H.M. Shander's Blog, page 12
January 31, 2016
So Many Great Twitter Contests...
There are a great deal of Twitter Pitch Contests coming up.
#Pit2Pub * #PitMatch * #SonofaPitch
And so MANY others - for a full listing, I recommend you check out Carissa Taylor's Blog - she's totally on top of the contests dates and times. :) These were a few I'm interested in.
For me, I'm so torn.
My newest MS is done, tweaking the tiny little details that make it better, stronger. Just waiting on a couple betas who are reading it through for flow-ability.
Having published two novels already, I am still trying to get out of the red on those. Editor costs and book designer costs are substantial, especially for a self-pubber like me, who does not have the publisher absorb those costs.
So with my MS ready, I could turn it over to an editor, and start the process of getting it ready for a self-publication date for early summer. I could start looking for a new book cover designer, and figure out what I want for a cover.
Or I could enter these contests and hope for the best. You never know I could get lucky - but most likely I'll meet numerous rejections. Which is okay - because they usually come with *something* - why they passed, what they didn't like. However with those rejections, it does mean setting back a release date on self-pubbing.
If I were to be "liked" on a pitch, and if I were to send in the requested materials, depending on the agent/publisher, it could be up to twelve weeks before hearing a rejection (or a request for more) That means with a Feb 1 contest date, a rejection could arrive as late as May 1.
Well, there goes my plan for a May 24th self-publication date. See my dilemma? So do I enter the contests, hope for the best., but still turn my MS over to an editor and start the self-pubbing journey that I will likely end up on?
What would you do?
#Pit2Pub * #PitMatch * #SonofaPitch
And so MANY others - for a full listing, I recommend you check out Carissa Taylor's Blog - she's totally on top of the contests dates and times. :) These were a few I'm interested in.
For me, I'm so torn.
My newest MS is done, tweaking the tiny little details that make it better, stronger. Just waiting on a couple betas who are reading it through for flow-ability.
Having published two novels already, I am still trying to get out of the red on those. Editor costs and book designer costs are substantial, especially for a self-pubber like me, who does not have the publisher absorb those costs.
So with my MS ready, I could turn it over to an editor, and start the process of getting it ready for a self-publication date for early summer. I could start looking for a new book cover designer, and figure out what I want for a cover.
Or I could enter these contests and hope for the best. You never know I could get lucky - but most likely I'll meet numerous rejections. Which is okay - because they usually come with *something* - why they passed, what they didn't like. However with those rejections, it does mean setting back a release date on self-pubbing.
If I were to be "liked" on a pitch, and if I were to send in the requested materials, depending on the agent/publisher, it could be up to twelve weeks before hearing a rejection (or a request for more) That means with a Feb 1 contest date, a rejection could arrive as late as May 1.
Well, there goes my plan for a May 24th self-publication date. See my dilemma? So do I enter the contests, hope for the best., but still turn my MS over to an editor and start the self-pubbing journey that I will likely end up on?
What would you do?
January 17, 2016
Critique Partners and Beta Readers
Let's talk about Critique Partners (CPs) and Beta Readers (BRs).
Do you have them? If so, how many?
I have a few of each. And I adore them. Each brings something totally different to the game as they have different skill sets. My BR basically read the story and highlight anything they find inconsistent within the story or about the characters, and help find any grammar/spelling/punctuation errors. My CPs are nit-picky to the core, highlighting every error (which at first is daunting), things a character would NEVER say/do, inconsistencies (like truly tiny little things an average reader would completely miss) and more. They are THOROUGH. And I love reading their comments and thoughts, as their opinions matter to me. I trust their opinions. They believe in me, my writing and my characters. They're not out to make me feel inferior, and because I've used them for the first two novels, they could be harsh if they wanted to but they're not, as their comments come from a place of love.
I have one particular CP (and she knows who she is) who really needs to become an editor - she's fantastic. We chat more over a couple of days than I did in total with one of my editors that I gave a lot of hard earned money to. She pulls things out of me, questions everything, and makes my story stronger. Then I'll make changes and adjustments, and she wants to read those! Yeah, she rocks. Totally. And if she decides to become an editor, I'll be promoting the hell out of her. She's just that good, and I feel I pale in comparison as her CP.
Anyways...
