Deirdre Riordan Hall's Blog, page 2

On the Mountain Summer Heat Up to Cool Down

Although Baskia Benedict—the spoiled, but you love her anyway main character in ON THE MOUNTAIN—spent the coldest of the winter months tucked away in a cabin in the hills of New England, she's no stranger to the beach. 

She may have traded in city life along with the near-limitless account from mommy and daddy, but she hasn't forgotten how to shop. 

When she meets up with her friend Mellie in Mexico for spring break, she makes sure to pack all the essentials. 

Looking for some On the Mountain action? 

What are your salt/summer-life essentials? What's in your beach bag? Mountain pack? I want to know! Unpack your bag below!

Tide... a haunting sea-inspired adventure

Never trust a mermaid's kiss.

Tyler McColdrum has a bright future on the professional surfing circuit until his father tragically dies at sea. Unable to pay the bills, Tyler and his mother leave California and move to his late grandfather's cottage in Land's End, Maine—a world away from the life he's known. Not even the stormy Atlantic can douse Tyler's surf stoke, but when mariners go missing off the coast, legends as old as the sea itself suggest something lurks beneath the surface. As the police investigate, his friend Kiwa—the only female surfer for miles—indicates there's more to the McColdrum family history than blood and bone.

Amara is a beautiful mermaid, a mero, who wants a life on land away from her sinister sisters. As charming as mero are, with musical voices and a tempting gaze, they're also brutal and cruel, stealing the souls of sailors. As Initiation nears, Amara learns Poseidon selected her as consort and her desperation for freedom increases. When Tyler encounters Amara, he falls hard for her. The ocean is no longer safe for him, but he trusts their love can overcome her mero nature. As locals and officials wage war against the sea, trying to keep mariners safe, Tyler and Amara struggle with how to protect each other.

With one foot in the sand and the other in the sea, Tyler must choose love or the surf as the tide quickly rises.





Get your copy of Tide:
US // UK // AU

Goodreads
//
Please share the Tide love with your Twitter, Facebook, & social media friends:

Copy and paste to Tweet:

Never trust a mermaid's kiss. Tide #youngadult  #fantasy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

Copy & Paste for Facebook:

When sailors go missing off the coast of the Atlantic, Tyler learns alluring and beautiful doesn't mean harmless, leaving it up to him to stop the mero or lose more souls to the sea. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y1JZFD9/

...and look for more from this series coming soon!

Follow your Bliss In the Desert

Nothing like summer for epic road trips with the windows down and the music up. Oh, and falling in love. Read bonus material, This is Not a Love Song by Lex from the Gracks, written for Brighton. 
Get your copy of In the Desert and get lost on the road with Brighton, Lex, and the band.
What are your summer essentials? Bucket list items? Road trip must-haves?

Love Note from Spencer to Katya + a recipe!

It's nearly summer and I have something sweet just for you. If you've read How not to Fall in Love—the companion novella to Love, Hate, and Other Lies We Told, scroll down and then down some more for a How Not to Fall in Love bonus love letter. If you haven't read the book yet, you may want to bookmark this, get your copy, and come right back while it's still hot!

♥♥♥♥
♥




Dear Katya,Up until I met you, I was a failure in the kitchen. In fact, aside from brewing the occasional cup of coffee, the surfaces in that part of my condo only served one purpose—if we couldn’t make it from the door to the bedroom.You’ve changed me. Don’t get me wrong, if you want to experiment on the counter, perhaps gain some leverage from the dinette, or store whipped cream in the fridge for other things… I’m all for it. You’ve taught me more than how to make the best chocolate chip cookies ever.You’ve taught me how to nourish a relationship—and that there’s more to it than great sex. You’ve helped me overcome my fear of slicing onions, of sautéing, roasting… all the things that involve emotions, commitment, getting close…I look forward to time spent in the kitchen with you and the living room the bathroom… the bedroom, especially. Sorry, you can teach me to cook and love on my woman, but I think you like the other, hungrier parts of me too. I hope so because I like those parts of you too.Cooking together and sharing a meal is only my second favorite thing we do together. You know the first, the second, and the third is how close we’ve become because  of that. You’ve helped me roll up my sleeves, put on an apron, and be courageous wherever our time in the kitchen and beyond takes us.Love,Spencer 
Get your copies of Love, Hate & Other Lies we Told and the companion novella How Not to Fall in Love across all digital ereader platforms!

