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Time for a spot of cruising…of the boat variety

Yes, it’s that time of year when my friend, Christine, drags me off to discover yet another part of the world. The things I do for friends, eh? This time we’re off to see some Inca treasures and Mayan temples. We begin in Chile before moving on to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Mexico, and we complete the journey in Los Angeles. It’s going to be a gruelling twenty-eight days coping with all that champagne, cocktails, and wine, not to mention all that lovely rich scrumptious food and the arduous touristy-type trips we’ve got planned.

Joking aside, I know how damn lucky I am to be able to have these experiences. I was speaking just the other day with an impossibly young twenty-year-old who’s only just starting out on her own journey in life. She’s in the process of joining the army, making changes to build herself a whole new life and break away from her frankly, harrowing past. She was wide-eyed as Christine and I showed her our trip on the map, going to places she’d never even heard of.

“Wow, that’s amazing,” she said when we’d finished showing her photos of Mayan temples. “You’re so lucky.”

Christine and I looked at each other and wondered what impression this young lesbian had of us two, old enough to be her grandparents.

“It’s not luck,” Christine said. “It’s the result of damned hard work. And you can have the same thing if you give it everything.”

She nodded, looking contemplative. Both Christine and I worked hard to get to where we are, but by God, we’re making sure we enjoy it now! I hope you’re all doing the same.

But I digress. We’re looking forward to linking up with old acquaintances and no doubt, to make new ones to add to our ever-increasing circle of connections, which is probably my favourite part. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, finding things in common with people I might otherwise have never met. I love that!

Whoopee…here we come!

Feb 12, 2019
Christmas spirit?

It’s the time of year when I start reflecting on the festive season in general.

I always loved Christmas: the songs, the excitement, the shoppers, the smell of the Christmas tree, and even those bloody pine needles that get everywhere! It’s a magical time.

Looking back though, there was always something forced. Was all that joy and happiness for real? When I was younger, I’d turn up for the family gathering and put on my false smiley face before ringing the bell. The door would open, and I’d say, “Merry Christmas, everyone!” If we were lucky, we’d get through the day without an explosive argument.

And how come “the season of goodwill” feels like it’s limited to one day? Why can’t we be nice to each other all year round? Perhaps I’m a cynic or an idealist. You choose.

Give me my friends any day of the week: we’re natural, spontaneous, we’ve bonded by choice, and we take the good with the bad. Chosen not born.

Merry Christmas to all my friends and everyone else out there in cyberspace and beyond.

Dec 11, 2018
Time to say goodbye…

Christine and I recently returned from Spain. After thirty years, she said a fond farewell to her place on the coast. After reminiscing…here are some photos of her favourite spots.

Happy memories…

We’re lucky to have our memories. It’s something we take for granted…and a subject very close to my heart. Photographs and music can be incredibly valuable later on in life to stimulate the parts of the brain that have lost the capacity to recall. I’m sure you’ll all know someone, a close family member or friend, who has suffered/is suffering from some kind of dementia that causes memory loss.

I’ve found from my past experience that creating a personal life story with the aid of these tools can help the person to recapture their past and reminisce. In turn, it restores their self-esteem, confidence, and above all it gives them a feel-good factor…a temporary boost of happiness.

Yay to that!

Nov 15, 2018
Books, Books, Lovely Books

I like reading as much as I like red wine (hint…that’s a lot!). Take my book away, and I wouldn’t be able to sleep. Today, instead of banging on about my book, I’d like to share some of my favourite reads. I have very eclectic tastes.

I’m currently reading Chosen by Brey Willows—and enjoying it immensely.

When Women Were Warriors trilogy by Catherine M. Wilson. Absolutely magical.

Crime thrillers: Angela Marsons. I’ve read every one of the Detective Kim Stone books. Hooked.

When I want to smile and laugh, I pick up one of T. B Markinson’s books, particularly A Woman Lost series.

Spec fic: Robyn Nyx. Her Extractor Trilogy takes me on an adventure, hopping from the past to the future and back.

I can’t not mention the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. An all-time favourite, OR Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel.

With writing, I get lost in my fantasy world.

With reading, it’s the same without all the hard work! What do you think?

Sep 27, 2018
My first “Box of Books” day!

Yes, my lovely paperback copies of Parallel Lives had arrived and were waiting for my with my editors! Trying to open my “goody box” seemed to be the most challenging part of this exercise. In fact, it was more demanding than writing the bloody book!

Presenting me with a knife was a bad idea, especially when my hands were shaking like I’d been on a binge-drinking session, and my stomach was full of jumping beans. However, I got there eventually—all fingers intact.

I tentatively removed the bubble wrap; the book was on springs, just like a Jack-in-a-Box. It leapt out at me, as did the words on every page.

Mine! Awesome! And I’m so happy to be able to share it with all you wonderful readers out there.

eBooks are lovely, but you can’t beat a thick, shiny, pretty book—order your copy right here.

Thank you again for all your support. I’m one ecstatic bunny.

Sep 20, 2018