Sedona Hutton's Blog, page 7
January 11, 2019
Accepting What Is (Even the Flu!)
Today's blog is a guest post on Leonard Tillerman's website: https://bit.ly/2RKQIe8 Accepting What Is (Even the Flu!) by @SedonaHutton Recommended for those looking to find that elusive inner peace!
Last week I came down with the flu. I had hot and cold flashes, a sore throat, a runny nose…the whole gamut. In my miserable state, I attempted to think positive thoughts to will away my sickness, but my body mocked my best efforts.
Resigned, I stayed in bed for a couple of days. When I finally summoned a smidgeon of energy, a new awareness emerged. It felt good to rest!
For many of us, November and December are busy months. I’ve been visiting kids and grandkids, working, writing, decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping…the list goes on and on. In the middle of my hustle-bustle, at the most inconvenient time, I got sick.
When I told my mother I had the flu, her response was simple. “Maybe your body just needs rest.”
Huh.
Pondering the idea that I’d caught the flu because my body recognized my need for rest, the concept of acceptance surfaced. It’s easy to practice acceptance when things are going my way. It’s much harder to accept what is when things aren’t as I want them to be. But perhaps practicing acceptance is every bit as important—maybe even more important—during challenging times.
In one of my favorite books, The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon, there’s an entire chapter dedicated to acceptance. Simon states: “When you resist what is happening in this moment, you are resisting the entire flow of life. I encourage you to practice acceptance of this moment, because considering what you are up against (the entire universe from the beginning of time), resistance is unlikely to be successful.”
Instead, Simon suggests accepting what is in every moment. Accepting what is doesn’t mean you want to stay where you are, nor does it mean you shouldn’t take action. However, when you acknowledge and accept where you are, it creates an opening for new ideas and alternative choices that can help you move toward that which you desire.
In the past, I’ve resisted my sickness. I’ve chastised myself over doing too much, eating poorly, and not exercising. I have questioned my judgment over traveling, attending a holiday party and shopping on the busiest day of the year, exposing me to countless sick people. But the self-judgment only made me feel worse.
Bemoaning our current situation or blaming ourselves or others releases negative energy and attracts more of the same. Instead of resisting what is, practice acceptance, which allows for a positive energy shift. If you don’t like what is, determine if there are alternatives or steps that will help you achieve your desired state. Practicing acceptance brings inner peace.
“Accept—then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it…This will miraculously transform your entire life.”—Eckhart Tolle
Going forward, instead of beating myself up, I’m going to practice acceptance. I will accept my flu, cold, or whatever bug I might have, without blame. Instead, I’m going to view my illness as a gift of rest, relaxation, and detox.
“If I could define enlightenment briefly I would say it is the quiet acceptance of what is.”—Wayne Dyer
To sign up for Sedona Hutton’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/
Nora’s Promise, a contemporary romance with new age twists: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears? Tap the link to buy the book today! https://amzn.to/2OktquX
Last week I came down with the flu. I had hot and cold flashes, a sore throat, a runny nose…the whole gamut. In my miserable state, I attempted to think positive thoughts to will away my sickness, but my body mocked my best efforts.
Resigned, I stayed in bed for a couple of days. When I finally summoned a smidgeon of energy, a new awareness emerged. It felt good to rest!
For many of us, November and December are busy months. I’ve been visiting kids and grandkids, working, writing, decorating, shopping, baking, wrapping…the list goes on and on. In the middle of my hustle-bustle, at the most inconvenient time, I got sick.
When I told my mother I had the flu, her response was simple. “Maybe your body just needs rest.”
Huh.
Pondering the idea that I’d caught the flu because my body recognized my need for rest, the concept of acceptance surfaced. It’s easy to practice acceptance when things are going my way. It’s much harder to accept what is when things aren’t as I want them to be. But perhaps practicing acceptance is every bit as important—maybe even more important—during challenging times.
In one of my favorite books, The Ten Commitments by Dr. David Simon, there’s an entire chapter dedicated to acceptance. Simon states: “When you resist what is happening in this moment, you are resisting the entire flow of life. I encourage you to practice acceptance of this moment, because considering what you are up against (the entire universe from the beginning of time), resistance is unlikely to be successful.”