Why Pearl IS Relevant to Young Adult Fiction

It's true that…Not everyone's mother is a former rock star turned alcoholic and drug addict. Not everyone directly experiences domestic violence. Not everyone has a rich uncle who sends them to boarding school. Not everyone experiences a whirlwind summer of temptation, peer pressure, and excess. Not everyone survives their teens. But some do. Pearl did. I did.
Drug and alcohol abuse affects every American whether you live with or personally know an addict. The economic impact in the US alone is estimated to be in the billions. If you're a citizen, pay taxes, or will someday do so, blam! You're impacted. On a larger scale, the global impact involves healthcare for alcohol and drug related diseases, addiction recovery, and car accidents, influencing the cost, quality, and availability of everything from the allocation of funds for healthcare, law enforcement, clinics, correctional institutions, and more. It's a trickle down pernicious issue, and it's very real.

Domestic violence impairs the peaceful and safe world we all long to inhabit. It might not have broken up your family, or sent you to a shelter, but one in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetimes. I guarantee you know four women. Perhaps you are one. 

None of us are alone, even if we think we are. However, so many of us are all too familiar with the stark emptiness of feeling lonely. It was my goal in writing Pearl to show there are bridges to belonging and connection; I don't mean having a wealthy benefactor or living a paper, fictional life, but we each matter and have the capacity to empower ourselves and each other.

According to a 2014 study, 34.7% of fifteen-year-olds have consumed at least one alcoholic beverage in their lives. Alcohol and drugs are in our communities, and even if we say no, there are plenty of people who don't, which loops me back to my first point about how everyone is affected by drug and alcohol use. Alcoholism and drug addiction doesn't discriminate. It affects people across all economic classes, ethnicities, and ages.The late celebrity and chef Anthony Bourdain demonstrated this on his show Parts Unknown, confessing his own struggles with addiction and the small New England communities, rife with heroin addiction--a community I'm personally familiar with.We owe it to each other, to our friends, to our families, and our communities to raise awareness about what to do for those of us at risk of slipping through the cracks and being lost to substance abuse. To those of us left bruised and battered. For the ones who feel like they're on their own with no helping hand. There is a way out. There's hope, even if it's found within the pages of a book.  When I was growing up, drug and alcohol abuse were part of my everyday life. There was abuse, neglect, homelessness, and a constant state of fear. It left me feeling scared, isolated, and like something was wrong with me—what did I do to deserve this? Why me? Even in my younger years, before I had a name for it, it was acutely heartbreaking. At times, I wished, more than anything for a different life. I dreaded returning home from school, afraid of what I'd find. I'd spend as much time as possible out of the house or within the pages of books. There was a period of time when I worried that I would turn out exactly like the people in my life who struggled with addiction—all-consumed by scoring the next hit. Penniless, sick, and lost. Willing to do anything, even the ugliest things to get high. There's a blur, a smudge in my personal history when I didn't know if the cycle would be broken. Where would I go? What would I do? Was there a way out?Looking back, my childhood and all of the experiences that came after made me who I am today, and I wouldn't trade myself for anything, but it didn’t have to be that way. I could still have grown into a strong, independent, and self-aware woman without those influences. It would have been helpful if there had been an exit sooner, someone to understand what I was going through, and to remind me I wasn't alone. However, I also kept the secret for as long as I could to protect those involved, mostly because I didn't know better. I understood what was happening was wrong, but afraid of the consequences if I spoke up. This too is common—children living in fear of the what if. Looking back the consequences are clear: turmoil, pain, and years and years of therapy. I don't necessarily expect readers who've never had firsthand experience with loved ones abusing drugs and alcohol to fullyunderstand the myriad difficulties faced by the daughters, sons, and family members of an addict (and people with addiction themselves) but I can try. I'll also continue to refute the claim that addiction isn't realistic in teen fiction. If we're being honest, there are few people who haven't in some way been affected by substance abuse whether it's a family member, friend, coworker, or someone in their community who struggles with addiction. Or if they've tried alcohol and drugs and find themselves on a slippery path without a handrail. Oftentimes people addicted to drugs are portrayed as derelict losers living in an urban settling and while that is sometimes true, it doesn't always start that way. The alcoholic might live next door. He could be a nurse in a nearby clinic who gets addicted to painkillers. It could be the star athlete at school, smoking marijuana on the weekend. It could be a coworker who can't get through the day without finishing a bottle. Addiction and abuse doesn't distinguish between your or me or him or her. It impacts all of us. It's not their problem. His or hers or the government. It's our problem. It's in our homes. Our communities. Across the street and downtown. It's up to us to shine light into the shadows, call each other out, and hold one another's hand.

