REFLECTING ON THE OLD YEAR...AND RINGING IN THE NEW!! HAPPY 2019

Dear Readers,

As I sit here with my coffee on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I've been given the gift of "peace and quiet."

The other tenants are silent at the moment and here I am...reflecting on 2018 with pride and a bittersweet feeling.

You know that old saying? "The Best Is Yet To Come?" I love it. It's also a beautiful, moody and romantic instrumental by one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE BANDLEADERS, Mr. Jackie Gleason.

All in all, 2018 has been by far a better year than the previous two. 2016, as we know, rendered me powerless and depressed with the loss of my loving Trent Gardner, who passed away SUDDENLY. The months following his death sent me to bereavement counseling for the rest of 2016.

In April 2017, I was forced out of my childhood home of some 35 years. It had been sold off to a land developer and consequently, I was given a week's notice to vacate. That displacement sent me to Oshawa, Ontario. Let me tell you. I have never swallowed a more bitter pill, aside from losing Trent. First off, Oshawa, with its reputation for being "the armpit of Ontario," is a depressing place in which to reside, depending which neighborhood you get "stuck" in.

I'm in the central part. GASP! Poverty and working class are mixed with upper middle class people. It can be a sight for sore eyes at times. That's where a writer's imagination comes into play.
Never have I felt more GRATEFUL for my life than at this moment. God on high, I am deeply grateful. The degree of poverty and homelessness I witness daily...it makes my heart feel so heavy and burdened. Yet I'm so thankful for the good food I get to eat, the handful of friends I can count, and the ONE IN A MILLION DAUGHTER who loves me unconditionally! I love you Rachel!

The gratitude list seems to get bigger every year. I chose instead of being bitter...to make the most of where I am. Hence, my holiday novel was born..."THE CHRISTMAS KEYS."

It's no secret...this novel has changed my life for the better. People are buying it and reading it!!! People in America

...men and women are enjoying it and leaving 5 star reviews!! I am so blessed. I never knew a little seed of a concept could grow into a BIG, WONDERFUL holiday novel...a classic, in my eyes. In the course of the 18 months since I've moved here, so much has transpired. I've grown tremendously as an artist/creator and even more so as a human being. My outlook, my beliefs, my courage...all have expanded to a greater level. Things I never knew I could do on my own...have happened for me. It just goes to show that the human spirit is much stronger and capable than we give ourselves credit for.

I have adequate shelter, I have my daughter, some friends, clean water, my health, and something else...

***MIRACLES***

Please -- if you can try -- don't ever underestimate the miracles in your life. Be they people, or small things that happen throughout your travels...keep a list of all the goodness that comes into your path. You will be amazed at how fast the list grows "right before your eyes."

I want to end this blog entry on a HIGH NOTE...to thank you all for being such great friends and for supporting my artistry as an author. I'm humbled and honored that you take the time out of your busy lives to read my little romance stories. My wish for you all in 2019 is that you ring in the brand new year with a bang...and celebrate how far you've come...and where you're headed...STILL.

oh, and a BIG SHOUT OUT to Mister Giberson for being my "heart & soul" behind the project that made my year "complete." I love you big time, my friend.

Cheering for you always,

RR xo

CHRISTMAS JOY!!!

Dear Readers,


Don't you just love this time of year? The days are short, the nights cool and crisp, and the fireplace is burning with the living room lights down low. Just the glow of the Christmas tree to light the room.
There might be a fresh snowfall coming or the promise of one. If you have a special person in your life, this time is even more memorable, because the romance of the season is front and center. Everything just feels so ALIVE...and unforgettable. It has MEANING where

it would otherwise be just another day.

I want to share some Christmas joy tonight with you. I've just come from the most SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS CONCERT!

The REAL Derek Keys (yes, there is a REAL LIVE MAN who inspired my book "The Christmas Keys") put on a stellar performance at Simcoe Street United Church, to raise funds for the homeless. As president of The Back Door Mission for The Relief of Poverty, Derek Giberson is my personal hero. Not only that, but is the modern day hero for countless homeless, hungry and addicted people who need a hand up in this community.

I am floored and honored to know him. Somehow, the Universe put me here in his ward. Where I once tried to resist this fate (being misplaced from my idyllic hometown to this awful city that I begrudged), I now ease into it and accept that RIGHT HERE AND NOW...I am meant to be.

The most PERFECT AND BEAUTIFUL story has come out of my spring of writing. Thank you Derek for all that you are, and for being the magnificent soul that God made you to be. I am GRATEFUL for your existence, HUMBLED by your presence, in awe of your beauty, and ENAMORED by the majestic man that you are.

Tonight you walked onto that stage in a red blazer with gold buttons, black pants, brown shoes and a crisp white shirt. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. My storybook hero had come to life!!