Instead, Simon suggests accepting what is in every moment. Accepting what is doesn’t mean you want to stay where you are, nor does it mean you shouldn’t take action. However, when you acknowledge and accept where you are, it creates an opening for new ideas and alternative choices that can help you move toward that which you desire.
In the past, I’ve resisted my sickness. I’ve chastised myself over doing too much, eating poorly, and not exercising. I have questioned my judgment over traveling, attending a holiday party and shopping on the busiest day of the year, exposing me to countless sick people. But the self-judgment only made me feel worse.
Bemoaning our current situation or blaming ourselves or others releases negative energy and attracts more of the same. Instead of resisting what is, practice acceptance, which allows for a positive energy shift. If you don’t like what is, determine if there are alternatives or steps that will help you achieve your desired state. Practicing acceptance brings inner peace.
“Accept—then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it…This will miraculously transform your entire life.”—Eckhart Tolle
Going forward, instead of beating myself up, I’m going to practice acceptance. I will accept my flu, cold, or whatever bug I might have, without blame. Instead, I’m going to view my illness as a gift of rest, relaxation, and detox.
“If I could define enlightenment briefly I would say it is the quiet acceptance of what is.”—Wayne Dyer
To sign up for Sedona Hutton’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/
Nora’s Promise, a contemporary romance with new age twists: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears? Tap the link to buy the book today! https://amzn.to/2OktquX
December 27, 2018
New Year Intentions & Releases
Years ago, I gave up New Year’s resolutions after becoming frustrated with the cycle of making and breaking my goals. Sound familiar? Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions even though research shows that over 90% of resolutions are broken, most within the first month.
Over the years, I’ve found two processes that work better for me—a New Year’s Intention Process and a New Year’s Release Process. Below is a recap of both.
New Year’s Intention Process
In this process, I write down my top three to five intentions for the year. This may sound like a resolution process, but it differs greatly. When I used to make resolutions, they were tied to specific, tangible things like losing weight or exercising more. I use the intention process to focus on more spiritual qualities like peace, love, joy, kindness, and connection. On January 1st, I write my intentions and post them on a wall where the words will be in my line of sight every day. When I look at my intentions, they cause me to ponder how I can spread more kindness or how I can generate greater inner peace. This process helps me set a positive vision for the year and it benefits not only me, but others as well.
New Year’s Release Process
I use this process to rid myself of emotions, beliefs, and habits that no longer serve me. Examples include: Fears, doubts, negativity, and attachment. This simple three-step process helps me start the new year with a clean slate!
Process steps:
1. Identify those emotions, beliefs, or habits you wish to release.
2. Write them on a rock (one per stone.)
3. On New Year’s Day, go to a location of your choice, and release your rocks.
Tips:
o A mountain, field, stream, lake, or the ocean are great locations for releasing your rocks.
o An alternative is to write your releases on slips of paper and burn them.
Regardless of whether you make resolutions, intentions, releases, or use no process at all, I wish each of you great peace, love, and joy in the New Year!
CLOUD WHISPERS, my debut novel, was selected for the Short-List for the Books Go Social Indie Book of the Year for 2018. I would truly appreciate your vote for “Sedona Hutton”/Cloud Whispers at: https://goo.gl/forms/hru0hxCFfqwtCBLC2 . Voting is open through 12/31 at midnight. Thanks for your ongoing support!
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.
Over the years, I’ve found two processes that work better for me—a New Year’s Intention Process and a New Year’s Release Process. Below is a recap of both.
New Year’s Intention Process
In this process, I write down my top three to five intentions for the year. This may sound like a resolution process, but it differs greatly. When I used to make resolutions, they were tied to specific, tangible things like losing weight or exercising more. I use the intention process to focus on more spiritual qualities like peace, love, joy, kindness, and connection. On January 1st, I write my intentions and post them on a wall where the words will be in my line of sight every day. When I look at my intentions, they cause me to ponder how I can spread more kindness or how I can generate greater inner peace. This process helps me set a positive vision for the year and it benefits not only me, but others as well.