For those of us for whom it does hit home, it's an emotionally devastating experience. This is why my book PEARL is relevant in the discourse of contemporary young adult fiction. Because there is hope. There is help. And there is love. I promise. If you're living with domestic violence, addiction, and other forms of abuse there is no need to wait to get help. Various kinds of assistance are available, from talking to a counselor online, on the phone, or in person, to staging an intervention, to getting out of a dangerous situation. 
Making a decision to reach out isn’t necessarily easy; it takes courage and a leap of faith, but I believe that every person’s safety, well-being, and life are worth it. Here are some resources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357) is a federal agency that provides confidential, free, twenty-four-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year help in English and Spanish for individuals and their families facing mental health and/or substance-use disorders.
Teen Lifeline: 1-800-248-8336, teenlifeline.org.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-877-799-7233, thehotline.org.
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.: 1-800-622-2255.
Al-Anon and Alateen: Both offer help for people who have, or know someone who has, a drinking problem. 1-800-425-2666.
Kristin Brooks Hope Center: KBHC offers a mental health, depression, suicide help line. 1-800-784-2433, hopeline.com.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255, suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Yoga Guides

Get your copy of HeartCore Yoga Guide #1 to end the battle with your body once and for all.




Guide 1: ebook for all digital ereaders // PDF download
Guide 2: ebook for all digital ereaders // PDF download
Guide 3: ebook for all digital ereaders // PDF download

HeartCore is a three-part yoga-inspired program designed for women to create peace, love, and confidence in their bodies—especially those who avoid their middle aka their core, the seat of creation and intuition. 


This practice combines contemplation, movement, affirmations, essential oils, and journaling to support women in learning to honor their true nature and to transform avoidance of the body into acceptance (and maybe even affection), particularly for the tummy. A strong and stable relationship with our center helps us better deal with challenges and live our best lives.


Guide 1 follows the themes of grounding and planting—removing the weeds and nourishing our roots.
Guide 2 is about sprouting, cultivating, and growing into our potential and what we desire in life.
Guide 3 is about blossoming and thriving as we energize and uphold our new level of self-care and love.


HeartCore is where we move from saying that we're going to try yoga, get stronger, or think positively and into action. We learn to live a life from which we do not seek escape. When we love and respect ourselves fully, we create massive shifts—I dare say a revolution, and we might just change the world.

Shop via Etsy for an instant download by clicking here.Get your ebook copy here of HeartCore Yoga for your Kindle, iBooks, Nook, and many other digital readers.



Want to learn more about essential oils? Click here. 
Info about the Yoga Collection is here.
Looking for my yoga journey story? Click here.

Ready for empowerment and a new level of body acceptance? Start here to begin using the guides.

FAQ


How do I purchase the HeartCore Yoga ebooks?Please click "Shop" link or go here to be pick your favorite digital reading device. You can also buy it on Etsy.
Will there be a bundle offer? Hopefully in the future.
I live outside the US can I still order the guide/eBook?Yes, the HeartCore Yoga guides are available internationally.
Who is this guide/eBook for? Everyone! The yoga poses and other exercises (journaling, etc.) in each guide build sequentially off each other and the guides themselves build sequentially off each other so I suggest doing them in order for a richer experience. It is not necessary to have any prior yoga experience. However, use common sense and consult a doctor before starting any new program.
Can I use the guide/Ebook on all of my devices? Yes, you can use it on any device. Make sure you have a pdf reader like iBooks or Adobe Acrobat Reader installed prior to downloading.

