Dear readers,
Today, I'm writing in chronic pain. But...I AM WRITING.
Today my Hashimoto's is making me feel terrible, weak, lethargic and sore. My head is pounding and my muscles and joints hurt me. But...I AM WRITING.
How do you overcome obstacles in your journey?? What steps of self care do you practice to ensure you stay on track? For me, it's a hot bubble bath (long soak) with incense, candles and soft music after a long day of work. Sometimes it's a favorite cold or hot beverage. At any rate, one must ESCAPE the madness in order to recharge. When I take care of ME, I am then able to give back. Let's face it, we cannot serve from an empty vessel; we must first fill ourselves up.
This post is not to gain sympathy...but rather...to share my struggles and hopefully resonate with you, as well. I know (most of us) will suffer with carpal tunnel at some point in our writing career, and let me tell you, it's no walk in the park. Carpal tunnel is now in both of my wrists/arms, forcing me to medicate and to use ice packs.
But...I AM WRITING.
NaNoWriMo is my "WHY"...the reason i'm still plugging away. The battery on my laptop is at 1% and needs to be replaced ASAP. But still, I keep pushing forward, because NOVEL HAPPENS. Because my readers need me, and my book THE CHRISTMAS KEYS has to be written!
NaNoWriMo is my glowing pregnancy...my pride and joy...my Boston Marathon, so to speak. It's what I've done every November since 2012. That first year, I gave up on my script halfway because it grew stagnant and I was bored with my hero. But last year and this year, I am ON FIRE, and determined to finish with the 50,000 word criteria.
NaNoWriMo is my vision for the future. It helps me complete my project on time and with burning discipline. I also get a finished product and a plaque that commends me for my hard work.
So, carpal tunnel be damned! I AM WRITING. Hallmark needs my book and the world needs my message.
Til then,
Stay Passionate,
RR xo
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Thursday, November 16, 2017
COMING SOON: My New Novel THE CHRISTMAS KEYS
COMING SOON:
The latest book from Canada's best romance author...Rochelle Renee.
The latest book from Canada's best romance author...Rochelle Renee.
"THE CHRISTMAS KEYS'...a novel of enduring love, hope and second chances.
***Derek Keys, a professional music producer, composer and pianist, wants to spread good cheer this holiday season when he hosts a community Christmas concert for the needy. As director of the anti-poverty alliance, his work is rewarding and fulfilling.
When he meets Jonathan Spence, an impoverished but gifted musician, he decides to give him and his family a Christmas to remember. Derek donates a piano to Jonny and offers him a guest spot on his stage for the Holiday Spectacular Show.
News reporter Ronnie Page catches wind of the story and wants to telecast it for her holiday segment. But a blizzard threatens to shut down the show, ruining Jonathan's big chance. Can they manage to pull it off and still get the crowd they hoped for?
Derek, widowed dad of two, is too busy to entertain romance. His important work and fatherly duties keep his plate full. Ronnie, a driven career woman and journalist, had her heart broken by a wicked betrayal and could care less about men. She's dedicated to her career and made a vow to be single. But sometimes, the wonder and magic of the holiday season brings an unexpected miracle you never saw coming.***
Monday, September 11, 2017
LOVE: THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL
We need oxygen to breathe, it's evident. There's also monetary things that most people assume they NEED to get by in this life. Well, to be frank, money makes the world go round and without it, we couldn't pay for gas in the car, cover the rent or mortgage, neither could we afford the delicious food our bodies need to sustain us.
But more than anything, we as humans need LOVE. It doesn't cost a thing. It's FREE. You can give it freely and receive it freely.
Look at the state of the world right now. It's in a cataclysmic mess, with mudslides in California and wildfires too, in Oregon there's fires burning rapidly, and Tampa, Florida and the eastern seaboard, Hurricane Irma has caused devastating damage. Six million people in Tampa lost power, and the flooding is surreal. People's lives are in disarray, and floods in Houston from Hurricane Harvey has left millions homeless, with only the shirt on their backs.