So as we're working through the chapters of Duly Noted, my newest MS, we've discussed who would play our leads in a movie, because you know one day it will happen. LMAO. ;) Anyways... she emails me one night and says THIS IS NATE. (and I hope you'll totally swoon over him when you read the novel)
Having only watched Divergent less than a week before, I really didn't know who this chap was. But I do now. ;) And I totally blame my CP because now that she's suggested it, he is NATE. In every way, shape and form. My mental image of Nate has been overwritten with Theo James.
And that's the power of a great CP. She makes you think about your MS and characters ALL. THE. TIME. In all sorts of ways you never imagined. Even when folding laundry, or cleaning the house...
But I love her anyway! :)
I'm curious - do you have a movie star/celebrity you'd love to play your MC? Who would it be?
Do you have them? If so, how many?
I have a few of each. And I adore them. Each brings something totally different to the game as they have different skill sets. My BR basically read the story and highlight anything they find inconsistent within the story or about the characters, and help find any grammar/spelling/punctuation errors. My CPs are nit-picky to the core, highlighting every error (which at first is daunting), things a character would NEVER say/do, inconsistencies (like truly tiny little things an average reader would completely miss) and more. They are THOROUGH. And I love reading their comments and thoughts, as their opinions matter to me. I trust their opinions. They believe in me, my writing and my characters. They're not out to make me feel inferior, and because I've used them for the first two novels, they could be harsh if they wanted to but they're not, as their comments come from a place of love.
I have one particular CP (and she knows who she is) who really needs to become an editor - she's fantastic. We chat more over a couple of days than I did in total with one of my editors that I gave a lot of hard earned money to. She pulls things out of me, questions everything, and makes my story stronger. Then I'll make changes and adjustments, and she wants to read those! Yeah, she rocks. Totally. And if she decides to become an editor, I'll be promoting the hell out of her. She's just that good, and I feel I pale in comparison as her CP.
Anyways...
So as we're working through the chapters of Duly Noted, my newest MS, we've discussed who would play our leads in a movie, because you know one day it will happen. LMAO. ;) Anyways... she emails me one night and says THIS IS NATE. (and I hope you'll totally swoon over him when you read the novel)
Having only watched Divergent less than a week before, I really didn't know who this chap was. But I do now. ;) And I totally blame my CP because now that she's suggested it, he is NATE. In every way, shape and form. My mental image of Nate has been overwritten with Theo James.
And that's the power of a great CP. She makes you think about your MS and characters ALL. THE. TIME. In all sorts of ways you never imagined. Even when folding laundry, or cleaning the house...
But I love her anyway! :)
I'm curious - do you have a movie star/celebrity you'd love to play your MC? Who would it be?
January 8, 2016
I have an Addiction
Yep... drove past a store this morning on my way to run some errands. Finishing up the important errands, I treated myself. LOL.
Like a moth to a flame, I went in. And piled book after book into my basket.
But they're not all for me, so it's all good right?
Twenty-Five books purchased to be divided up as follows:
9 for my kid's school library (I'm familiar with what the kids read, and like)10 for my kid's teacher personal classroom library6 for my kidsSo, only 25% are for me. It's nice that with 75% of today's purchases, I'm spreading the love of reading.
And my children's TBR list is growing. :) Thank goodness, they get time every single day to unwind and read. A habit I hope they continue for a lifetime.
Like a moth to a flame, I went in. And piled book after book into my basket.
But they're not all for me, so it's all good right?
Twenty-Five books purchased to be divided up as follows:
9 for my kid's school library (I'm familiar with what the kids read, and like)10 for my kid's teacher personal classroom library6 for my kidsSo, only 25% are for me. It's nice that with 75% of today's purchases, I'm spreading the love of reading.
And my children's TBR list is growing. :) Thank goodness, they get time every single day to unwind and read. A habit I hope they continue for a lifetime.
January 1, 2016
The Year Ahead...
I see so many people planning for the future, people reflecting on the past year and living in the moment.
So I'm going to do the same.
Things I am grateful for over the past year (in no particular order)
New Friends - it was a year when the door slammed shut on a 10 year friendship. However, with that bridge burnt (on her end), many new ones suddenly appeared and for that, I am very grateful. The world is a better place with friends.
My Job - it's been one of those years, because of contracts and budget restrictions, where I had a job, and then I didn't, but I really did because the funds came from elsewhere. Then back to having it but losing it temporarily, to back on, to official with a pay raise - and most of that within the last 4 months! I truly hope 2016 is the year where stability reigns supreme. I love my job, have awesome supportive staff to work with and look forward to going. Every. Single. Day. :)
My Family - it goes without saying I'm happy with them. My kids keep me entertained and there is NEVER a dull day with two busy boys. When it gets quiet, I worry. A lot. My hubs is wicked awesome and if it wasn't for his cooking skills (all of which I lack), we'd be relegated to cereal and sandwiches all the time.
