I love trees!

This is a beautiful tree at at the garden nursery in Cedar Park, Texas

Fall is around the corner, September 22 to be exact for the Northern Hemisphere readers. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the summer heat to end! Fall brings anticipation of the holidays around the corner, but for now, I say let’s live in the moment and be grateful for each day. Magic happens from the moment we open our eyes for a new day. For my dear readers in the southern hemisphere, you are enjoying the beginning of Spring and the beauty of the flowers blooming. May you love each moment.

What is Happening – Writing

I am busy writing down new ideas for stories in my journal. I look forward to seeing which one turns into a story.

A Few Fun Celebrations Around the World

First Sunday in September – Regatta Storica – Venice, Italy
This celebration goes back to 1489, and the boat race takes place along the Grand Canal. There is plenty of food, people decked out in 14th-century costumes, and of course the gondolas—an excellent time for everyone.

Sept 1 -11 – The Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy
If you enjoy films, you might mark your calendar as you enjoy the culture and art of filmmaking. You will enjoy watching movies from around the world.

September 23-25 – La Mercè – Barcelona Celebration
Mare de Déu de la Mercè is a celebration to honor the ‘Virgin of Grace’, the patron saint of the archdiocese of Barcelona, Spain. The celebration included fun foods, parades, fireworks, and even human towers called ‘Castellers.’

* Lake of Stars – Malawi, Africa. There are four stages and over 60 acts from music, poetry, theater, film, and much more. Unfortunately, it is canceled for this year but worth noting for 2022.

September – October Hermanus Whale Festival – Hermanus, South Africa
The festival is an Enviro- Arts festival in South Africa. If you enjoy whale watching, be sure to read more about this festival. It is the celebration and return of the wales to the local waters.

If you are a children’s author and want to be on my show, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.

Let your dreams be your wings

After six years, it is exciting to think; I am holding a copy of my first young adult book; Rise A, published by OC Publishing Company.

Some background to share; what made me write the story… When I am in schools from all over the world, the one thing the students of all ages have in common is ‘DREAMS!’.

The other things they have in common are the questions; “How can I achieve my dreams?” “Is it even possible?”

I thought about my Grandma and the many women of her generation and I am sure other generations also did to make sure one of her dreams came true. She wanted to go to college. I hope that my Grandma’s journey will inspire young adults and even adults who still wish for their dream of education to manifest and become a reality.

‘Rise’ is a young adult historical fiction, and I had fun working in family stories into the chapters.

Do you have a family story to share to inspire others? Contact me and see how others can be inspired by your family story!

SandyBoy and His New Home! A Sandy Boy Adventure!

Published by: Texas Sisters Press

How lucky I am to be able to say I have been with the real Sandy Boy! He is a very gentle, loving horse. I wish you all could meet him. You know when you rescue a dog and how happy they are because someone loves them. I discovered it is the same with horses. Sometimes older horses need a new home too! When they find a loving owner they are as over the moon as a dog. I look forward to reading all of the Sandy Boy Adventures. 

Have you ever ridden a horse? Where? Did you enjoy the ride?

New Chapters – Back home

We have moved back to our family home in Austin, Texas. It has been 15 years since we leased our house. So many mixed emotions on returning. On the one hand, I am very excited to be around

all of our Austin friends; on the other hand; it is sad because if my mom had not been called back to our heavenly home, we would still be in Kingwood living by her. Kingwood is also a wonderful community, and it is genuinely ‘the livable forest.’ Waking up in the early morning, hitting the trails and watching the rabbits and squirrels wake up to start their day. The birds are singing and leaving their nests to find the worms for the day. What a great way to start the day.

Plus, of course, being close to my brothers. The winter storm set in motion the return to Austin, and now that we are here, there is a sense of entering peace being in the home where our kids grew up. The memories we all share and knowing with the blessings of heaven above many more memories to make in our family home. As the saying goes ‘There is no place like home.’

Have you ever moved? Share your moving story with me? I would love to hear from you.

Story Garden

If you are a children’s author and want to get your name out, please schedule a time on my Youtube Story Garden channel. Be sure to stay tuned to the fun changes to my newsletter coming soon.

Have a great end of the summer and I look forward to sharing fall adventures with you. Be sure to see the pictures and Shine. Enjoy June!

Travel Moment

John and I had a chance to drive to Georgia and see our youngest daughter and her husband. We took in some fun sites. I especially love seeing waterfalls. I hope you enjoy them too.   

Fitness, Travel, and Leisure! 

Friday is turning out to be one of my favorite days, and no, it is not because it is the weekend, though you are 1/2, right! It is the ‘Rapping with Dr. Jacalyn™ Fashion, Fitness, Travel, and Leisure!‘ show, and I am so proud to be her cohost. I hope Friday becomes your favorite day to tune in to the show. We have guests worldwide, and they share their expertise, behind the scenes, and travel adventures. It is at 12:30 Eastern Time, and if you click the link, you can set a reminder, so you never miss the show. You can even have a replay in case the live show does not work for you.

Our guests from last month were:

Dawn Corvajal

Dawn is the owner of a full-service salon in Alexandria, Virginia, located in the Watergate at Landmark Condominium community building. Dawn Mari Visage Salon’s salon is a complete hair care service including Brazilian Blowout and Hairdreams Hair Extensions. Extreme eyelash extensions and complete nail services. Manicure, pedicure, and gel manicure. Dawn’s knowledge of the hair and how to keep it shiny and healthy. Learn more about hair fashions and more on her website.

Nakibirango – London

It was a pleasure to interview design jeweler Naki. You will love how she is using inspiration for her designs. One of my favorites is the beehives for inspiration. Check out her gallery; you will want one of her signed pieces for sure.

Julie Lewis

Julie shared her sense of adventure, treks, and how she prepares her team for the life-changing experience. Learn more about her on her website and sign up for a life-changing adventure.

Janet Manning, Owner of Seasons By Design

You can find Janet on Facebook and Instagram. We had a great time interviewing Janet and learning about her inspiration for her designs. How you can order online, and she adds something to each design to make it a one of a kind. Be sure to watch the interview and find out how and when to order for the 2021 holidays. Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a show.

Indie Beacon Radio Interview

Charlayne Elizabeth Denny

It was a pleasure to interview the award-winning author Charlayne. Listen to her interview for insights on her inspiration! Then, order her books and enjoy the read.

Festival Time!

Author’s Marketing International LLC with the founder Alan Bourgeois hosted the festival. We opened up with a dinner at the Power Plant Texas Grill next to the Falls, allowing the authors to meet one another. A huge storm blew in that night, but luckily the sun came, and it was a successful event for everyone. I had fun signing books, meeting people from the town of Seguin, eating the best hot dogs ever at the Gourmet Hot Dogs! Many of you know I love trees. There was a tree with so many knots that I would point it out to everyone. Then there was a tree that looked like a hand pointing to heaven. I wanted to climb it but instead stood by it. In case you did not know, I love trees. The authors I met were fun and inspiring. I am looking forward to next year

Talk, talk and talk some more…