Training Champions

Hello. Long time no hear from me! I am so blessed to be on this side of 2014. A dear friend didn't make it which emphasizes how fortunate we are to have made it over.

In the month of Dec., I was sick with acute bronchitis and sinusitis. However, recovering, I had a glorious visit to Maryland and spent Christmas and New Year's Day with my daughter, son-in-law (son) and my wonderful grandsons, Reggy jr, Lawrence and Robby.

I returned Jan.3 without my luggage because Southwest lost the 2 suitcases in Atlanta. After a miracle and much praying, they were returned Jan. 11. Hallelujah! 

Now, I am excited to continue work on my next book, Grandma Mabel and Princess Ann which should be published before July. It will be another 1st for me because it's a beginner's chapter book. Yea!! I plan to do a series on the family in this book AND start a series of Episodes of the Grands (parents and kids).

As you can see, WE (you and me) have great adventures to partake together. Again, Happy New Year!!! 

I just got back from a 10-day visit with my sister in Alabama.  It was so wonderful.  We didn't do a lot of activities but we spent quality time together.  As children, we were never "close." As we've aged, we have learned to appreciate and value one another.  Appreciate and value seems synonomous but they are very different.  We've grown to appreciate each other for things we do and say that enhance each other's lives.  We are showing progress in valuing each other by permitting each to exist without judgment or criticism,  If I was sad or happy about something, my sister shared the emotion and vice versa. Many find this level of acceptance easier to give to strangers because for some reason, we want our children and relatives to be perfect in our eyes. "In our eyes" is the key phrase.  In these few days our actions show we are growing forward. We will feast on our precious memories until we meet again.  

I am spending each day on writing projects whether reading material to improve skills or adding a paragraph or two to an existing work.  Most of my time, however, is working on getting rid of years and years of "good junk."  Why does a teacher hold on to books and materials she will never use again?  Only a teacher can respond.  I am a teacher and my response is, "for no good reason but we do it anyway." I am working on cutting back, cutting out, and throwing away. 

The CHUMS Luncheon was fantastic.  

Wow!  This year started off with the good, the bad and the wonderful!  I am still recouperating from my shoulder operation. Regaining the ability to touch the top of my head without difficulty is a real blessing. Friends have come and gone and new friends have entered.  I am back to volunteering at Good News, Kids Klub, and Village View Academy which are my heartstrings and my passion... Had a wonderful time at Dr. NH Jones Academy introducing my book, and Carla introducing me.  For all who know, Carla is one of my puppet friends.  Steps have started on my ebook, submission of my next book, Grandma Mabel and Princess Ann and effort to put an effective press kit together for more school visits.  2013 will be another WONDERFUL year!

On Dec. 10, I had surgery on my left shoulder...Being left handed, this has put me in somewhat of a pickle..but this too shall pass

Being an author is a WONDERFUL experience.