REST IN PEACE SHILOH: WE WILL MISS YOU

On August 13, 2018 my beloved family pet was euthanized. Trust me. This was not an easy decision to make. Shiloh, our beautiful white haired Schnoodle, was 12 and aging badly. He'd not been eating properly for five weeks. It had gotten to the point where I was hand feeding him morsels from a can of chicken flakes. Poor thing refused to eat any kind of dog food. He knew he was on his last days. Animals try to speed up the death process by deliberately foregoing meals in hopes to end their pain.

The choice to put him to sleep was excruciating for me. To watch him in pain day after day, week after week, was so painful. I felt selfish, because I wanted him alive, to be near as he always had, the faithful companion and the buddy who greeted me at the door as I came in from work. But seeing him deteriorate was more than enough to bear.

When my time comes and it's someone's choice to pull the plug, it won't be easy for them to make that call. We love those close to us and we beg God for "just one more day" in hopes of cherishing those 24 hours forever. Or praying for a miracle.

Shiloh was in my arms, so frail, in that vet office, when they came to take him away. I opted not to watch as they injected him. Instead, I stayed in a side room, sobbing hard. The tears fell like Niagara Falls and I felt so ashamed. What was my problem?He was going to be pain free, finally, and cross that rainbow bridge to doggie heaven to join the other loving souls. He would be at peace and his pain finally gone. But here i was...bawling like a baby. It was for the best, the vet assistant told me, trying to reassure. Yet we love our pets and we linger...hoping for one more hug, one more doggie kiss or wag of the tail that reminds us we are our loved and that we mattered to them.

My Shiloh is resting with angels now. Perhaps he has been greeted by Mr. Lou, our other Schnoodle who passed in October 2012. Or maybe he met with Lady, our beloved Springer Spaniel who died Dec.12, 2000. It's a nice thought to relish. At any rate, he is better off. Me? It took some time to adjust. I would lie in bed after his passing and swore I heard more than a few times his small whimper at my bedroom door to alert me that he wanted in. And I would wake in the morning before work to see his doggie bed was empty. How truly depressing that was. No more 6:00 a.m walks before I hurried off to work.

Now, though, there's a void where Shiloh inhabited my heart. I caught myself on kijiji the other day, perusing ads for puppies. One known breeder of CKC registered English Springer Spaniels had a litter of gorgeous pups born June 11th. Another slap in the face for me. The anniversary of my soulmate Trent passing.  It's like the Universe just grabbed my heart and mocked me with a rollicking laugh that echoed off the walls. I cringed at the irony.

I know one day I'll own another dog. Because dogs love you like no one else. Humans leave you, betray you, mock you, deceive you...but dogs...they love you UNCONDITIONALLY. All they ask for in return is for a scratch behind the ears, a full food dish, walk to the park and some water. Not much at all.

My heart is heavy tonight. I miss you Shiloh. You were a good boy and faithful friend. Rest in peace. Till we meet again. Adios.

RR

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.

HOW TO FEEL LIKE A MILLIONAIRE

Dear Readers,

I'll let you in on a little secret. It's called "How To Feel Like A Millionaire."

It's simple, really, and when you practice doing it, you'll take a step back in disbelief and look at yourself with a slow grin..."why wasn't I doing this a long time ago?"

The astounding part is...you don't need money to do it. Oh, sure, money would come in handy...after all, it can't hurt, really...to have a wallet full of crisp red or green bills, fresh from the ATM.

No, that's not the point, though.

Case in point:Three years ago. May 2015. The ABUNDANCE started in my life. First, it came in trickles. Like a drip from a faucet. Little windfalls here and there. Contest wins. Tickets won off the radio station. SEVERAL TIMES IN A FEW MONTHS!! What are the odds, right? $5,000 on a keno ticket (I scored 9 numbers out of 10. Came so close to the $250,000 jackpot). I'd dreamed of California for 22 years, and finally, manifested 8 trips there. All paid for!! And it all began with the BELIEF IN MYSELF. NURTURING MY PASSION, PUBLISHING MY BOOKS, LIVING MY DREAMS, FEELING THE JOY.

