Alyson Raynes's Blog, page 2

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The Struggle is Real! Keep pushing forward!

The struggle is real!  Keep pushing forward!

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Love and Death| Alyson Raynes

LOVE AND DEATH

Today has been one of those days.  It started out like any other Thursday with my morning coffee, news and of course, Facebook.  As soon as I started scrolling, what did I see?  Numerous posts from people who are hurting, loved ones who are sick, loved ones who have passed on and the immense amount of love that still exists in the world.

It’s never fun to learn via Facebook, that a family member has died.  That’s exactly what happened to me this morning.  I found out that my great uncle passed away yesterday.  Although I wasn’t close to him, I do have fond memories of him as a young child.  I feel sad for his wife, children and grandchildren.  He was a great man and he did so much to help my dad who is a fellow Navy veteran.

Then I saw another post from a blogger friend asking for prayers for her friend who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  I took the 5 minutes to watch the video that had been shared and realized that this particular woman that was diagnosed with cancer had one of the greatest attitudes I’d ever seen.  I have no doubt that she will fight cancer and win!

Then I saw another, a friend that just lost his mother.  And another…a young woman who is at the moment, losing her grandmother.

It saddens me that so many people are hurting right now.  For it wasn’t long ago when our family was struggling with the notion that we would be saying good-bye to my beautiful mother-in-law.  It will be a year in July.  There isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I don’t think about her or wish I could just talk to her.

I understand. 

I see so much negativity and drama on Facebook throughout my day, that I wonder if there are any good people left in the world.  You know what?  There are.  I see it when someone is going through something painful, when a loved one dies or when new life enters the world.  People come together to support and yes, even celebrate.  For those who are struggling today, you are not alone, and you are loved.

For those who aren’t struggling:  Be the light to someone who is.  Lift them up, support them, listen and love.

Love and Hugs,

Alyson

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Invisible- Malicious Beauty

Invisible

I’m invisible.

Nobody sees or hears me.

I’m like a turtle stuck in my shell, waiting for someone to tell.

I have stories in my mind, but I just can’t seem to find the time.

I’m on this journey all alone, no one understands, they just tell me to go home.

I’m a person, can’t they see?  That their words won’t set me free.

I feel angry and insecure, I fucking hate everybody that’s for sure.

My heart is fractured, there is no cure, the only thing that drives me is my fear.

I love hard and I love deep.

Right now, all I want is sleep.

The demons that haunt, they always seem to creep.

Things would be easier if I were a sheep.

I’d follow, just like the rest, but then I wouldn’t be the best.

I must rest before my mission is complete.

Who am I?

I am invisible…that’s why I appear so sweet. – Devlyn (Malicious Beauty)

 

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LOVERING FAMILY AUCTION

​Support the Lovering Family Auction 

Farewell 2016

Farewell 2016

Farewell 2016!  You have been both a rotten bastard & giver of all things good.  2016 started out okay.  Nothing seemed out of the norm and it appeared that it would be just another  year.  It was anything but.

2016 was the year that I lost my beautiful mother-in-law, my precious Tinkerbell (my kitty) and it was also the year that I found out I was going to be a Grandma for the first time.  Talk about bittersweet moments.  It was also the year where I would gain a shit load of weight from depression, my husband would have major surgery, I would venture into a new profession, while finally taking my writing career more seriously.  It has definitely been full of ups and downs with tears of sadness and tears of joy.

2016 took some of my favorite actors and musicians, leaving me to realize how truly short life is and that none of us are exempt from death.  I grew up listening to the cool sounds of Bowie, Frey, Prince and Michael.  I will never forget the feelings that their music evoked in me, especially while growing up in the eighties.  I still have such fond memories of hanging out with my friends and being alone while listening to their tunes.  Something I will be able to hang on to forever.

Of course I can’t forget those who entertained me on television and the big screen.  Carrie Fisher, Alan Rickman, Alan Thicke, and so many more.  And since there are too many to name, I have included a video courtesy of www.msn.com.  They will be missed by many.

Celebrities who died in 2016

But…with all of that said…I have so much to be thankful for.  My family is healthy, a new Grandson on the way, I have a roof over my head and I published my fifth book.  It hasn’t been all bad, despite how it sounds.

I miss my mother-in-law immensely, and I have to say, wearing her favorite pair of boots is quite an honor.  You never really quite know how much you love someone until they are gone.  She and I had our ups and downs, and in the end, love won out.  The older I get, the more I realize how much time we spend worrying about the stupid shit, instead of focusing on what is really important…the people in our lives.  Whether it be family, pets, friends or all of that, that’s what really matters.  The other stuff is just…well…stuff!

I hope 2017 is a much better year for everyone!  I wish you all the best and many happy times!

Happy New Year!

Alyson

 

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Friday Night

Friday Night

It’s Friday night and I feel compelled to write a blog post.  I have no idea why; maybe it’s because I’m stressed, tired, hurting,  or perhaps, it’s because I’m bored.  There’s nothing on the TV, other than old repeats of Law and Order and honestly,  I think I’ve seen every episode ever produced.   

The weather isn’t helping,  as the temperature here in Colorado is dropping by the minute, making it colder than a witches tit.  I have Christmas shopping that needs to be done but there’s no way I’m going out in that arctic bullshit.  Besides, I’m comfy and warm sitting here on the couch in my Lularoe.   

