HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY - - GEORGE FREDERICK CHARLES WATSON!!!

 Dear Readers,

Today, on April 20th, I am honoring a VERY SPECIAL MAN who touched my heart with unspeakable joy, warmth, love and camaraderie. George Watson.

Though he passed away April 19, 2020, not a day goes by when I don't wake up in the morning and say "I love you, George." He left his mark on my life, left his tenderness and humor on my heart. People may pass on to the other realm, but they never REALLY leave us. They linger here in spirit, and I can feel George's spirit like the brush of a silk scarf on my shoulders, or the gentle stirring of an April breeze. Whenever I need comfort, he sends me signs, like a dime or nickel with the year for his passing or the year I first met him and his sweet wife, Mildred. Or a man will walk into a store randomly and the shopkeeper will say "George! Good to see you!" Little nudges like that, from spirit, are the things that make my hopeless like heart come alive, even on the gloomy days when I barely muster the courage to get out of bed. 

What is true love and genuine friendship? To me, it is the feeling of being ACCEPTED, SEEN and HEARD. Knowing that I can just be myself, in my own skin, and not have to modify any part of my conversations or put on a facade and pretend I am something I am not. True love is true acceptance, it is feeling a safety and security like nothing else. That is the kind of feeling I always felt from George. That he APPRECIATED me for me, and I didn't have to worry thay my life was not a fairy tale, that I was not a millionaire or drove a splashy car, nor had some big accolade on the wall in a gold frame or a status on a name card to boast about. No, I could be me, simple, loving, playful, quirky, creative, imaginative and sincere Rochelle. Simply me, as I am, as God made me, and that was enough for my friendship with George.

I never felt loved like that before. George had a way of lighting up a room when he walked in, of winning you over with those sparkling eyes and boisterous laugh. He was so damn lovable and REAL!!! Oh the ache I feel everyday, knowing I will never see him stroll up the hallway with his walker again. 

But I can carry him here in my heart, and remember the 17 months I shared with him, as his housekeeper and server in the lunch room at the senior's home. That is something NO ONE can ever steal away from me, not ever. My experience was real, I was loved and adored by that man, and it was not a fictional, made-up story, as some haters have tried to tarnish.

Right in front of his grown up sons in February 2020 in his apartment, when his wife passed, he said aloud about me "I wanna adopt her! She's a KEEPER!" His heartfelt boasting brought tears to my eyes, as I listened from the other room, where I was polishing a bathroom sink. I'd brought him butter pecan tarts and a pie with vanilla ice cream, and he was right in his glory.

Heartily, and with all my love and appreciation, a salute you, Georgy. Forever in my heart, always in my fond memories and warm thoughts.

With love,

Rochelle xo

DESIRE: The New Novel Coming Soon in 2020

Dear Readers,

The New Novel is halfway done!!

I am unbelievably STOKED as I write this from my "writing room" in the dark, with a cold beverage, air conditioning, Dirty Dancing soundtrack blasting and my Scentsy warmer on the desk (scent tonight is "Cozy Fireside." Thanks Julie Cooney!!)

My long weekend here in Ontario Canada is spent lovingly working on my fiction that claims my heart and soul.

DESIRE is like a personal diary of sorts for me, except for the domestic abuse that never happened on the physical level, but still...I have experienced abuse on another level, and it is equally disturbing. Write what you know -- best advice I ever received. I feel my books are enriched with stories, people and elements of what I've personally gone through.

BLURB:

Reanna Mcleod moved back to Silver Springs after her husband John Daly broke her bones and sent her to the E.R. He's in prison now and she decides to make a clean break, back to the charming town where she grew up.

But things have changed. Her parents sold off the "Ponderosa" aka the farmhouse and magical land where she flourished in her novel writing, and called it home for 30 years. When her mother's cheque from the realtor came, she nabbed her $1 million, leaving Reanna out in the cold. "You're on your own," her mother sneered, and Reanna scrambled for a place to live. That's when charming sociopath John came along, sweeping her off her feet and promising her a better life with him in a mansion in another city.