In a few months, all consecutively, I self-published three novels. Perfect Storm, Tempest and Passion. I was following my bliss. GLOWING. SMILING. FEELING HAPPY. FEELING GRATITUDE each day that I woke. This right here is the secret to FEELING LIKE A MILLIONAIRE.

I challenge you to try it sometime.Go out and do something you love. Anything. It could be coaching little league, refinishing antique furniture, renovating homes, riding a bike over the hills, joining a bowling league or a running club, starting a catering business, walking in Nature, feeling the surf on your skin, or journaling your emotions or dreams for the future.

What made you happy as a seven-year-old kid? Go and chase that. Psychologists say that by the age of seven, people are predisposed to choosing their life path. We might stray from it along our growing up years, with the limiting beliefs infiltrated by our parents and society, but later in life, that overwhelming "ITCH" will still be unscratched. So please, just take the plunge, and revisit your wildest dreams, your BIGGEST PASSION.

This, my friends, is the secret to having it all.

In 2015 (and I reference this year again because it truly was the "GOLDEN YEAR OF MY LIFE") I remember only the good happening to me. Because, like a snowball effect, once you get that ball rolling, and you stay in your BLISS and focus on the happy thoughts, the good things, the passions close to your heart, then and only then, will you experience the BREAKTHROUGH OF MIRACLES.

The times in my life that were the most prosperous and productive were the days I had little income or was in between jobs. Being an artist/creator/writer, these moments are the ones we MONOPOLIZE, because to bring an entire novel to fruition and have it sent to press, is truly THRILLING. After many months of writing, editing, and polishing, when that final product comes delivered to your door by the UPS man, it is truly like holding the golden egg in your hands.

I feel like a MILLIONAIRE when I follow my bliss. Right, now I have 3 books in the works. There's always some writing that I need to get to. Of course, I take breaks here and there, to get exercise, enjoy the sunshine, take the dog for a walk, birth new ideas, meet a friend for coffee, etc. It's mandatory for my creative process.

So, there you have it. Follow your bliss, do what you love, scrap the negative people and bad energy. Quit that job you hate, leave the stale relationship, get rid of all that weighs you down. Declutter your desk, donate those clothes taking space in your closet, volunteer your time to a worthy cause, get out and make new friends. Let the GOOD ENERGY in.

The MILLIONAIRE LIFE begins with you. It begins through your energy and thought process. It's less about bank roll, and much more about FEELING GOOD. So, step into your JOY, and experience that prestigious club. It works. Trust me.

Cheering for you,

RR xo

MOTHER'S DAY

To all the Moms out there today celebrating, hat's off to you. It's one of the oldest and lesser acknowledged professions. But the amount of love you receive is "full payment," so to speak, for all your efforts over the years.

Being a Mom has taught me to make sacrifices that I wouldn't have done, had I never given birth. 19 years ago, I was holding my baby girl in my arms, looking forward to what life would bring. Some of it was scary, not knowing how things would materialize, being a young mother.

Here we are, though, in 2018 and she's all grown up! Crazy, how time flies, and wonderful, how life falls into place, with its ebbs, flows and bends in the road.

I'd never trade it for a moment. The sleep deprivation, 4:00 a.m. feedings, mountain of diapers, colic, and lack of personal time. It was all worth it, every struggle, every obstacle...because it came full circle. All that love I poured into her has BLOSSOMED into a beautiful young woman who loves me with all the love in the Universe.

Rachel, I'm so proud to be your Mom. God brought me the GREATEST GIFT EVER BESTOWED when he gave me you.

Thank you for making me the strong woman I am today. Your laughter, blunt truth and boundless loyalty makes me so infinitely glad to be alive.

Cheers to you. A wonderful daughter. I love you XOXO

RR xo

Letter To A Special Muse

Dear Muse,

From the very first moment I heard your voice (Wed. July 6, 2017) at the bandshell at Memorial Park, I've been in love.

I couldn't see your face, because i was sitting so far away ( the picnic tables by John street and Centre). But that voice! It mesmerized me in seconds. 

The song was "Move On Up," originally sung by Curtis Mayfield. Your band, a rockin' and groovin' 9 piece of pure soul and funk reminiscent of Motown and the Philly soul sound, was just unforgettable. 