New Year’s Release Process
I use this process to rid myself of emotions, beliefs, and habits that no longer serve me. Examples include: Fears, doubts, negativity, and attachment. This simple three-step process helps me start the new year with a clean slate!
Process steps:
1. Identify those emotions, beliefs, or habits you wish to release.
2. Write them on a rock (one per stone.)
3. On New Year’s Day, go to a location of your choice, and release your rocks.
Tips:
o A mountain, field, stream, lake, or the ocean are great locations for releasing your rocks.
o An alternative is to write your releases on slips of paper and burn them.
Regardless of whether you make resolutions, intentions, releases, or use no process at all, I wish each of you great peace, love, and joy in the New Year!
CLOUD WHISPERS, my debut novel, was selected for the Short-List for the Books Go Social Indie Book of the Year for 2018. I would truly appreciate your vote for “Sedona Hutton”/Cloud Whispers at: https://goo.gl/forms/hru0hxCFfqwtCBLC2 . Voting is open through 12/31 at midnight. Thanks for your ongoing support!
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: https://www.sedonahutton.com/.
December 22, 2018
Holiday Unity
There is great religious and thought diversity in our country with nearly thirty different holidays celebrated between November 1 and January 15. Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza, Diwali, Bodhi Day, Winter Solstice, and many others.
While the nightly news highlights the issues caused by this diversity, there is also much compassion and kindness shared between those with different beliefs. Food served to the homeless, an Angel Christmas tree, an encouraging word, a smile, a hug…people helping people across religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation and a multitude of other differences.
At our core, we’re all the same. We have the same basic desires—peace, love, joy, and compassion. Maybe even more important, we’re all connected. Genetic studies have shown that everyone on Earth is related to everyone else if we go back a few thousand years.
Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit greeting that means, “the Spirit in me connects with the Spirit in you.” What a beautiful way to greet others and to acknowledge and honor our connectedness!
What if we focused on this connection instead of our divisions? What if we looked for the good in others instead of fixating on our differences? Focusing on the positive creates peace within and in the collective consciousness. Imagine what our world would look like without judgment, without an ‘us’ versus ‘them’, without hate.
During this holiday season, let’s celebrate our unity. Let’s spread holiday cheer by practicing non-judgment, compassion, kindness, and acceptance. One by one, we can create peace within and be the change we want to see in the world.
Wishing each of you a Happy Holiday in whatever way you celebrate it and a New Year filled with peace, love, and connectedness.
Namaste!
While the nightly news highlights the issues caused by this diversity, there is also much compassion and kindness shared between those with different beliefs. Food served to the homeless, an Angel Christmas tree, an encouraging word, a smile, a hug…people helping people across religion, race, nationality, sexual orientation and a multitude of other differences.
At our core, we’re all the same. We have the same basic desires—peace, love, joy, and compassion. Maybe even more important, we’re all connected. Genetic studies have shown that everyone on Earth is related to everyone else if we go back a few thousand years.
Namaste is an ancient Sanskrit greeting that means, “the Spirit in me connects with the Spirit in you.” What a beautiful way to greet others and to acknowledge and honor our connectedness!
What if we focused on this connection instead of our divisions? What if we looked for the good in others instead of fixating on our differences? Focusing on the positive creates peace within and in the collective consciousness. Imagine what our world would look like without judgment, without an ‘us’ versus ‘them’, without hate.
During this holiday season, let’s celebrate our unity. Let’s spread holiday cheer by practicing non-judgment, compassion, kindness, and acceptance. One by one, we can create peace within and be the change we want to see in the world.
Wishing each of you a Happy Holiday in whatever way you celebrate it and a New Year filled with peace, love, and connectedness.
Namaste!
November 21, 2018
Happy Thanksgiving!
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm sharing one of my favorite quotes:
“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are.” – Joyce Giraud
Wishing everyone a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving - Sedona
“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year because it reminds us to give thanks and to count our blessings. Suddenly, so many things become so little when we realize how blessed and lucky we are.” – Joyce Giraud
Wishing everyone a beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving - Sedona
November 16, 2018
Giving Thanks Isn't Just for Thanksgiving
Giving thanks is en vogue during the Thanksgiving season. But we can—and studies suggest we should—count our blessings every day of the year.