Moving back to her hometown, Reanna is blessed to rent the small room above the coach house her school teacher friend Tracy leases to her on her country property. It brings Reanna back to her roots; small town feeling, clean country air, and a chance to write again.

What she didn't count on was running into her former neighbor, Grant Montgomery. Reanna has carried a torch for him for 15 years, and had to stuff her feelings deep down where they couldn't be found. But now Grant's wife has passed from cancer, and Reanna sneaks into the funeral to give her quiet condolences and pay her respects to the lovely Jean, who was always sweet and welcoming to her.

Grant spies her running off as the funeral-goers leave the premise. When he finally locates her and confronts her, Reanna is reluctant to open her heart and tell him the truth about what she wrote in her diary so many years ago. But Grant isn't blind; the smart-as-a-whip History professor of Remington University can see the love and vulnerability Reanna has been trying to hide from him.

Soon, a blossoming romance is coming to life, and Reanna must face her demons or forever risk her chance of real love with the One Man who's been there for her since day one. Can she let go of the horrors of the past, open her heart to Grant, or will she forever blow her chance at true love?

DESIRE is the story of domestic abuse and a woman overcoming her trauma. It's the story of a narcissistic mother who did more damage than good to a loyal daughter. It is the story of friends banding together in hard times, but most of all, it is the story of a passionate awakening between old friends who never knew how deep a love could run.

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With much love,

RR xo

100 Day Gratitude Challenge -- Ask a Friend Five Things They Are Grateful For

Dear Readers,

We've reached day #7 in the Gratitude Challenge! So far, I've been able to bless co-workers with compliments, random acts of kindness and lots of laughter!

For strangers, it's a smile...holding a door for them, or compliment they never expected.

In doing these random acts, I can already feel the ripple effect of generosity. People around me seem lighter, more cordial, more engaged in connection. There are also those around me who've blessed me with nice compliments, treats or chocolate, and just showing up with a playful energy.
When you put yourself in the position of GIVING OUT, you somehow magically find yourself at the RECEIVING END also. Wonderful how that works, isn't it?

Even my horoscope for today --Sept 27th-- see below-- hints at the good vibes from these generous interactions.

You might ask, what are five things I am grateful for?

1. My daughter Rachel and her abundant love for me. I am blessed beyond measure to have her in my life!

2. My writing gifts, which I can share with the Universe

3. Friends who accept me for who I am, flaws and all.

4. Nature, autumn, everything pumpkin spice!

5.  Good food! I absolutely love food and not ashamed to say it!

So there you have it! Let's hear your five things of gratitude. I'd love to know your thoughts.

With much passion,

RR xo

100 Days of Gratitude Challenge -- Day 6 -- Tell A Friend Something You Admire About Them

Dear Readers,

It's Day Number Six of the Gratitude Challenge.

Today, get out there and partake in this challenge. Tell a friend something you admire about them.

I want to salute my beautiful, creative, resilient writer friend in Tennessee...Ms Lena Reagon.

The link to her books is posted within this blog post. Please support her!! Lena is a kind, authentic and sweet soul!! a major talented not to be missed.

https://www.amazon.com/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AL.G.+Reagon&s=relevancerank&text=L.G.+Reagon&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1

You INSPIRE me, lady!!!

For all you have been through, the storms you have weathered...the shifting sands...the trials...loss of your brother, for the horrors you have suffered...I am deeply honored that you have chosen to be my friend and confidante.

The Universe brought me a unique and wonderful blessing in a soul sister like you!!

You have always supported my writing career... and for that, I am DEEPLY GRATEFUL.

May the sun always shine on you, dear Lena.

May you only know joy, love, laughter and boundless riches!!

Love,

RR xo

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS SINCE MEETING MY MUSE KGM FOR THE PASSION NOVEL!!!