My Books - It's a place where my imagination can run wild and I have total control over what my characters say and do. Oh, who am I kidding. They control me and beg me to get their stories down. LOL. It's fun, I love doing it and maybe some day, I'll actually make money doing it.
Twitter - I've loved being part of all the writing contests on twitter, all the new "friends" I've made and chat with constantly. I've learned lots, thanks to the agents/authors/publishers/editors etc who post wonderful tidbits of information.
Things I look forward to accomplishing in 2016 (in no particular order)
Publishing one book (unless it's picked up by an agent/publishing group) by spring and hopefully having another ready by the end of the year. No idea at this point if they'll be connected. We'll see where my imagination goes. :) Although... I did have some thoughts on Andrew & Charlotte's story...
Going to learn how to properly add GIFs to my website and blogger. Like really, how hard can it be? Apparently it's light years ahead of my skill level though so I have some work ahead of me. Haha!
Read more books (I'll aim for at least 1 a month), and rate and review them - especially if they are NOT major authors. We all need the ratings/reviews to help push sales a bit. So here's your friendly reminder - if you've read either of my books, would you mind leaving a rating/review?
To have people over more often. I love entertaining, and when the kids are around, they can play/visit or go to bed without a worry. To laugh more, to love harder and to take each day as it comes.
What about you? What are you thankful for? What is a goal you hope to achieve over the year?
Happy New Year!
So I'm going to do the same.
Things I am grateful for over the past year (in no particular order)
New Friends - it was a year when the door slammed shut on a 10 year friendship. However, with that bridge burnt (on her end), many new ones suddenly appeared and for that, I am very grateful. The world is a better place with friends.
My Job - it's been one of those years, because of contracts and budget restrictions, where I had a job, and then I didn't, but I really did because the funds came from elsewhere. Then back to having it but losing it temporarily, to back on, to official with a pay raise - and most of that within the last 4 months! I truly hope 2016 is the year where stability reigns supreme. I love my job, have awesome supportive staff to work with and look forward to going. Every. Single. Day. :)
My Family - it goes without saying I'm happy with them. My kids keep me entertained and there is NEVER a dull day with two busy boys. When it gets quiet, I worry. A lot. My hubs is wicked awesome and if it wasn't for his cooking skills (all of which I lack), we'd be relegated to cereal and sandwiches all the time.
My Books - It's a place where my imagination can run wild and I have total control over what my characters say and do. Oh, who am I kidding. They control me and beg me to get their stories down. LOL. It's fun, I love doing it and maybe some day, I'll actually make money doing it.
Twitter - I've loved being part of all the writing contests on twitter, all the new "friends" I've made and chat with constantly. I've learned lots, thanks to the agents/authors/publishers/editors etc who post wonderful tidbits of information.
Things I look forward to accomplishing in 2016 (in no particular order)
Publishing one book (unless it's picked up by an agent/publishing group) by spring and hopefully having another ready by the end of the year. No idea at this point if they'll be connected. We'll see where my imagination goes. :) Although... I did have some thoughts on Andrew & Charlotte's story...
Going to learn how to properly add GIFs to my website and blogger. Like really, how hard can it be? Apparently it's light years ahead of my skill level though so I have some work ahead of me. Haha!
Read more books (I'll aim for at least 1 a month), and rate and review them - especially if they are NOT major authors. We all need the ratings/reviews to help push sales a bit. So here's your friendly reminder - if you've read either of my books, would you mind leaving a rating/review?
To have people over more often. I love entertaining, and when the kids are around, they can play/visit or go to bed without a worry. To laugh more, to love harder and to take each day as it comes.
What about you? What are you thankful for? What is a goal you hope to achieve over the year?
Happy New Year!
December 29, 2015
The End of 2015
As the year rolls out to a close, I am humbled by the amazing year I am leaving behind.
2015 saw my debut release Run Away Charlotte at two weeks old, and it's sequel Ask Me Again came out in October. I partook in many twitter query/agent/publisher contests, made some new author friends and grew exponentially in that field. It was a banner year for a newbie, in my opinion.
