff and I think we've come out stronger than before. He has horribly hard days. His brother was very young and he wants to vent at the unfairness of it all, but what it's done most of all is make all of us appreciate life. Time goes by very quick. One moment you're kissing your spouse and headed for work, the next you're singing with the angels in Heaven. That's how it is. Now we make sure we don't go a single day without telling each other how much we love and appreciate one another. His brother taught us that. It's been a hard lesson to learn. 

So having said this, I want to let everyone know how much I appreciate you. Thank you for hanging in there with me and for being my friend. *HUGS*

Getting back into the swing of things...

Well, it's been a while since I've actually posted anything but the occasional holiday stuff. I'm not going to pretend and act like it hasn't been an easy past 6 months or so, because that would be a lie.

Life has definitely been different since my brother in law's death. We are slowly trying to get back to normal, but sometimes it feels like even though we just took one step forward...we immediately have to take two steps back. There is still things going on and I know we still have a very hard time ahead of us, but with a lot of love and determination, we should get though it.

I've been recovering from the flu. I'm finally feeling better and I'm tentatively trying to get back into the swing of things, so please bear with me. My writing has been slow to non-existent, and starting Sunday night I am really going to WORK my way through this block I've got. I've got way too many characters talking to me...I just need to somehow get it written down...sigh.

I hope everyone has had a great winter so far. We've got several inches of snow this week and they're calling for more. Hopefully, I'll feel better soon enough to play in it!

Have a great week ahead.

*HUGS*

He is missed.

Two days ago we experienced a great loss. My brother in law was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was 27 years old and had two daughters.

He had left for work early Thursday morning. Since it was foggy, he had his headlight on, and as always, he wore his helmet. Since he lived in a small town, the road he travelled on was a 2 lane highway and visibility was bad because it was foggy that morning. There was a person in the oncoming lane who decided to pass an 18 wheeler. My brother in law and the person driving the vehicle never saw each other coming until it was too late. It was a head on collision and they say he probably died instantly, which is the one thing that is comforting when it comes to this tragedy.

His name was Jimmy Ray, but we all called him JR. He and my sweet husband didn't always see eye to eye, but they loved each other, and had their love of music in common. JR was 27 years old and had a lot of life and happiness left in him when he passed away. I think of the young boy he was when I first met him. He had a loving heart and would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. He had a great sense of humor and was always quick with a joke. He will be missed and I can only hope that this huge loss will one day not be as hard as it is today.

Please keep him and my husband and his family in your thoughts and prayers. If I've learned anything from this is this...always treasure the time you have and the people you love. I want everyone to know how much I appreciate all of you and love you as well. Be safe.

*HUGS*

http://www.fox16.com/story/d/story/motorcyclist-killed-by-car-passing-semi/16698/RLDm1RWXaUamg0ufICvNFQ