Dear Readers,

March 2nd marks 10 years since an IMPORTANT and MUCH LOVED muse walked into my life!!

Kelly Mitchell is a treasured and celebrated friend whom I hold close to my heart.

I'm eternally grateful for his mentoring, kindness, insight and love. I really don't know what my life would be like, had he not shown up that wintry March day so long ago.

Over the years, he's been the shoulder when I had a dilemma, crisis, had a question  or suffered a dramatic loss (my Trent). Even if he couldn't relate to my loss, he sure offered empathy and a safe haven in which to place my pain. With those charismatic blue eyes and comforting hands, it's been a god

send to experience Kelly as my kindred spirit.

I want to let him know that his presence in my life is PRICELESS. I would not trade it for any other experience or connection with another human being. It is said that when we reincarnate, we relentlessly come back to the same souls we knew in past lives. Mister Mitchell is definitely one of those souls.

Thank you Kelly -- from my heart and soul-- for always being there for me. For never turning me away when I needed you in my dark days and for sharing my triumphs when I succeeded. You will go down in history as SOMEONE who made my Journey all the more happier and fulfilling.

I love you, my friend.

RR xo

GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!! The Courage of a Lion and the Heart of a Saint

This one here is just a simple post of gratitude to show appreciation for a special person in my life who INSPIRES me SO MUCH, that I want to shout it from the rooftops!!

Yeah yeah...I've thanked this person before quite a few times on the blog in the last year. But what harm is there in doing "just one more" post? (hehehe)

To that Leo man whom I revere so much:
Your friendship and connection is a BLESSING from the heavens that I hold close to my heart on a daily basis.

I love how you show up AUTHENTIC and wear your heart on your shirt...showing me that you are UNAFRAID to go after your big dreams. In turn, your COURAGE bolsters my own spirit and jump-starts my heart into divine action. It makes ME want to chase those lofty goals too!!

I hope you know, that the moment I was aware of your presence on this planet, I KNEW right then and there, we had a soul connection from a past lifetime, perhaps more than a FEW lifetimes.

I just want to thank you for having the courage of a lion and the heart of a saint. For caring the way you do about people, humanity and the whole collective.

I want to honor you...the deepest parts of you that you hide away and shelter from the world. I SEE YOU --I mean REALLY SEE YOU-- behind the big barricade that you have put around your heart. Don't keep that wall up for very long. Please let someone in at some point, because I feel you're going to miss out on the GREATEST CONNECTION OF YOUR LIFE.

I love the way you exude HEART & SOUL when you show up. Keep bringing that PASSION to the forefront.

I am aware of how much you've gone through...the way you lost your little girl. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I wish I could reach up to heaven and bring her back down here for you. She loves you beyond measure and is now your Guardian Angel in the afterlife. What a blessing, to have her take care of you, guiding you along life's trials and triumphs.

I'll close this letter by saying "I love you, kindred spirit" and please don't ever change.

Sincerely,
Your friend and ally,

RR xo

GRATITUDE SUNDAY

Dear Readers,

It's Sunday here in Southern Ontario. The weather is still a bit chilly, Spring is peeking around the corner at me, and I've just completed and sent off THE CHRISTMAS KEYS.

I'm so stoked for Derek and Ronnie's love story!! This one began as a small seed of an idea for the annual "NaNoWriMo" contest that runs every November and beckons 600,000-plus writers across North America to do what they do best...WRITE A COMPLETE NOVEL!! In 30 days, I had just that. THE CHRISTMAS KEYS is my labor of love, my pregnancy come to fruition, and now that it's time to "birth" this baby, I couldn't be prouder!

As the saying goes:"behind every successful person, there is a team or tribe of people who have helped shape that success story."