My books are selling better than I hoped (my initial goal was 100 of each... because well... no one's heard of me.) :) So I'm feeling pretty good considering I'm passed that goal with RAC and am nearing it with AMA. Some may argue that 100 is pretty easy to hit. I disagree. Having sunk my money into a good editor and a book cover designer, I'm still trying to break even. I don't have the funds - yet - to pay for ads, or join sites like NetGalley and the like. But I'm learning.
I'm mainly relying on word of mouth (which thankfully is very positive for both books), reviews on Goodreads (which is hard to get) and bloggers. I've contacted blogger after blogger, some of who respond and agree to read (bless them). I'm working on little projects on the sides to get the word out, and hope my blogging (as terrible as it is) will get me a few more sales. It certainly can't hurt to try.
My marketing strategy is bare bones, eh? My goal is that 2016 I will break even - just in time for the next book - DULY NOTED - to come out, and maybe I'll be able to afford some type of paid marketing. ;) But that's the joy of self-publishing. As wonderful as it would be to have someone else do the marketing for me, I like I'm struggling along. I like learning what works, what doesn't. Every little part about self-publishing has taught me so much. And I love it.
So in closing, I hope you all had a banner year in whatever way made you happy. I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment below, or email me or follow me on twitter (I'm quite chatty there).
2015 saw my debut release Run Away Charlotte at two weeks old, and it's sequel Ask Me Again came out in October. I partook in many twitter query/agent/publisher contests, made some new author friends and grew exponentially in that field. It was a banner year for a newbie, in my opinion.
My books are selling better than I hoped (my initial goal was 100 of each... because well... no one's heard of me.) :) So I'm feeling pretty good considering I'm passed that goal with RAC and am nearing it with AMA. Some may argue that 100 is pretty easy to hit. I disagree. Having sunk my money into a good editor and a book cover designer, I'm still trying to break even. I don't have the funds - yet - to pay for ads, or join sites like NetGalley and the like. But I'm learning.
I'm mainly relying on word of mouth (which thankfully is very positive for both books), reviews on Goodreads (which is hard to get) and bloggers. I've contacted blogger after blogger, some of who respond and agree to read (bless them). I'm working on little projects on the sides to get the word out, and hope my blogging (as terrible as it is) will get me a few more sales. It certainly can't hurt to try.
My marketing strategy is bare bones, eh? My goal is that 2016 I will break even - just in time for the next book - DULY NOTED - to come out, and maybe I'll be able to afford some type of paid marketing. ;) But that's the joy of self-publishing. As wonderful as it would be to have someone else do the marketing for me, I like I'm struggling along. I like learning what works, what doesn't. Every little part about self-publishing has taught me so much. And I love it.
So in closing, I hope you all had a banner year in whatever way made you happy. I'd love to hear from you, so feel free to comment below, or email me or follow me on twitter (I'm quite chatty there).
December 13, 2015
DULY NOTED
So I have this new novel I've finished. I love it. The FMC is spunky, sassy and doesn't take shit from anyone. The MMC is a perfect fit for her - witty, smart and sexy as hell. This is the first male character I LOVE LOVE LOVE.
Don't get me wrong, I love Andrew, and Joe and Gabe... but there's something wonderfully different about NATE. He's smokin' hot, and my betas all love him too. :) (Stay tuned for more info/hints on this story)
So I started querying agents about this story. Curious to see if I should attempt the traditional route of agent/publisher. I entered a twitter contest and did quite well, having my pitch get liked. In return I queried them.
Already I have received two returns, both with "sorry not interested". Which is fine. I expected as much. What stung a little was that one said they HATED the FMC, and there was nothing worth liking about her. Immediately I emailed my CP and asked what was wrong with her. She asked, in jest, if I sent the right manuscript b/c this FMC was good! I laughed and brushed off the agent's comments. Afterall, somewhere out there is an agent who is meant to see, and fall in love, with my new MS. It obviously wasn't this one. And I'm okay with that. (But I won't lie, it still stings.)
I've said before, I don't write to please everybody. I write because I love it. To get into someone's head and into their world - it's magical to me. :)
Oh and don't forget, you can get your copy of Run Away Charlotte for only $0.99 UNTIL DEC 31,2016.
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/PZZ71
Kobo: http://ow.ly/PZZeV
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/PZZjJ
iTunes: https://itun.es/ca/mELw4.l
Thanks for reading!
OH PS:
If you've read my stories, would you mind leaving a rating/review for them? It helps me out more than you'll ever know.
