CHASING ORDINARY : SAVE THE DATE

Easter & Flocktail ThE sUmMeR oF mY DiScOnTeNt

CHASING ORDINARY : SAVE THE DATE

Cheers and Hooray!!

Chasing Ordinary is soon to debut.

It’s hard to believe my arduous labor is over and this new butterfly is birthing into the big, bad world. It feels like I’ve been carrying her forever. (‘Cause you have, Prissy. Four long years… wait…five!)

I can smell the printed ink, touch my crisp pages, and ogle those stunning colors bouncing off the butterfly design.

A ginormous thank-you to the team at Hearth and Soul in Tallahassee, Florida. I’m so excited to announce they are hosting my *launch celebration* at their gorgeous, captivating venue.

Save the Date: Thursday, April 4

How many times did I want to quit? Every day. I kid you not. To write the truth (as a memoirst) I had to return to the past (again). And looking back is much harder than we think. But what a gift it is. Because it’s only in looking back we see just how far we’ve come.

I’ll be honest though. I lost my interest in ever finishing this book. There was just too much stress and sadness happening in my life- all at once: my mother died; two hurricanes and evacuations; a boy I mentored (eight years) murdered his mother (crowning me the worst mentor in the history of mentoring); my granddaughter wrecked her beautiful face riding a stupid Go-Kart; packing and moving twice within five months after our house sold; renovating at same time; and throw in a sick husband who needed spinal surgery.

*A Fragile Mess* seems like a good title for my next book!

The point– I tossed out more pages, chapters and drafts of Chasing Ordinary than I could count.

Chaos and Creativity make an ugly couple and have zero chance of success. So I had to do what I always do. Search within my own being for the answer. It almost slapped me in the face…the answer. This wounded butterfly needed to nourish her heart, strengthen her wings and brighten her being. We all have our breaking points. I’d reached mine. Ask my two daughters. I knew I needed to fly away…somewhere…anywhere. And so I did just that.

Kathryn

I retreated to a place of peace and tranquility at the summer home of Kathryn Ireland, in Toulouse, France.

The week was magnificent and restored every fiber in my being. It was *far outside the ordinary* in every way and so was Kathryn. It’s no wonder Bravo television scooped her up. And in just this month alone, there are three magazines sitting on newstands featuring her oozing talent. The guru of hostesses knows all there is about entertaining and design. Visit her website: https://theperfectroom.com

Flowers were everywhere

My Big Purchase at French flea market…10 euro

Things in life happen as they’re supposed to. I’m a firm believer in this truth. Though I must confess the *why of it* remains a mystery. I met lovely strangers who were like honey to my heart. Beautiful friendships blossomed by chance. Sadness met joy.

BTW… I’m heading back this summer-working as Kathryn’s sidekick and filling up her beds with my friends. (More in my next blog should you be interested in joining us)

When the week was over I flew home counting my blessings and not my burdens. Funny how that happens. And best of all, m y heart, mind and soul were infused with every thought, word and narrative needed to finish my book. I did.

Thanks to each of you for your support, love and encouragment.

You are like my personal cheerleaders steering me onward and straight to the goal line. Despite all the interceptions and tackles, that knock me flat, I know you’re sitting in my invisible stadium waiting for a touchdown. I want to give it to you, even more than I want to make one.

There are no words for such gratitude. A simple thank-you seems lame for your grand gestures. Even so, thank-you forever more!

Hugs and love!

Prissy