What the world needs now, is love, sweet love...that's what the lovely lyrics of Burt Bacharach professed from his famous song recorded by Jackie DeShannon. How ironic that in a world full of devastation, we sometimes tend to forget to support our fellow man and offer up a smile, a cup of coffee, a warm hand or a fraction of kindness.
There's only ONE gift that keeps on giving, and it has no expiry date, unlike those gift cards people might send at Christmas.
Kindness and love are synonyms for one another. I'm proud to share my love with others, to help those at risk, and to lend a hand. I live in a city in Southern Ontario that is FILLED with at-risk people, the homeless and mentally ill, and abused women and children seeking shelter. My heart breaks when I witness people sleeping on the street, with nowhere to go, except a public park or tiny hideaway near a business where they may risk being noticed and told to leave. I've handed out a pizza more than a few times to "Grizzly Adams," this one regular man who sleeps on the street. It's very humbling to see him, and he thanks me gratefully, taking the piping hot pizza in his calloused, weathered hands, eating it hungrily.
I can only imagine how shameful and scary it can seem for those on the street. Luckily, I've never hit that rock bottom, but I have come close.
For those who have no home, show them some love, will you? The kind of love that Christ himself would show.
It always enters my mind...when i see someone struggling on the street. You have no idea what their story is...and no right to judge how they got there...lest you walk a mile in their shoes.
Love always prompts the famous question...WWJD?
So keep a warm heart and open mind. Give LOVE next time you see someone who needs it.
I leave you now with a beautiful love song from 1997 that used to play on the radio quite often in Toronto where I live. Jim Brickman's classic piano melody with Michelle Wright's commanding vocals. "Your Love(is the greatest gift of all)." Such a perfect love song for the theme of this blog. Enjoy this one.
Sending you so much love,
RR xo
Sending you so much love,
RR xo
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
LINGER: The New Novel
Grief stricken, she flies to Serenity, Ohio for the funeral and finds refuge in the cozy home of his niece, Janine, a chef and a Medium.
Soon, she is forced to face her pain head-on, and the emergence of a man who happens to be a dead-ringer for Jack -- his much younger nephew, Mark.
In Serenity, the spirit of hope, warm connection and family lingers...but still something else calls to her. She can almost feel the presence of her loved one surrounding her, telling her it's okay to trust the new chapter unfolding.
Can Rosalind heal her broken heart and let love in one more time? Or will she walk away from the one who just might hold the key to solving the mystery?
COMING SOON --from Rochelle Renee, the author of PASSION, LONGING, TEMPEST, THE PERFECT STORM, SNOWFALL & COMING HOME.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE REAL RHETT STEELE!!!
Happy Birthday to the fabulous D.A.(aka Rhett Steele). He's 53 today and I want to wish him all the luck and happiness in the world!!
Cheers Mister Steele ;)
Love,
RR
COMING SOON: LINGER THE NEW NOVEL
Dear readers,
Hope your summer has been a blast so far! Here in Southern Ontario, Canada we have been receiving some hot, muggy days, along with cool, comfortable nights. Overall, though, it's been a summer that I've enjoyed because to be honest, I really mind the heat and humidity. Fall time can't come soon enough for me!
During the spring and summer, I've been working on a brand new novel called "LINGER" and it's been fun. Take a look at the blurb and tell me what you think! I am beyond excited to release it this Fall. Enjoy and take care :)
RR xo
LINGER
Rochelle Renee
Rosalind Baker is grieving the tragic loss of her fiancé, Jack, shot in cold blood one night on duty. Drowning in sorrow, she heads to Serenity, Ohio to visit his niece, who’s offered a place to stay and grieve.
Janine, a chef and Medium, wants to help Rosalind heal from the horrific crime. Vying for answers, Rosalind finds comfort in Janine's country home, great food and welcoming family.
Deep in sorrow, Rosalind finds beauty and miracles she never expected.
Janine's younger brother Mark is the odd one in the family. He lives alone and keeps to himself, but is deeply affected by the death, going into further isolation when he hears the news of his beloved uncle’s passing. Mark, aside from Rosalind, was closest to Jack.