Many studies have noted the correlation between gratitude and happiness. In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Robert Emmons found that people who kept a gratitude journal were happier than those who didn’t. The study concluded that the journal participants reported considerably more satisfaction with their lives, felt more optimism, and were more connected with others than participants in the control group.
It’s ironic that we need to journal or take a mental pause to give thanks. But these days most of us lead busy lives and it’s easy to get caught up in non-stop tasks or running from one commitment to another. If we don’t make a conscious effort to be grateful, it may not happen.
In my contemporary romance novel, Nora’s Promise, Nora uses a simple gratitude technique. She takes pause and makes a mental list of her gratitudes. Afterward, her mood improves. A brief excerpt is provided below:
"She needed to pull herself together and focus on the now. Using a technique that Steph had taught her, she silently listed her gratitudes. Ben, Davey, Steph, Cruz. Cosmo, Concordia, Chance. Ella and Hud. The mountains and open land around them. Her mood lifted and she felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. Her list had barely scratched the surface. With so much to be thankful for, how could she be in a bad mood?"
Practicing gratitude can be that easy—simply make a mental list of what comes to mind. Or you can use a gratitude journal, meditation, mindful walk or any other process that works for you. The key is to keep it simple and focused.
It’s a great way to pass time during your commute to work, while walking the dog, or when waiting in line at the grocery store. Journaling or mentally recapping your gratitudes is a wonderful way to start and end your day.
Regardless of the method used, gratitude is a powerful process that fosters optimism and helps shift your energy from negative to positive. Given the significant benefits, why not make gratitude a regular part of every day?
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every moment with love, grace, and gratitude.” Denis Waitley
Nora’s Promise: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears?
Tap the link to buy the book today! my link text
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: my link text and scroll down to the newsletter sign-up.
Many studies have noted the correlation between gratitude and happiness. In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Robert Emmons found that people who kept a gratitude journal were happier than those who didn’t. The study concluded that the journal participants reported considerably more satisfaction with their lives, felt more optimism, and were more connected with others than participants in the control group.
It’s ironic that we need to journal or take a mental pause to give thanks. But these days most of us lead busy lives and it’s easy to get caught up in non-stop tasks or running from one commitment to another. If we don’t make a conscious effort to be grateful, it may not happen.
In my contemporary romance novel, Nora’s Promise, Nora uses a simple gratitude technique. She takes pause and makes a mental list of her gratitudes. Afterward, her mood improves. A brief excerpt is provided below:
"She needed to pull herself together and focus on the now. Using a technique that Steph had taught her, she silently listed her gratitudes. Ben, Davey, Steph, Cruz. Cosmo, Concordia, Chance. Ella and Hud. The mountains and open land around them. Her mood lifted and she felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. Her list had barely scratched the surface. With so much to be thankful for, how could she be in a bad mood?"
Practicing gratitude can be that easy—simply make a mental list of what comes to mind. Or you can use a gratitude journal, meditation, mindful walk or any other process that works for you. The key is to keep it simple and focused.
It’s a great way to pass time during your commute to work, while walking the dog, or when waiting in line at the grocery store. Journaling or mentally recapping your gratitudes is a wonderful way to start and end your day.
Regardless of the method used, gratitude is a powerful process that fosters optimism and helps shift your energy from negative to positive. Given the significant benefits, why not make gratitude a regular part of every day?
“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every moment with love, grace, and gratitude.” Denis Waitley
Nora’s Promise: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears?
Tap the link to buy the book today! my link text
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: my link text and scroll down to the newsletter sign-up.
October 28, 2018
New Age Themes in Nora's Promise
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
As an author, it’s my aspiration to write stories that not only entertain but also inspire. Given this, my novels include romance, conflict, and family drama as well as a sprinkling of new age, thought-provoking concepts.