Here goes my GRATITUDE LIST (in no order of favor or priority -- because I LOVE YOU ALL!!):

***Rachel***your arrival in my life was truly a miracle. I was blessed with the most beautiful, lovable, blue-eyed baby girl. Now you've grown into a woman and I'm proud beyond measure. Love you always XOXO

***Trent Gardner***the soulmate of a lifetime. A dream come true to cherish forever. You gave me California (after dreaming of it for 22 years) & true, authentic love. Your eternal love is my reason for going on with this career. I only wish you were still here to walk this journey with me, hand-in-hand. But I know you are beside me (in another form). Keep sending me signs. I see them all. Love you Rigel XXXX R.I.P.

***Don, Lydia and family***for welcoming me with open arms and supporting me through my loss. You are loved so much!!

***Hinna A***my kindred spirit since kindergarten. You're the Diana Barry to my Anne Shirley. I will never forget your kindness. xoxo

***Donald A.*** for inspiring two novels and for a lifetime of smiles***

***Kelly M. for being the best muse a girl could ask for***you broke my 13 year writer's block. For this, I am ETERNALLY grateful!!

***Derek G***You're a bonafide star, in every way. You inspire me daily to dream big and chase my full potential. Your heart is so full of compassion. I see a lot of myself mirrored back at me. Soon, I hope you'll know just how important your presence is on this world.

***Renee***you've had my back for 13 years. Let's keep it going, dear friend. I love you and your family. Thanks for pep talks and sharing Chinese food with me. I will always be your kindred spirit.

***Carol D***you helped me through the hell of my loss, you're a Goddess, a warrior, a genius and a kindred soul. I can't thank you enough!!

***Cat T***your authenticity, determination, humor, honesty and talent makes me want to take on the world! Love you girl!!

***Robyn***for sticking by me, giving me laughs, reminding me there is still life out there, and for adventures and lattes!!! Thanks a million.

***Natalie***what can I say? We're sisters from another mister. I think I've had the most gut-busting laughs with you. Keep shining. You're a BIG deal in my life.

***Rob & Lorraine***for the music, the memories, the laughs***for always welcoming me like family. You're that golden couple who always reminds me "this is what love looks like." Thanks for everything xoxo

***Tekoa***31 years across the miles!!! We made it!! I'll see you soon!! :)

***Franny Armstrong***for being a talented author who inspires me! For all that you are. You shine a bright light and bring HOPE to every life you touch! Love you girl!

***Jennifer E***your support means the world to me!! One day I'll meet you in person and thank you properly. Thanks for the daily affirmations!! Much love!

***Bradley M***for editing the PASSION manuscript and getting MY VERY FIRST editor to look at my book!! kudos to you! I wish you the best today and always on your writing career. I'm here if you ever need me.

***Marissa C***for letting me win the Town Crier Essay Contest!! My very first win...ever!! You renewed my faith in my writing! I wish you all the very best in your writing career! You're a rockstar and I admire you!!

***Rhea D***your daily insights, wisdom, affirmations and support! I could never go without them! I am so blessed by your friendship across the miles :) Thank you xo

***Lena R***for buying my book, posting an AWESOME review!! And just for being YOU!! I truly love how "REAL" you are. Keep being a strong Goddess!! xoxo

***Glenda***for being there in my time of loss and sharing our love & faith for Trent!! thank you.

***Margie***for being a friend to Trent when he really needed one!! You are a gem xo

***Laurie Larson***for your courageous heart & beautiful soul!! another Trent connection!! One day I'll make it to Arizona!!! xoxo

***Daryl M***for putting me on the radio...so MANY times!! your east coast humor and rockin' music makes me want to get out my "Rocking Chair"...LOL! Thanks for the music :)

***Josephine***for buying my book! For setting the GODDESS standard! For just being you! Thanks so much :)

***Yvonne V***your review of COMING HOME made my day!! Thanks for your support!! I'll cherish you forever!

***FOR ANYONE I'VE MISSED...I'LL BE UPDATING THE LIST SOON***

Enjoy your Sunday!

Stay Passionate,

RR xo