THE STRONGEST OF THE 4 LETTER WORDS

I'm one extremely lucky woman at the moment, and I'm smart enough to recognize it.
I've been moved in a profound way, and it resonates with me so deeply, that I just had to share.

What I'm alluding to is the gift of LOVE I've received in my life. I woke to read a blog by one of my mentors, and got the sense that he was speaking to ME (in code, of course). While he didn't name me, for the risk of giving away my identity, I knew clearly what was being said.

Now, LOVE comes in many forms; it can be the love of chocolate lava cake, the love of the Pacific Ocean, or how the blazing pink sunset paints the sky of Sacramento and catches your breath. Maybe it's the goofy way your Boston terrier jumps into your lap or licks your face to show they love you. Perhaps it's the love of a good friend who holds your hand through various trials in life.

Love could also be the devotion for a spouse, sibling, colleague or mentor. In my life, I have been blessed with such as this.

My mentor came unexpectedly into my life. While experiencing 13 years of writer's block, where try as I might, could not seem to produce another novel, things were tough. From 1998 to 2011, every effort flopped.

But then in November 2011, I took a writing course that changed my life. HE was the head of the class, the teacher. This "spark" of an idea that came from one flash of his smile and charismatic blue eyes, formed the first pages of my novel "PASSION."

Inspiration is great, isn't it? You just never know when it's going to hit you out of the blue. One day you're struggling to form a few paragraphs, and the next, you're burning the candle at both ends, because you cannot sleep, you have so much adrenaline and motivation from this spark of genius. I call it DIVINE INSPIRATION or a gift from the gods.

This mentor has been around for half a decade, and I'm infinitely grateful for his support and friendship. Any day of the week, I could pick up the phone and just share my heart with him or any part of my life, for that matter. It's a platonic connection, but never underestimate the importance of these. They can be your saving grace in times of trials and suffering. I love his effortless flow of conversation, and the warmth of his voice, as he shares a mutual understanding on life and just about everything else, music included. I don't believe he ever has "bad days"-- with a spring in his step, a sparkle in his eyes, and the joyful camaraderie he exudes, I have to admit I'm a little jealous of how seemingly pulled together and in charge he seems to be on a daily basis.

Nevertheless, this man is my godsend. I've had a few of them in my life, and it feels exhilarating. I can honestly say unashamedly, that I LOVE this man. Now before you get all flustered and judgmental, no, it's not like that. I LOVE him with the warmth of a friend and the respect of a colleague; plus he's been happily married for some 30 years or so. This post is not about revealing any big epic love story, just a simple exclamation of gratitude to the world, on how people can affect us in a positive light.

Yes, I LOVE this man. He's given me a new perspective on life, and it never gets old. From time to time, I always revisit the novel that he inspired. It is fresh, funny, passionate and pure bliss to read. Of all my novels, I'd have to say that PASSION is the one that "knocked it out of the park" for me. Hands down, it brings a burst of euphoria to my heart, whenever I open the pages and read the love story of Keane and Rhiannon.

Thank you, mentor, for being here and just for BEING YOU. I love your smile, your wisdom, and considerate ways. I LOVE you just the way you are, so don't ever change. I LOVE your quirks, flaws, and humor, but also the penchant to be a nerd sometimes (only you know what I'm referring to here).

HOPE is the one word you gifted me that day in class, when someone behind me scoffed as I answered your question about what I would be doing if I could secure my dream job. Remember when I announced that I was a novelist and wanted to become a bestseller like Danielle Steel? That naysayer laughed behind me and said "dream on." But YOU answered with an uplifting comment that made my spirits soar: "Do you hear that folks? That's the sound of HOPE in her voice." Then you went on to encourage me about my writing, even if you ultimately wanted me to be realistic about job hunting...over the years, I think with all the novels I've cranked out and a few radio and TV interviews, you started to believe that maybe this was not just some lame pipe dream.


Well, that is about it for the gushing today. I've made my point, and just want you to know how LOVED you are and what you mean to me.

I'll leave this blog post on a light note. If there is someone out there who inspires you, makes you try harder, holds your hand when you're struggling, or just brings you a cup of coffee on a day when you're feeling down...by all means...reach out to them and tell them THEY ARE SO LOVED.

We only get ONE CHANCE in this life to show people how much LOVE they've inspired within us. Take the opportunity to do it, while you can. Because you never know when that moment might be your last one with them. It could be their final breath, and you never want to live your life with the regret that they never knew how incredibly PRECIOUS they were in your eyes.

LOVE is all around...and so the feeling grows...

Be love,

RR xo

COMING SOON: AGAINST ALL ODDS

My latest labor of love is a book I penned in 1993 as a teenager, called AGAINST ALL ODDS.

Now it's been updated with a fresh spin and better plot.

The story spans some 2,200 miles from Chicago to L.A., and features a stunning love story between a young reporter and a music producer legend.

Come along for a thrilling adventure of passion and two hearts risking it all for love. Can soulmates Starr and Peter make it work...across the miles...against all odds?

I'm so amped to have my readers get their hands on it.

All in time for my birthday. Release day: April 27th.

Cheers!

RR xo

Goodreads giveaway!!!

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/226548-coming-home