One of the key themes in my work-in-progress novel, The Perfect Lap, is the notion that everyone’s doing the best they can from their current state of awareness. In my new contemporary romance, Nora’s Promise, new age topics included are animal compassion, kindness, and the power of now.
Below I’ve provided a selection of Nora’s Promise Book Club questions for your thought-provoking pleasure!
- Steph indicates that “Kindness is a choice.” Do you believe that practicing kindness is a choice? How can you implement this in your life?
- Steph turned to the Law of Attraction for help after she was diagnosed with cancer. Are you familiar with the Law of Attraction? What are your thoughts on this law?
- Nora’s grandfather tells her, “When you dwell in the past, you’re giving away your personal power to create what you want in this moment.” What do you think this means? Do you agree?
- Steph, and later Nora, practiced gratitude to ground themselves. They used a simple technique of closing their eyes and silently listing their gratitudes. Have you ever practiced gratitude—meditatively, journaling, or through another method? How did it make you feel?
- In order for Nora and Davey to make the changes necessary for their happily ever after they both had to grow spiritually. Nora had to learn to focus in the present moment and Davey needed to learn to trust the universe and align with his own values. Do you think spiritual growth is an important component in most relationships? Can you think of examples to support your position?
A full list of Reading Group Guide questions can be found at the end of Nora’s Promise and on my website at: my link text
Tap this link to buy Nora’s Promise today: my link text
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: my link text and scroll down to the newsletter sign-up.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
As an author, it’s my aspiration to write stories that not only entertain but also inspire. Given this, my novels include romance, conflict, and family drama as well as a sprinkling of new age, thought-provoking concepts.
One of the key themes in my work-in-progress novel, The Perfect Lap, is the notion that everyone’s doing the best they can from their current state of awareness. In my new contemporary romance, Nora’s Promise, new age topics included are animal compassion, kindness, and the power of now.
Below I’ve provided a selection of Nora’s Promise Book Club questions for your thought-provoking pleasure!
- Steph indicates that “Kindness is a choice.” Do you believe that practicing kindness is a choice? How can you implement this in your life?
- Steph turned to the Law of Attraction for help after she was diagnosed with cancer. Are you familiar with the Law of Attraction? What are your thoughts on this law?
- Nora’s grandfather tells her, “When you dwell in the past, you’re giving away your personal power to create what you want in this moment.” What do you think this means? Do you agree?
- Steph, and later Nora, practiced gratitude to ground themselves. They used a simple technique of closing their eyes and silently listing their gratitudes. Have you ever practiced gratitude—meditatively, journaling, or through another method? How did it make you feel?
- In order for Nora and Davey to make the changes necessary for their happily ever after they both had to grow spiritually. Nora had to learn to focus in the present moment and Davey needed to learn to trust the universe and align with his own values. Do you think spiritual growth is an important component in most relationships? Can you think of examples to support your position?
A full list of Reading Group Guide questions can be found at the end of Nora’s Promise and on my website at: my link text
Tap this link to buy Nora’s Promise today: my link text
To sign up for Sedona’s blog newsletter, tap this link: my link text and scroll down to the newsletter sign-up.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
October 7, 2018
New Release—Nora’s Promise (FREE on Kindle thru 10/11)
I’m thrilled to announce the release of my new novel,
NORA's PROMISE: She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Can one orphaned boy force them to change gears?
Kindle promotion – free today through 10/11. Tap link for your free copy: https://amzn.to/2zV8p12
With her sister’s death, Nora’s life changed in an instant. Forced to raise her orphaned nephew, the animal rescuer doesn’t expect to be dumped and fired by her kid-hating boyfriend/boss. After her own close call and a message from beyond, Nora introduces the little boy to his handsome, fast-living absentee father.
Davey Johnson is a hot-shot NASCAR driver who never wanted to be slowed down by fatherhood. But when he finds out he has a nine-year-old son, he vows to be a better father than his old man. When his first efforts fail in a big way, he enlists Nora’s parenting help. But what starts as a chore transforms into something way hotter than a final lap.
When Davey’s sponsors clash with Nora’s vegan ways, he’s forced to choose between his passion for racing and his love of Nora. Will they be able to blend their lives or will their romance run right off the track?