Despite their differences, Rosalind finds a common thread with Mark. Not only does he bear a shocking resemblance to her soulmate, but they share the same bond – a fierce love for Jack – which is undeniable.
In time, she begins to fall in love with the charming town that’s quickly become her own little haven. The old birch trees and flowing rivers seem to whisper a secret wisdom to her...a clue about life unfolding on its own terms. As Rosalind begins to heal and unravel the truth of Jack's death, she wonders if the "odd one out" is much more akin to her than she wants to admit.
Perhaps the lingering spirit of a loved one who passed on just might give Rosalind the answers she craves.
Hope your summer has been a blast so far! Here in Southern Ontario, Canada we have been receiving some hot, muggy days, along with cool, comfortable nights. Overall, though, it's been a summer that I've enjoyed because to be honest, I really mind the heat and humidity. Fall time can't come soon enough for me!
During the spring and summer, I've been working on a brand new novel called "LINGER" and it's been fun. Take a look at the blurb and tell me what you think! I am beyond excited to release it this Fall. Enjoy and take care :)
RR xo
LINGER
Rochelle Renee
Rosalind Baker is grieving the tragic loss of her fiancé, Jack, shot in cold blood one night on duty. Drowning in sorrow, she heads to Serenity, Ohio to visit his niece, who’s offered a place to stay and grieve.
Janine, a chef and Medium, wants to help Rosalind heal from the horrific crime. Vying for answers, Rosalind finds comfort in Janine's country home, great food and welcoming family.
Deep in sorrow, Rosalind finds beauty and miracles she never expected.
Janine's younger brother Mark is the odd one in the family. He lives alone and keeps to himself, but is deeply affected by the death, going into further isolation when he hears the news of his beloved uncle’s passing. Mark, aside from Rosalind, was closest to Jack.
Despite their differences, Rosalind finds a common thread with Mark. Not only does he bear a shocking resemblance to her soulmate, but they share the same bond – a fierce love for Jack – which is undeniable.
In time, she begins to fall in love with the charming town that’s quickly become her own little haven. The old birch trees and flowing rivers seem to whisper a secret wisdom to her...a clue about life unfolding on its own terms. As Rosalind begins to heal and unravel the truth of Jack's death, she wonders if the "odd one out" is much more akin to her than she wants to admit.
Perhaps the lingering spirit of a loved one who passed on just might give Rosalind the answers she craves.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
The Loss of "Self": Return To Your Soul's Haven
Lately, I've been doing a lot of soul searching.
It seems I'd forgotten myself in the chaos and hurry of the world.
My soulmate died June 11, 2016 forever altering my path and destiny. Not only did I lose a huge part of my life and passion when he passed suddenly, I also lost MYSELF.
Now, you might wave a finger and argue that another person's death should not be an excuse to feel lost or uncharted. After all, do we not make our own destiny everyday by the choices we make when our feet first hit the floor?
Let me make it very clear that Trent Gardner was my compass and my light. Never before in my life did one human being have such an affinity for me; he loved me with conviction and SUPPORTED ME. My dreams were his, my goals aligned with his goals, our long term plan in sync.
Something detrimental happens when a person you LOVE DEEPLY dies. A MONUMENTAL part of yourself goes away with them. The trick is to re-evaluate yourself, search for what's been lost, and find the MEANING of your life that apparently went away with their demise.
All of these steps are crucial to finding one's SELF again. The loss of SELF is heartbreaking. It's like stating out loud that you don't matter, that your dreams and goals can take a long, simmering wait on the back burner, and that will be good enough.
Many of us are guilty of losing our SELF. We accept crumbs from people, shortchange ourselves, diminish our psyche with negative self talk and limiting beliefs. Don't you ever wonder why you are STUCK in one place and cannot seem to move forward? Perhaps you've put yourself there. Have you forgotten that YOU deserve a shot at the best in life? Do you really want to continue this dead end, winding road in the wilderness, without ever seeing a BIG, JUICY OUTCOME?