Don't get me wrong, I love Andrew, and Joe and Gabe... but there's something wonderfully different about NATE. He's smokin' hot, and my betas all love him too. :) (Stay tuned for more info/hints on this story)
So I started querying agents about this story. Curious to see if I should attempt the traditional route of agent/publisher. I entered a twitter contest and did quite well, having my pitch get liked. In return I queried them.
Already I have received two returns, both with "sorry not interested". Which is fine. I expected as much. What stung a little was that one said they HATED the FMC, and there was nothing worth liking about her. Immediately I emailed my CP and asked what was wrong with her. She asked, in jest, if I sent the right manuscript b/c this FMC was good! I laughed and brushed off the agent's comments. Afterall, somewhere out there is an agent who is meant to see, and fall in love, with my new MS. It obviously wasn't this one. And I'm okay with that. (But I won't lie, it still stings.)
I've said before, I don't write to please everybody. I write because I love it. To get into someone's head and into their world - it's magical to me. :)
Oh and don't forget, you can get your copy of Run Away Charlotte for only $0.99 UNTIL DEC 31,2016.
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/PZZ71
Kobo: http://ow.ly/PZZeV
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/PZZjJ
iTunes: https://itun.es/ca/mELw4.l
Thanks for reading!
OH PS:
If you've read my stories, would you mind leaving a rating/review for them? It helps me out more than you'll ever know.
December 7, 2015
ON SALE - RUN AWAY CHARLOTTE
I can't believe nearly a year ago, I released my first novel out into the world. on Dec 13, 2014 (12-13-14)
Now Run Away Charlotte was being read by people other than my beta readers, my critique partners, my editor, my family.
Real readers started reading, and then the reviews rolled in. Some positive, some not. And that's okay. Because I can't make everyone happy, and I won't try.
I continued her story in Ask Me Again, which released October 18.
So in one year, I got out Charlotte's full story. Or at least where I was happy to end it. But the fans are speaking in my inbox. They want more. And maybe someday, it will come.
But for now, to celebrate Run Away Charlotte's birthday, you can purchase it for $0.99 for a limited time via:
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/PZZ71
Kobo: http://ow.ly/PZZeV
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/PZZjJ
iTunes: https://itun.es/ca/mELw4.l
It is not however available via Amazon for that price. BUT you can get a mobi copy via smashwords, so it's all good. :)
So this indie author thanks you! Thank you for making a girl's dream come true.
Edited to add - B&N has now reduced the price! Thank you for your patience.
Now Run Away Charlotte was being read by people other than my beta readers, my critique partners, my editor, my family.
Real readers started reading, and then the reviews rolled in. Some positive, some not. And that's okay. Because I can't make everyone happy, and I won't try.
I continued her story in Ask Me Again, which released October 18.
So in one year, I got out Charlotte's full story. Or at least where I was happy to end it. But the fans are speaking in my inbox. They want more. And maybe someday, it will come.
But for now, to celebrate Run Away Charlotte's birthday, you can purchase it for $0.99 for a limited time via:
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/PZZ71
Kobo: http://ow.ly/PZZeV
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/PZZjJ
iTunes: https://itun.es/ca/mELw4.l
It is not however available via Amazon for that price. BUT you can get a mobi copy via smashwords, so it's all good. :)
So this indie author thanks you! Thank you for making a girl's dream come true.
Edited to add - B&N has now reduced the price! Thank you for your patience.
November 22, 2015
My Favourite Day of the Week
My most favourite day has to be Sundays, and I'll tell you why - because I'm sure you want to know. lol. ;)
It's my morning to sleep in, and lazily get up when I'm ready, or when my kids deem I've been in bed long enough. ;) We meet my parents for a nice brunch, to catch up and visit and share a laugh.
Our afternoon is spent cleaning - everyone pitches in to help get the job done so the evening is relaxing.
A family supper where we go over our week ahead (being prepared helps us maintain calmness) and share more laughs over a board game of some sort.
All beds are changed and towels washed, so when we fall into bed at the end of a long shower, freshness greets us and carries us off into slumberland.
Sunday are snuggles, softness and all about family.
What's your favourite day of the week?
It's my morning to sleep in, and lazily get up when I'm ready, or when my kids deem I've been in bed long enough. ;) We meet my parents for a nice brunch, to catch up and visit and share a laugh.
Our afternoon is spent cleaning - everyone pitches in to help get the job done so the evening is relaxing.
