LET’S GET HAPPY AND THANKFUL

In my last blog post, I talked about all the things I wish I had done differently in 2019 in preparation for 2020. This time around, I will humble myself for the joy that 2020 brought me.

Nothing is ever all bad or all good. 2020 was the year of challenges, but it also brought some laughs and joy.

 

First, and closest to my heart—my mother, who proudly claims the title of a senior citizen is well and healthy. I see her smile and hear her laugh, and that alone makes my heart sing. But wait, there’s more.

Even with the pandemic imposed visit restrictions, I spent more time with my sister and mother. Quality time, where we laughed, talked, ate good food, and told stories. Sometimes, calling twice a day to share something we’d forgotten. They live in a different state, so this was no small accomplishment that I was blessed to have. Thanks to Zoom, I’ve seen more family this year than most. Get-togethers on Zoom also allowed me to visit my sister-writers, board members, and teams.

My husband and I have been in the house together for ten full months. Except for a trip to the grocery store or the hardware store or an odd visit with loved ones, it’s been the two of us—day and night. And as far as I can tell, he hasn’t wanted to strangle me, nor I, him. We’ve binged watched movies and series and shared memories. But most of all we’ve laughed together. We’ve found a closeness that has only deepened our marriage and added a new layer of warmth.

Coronavirus is surging again, so we’ve gone back into lockdown, but I’m talking to my family more, and these conversations warm my soul. Even my children—who are busy with their own daily lives, check in with me more often.

Being stuck inside made me happy and thankful I have space where I can relax, and read and write and eat cookies, and watch movies, and eat cookies and listen to music and eat cookies.

Yes, I’ve eaten my share of cookies. 2020 has been a rough year, full of bad news. But there were some glimmers of light. The country elected its first female vice president. Kamala Harris is a woman of color and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., the first African American Sorority in the country and my sorority. We also now have two Coronavirus vaccines that might save the world from the ravages of the pandemic and let us return to some kind of normalcy.

Yes, 2020 was rough. I just had to look for some good in the year.

Happy New Year! Let’s Hope 2021 is Better.

IF I HAD KNOWN

If I had known the year 2020 was going to keep me stuck inside, away from the people I love and going to the store to see empty shelves and being absent from all the things in my life, I would have lived 2019 with a passion that would have set my soul on fire.

In January, I would have left the Christmas tree up a little longer to celebrate the holiday that may be forever different.

In February, I would have reached out to everyone I loved and let them know they had a place in my heart, not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day.

In March. I would have welcomed Spring by throwing open the doors and inviting my friends and family in to celebrate with a gathering full of fun.

In April, I would have smiled more at the beautiful flowers that brighten the world. I would have picked more blooms, bought more buds, and filled my house with the colors that illuminate the world.

 

In May, I would have accepted every invitation to every family event, taken more pictures, and reminisced about old times because I miss them so much now.

In June, I would have welcomed summer by hugging those people close to me a little longer and playing with my dog like we had no tomorrows.

In July, I would have celebrated the sunshine, the rain, the warm summer breezes, and the ability to stick my foot in the ocean without wearing a mask and standing six feet away from everyone.

 

In August, I would have enjoyed going shopping at stores with fully stocked shelves and no limits on what I could purchase.

In September, I would have stood outside and waved at the school buses as the students returned to school.

In October, I would have bought more candy and handed it out to the trick or treaters like candy was the medicine that made the world happy.

 

In November, I would have prepared for Thanksgiving with more thankfulness in my heart for every blessing and gift that made my life full and joy filled.

In December, I would have held my family a little tighter and a little longer, and I would have told them and showed them how much I love them.

 

I don’t know what 2021 holds, but after 2020, I will forever look at life differently and know that every day is special and worth a celebration. How has 2020 changed you?

June 20, 2020

My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.

 

Maya Angelou

January 1, 2020

Don’t forget to tell yourself positive things daily! You must love yourself internally to glow externally.