Please enjoy the below excerpts from Nora’s Promise:
Excerpt 1:
Five minutes later, Davey arrived. He quickly spotted her, but spent the next little while signing napkins, papers, and a ball cap as he made his way toward her. With each interruption, Nora’s jaw clenched. By the time he slid into the seat across from her, she was simmering with irritation.
“Glad you could finally make it,” she said, her voice heavy with sarcasm.
He raised a single brow and nodded at her mug. “Haven’t had enough caffeine this morning?”
When Davey turned to look for the waitress, she shot over faster than Nora could blink.
Nora rolled her eyes while Davey laid on the charm. She had to admit he was good-looking. That is if you liked the sun-kissed blond, blue-eyed, tall, lean look. And apparently, the waitress did. As Davey signed her order pad, she hung on his every word. She told him that he’d had a great season and that she had cried after he’d wrecked in some race.
Cried? Seriously? It was a race, not a matter of life and death. Finally, she took Davey’s order for a cup of coffee. When she started to walk away, Davey touched her arm and the woman turned back. Her eyes sparkled and her face flushed as she glanced back and forth between Davey’s hand on her arm and his face. “Amber, could you also bring Nora—” he nodded in her direction “—another tea?” His lips ticked up into an obnoxious grin. “She seems to be a little short on caffeine this morning.”
After Amber pulled herself together and made her way toward the kitchen, Nora pinned a look on Davey. “It must be exhausting to be you.”
Excerpt 2:
He let out another low, sexy laugh. “Let’s see, where should I begin? You’re an amazing mother-figure to Ben. You’re kind and nurturing. You love animals and they love you.” She shifted on his lap, a little uncomfortable but at the same time completely flattered by his words. “Dogs are a great judge of character and Daisy adores you. You’re honest, fun, and you have a great sense of humor. But what I like best of all,” he said, gazing into her eyes, “is that you’re real.” He gave her a slow grin. “All that and you’re smokin’ hot too.”
Too stunned to speak, she gaped at him. He framed his hands around her face, leaned in, and brushed his lips over hers. Then he kissed her slowly, taking her on a soft, tender journey that reinforced every word he had just spoken. When he drew back, her insides were soft and gooey, her breasts were aching, and she was hot and moist between her legs.
“Tell me what you want, Nora,” he said. “If you don’t want this, say the word.”
Tap the link for a free Kindle eBook (free thru 10/11): https://amzn.to/2zV8p12
Tap link to purchase paperback: https://amzn.to/2PhtyYe
Kindle promotion – free today through 10/11. Tap link for your free copy: https://amzn.to/2zV8p12
With her sister’s death, Nora’s life changed in an instant. Forced to raise her orphaned nephew, the animal rescuer doesn’t expect to be dumped and fired by her kid-hating boyfriend/boss. After her own close call and a message from beyond, Nora introduces the little boy to his handsome, fast-living absentee father.
Davey Johnson is a hot-shot NASCAR driver who never wanted to be slowed down by fatherhood. But when he finds out he has a nine-year-old son, he vows to be a better father than his old man. When his first efforts fail in a big way, he enlists Nora’s parenting help. But what starts as a chore transforms into something way hotter than a final lap.
When Davey’s sponsors clash with Nora’s vegan ways, he’s forced to choose between his passion for racing and his love of Nora. Will they be able to blend their lives or will their romance run right off the track?
Please enjoy the below excerpts from Nora’s Promise:
Excerpt 1:
Five minutes later, Davey arrived. He quickly spotted her, but spent the next little while signing napkins, papers, and a ball cap as he made his way toward her. With each interruption, Nora’s jaw clenched. By the time he slid into the seat across from her, she was simmering with irritation.
“Glad you could finally make it,” she said, her voice heavy with sarcasm.
He raised a single brow and nodded at her mug. “Haven’t had enough caffeine this morning?”
When Davey turned to look for the waitress, she shot over faster than Nora could blink.
Nora rolled her eyes while Davey laid on the charm. She had to admit he was good-looking. That is if you liked the sun-kissed blond, blue-eyed, tall, lean look. And apparently, the waitress did. As Davey signed her order pad, she hung on his every word. She told him that he’d had a great season and that she had cried after he’d wrecked in some race.
