The 100 Day GRATITUDE Challenge

Dear Readers,

Starting Sept 21st, I am taking part in "The 100 Day Gratitude Challenge."

Each day, I will be counting down and noting what I am GRATEFUL for that specific day.

Day #1 begins:

"Write a list of all the positive emotions you've felt today."

1. Grateful
2. Happy for extra sleep
3. Weekend is here! That makes me smile
4. I love my daughter!!
5. I feel BLESSED that my friend Lena is always there for me!
6. I feel EXTRA BLESSED that my soul sister Janet G is always there for me!
7. I love my other soul sister Carol D and she always gives me a laugh when I need it! I feel joyful about her.
8. Happy for my pumpkin spice iced capp today!! and Tim Hortons breakfast sandwich to fill my tummy.
9. REALLY GRATEFUL that I have full time work that not only provides a roof over our heads, but clothing, beverages, treats, coffee, and miscellaneous other things that females need!! Beauty supplies!!! Earl grey vanilla tea...green tea...chai tea!!! The list is endless.
10. I feel ELATED that I have a wonderful mentor and friend for life who is always ready to lend a helping hand or an ear to listen when I need him. Thank you from my heart, MR KELLY GRANT MITCHELL. XOXO

11. I am breathing. I am productive. I am flourishing. I AM SAFE.

Come on, readers. Let's make your own list and see how may POSITIVE emotions you can list.

Cheering for you,

RR xo

The Spark That Lights Up Someone Else's Life -- KEANE !!!

Today is Sunday. The day of rest...when all the "rest" of the stuff gets done around Casa Rochelle. Grocery run, laundry, house chores...you get the picture.

It's also the day of the week when I do DEEP reflection on past years and on the people who have made an imprint on my heart and have truly AWAKENED my spirit.

I want to thank "KEANE" aka Kelly Mitchell,  the man who walked into my life on March 2, 2009. It's almost a decade since we first met. This person deserves ACCOLADES and AWARDS to praise him for what he's done in my life. If you asked him, he'd probably say "oh, you did it all on your own, Rochelle. You had the power all along." Which isn't far from the complete truth. Yes, indeed, I have my own power and I'm fully capable of doing great things. Yet I feel in some major way, if he had not come along, where would my writing career be? I spent a long, grueling drought of 13 years without a single complete novel. THAT was exasperating!!!

But Kelly has always been my Northern Star. I love this man. Deeply. Before you go there and say "oh here comes another gushing, sappy romance," no...actually. It's more than a romantic feeling. I have felt SHAKEN and MOVED on a deeper level. The EVOLUTION of Rochelle has transpired due in part to Mister Mitchell appearing in my life, and also the SPARK that created my exciting novel "PASSION."

My heart abounds with ever-flowing GRATITUDE for him. Never a day has gone by where his words of encouragement have not impacted me. When a loss happened in my life, I'd phone him up and he'd listen to me whole-heartedly (even give up his lunch hour) and support me. I've always felt HEARD, SEEN, and VALIDATED by him. His presence has created a SAFE HAVEN for me to unload the contents of my heart, while being supported and understood. It's magic, how he does that. I never knew a man could hold space for me in that way (except for my Trent) but now I've been lucky enough to know TWO men who have accommodated me this way, and I'm truly thankful.

When I had victorious or good news to share, it was Kelly whom I wanted to share the news with. The good, the bad, and the ugly. All of it. He seemed to really CARE about the huge things in my life that probably seemed trivial to others... but he took the time to validate these things. He did it with passion and enthusiasm. I've always marveled how he had the capacity to make me feel special. I love his warmth and charisma. He stands out for me as a HERO. One I hold close to my heart. The one who came to save the day...just in the nick of time. Somehow, those dark days, painful losses, and devastating moments seem to pale over time...the ache has eased a lot...because he took the time to show me in his wonderful way "Rochelle, you matter."

On this sunny, mild January day...I'm here to salute you. Kelly, never stop being my support, because I will always need you.

Your friend faithfully

RR xo

Reflections on The Homeless

Juicy clementines, a fresh turkey and cranberry wrap, and a box of After Eight mint chocolates with a big red bow. Someone was going to devour and savor these items that I'd selected for a care package.

Tonight it's New Year's Eve, and I'm reflecting on the homeless man who rode past my apartment on his bicycle, with 2 backpacks and a black cloth grocery bag. All his belongings were on his bike, and it made me cringe and also feel immense pity for him. I watched as he rummaged through the garbage bins along the stretch of apartments on my street. My heart ached for him.

So I reached into my fridge and packaged up what I could before he was gone.

Chasing after him, I handed him the grocery bag with the food and chocolates. "Merry Christmas," I said softly.

He was about 62 years old, face weathered from the hard times, shaggy black hair peppered with grey strands, wearing brown work boots and ratty dark jeans with a bulky, black bomber coat.

"Thanks," he said humbly, accepting the bag of nourishment.

My neighborhood has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the entire province. It is staggering. Daily, I witness scores of single men on bicycles or on foot, no doubt sleeping in parks or bushes, or perhaps along the creek. The epidemic of poverty in this city just breaks my heart, and with the closing of General Motors next year, something tells me, this place might end up being a ghost town. The mall cost $90 million to expand, but when the 2,600 auto workers are laid off, that results in millions of revenue lost annually at the mall.

These are the reflections of an author at the end of a full year. A year that has been filled with change for me, and huge personal growth. I only pray that one day we can bring an end to this vicious cycle of poverty once and for all. But maybe, just maybe, that's just me being Pollyanna.

Happy New Year, my friends.

RR xo

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

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.