What method of payment do you offer? 
Paypal or you can shop on Etsy or download on your favorite device here.
I have enough money available so why won't my payment go through?Contact the merchant or credit card company for payment trouble.
How do I create a PayPal account?Creating a PayPal account is quick, easy and free! Click this link to find out how to get a PayPal account.
How do I download the guide/ebook once I make my purchase?You will receive a confirmation email with a link to download your copy of HeartCore Yoga. The download expires after 72 hours and is limited to 3 downloads (One for laptop, phone, and tablet). 
You also have the option of downloading your eBook directly from the thank you page once your payment has been successfully processed.
Please check your junkmail folder if you do not receive the email.
How do I save the guide/eBook to my iPhone/tablet/Android/Device? To save the PDF to iBooks/iPhone:
1. Click the link in the download email. 
2. It will be downloaded and opened. Click the icon on the screen. 
3. Click "Copy to iBooks." 
4.The guide/ebook will be saved there. 
Click this link for a tutorial. 

To save the PDF to Android devices:
1. Open the file that you want to save as a PDF, tap "File."2. Tap "Save as PDF " from the drop-down list.3. Tap "Save."4. Choose a location for your PDF, enter a new name (optional), and then tap "Save" again.

I didn't receive the email with the download link.Please refresh the email account you used to place your order. (It may have gone to the email address associated with your PayPal account).

My ebook won't download and I got a message to contact the vendor. Please use a strong and stable internet connection and/or try a different browser (Chrome is often better than Internet Explorer).
I received an error message saying I have exceeded my download limit. You may have pressed "download" multiple times you have a limit of three downloads across three devices (phone, computer, tablet).
When I click on the link it says access has been removed.The link is only valid for 72 hours and you have 3 downloads available. 
When I try to save my guide/eBook it asks for a password.This is for copyright protection and pops up if an attempt is made to alter a file. If you download the guide/eBook to your computer, choose where you'd like it to store (e.g. documents).

REFUND POLICYHeartCore Yoga guides are downloadable product purchases and as such are non-refundable. In the case where a purchase error is made please contact me at theblossomingfamily@yahoo.com to discuss a resolution.

Note: This refund policy is in place due to the nature of downloadable products, meaning that once the ebook has been downloaded there is no way of returning it.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email me at theblossomingfamily@yahoo.com

About the Guides

HeartCore is a three-part yoga-inspired program designed for women to create peace, love, and confidence in their bodies—especially mothers, who avoid their middle aka their core, the seat of creation and intuition. Even if a woman hasn't given birth, likely she's created something in her life—mothered it into being.
This practice combines contemplation, movement, affirmations, essential oils, and journaling to support women in learning to honor their true nature—to transform avoidance of the body into acceptance (and maybe even affection), particularly for the tummy. A strong and stable relationship with our center helps us better deal with challenges and live our best lives.
Guide 1  follows the themes of grounding and planting—removing the weeds and nourishing our roots.
Guide 2 is about sprouting, cultivating, and growing into our potential and what we desire in life.
Guide 3 is about blossoming and thriving as we energize and uphold our new level of self-care and love.
HeartCore is where we move from saying that we're going to try yoga, get stronger, or think positively and into action. We learn to live a life from which we do not seek escape. When we love and respect ourselves fully, we create massive shifts—I dare say a revolution, and we might just change the world.
Click here to receive occasional email updates about my offerings, new releases, and loads of sparkly inpo. 

Want to learn more about essential oils? Click here & scroll down. 

Info about the Yoga Collection is here.
Looking for my yoga journey story? Click here.

Ready for empowerment and a new level of body acceptance? Start here.

Yoga Guides FAQ

How do I purchase the HeartCore Yoga ebooks?Please click "Shop" link or go here to be pick your favorite digital reading device. You can also buy it on Etsy.
Will there be a bundle offer? Yes, in the future.
I live outside the US can I still order the guide/eBook?Yes, the HeartCore Yoga guides are available internationally.
Who is this guide/eBook for? Everyone! The yoga poses and other exercises (journaling, etc.) in each guide build sequentially off each other and the guides themselves build sequentially off each other so I suggest doing them in order for a richer experience. It is not necessary to have any prior yoga experience. However, use common sense and consult a doctor before starting any new program.
Can I use the guide/Ebook on all of my devices? Yes, you can use it on any device. Make sure you have a pdf reader like iBooks or Adobe Acrobat Reader installed prior to downloading.