Cried? Seriously? It was a race, not a matter of life and death. Finally, she took Davey’s order for a cup of coffee. When she started to walk away, Davey touched her arm and the woman turned back. Her eyes sparkled and her face flushed as she glanced back and forth between Davey’s hand on her arm and his face. “Amber, could you also bring Nora—” he nodded in her direction “—another tea?” His lips ticked up into an obnoxious grin. “She seems to be a little short on caffeine this morning.”
After Amber pulled herself together and made her way toward the kitchen, Nora pinned a look on Davey. “It must be exhausting to be you.”
Excerpt 2:
He let out another low, sexy laugh. “Let’s see, where should I begin? You’re an amazing mother-figure to Ben. You’re kind and nurturing. You love animals and they love you.” She shifted on his lap, a little uncomfortable but at the same time completely flattered by his words. “Dogs are a great judge of character and Daisy adores you. You’re honest, fun, and you have a great sense of humor. But what I like best of all,” he said, gazing into her eyes, “is that you’re real.” He gave her a slow grin. “All that and you’re smokin’ hot too.”
Too stunned to speak, she gaped at him. He framed his hands around her face, leaned in, and brushed his lips over hers. Then he kissed her slowly, taking her on a soft, tender journey that reinforced every word he had just spoken. When he drew back, her insides were soft and gooey, her breasts were aching, and she was hot and moist between her legs.
“Tell me what you want, Nora,” he said. “If you don’t want this, say the word.”
Tap the link for a free Kindle eBook (free thru 10/11): https://amzn.to/2zV8p12
Tap link to purchase paperback: https://amzn.to/2PhtyYe
September 26, 2018
Live Like You Were Dying
The best things in life aren’t things.
I love this simple, yet profound quote from Art Buchwald. When I step back to think about what’s most important in my life, it’s not things at all, even though I’ve been blessed with some pretty nice things. What matters the most to me are my loved ones, my dog, the Earth, and the peace, love, and joy I experience in my life.
Earlier this week I listened to one of Tim McGraw’s old hits, "Live Like You Were Dying." This song caused me to think about what I would do differently if I were dying. I probably wouldn’t choose McGraw’s activities—sky diving, climbing the Rockies, or riding a mechanical bull—but I would make different choices.
I would work a little less and play a little more. I would spend less time doing mindless activities and I would spend more quality time with my husband. I would stop doing things I’m supposed to do and instead do things that make me happy. I would strive to be more mindful in every moment in order to fully appreciate my loved ones, my sweet dog, and the beautiful mountains in my backyard. In essence, I would be fully present with the best things in my life that aren’t really things.
So why can’t I do this right now? As the creator of my journey, I’m not going to wait until it’s my time to go. Instead, I’m going to “live like I’m dying” each and every day by being fully present in the now and by aligning my time with that which is most important to me.
Listen to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”: my link text
Coming in October: Nora’s Promise, a contemporary romance with a new age twist. She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Will an orphaned child force them to change gears?
I love this simple, yet profound quote from Art Buchwald. When I step back to think about what’s most important in my life, it’s not things at all, even though I’ve been blessed with some pretty nice things. What matters the most to me are my loved ones, my dog, the Earth, and the peace, love, and joy I experience in my life.
Earlier this week I listened to one of Tim McGraw’s old hits, "Live Like You Were Dying." This song caused me to think about what I would do differently if I were dying. I probably wouldn’t choose McGraw’s activities—sky diving, climbing the Rockies, or riding a mechanical bull—but I would make different choices.
I would work a little less and play a little more. I would spend less time doing mindless activities and I would spend more quality time with my husband. I would stop doing things I’m supposed to do and instead do things that make me happy. I would strive to be more mindful in every moment in order to fully appreciate my loved ones, my sweet dog, and the beautiful mountains in my backyard. In essence, I would be fully present with the best things in my life that aren’t really things.
