Hi!

I've been really working on me over the last year. This summer I turn 50. and I am good with it! I feel better than I have in years, and I aim to feel even better. I am trying to adopt a new healthy lifestyle. No diet, just learning how to eat healthy and so it's sustainable. (I've had enough of yo-yo diets in my life)

I'm really enjoying it and that is the key. I used to hate the idea of having to go to the gym and spend 30 minutes on the treadmill, or 30 minutes on the exercise bike, and none of that ever helped me drop the weight. And I never felt good when I left the gym either.

Now I am doing light weight training and I love it. I actually look forward to it, so there's no forcing myself to do it. And I am enjoying cooking at home! Who am I?? I used to HATE cooking and was really bad at it. Now, I look forward to it, and enjoy it. I turn on music (lately it's always Bon Jovi) and dance around and sing while cooking. I stick with simple meals, but high protein. I'm loving it.

It has taken up a lot of my time learning how to put myself first. But now I am trying to figure out how to add in time sitting at the computer and writing. I have so many stories floating around my brain, I just have to get them on paper.

If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, now is a good time. You won't miss new release news, and I try to always add a book that is on sale or free.

Well, speaking of cooking, I need to get dinner started. Make sure you follow me on facebook, instagram, threads, or bluesky so we can stay in touch!

Author Signing!

Anyone live in or around Norfolk, Virginia? I will be there at the SaSS25 signing on June 28, 2025! I can't wait! It's been a few years since I've been in Norfolk, and I really like it there.

We'll be at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel.

https://www.facebook.com/events/184262014703456

Tickets: https://SaSS25.eventbrite.com

I'll have paperbacks and fun swag with me. I also have a pre-order form if you will be attending and want to buy any of my paperbacks, that way I am sure to have them on hand.

Here's the link to pre-order books: https://forms.gle/Vb6SkncYfWXU867N8

Never been to an author signing? Authors have tables set up with books, swag, and whatever else fun things they want. Make your way around the room, stopping at the tables, talking to the authors. You can get photos and autographs from us as well (I personally love when you ask to get a photo with me!) It's a really fun time, and a great place to find new authors. This signing has different events. I'll attach the graphic.

And here's the list of authors that will be there.

I hope to see you there!

Vacation

Have you ever taken a vacation and literally shut off every responsibility you have? We were lucky enough to be able to do that this year.

I am a beach girl, and haven't been there for many years. We did spend a day at Virginia Beach a few years ago after a book signing in Norfolk. But one day is nothing like an entire week, which still isn't long enough!

We chose to go to Ocean City AFTER Labor Day, thinking the crowds would be less, and the kids would be in school and not at the beach. Too bad we didn't realize lots of things would either be closed or have very limited hours since it was now the off-season. Naive me thought, it's the beach, it's always "open".

But, we did find some restaurants open (FYI, most of them close early after Labor day, so no late night meals in OC.) And we randomly found things to do.

Not having a single care is an amazing feeling. No plans, no itinerary, no one to check with or see if everyone agrees... you wanted to do something, you just got up and went! I guess it's like when we were kids. Being carefree and just being in the moment. Sadly, I also fell asleep most nights early! Which I guess I really can't do at home, because I am busy cleaning up dinner, sometimes finishing laundry, taking care of the dog (who likes to get rowdy as soon as Mr G turns in for the night), and whatever else I do that keeps me awake, lol. And I got up early. I never do that at home, thanks to the dog keeping me up late. We actually watched the sun rise almost every day. Having a hotel right on the beach, we were able to sit on the balcony, drink our coffee, and be part of the new day.

Not to mention, I don't think I have ever seen Mr G so relaxed! It was nice.

I didn't even bring my computer! I figured if I had any ideas (which, of course I did) I could write them down on paper or log on my cell phone.

I guess that is what empty nesters feel like? We kind of did the opposite though, leaving our son at home, he was kind of the empty nester for the week, lol.

But, now we're back and trying to acclimate back to responsibilities, lol, and getting back to eating healthy. That's harder than you'd think, after a week of eating whatever you wanted (and only having restaurants to choose from - and I did not find a ton of salad choices at the beach, and never a grilled chicken option, which I went into this planning on eating most days.)

Now...if we could just hit the lottery, this could be our way of life!

Life is better at the beach...