What method of payment do you offer? 
Paypal or you can shop on Etsy or download on your favorite device here.
I have enough money available so why won't my payment go through?Contact the merchant or credit card company for payment trouble.
How do I create a PayPal account?Creating a PayPal account is quick, easy and free! Click this link to find out how to get a PayPal account.
How do I download the guide/ebook once I make my purchase?You will receive a confirmation email with a link to download your copy of HeartCore Yoga. The download expires after 72 hours and is limited to 3 downloads (One for laptop, phone, and tablet). 
You also have the option of downloading your eBook directly from the thank you page once your payment has been successfully processed.
Please check your junkmail folder if you do not receive the email.
How do I save the guide/eBook to my iPhone/tablet/Android/Device? To save the PDF to iBooks/iPhone:
1. Click the link in the download email. 
2. It will be downloaded and opened. Click the icon on the screen. 
3. Click "Copy to iBooks." 
4.The guide/ebook will be saved there. 
Click this link for a tutorial. 

To save the PDF to Android devices:
1. Open the file that you want to save as a PDF, tap "File." 2. Tap "Save as PDF " from the drop-down list. 3. Tap "Save."4. Choose a location for your PDF, enter a new name (optional), and then tap "Save" again.

I didn't receive the email with the download link.Please refresh the email account you used to place your order. (It may have gone to the email address associated with your PayPal account).

My ebook won't download and I got a message to contact the vendor. Please use a strong and stable internet connection and/or try a different browser (Chrome is often better than Internet Explorer).
I received an error message saying I have exceeded my download limit. You may have pressed "download" multiple times you have a limit of three downloads across three devices (phone, computer, tablet).
When I click on the link it says access has been removed.The link is only valid for 72 hours and you have 3 downloads available. 
When I try to save my guide/eBook it asks for a password.This is for copyright protection and pops up if an attempt is made to alter a file. If you download the guide/eBook to your computer, choose where you'd like it to store (e.g. documents).

REFUND POLICY
HeartCore Yoga guides are downloadable product purchases and as such are non-refundable. In the case where a purchase error is made please contact me at theblossomingfamily@yahoo.com to discuss a resolution.

Note: This refund policy is in place due to the nature of downloadable products, meaning that once the ebook has been downloaded there is no way of returning it.

If you have any other questions please feel free to email me at theblossomingfamily@yahoo.com

FAQ

How do I purchase the HeartCore Yoga ebooks?Please click "Shop" link or go here to be brought to my secure shopping page powered by SendOwl and Paypal. It will take you to the page to add it to your cart.
Will there be a bundle offer? Yes, in the future.
I live outside the US can I still order the guide/eBook?Yes, the HeartCore Yoga guides are available internationally.
Who is this guide/eBook for? Everyone! The yoga poses and other exercises (journaling, etc.) in each guide build sequentially off each other and the guides themselves build sequentially off each other so I suggest doing them in order for a richer experience. It is not necessary to have any prior yoga experience. However, use common sense and consult a doctor before starting any new program.
Can I use the guide/Ebook on all of my devices? Yes, you can use it on any device. Make sure you have a pdf reader like iBooks or Adobe Acrobat Reader installed prior to downloading.
What method of payment do you offer? 
Paypal or you can shop on Etsy or download on your favorite device here.
I have enough money available so why won't my payment go through?Contact the merchant or credit card company for payment trouble.
How do I create a PayPal account?Creating a PayPal account is quick, easy and free! Click this link to find out how to get a PayPal account.
How do I download the guide/ebook once I make my purchase?You will receive a confirmation email with a link to download your copy of HeartCore Yoga. The download expires after 72 hours and is limited to 3 downloads (One for laptop, phone, and tablet). 
You also have the option of downloading your eBook directly from the thank you page once your payment has been successfully processed.
Please check your junkmail folder if you do not receive the email.
How do I save the guide/eBook to my iPhone/tablet/Android/Device? 
To save the PDF to iBooks/iPhone:
1. Click the link in the download email. 
2. It will be downloaded and opened. Click the icon on the screen. 
3. Click "Copy to iBooks." 
4.The guide/ebook will be saved there. 
Click this link for a tutorial. 