So why can’t I do this right now? As the creator of my journey, I’m not going to wait until it’s my time to go. Instead, I’m going to “live like I’m dying” each and every day by being fully present in the now and by aligning my time with that which is most important to me.
Listen to Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying”: my link text
Coming in October: Nora’s Promise, a contemporary romance with a new age twist. She trusts animals more than men. He runs through women like tires. Will an orphaned child force them to change gears?
September 7, 2018
Dog-Like Love
“Be the person your dog thinks you are.”
I’ve always been inspired by this expression; probably because my dog thinks I’m amazing! Whether I’m feeling positive or negative, cranky or ecstatic, my curly-coated retriever, Milkduds, loves me fully and unconditionally.
He greets me at the door when I come home, wiggling and jiggling with enthusiasm, whether I’ve been away for one hour or one week. When I sit on the floor, he climbs onto my lap and snuggles with me, even though he’s 75 pounds. When we’re together whether I’m petting him, playing with him, or simply being with him, he looks at me like I’m the best thing that ever happened to him.
His love is pure and endless, and he inspires me to love better. To forgive and forget. To embrace others as they are. To love without reservation.
If each of us loved like our dog or cat or other beloved pet, can you imagine how bright our world would be?
No one expresses this better than the ancient Persian poet Hafiz in his poem, The Sun Never Says:
“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the Earth, ‘You owe Me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.”
I’ve always been inspired by this expression; probably because my dog thinks I’m amazing! Whether I’m feeling positive or negative, cranky or ecstatic, my curly-coated retriever, Milkduds, loves me fully and unconditionally.
He greets me at the door when I come home, wiggling and jiggling with enthusiasm, whether I’ve been away for one hour or one week. When I sit on the floor, he climbs onto my lap and snuggles with me, even though he’s 75 pounds. When we’re together whether I’m petting him, playing with him, or simply being with him, he looks at me like I’m the best thing that ever happened to him.
His love is pure and endless, and he inspires me to love better. To forgive and forget. To embrace others as they are. To love without reservation.
If each of us loved like our dog or cat or other beloved pet, can you imagine how bright our world would be?
No one expresses this better than the ancient Persian poet Hafiz in his poem, The Sun Never Says:
“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the Earth, ‘You owe Me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.”
August 12, 2018
The Power of Thought
Have you ever woken up on the proverbial wrong side of the bed, grumbled and resisted, and found that over the course of the day things only got worse?
You’ve probably heard of the Power of Positive Thinking and the Law of Attraction. But did you know that quantum physicists have uncovered scientific evidence backing the power of thought?
Don’t believe me? Go ahead and GTS (Google That Stuff…or if you’re Irish like my hubby, ‘Google That S*@#!’) You’ll find countless books and articles that describe our material world as a vibration of energy. Our thoughts are one form of this energetic vibration.
Many fascinating studies have been conducted on this subject. In an experiment with athletes, one group was assigned to perform a physical activity, while a second group was assigned to visualize the activity. The results showed that the same neuro pathways were used in the brain in both groups. Even more surprising—the physical results between the group that actually did the activity and the group that only thought about the activity were similar.
Positive thoughts create positive vibrations. It really is as simple as Henry Ford once said: “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” Buddha said: “The mind is everything. What we think, we become.”
Positive thoughts create a positive life!
You’ve probably heard of the Power of Positive Thinking and the Law of Attraction. But did you know that quantum physicists have uncovered scientific evidence backing the power of thought?
Don’t believe me? Go ahead and GTS (Google That Stuff…or if you’re Irish like my hubby, ‘Google That S*@#!’) You’ll find countless books and articles that describe our material world as a vibration of energy. Our thoughts are one form of this energetic vibration.
Many fascinating studies have been conducted on this subject. In an experiment with athletes, one group was assigned to perform a physical activity, while a second group was assigned to visualize the activity. The results showed that the same neuro pathways were used in the brain in both groups. Even more surprising—the physical results between the group that actually did the activity and the group that only thought about the activity were similar.
Positive thoughts create positive vibrations. It really is as simple as Henry Ford once said: “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” Buddha said: “The mind is everything. What we think, we become.”
Positive thoughts create a positive life!