My husband and son are in the kitchen talking and tossing the ball to Sophie, my black lab.  They are all far more energetic than I am this evening.   

And now the question of dinner has just popped up.   “What do you want for dinner?” That’s a really good question.   I really don’t know.   I  don’t even think I’m hungry, but I guess that’s my cue to sign off.  

For those of you brave enough to read this post, I’m giving away a free book to those who sign up for my newsletter.   You can access it here: FREE BOOK

Have a great night. 

Regards,

Alyson 

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RELEASE BLITZ! SHADED WITH LOVE: A COLORING BOOK FOR A CAUSE

RELEASE BLITZ! SHADED WITH LOVE: A COLORING BOOK FOR A CAUSE

Shaded With Love: a coloring book for a cause IS LIVE! All proceeds benefit Free2Luv!

This coloring book, featuring 82 designs inspired by your favorite authors & bloggers is here just in time for the holidays and all proceeds will benefit FREE2LUV, an anti-bullying non-profit. #OneClick NOW!

BUY NOW: http://amzn.to/2hNkkSo

Illustrator: Jessica Hildreth

Find out more about Free2Luv here: http://free2luv.org/

Participating Authors/Bloggers:

Jessica Hildreth, Vicki Green, Katharina LeBoeuf, Beantown Bitches Book Page, A.L. Wood, Noelle Bodhaine, Angela Coffey,Amy Briggs, Little Shop of Readers, Gillian Jones, Avelyn Paige, GM Scherbert, Jennifer L. Armentrout, also known as J. Lynn,Charlotte Fallowfield, Geri Glenn, Janine Infante Bosco, Christine Hughes,Cecilia London, T.K. Leigh, Jen Luerssen,Tiffani Lynn, Sister Spot Book Blog, MJ Fields, Jenika Snow, Jennifers Taking A Break, Reading After Dark, J.C. Valentine, Alyvia Paige, Maria DeSouza, Rhonda James, Mary Elizabeth, JL Long, Brooke May, Emery Jacobs, Amelia Sue, J.M. Walker, Annelise Reynolds, Harlow Stone, Katie Fox, Mary B Moore, Read and Share Book Reviews, Len Webster, Cat Mason, Elizabeth York, HJ Bellus, Stacey Lewis, J. A. O’Donoghue, JL Long, MariaLisa deMora, Alphas Do It Better Book Blog, Evan Grace, Niquel, Xana Jordan, K. Renee, Anna Paige, Elizabeth Princeton, Cory Cyr, N. E. Henderson, L.J. Shen, Kennedy Fox, K.L. Kreig, Ginger Ring, Relentless Book Chics Ramblings & Reviews, Leisa Rayven, Alyson Raynes, Emerson Rose, FG Adams, Stevie J. Cole, Gemma James, M. Robinson, A. Zavarelli, Books and Boys Book Blog, Heather Carver, HEA Bookshelf, Kim Jones, Rachel Robinson, R+M Photography, Angie Brashears, Mikey Lee, Scott Hildreth

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$5 AMAZON GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

WELCOME, NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBER’S!  THANK YOU FOR BEING A SUBSCRIBER!  TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, JUST CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW!  GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cover Reveal- Shaded with Love

We are so excited to show you the cover of Shaded With Love: A Coloring Book for a Cause!

This coloring book, featuring 75 designs inspired by your favorite authors & bloggers, will release on DECEMBER 14th, just in time for the holidays and all proceeds will benefit FREE2LUV, an anti-bullying non-profit. So get your one-click finger ready!

Illustrator: Jessica Hildreth

Find out more about Free2Luv here: http://free2luv.org/

Participating Authors/Bloggers:

Jessica Hildreth, Vicki Green, Katharina LeBoeuf, Beantown Bitches Book Page, A.L. Wood, Noelle Bodhaine, Angela Coffey,Amy Briggs, Little Shop of Readers, Gillian Jones, Avelyn Paige, GM Scherbert, Jennifer L. Armentrout, also known as J. Lynn,Charlotte Fallowfield, Geri Glenn, Janine Infante Bosco, Christine Hughes,Cecilia London, T.K. Leigh, Jen Luerssen,Tiffani Lynn, Sister Spot Book Blog, MJ Fields, Jenika Snow, Jennifers Taking A Break, Reading After Dark, J.C. Valentine, Alyvia Paige, Maria DeSouza, Rhonda James, Mary Elizabeth, JL Long, J.L. Beck, Brooke May, Emery Jacobs, Amelia Sue, J.M. Walker, Annelise Reynolds, Harlow Stone, Katie Fox, Mary B Moore, Read and Share Book Reviews, Len Webster, Cat Mason, Elizabeth Tork, HJ Bellus, Stacey Lewis, J. A. O’Donoghue, JL Long, MariaLisa deMora, Alphas Do It Better Book Blog, Evan Grace, Niquel, Xana Jordan, K. Renee, Anna Paige, Elizabeth Princeton, Cory Cyr, N. E. Henderson, L.J. Shen, Kennedy Fox, K.L. Kreig, Ginger Ring, Relentless Book Chics Ramblings & Reviews, Leisa Rayven, Alyson Raynes, Emerson Rose, FG Adams, Stevie J. Cole, Gemma James, M. Robinson, A. Zavarelli, Books and Boys Book Blog, Heather Carver, HEA Bookshelf, Kim Jones, Rachel Robinson, R+M Photography, Angie Brashears

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