Sorry if this comes off as some sort of gloating fool. I just want you to know that...after my huge loss and heartache...I am infinitely happy to have found you on this planet. Did you know...that when I lost My beloved Trent...I feared the worst? That the stories in me would die, that the well of ideas would dry up and be no more, and that I would walk this earth as some shadow of who I used to be. Horrible, right? I feared that I would lose my edge and the ability to write with conviction...or any sort of talent that i was born with.

Lo and behold...I was wrong. Alas...from out of the blue...a vision appeared. Someone to chase away my fears and remind me that life is still...after all...worth living.

Derek, you have brought me Christmas Joy tonight at the concert. You and those amazing singers and performers...blew me away. I am blessed to know you. So many mouths will be fed. Lives will be touched. Hearts will be warmed in the midst of winter. Last year, in one night, you raised $17,000. This year, as the concert runs two nights, I am expecting you and the Mission to bring in over $30,000.

God Bless You, sweet man. If this blog post makes me a sap, then so be it.

You've brought me Christmas Joy beyond what I expected this season.

May your glass always be full, your heart be light, and your bankroll be forever replenished.

I love you, My friend.

Merry Christmas,

RR xo

BRAND NEW KEYS!!!

Dear Readers,

I can't contain my joy!!! My brand new holiday novel has just dropped and it's beautiful!!!

Even better, I am offering it for FREE on Kindle from Dec 10th to 14th!!!! Get your copy now!!!

Please, kindly leave a REVIEW for me on Amazon and Goodreads. Let's get this book to Number One!!!! Thanks for all your wonderful support.

Special Thanks and Dedication to Mr. Derek Giberson, my inspiration behind the hero, Mr Derek Keys.

Happy Holidays and much love,

Rochelle xoxo

CONGRATULATIONS MISTER GIBERSON

Here at the Passion Chronicles, there's an elevated spirit of celebration going on.

My favorite political candidate in the Oshawa municipal election has come out victorious! It gives me great pleasure to announce Derek Giberson as the new leader for Ward 4. After being part of the election canvassing and Giberson cheering squad, my heart is ecstatic for Derek's soaring career. Congratulations, my friend. You deserve all the luck and blessings your heart can hold.

On October 22, the morning of election day, my heart was racing with anticipation as I lay in bed, the clock reading 4:00 a.m. and my mind not able to relax. "Today is the day," I prophesied. "Today Derek wins the election."

My support for him comes with a deep affinity. Derek inspires me, makes me dream BIG DREAMS, fills me with hope daily, makes me yearn for monumental things yet to come in my life. My heart swells with pride over him.

The groovy frontman for The Professors of Funk inspired my latest novel, THE CHRISTMAS KEYS, a heartwarming, Hallmark style book. There's not enough kind words to say about Derek. All in all, I'm a sincere ally who is beyond thrilled for him to represent my ward. He's an AUTHENTIC SOUL who works tirelessly in multiple facets of a career that is full of heart, compassion and service to others.

When I see someone get ahead -- someone truly worthy of praise for his efforts -- it makes my heart happy.

Congrats, Derek. You're a kindred spirit who will go far in life. I salute you today and always. May your every wish come true.

Your friend for all seasons,

RR xo

RENAISSANCE MAN

One to watch in Oshawa's Ward 4 municipal election this October is Derek Giberson. He's an epic humanitarian with a heart of gold, boasting accolades from the music business and the nonprofit sector.

Derek is a pleasant mix of worldly wise and humility; of bravery, vision and determination. Both passionate and focused, he's working for the people of Ward 4 and planning to bring his expertise to the title of city councillor.
He'll get my vote hands down. Ok, maybe I'm partial to him because we both studied Journalism at Durham College and I'm a die-hard music fanatic. Or perhaps it's because I'm a sucker for an old soul with superb vocals.

As a celebrated musician and bandleader, he fronts the funk & soul group The Professors of Funk. They're in demand all over the GTA and Durham Region as a successful nine piece band with percussion and a horn section. Their chemistry together is a thrill to watch time and time again.

Derek's tireless work for the Back Door Mission for The Relief of Poverty has given hope to disadvantaged and vulnerable people living on the street. The annual fundraising concert he hosts every December at Simcoe Street United Church has brought in some $32,000 from generous donors. He also won an Accessibility Award in Durham Region for breaking barriers for those living with physical disabilities. Derek's vision for aiding the homeless and hungry is the main factor why I'll be voting him in on election day.

The man has heart, soul and conviction. All the traits of a true Renaissance Man. I'd say there's no one better to represent this ward than someone with empathy who truly cares for the people and aims to make a difference.

So without further ado, if you're lucky enough to reside in Ward 4, cast your vote for Mr. Giberson on October 22 and bring monumental change to this community.