Sadly, I've let people around me dictate my life and tell me (in many backhanded ways, not necessarily vocalizing it to me) that i am simply not worth it. That if I don't "seize this opportunity now," and I keep choosing to be picky or discerning, that I will limit myself to having NOTHING and then I will be screwed.
Wait a minute...WHAT???? Do we not live in an ABUNDANT Universe that supports us? Can we not sit for a moment...take a step back...and prioritize?
I don't HAVE TO take the scraps and crumbs. I DESERVE the very best in life. I'm not playing this game for another 40 years. I've paid my dues, done the dirty work, labored it out with blood, sweat and tears. Don't you dare hand me that tired old, demoralizing line one more time "beggars can't be choosers."
This here is no beggar. Starting today, I'm taking back my power. I'll show more self compassion, and give no heed to what those naysayers feed me. I'll trust my intuition, be my own compass, and chart this course the best way I know how. Those old limiting beliefs that kept me paralyzed will no longer dictate my needs or wants. I'll discover that progress CAN be made, and that reaching higher is certainly most attainable.
Have you lost your sense of Self? Then why not take some time today....to revisit your soul's haven? Look within for all that you need. Surely, the answers will find you, and you will not be led astray.
Cheering for you always,
RR xo
It seems I'd forgotten myself in the chaos and hurry of the world.
My soulmate died June 11, 2016 forever altering my path and destiny. Not only did I lose a huge part of my life and passion when he passed suddenly, I also lost MYSELF.
Now, you might wave a finger and argue that another person's death should not be an excuse to feel lost or uncharted. After all, do we not make our own destiny everyday by the choices we make when our feet first hit the floor?
Let me make it very clear that Trent Gardner was my compass and my light. Never before in my life did one human being have such an affinity for me; he loved me with conviction and SUPPORTED ME. My dreams were his, my goals aligned with his goals, our long term plan in sync.
Something detrimental happens when a person you LOVE DEEPLY dies. A MONUMENTAL part of yourself goes away with them. The trick is to re-evaluate yourself, search for what's been lost, and find the MEANING of your life that apparently went away with their demise.
All of these steps are crucial to finding one's SELF again. The loss of SELF is heartbreaking. It's like stating out loud that you don't matter, that your dreams and goals can take a long, simmering wait on the back burner, and that will be good enough.
Many of us are guilty of losing our SELF. We accept crumbs from people, shortchange ourselves, diminish our psyche with negative self talk and limiting beliefs. Don't you ever wonder why you are STUCK in one place and cannot seem to move forward? Perhaps you've put yourself there. Have you forgotten that YOU deserve a shot at the best in life? Do you really want to continue this dead end, winding road in the wilderness, without ever seeing a BIG, JUICY OUTCOME?
Sadly, I've let people around me dictate my life and tell me (in many backhanded ways, not necessarily vocalizing it to me) that i am simply not worth it. That if I don't "seize this opportunity now," and I keep choosing to be picky or discerning, that I will limit myself to having NOTHING and then I will be screwed.
Wait a minute...WHAT???? Do we not live in an ABUNDANT Universe that supports us? Can we not sit for a moment...take a step back...and prioritize?
I don't HAVE TO take the scraps and crumbs. I DESERVE the very best in life. I'm not playing this game for another 40 years. I've paid my dues, done the dirty work, labored it out with blood, sweat and tears. Don't you dare hand me that tired old, demoralizing line one more time "beggars can't be choosers."
This here is no beggar. Starting today, I'm taking back my power. I'll show more self compassion, and give no heed to what those naysayers feed me. I'll trust my intuition, be my own compass, and chart this course the best way I know how. Those old limiting beliefs that kept me paralyzed will no longer dictate my needs or wants. I'll discover that progress CAN be made, and that reaching higher is certainly most attainable.
Have you lost your sense of Self? Then why not take some time today....to revisit your soul's haven? Look within for all that you need. Surely, the answers will find you, and you will not be led astray.
Cheering for you always,
RR xo
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