A family supper where we go over our week ahead (being prepared helps us maintain calmness) and share more laughs over a board game of some sort.
All beds are changed and towels washed, so when we fall into bed at the end of a long shower, freshness greets us and carries us off into slumberland.
Sunday are snuggles, softness and all about family.
What's your favourite day of the week?
November 13, 2015
Not good at this blogging thing
We're nearly half way through the month - or for a lot of us authors - half way through NaNoWriMo.
Are you taking part? What is your story about?
For me, I'm writing a romance story. About love mostly, but partly about finding yourself in this crazy world.
My female lead is brassy but sassy, and suffers from PTSD due to a debilitating car accident that killed half her family. She's lost and broken, and struggles to find her way in a world that's imposed strict limitations on her. She's terrified of vehicles, and as such can only go out as far as her twisted body can take her - which isn't far.
Then she meets a challenge in a man who can sass back as much as he takes. And he tries to help her overcome her PTSD with little baby steps (which coincidentally is the tentative title for the book). He wants to show her the world - or at least something further than her own backyard.
They've become an interesting combo to write - unlike any characters I've written. It's fun. My female lead has no filter and could out swear a trucker! LOL. So I'm really enjoying this first NaNo... and with any luck, the first draft will be done by Nov 30.
Tell me about your story...
Are you taking part? What is your story about?
For me, I'm writing a romance story. About love mostly, but partly about finding yourself in this crazy world.
My female lead is brassy but sassy, and suffers from PTSD due to a debilitating car accident that killed half her family. She's lost and broken, and struggles to find her way in a world that's imposed strict limitations on her. She's terrified of vehicles, and as such can only go out as far as her twisted body can take her - which isn't far.
Then she meets a challenge in a man who can sass back as much as he takes. And he tries to help her overcome her PTSD with little baby steps (which coincidentally is the tentative title for the book). He wants to show her the world - or at least something further than her own backyard.
They've become an interesting combo to write - unlike any characters I've written. It's fun. My female lead has no filter and could out swear a trucker! LOL. So I'm really enjoying this first NaNo... and with any luck, the first draft will be done by Nov 30.
Tell me about your story...
October 6, 2015
Reflection
Today is my birthday, and it's a monumental one. I'm not saying that so you'll all comment and wish me a good one. I'm saying that only because four years ago, I buried my BFF around this date, and it changed how I celebrate.
That year (2011) I didn't at all. Could barely function, let alone find a reason to celebrate. My best friend was inexplicably gone. No warning. Nothing. My heart was filled with sadness and pain.
The next year was a better one. Friends and family helped me because I now connect this day with great loss, and things improved. I was in a personal transition and it was a rocky, but I persevered.
Last year was better. A special lady, who is now a very dear and treasured friend, started my day off with a surprise gathering of more friends. Then my hubs sent flowers to my work, and the love I felt was awesome. I knew she was there, in spirit, and it made the day better.
Today, the BIG birthday, is bittersweet. I don't want to be "this number", but I'm reminded that I have made it this far and my BFF would love to be celebrating this age. Plus, I'm in great health and surrounded by amazing family and friends who love me, for no other reason than because I'm me.
So it's okay. It's okay to celebrate. To enjoy. To live life to the fullest.
So today, go out and celebrate your life - even if it's not your birthday. You're here, you're living, you're loving!
And tell me what you're doing to celebrate being YOU. I need some new ideas. :)
That year (2011) I didn't at all. Could barely function, let alone find a reason to celebrate. My best friend was inexplicably gone. No warning. Nothing. My heart was filled with sadness and pain.
The next year was a better one. Friends and family helped me because I now connect this day with great loss, and things improved. I was in a personal transition and it was a rocky, but I persevered.
Last year was better. A special lady, who is now a very dear and treasured friend, started my day off with a surprise gathering of more friends. Then my hubs sent flowers to my work, and the love I felt was awesome. I knew she was there, in spirit, and it made the day better.
Today, the BIG birthday, is bittersweet. I don't want to be "this number", but I'm reminded that I have made it this far and my BFF would love to be celebrating this age. Plus, I'm in great health and surrounded by amazing family and friends who love me, for no other reason than because I'm me.
So it's okay. It's okay to celebrate. To enjoy. To live life to the fullest.
So today, go out and celebrate your life - even if it's not your birthday. You're here, you're living, you're loving!
And tell me what you're doing to celebrate being YOU. I need some new ideas. :)