To save the PDF to Android devices:
1. Open the file that you want to save as a PDF, tap "File." 2. Tap "Save as PDF " from the drop-down list. 3. Tap "Save."4. Choose a location for your PDF, enter a new name (optional), and then tap "Save" again.

I didn't receive the email with the download link.Please refresh the email account you used to place your order. (It may have gone to the email address associated with your PayPal account).

My ebook won't download and I got a message to contact the vendor. 
Please use a strong and stable internet connection and/or try a different browser (Chrome is often better than Internet Explorer).
I received an error message saying I have exceeded my download limit. You may have pressed "download" multiple times you have a limit of three downloads across three devices (phone, computer, tablet).
When I click on the link it says access has been removed.The link is only valid for 72 hours and you have 3 downloads available. 
When I try to save my guide/eBook it asks for a password.This is for copyright protection and pops up if an attempt is made to alter a file. If you download the guide/eBook to your computer, choose where you'd like it to store (e.g. documents).

REFUND POLICY

HeartCore Yoga guides are downloadable product purchases and as such are non-refundable. In the case where a purchase error is made please contact me at theblossomingfamily@yahoo.com to discuss a resolution.

Note: This refund policy is in place due to the nature of downloadable products, meaning that once the ebook has been downloaded there is no way of returning it.
If you have any other questions please feel free to email me at theblossomingfamily@yahoo.com

Yoga Essential Oil Trio

What I so love about yoga is how it brings us to the depths of our hearts so we're then able to share the love and light we recognize within both on and off the mat. I incorporate essential oils into my practice because of their ability to help us access deeper levels of emotional resonance, healing, letting go of what doesn’t serve and inviting new ways of being. I'm excited to share the new Yoga Collectionessential oil trio created in partnership with yoga teacher Elena Brower.
Essential oils and yoga work together by bringing us into deeper alignment with our intuition, with our emotional selves, our heart, mind, body, and breath. They enrich our practice both on and off the mat. 
Other essential oils can be used to enhance your yoga experience. Such as:Natural/toxin-free Mat/equipment cleaner = OnGuard with lavender and lemongrass in distilled water or witch hazel.To Energize = peppermintTo Uplift = grapefruit or wild orange, Elevate, Motivate or Citrus BlissTo Calm = clary sage, lavender, vetiver, or SerenityFor post practice soreness = DeepBlue, sandalwood, copaiba.Bath and foot soaks = lavender, melaleuca, copaiba, Siberian fir.
Here's a quick overview of how getting oils from Doterra works; see more here.
Doterra produces Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade--meaning they're third party tested to be free of contaminants, additives, perfumes, pesticides, pollutants, etc. essential oils and essential oil based products such as supplements, spa and skincare, home cleaning, and more. I opted to align with this company and become an essential oils educator because of the purity and potency of the oils and the company's integrity--as well as the business building aspect.   A Doterra membership works like Costco/Wholesale club. You pay $35 for an annual membership (every year thereafter = $25 + a free bottle of peppermint oil). There are enrollment kits that have a variety of oils (and other products) included.  If you start with one of these kits, the $35 fee is included.
You'll then have access to wholesale pricing (25% off retail) and the optional Loyalty Rewards program. This is a frequent flyer type program where you earn points based on what you spend to put toward free oils and products as well as the opportunity to get the free oil of the month. You set up a customizable monthly order, of your choosing, delivered directly to you. It may include essential oils of course, but items you buy anyway ranging from hand soap, to skin care products, toothpaste, vitamins, and much, much more--basically whatever you'd like.
The great things about this kind of membership is you receive education from me as well as access to our team resources such as our private FB wellness group (an amazing community of women), to free inspiring and motivational online classes, giveaways, and more.If you'd like to sign up for an account, click here.

There are also products for supporting a wide variety of health concerns and goals (from tummy troubles, to skin care, to stressed and sore muscles, to whole food supplements for women, kids, and more. I'd love to discuss whatever ways essential oils might benefit whatever health concerns or goals you may have.
Peace, love, and essential oils,Deirdre