 

Hannah Bronfman

LETTING GO OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

As a writer, I sit down every day and write about relationships. The coming together of two people, or the angst they go through when they’re breaking up. And I’m not just talking about the relationship between men and women. I’ve written about mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, best friends and sometimes natural enemies. And no relationship is stagnant. I’ve been married longer than I’ve been single and our relationship has morphed several times over the years. Any good relationship changes with time. Trouble weasels into a relationship if you can’t find a way to grow and change together.

The hardest thing in the world to nurture is the relationships we have with the people in our lives, but they are also the most fulfilling. I’ve had to let go of some associations in the last couple of years. Each one for different reasons and each one was an agonizing choice. I had to make a decision based solely on emotions. Mine. The friendship that didn’t feel too friendly and the sisterhood that faded over time caused me more unhappiness than I was willing to tolerate. But I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t come out of them unscathed. There is still a part of me that wants to rekindle those connections. But sometimes its best leave broken ties behind.

What I had to accept was relationships come and go. Friendships come, and friendships go. If I’m lucky some of the people will be with me for a lifetime, others are passing through on their way to where they need to be. I have to trust that everything happens for a reason and enjoy the people, who are right in front of me now. I have to embrace them, love them and if the time comes when I have to let them go, I have to accept that and let go.

February 15, 2017

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.

 

Ann Landers

 

COMING SOON!

COMING SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

THE SWEET ROAD SERIES

Three sisters, Three love stories. All different.

Who said relationships were easy?

 

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TELLING THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

THE SWEET ROAD SERIES

As I work on the story of the last Conroy sister I realize how much I’ve enjoyed their lives. With each story I’ve gotten to know them better. I know their secrets and what drives them. I could be the fourth sister. It’s taken three stories to really understand how they make their decisions and why. Many of the decisions formed by Asa, Dakota and Melissa are based on bits of wisdom passed on to them from their parents and grandparents who are now deceased.  In that respect they are very much like the rest of us.

 

It’s amazing how each sister has made different choices even though they shared the same childhood. The closeness between these sisters tugs at my heart. They are open and honest with each other speak what’s on their minds but they still manage to come back together with love and caring for each other.

 

At some point in time I’m going to have to bring this series to an end, but the Conroy sisters will always have a corner of my heart. After Melissa’s story I might have one more story line for this series, but at some time I’m going to have to tuck them away. These ladies have occupied my head for so much time (years) I know I’m going to miss them.

 

THE SWEET ROAD TO LOVE

 

The second book in the Sweet Road series entitled The Sweet Road To Love is set to release on Saturday, May 18, 2013.  The story of Dakota and Bishop is one that you’ll remember. He’s a playboy, she’s skeptical, will they be able to overcome their past? If you haven’t caught up on the Conroy sisters, now is the time.  The Sweet Road Home, the first book in the series is available now at all e-book sellers.

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Please stay tuned, accompanying the launch of The Sweet Road To Love will be a contest with chances to win some nice prizes and other great giveaways.

PERFECT RELATIONSHIP

Do you need a friend that’s by your side no matter what?  Rain.  Shine.  Happy.  Sad.  Even if your just sitting in a chair staring at a blank wall?

Do you need a friend that will listen to everything you say, agree with everything you say and never counter your opinion.  A friend that will always take your side, even when you’re dead wrong?

 

Do you need a friend that doesn’t ask for much, but gives you plenty of room to be yourself?  And even on your worse day will give you the space to frown, without making demands on you.  A friend that’s happy to see you every day, every hour and even every minute.

I found a friend like that.  He’s soft and furry and has four legs.  His name is Coco and he’s my chocolate brown cocker spaniel.  This dog captured my heart the minute I brought him home in my lap.  He never frowns with what I give him for dinner or breakfast.  He never complains about his treats.  In fact he never complains about anything.

Coco doesn’t ask for much.  A walk, some kibble, a pet on the head a few times a day.  What he gives back to me is immeasurable.  It’s wonderful to have a relationship that doesn’t subtract from my soul.  I can look into his big brown undemanding eyes and smile even when I’m having a crappy day.  Why can’t all relationships be this wonderful and simplistic?

What’s your most perfect relationship?

(pictures by FIDO Photography)