How I loved your rendition of that song! Your vocals were prime. Your soulfulness just captured me, swept me away to another time and space. I was catapulted into orbit. I knew this connection would be STELLAR.

What I didn't know is that it would spawn a hit novel.  How proud I am that I could write such a beautiful, satisfying piece for generations to enjoy. THE CHRISTMAS KEYS...it's endearing, heartfelt, passionate and timeless. I'm so proud of my "baby."

It wasn't until September when I'd finally get to see your face. My God. You're perfect. When you owned that stage at the small, intimate club, I swear I was moved beyond words. I loved how you brought Motown with your own flavor, and how you dazzled the crowd with your little growl as a throwback to The O'Jays("For The Love of Money"), Stevie Wonder ("Sir Duke"), Toto ("Georgy Porgy"), James Brown ("Sex Machine"), Sly & The Family Stone ("If You Want Me To Stay"),  the Spinners ("I'll Be Around"), Earth, Wind & Fire ("September"), War ("Galaxy") to name a few. The repertoire is ASTOUNDING. All that "SOUL" from a slim white man -- lol.

How proud I am of you ...and all that you are. My beloved muse, I'm in awe of you. I wish to someday be as prolific and inspiring as you are. PLEASE --never forget that your presence has left a mark on this city, your footprint forever etched in time as someone who is a born leader. The homeless you have helped, the disabled you have championed for. The voiceless you created a platform for. Your social consciousness and convictions are what also pulled me in. I am blessed by our meeting...divinely blessed in ways I cannot measure. 

I bless the day I found you. I can't wait til you are declared "Oshawa's new mayor." That would bring such drastic and fulfilling change to the city. I have all encompassing faith in you.

Forever your friend, forever your ally, forever your lady.

With much love and gratitude,

RR xoxo

APRIL FOOLS & SPRING TIME!!

Dear Readers,

We've got Easter Sunday AND April Fools on the same day this year. Remarkable.

How are you spending your holiday? Hopefully, with loved ones and family...surrounded by feasting and joy.

Easter, for me, has always been the traditional family dinner of ham, potato, veggies, salads and pies with ice cream for dessert. I'm the middle one of 4 kids, so it's an endearing time to gather round the table and share sumptuous food. Afterwards, we'll sit around (stuffed to the gills) savoring coffee and tea, while watching a classic film that's been in the family forever. Every year, the Ten Commandments (1955) is on TV...so that's exciting.

I've been blessed to have 3 days in a row off work, so I've been resting up...but also indulging in...MUSIC!! It's been my first love since I could walk and talk. I really LOVE the GOOGLE PLAY library where I have my own customized playlists and each novel I write has its unique soundtrack, compiled by Yours Truly.

I am posting the link here for some songs I compiled for the soundtrack from my "LINGER" novel that will be released soon. One song in particular that I absolutely ADORE was written by Clint Eastwood and Linda Thompson-Jenner for an Eastwood film. It's sung by the lovely Diana Krall, and it's called "Why Should I Care." The jazzy, sensual mood of this song really got me INTO THE MOOD of writing LINGER...the love story of Rosalind Baker and Mark Garland. I know you're going to LOVE my characters and their "out of the blue" passionate affair that arose from the chance meeting after Rosalind lost her beloved fiance, Jack, killed in the line of duty. There's something about Serenity, Ohio and the charming town with their laid-back people and English gardens. Mark's sister Janine runs a pastry and catering business, so she's always welcoming people into her kitchen and cooking up a storm. I'm most proud of LINGER, because it features elements of my own life, woven into a rich, humorous, poignant story that will leave you breathless. Can't wait to release this amazing book and share it with the world.

Busy bee here... working on TWO novels at the moment -- editing and polishing for publication. Stay tuned for their release dates!

Wherever you are, enjoy the holiday...put your feet up...relax with a tea and a good book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KANG1y5p8eEhttps://play.google.com/music/playlist/AMaBXymS56FxxweK-NC2SYXdKbhhFibca3YZd8rTovl5TeslBLG8cVJzv_DVjQIDyD-gi8_i0vKiIzuUCOJTSUcag6FPxBLAkg%3D%3D

To all the April Fools & Hopeless Romantics out there...Keep on Loving and Keep on Living It Up!!

Cheers,

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