TRUST YOURSELF: When All Else Fails, You Can Trust The One Who Knows You Infinitely

 Dear Readers,

I noticed a flashback pop up on my FB tonight, and it was from Sept. 11, 2018. The comment I wrote beside my pic (featured above) was "Today I choose ME. I trust myself." This memory emerging on my page could not come at a better time, after the trainwreck that 2022 has been for me. Oh boy!

But first, back to 2018 for a minute. What a year that was! I landed a full time position at a seniors home, which later in November 2018 brought me the sweetest, most endearing couple, George and Mildred, who sparked inspiration for one of my books. I campaigned with a friend who won a seat on city council, and went to his victory party to celebrate. That was a proud moment, to witness a wonderful human being achieve a worthy dream. I went to a few concerts and enjoyed myself. I published The Christmas Keys. Beautiful memory. My "Hallmark" Christmas love story, I like to call it.

That quote about "choosing me and trusting myself" really hits home right now. I had an unsavory summer and got my heart broken badly. So tonight, I am paying homage to myself for draggin my body out of the pit and learning to make life "normal" again. Not sure if I can after what I've been through, but here goes...

"Today, I choose Me. I TRUST myself. I love myself. There's no one who has a more intimate relationship with me than ME. In this crazy world of commercialism and superficial scams, it's easy to get sucked into beLIEfs that we are not good enough, not smart enough, not hot enough, not sexy enough, not rich enough, etc etc. But here in this moment, I choose me. Because the last person did NOT choose me. They chose instead a career or someone else they deemed more special than me. That's fine. I'm good.  I don't need their validation to make me feel worthy. The only one I need to validate me with is ME. At the end of the day, I know in my heart I did my BEST. I am loved. I am worthy. I AM ENOUGH. In this skin, yes I am enough."

How many times have you let fear and self-doubt creep into your thoughts? When you let that ugly, traitorous voice in your head lie to you about how amazing and capable you really are? Well, stop it. You are a force to be reckoned with. Yes, YOU are unstoppable. Remember all the times you struggled and thought you'd never make it through, yet here you are! Succeeding in spite of it all. 

It's time to give yourself more credit, to trust your instincts, to behold the genius that you are. Which includes embracing your messy parts, and the shadow self you judge, the aspect of you that holds perhaps all your magic and hidden talents. Being human is never a bad thing; it's the components of all that you are and all that you will ever be.

So stop second-guessing yourself and thinking that you are not enough. You are divine. You are a STAR shining your light in this messed up world. That is amazing. That is all you need to be. You have arrived. The world needs you. 

Cheering for you always,

RR xo

Author Interview: Rochelle Renee Featured on The Bookshelf Cafe News

 Dear Readers,

I am thrilled and honored to be featured as the main author profile this week on The Bookshelf Cafe News site.

The link is below:

http://www.thebookshelfcafe.news/author-interview-rochelle-renee/?fbclid=IwAR1bd3yXri833L4pJnmYxSehW_5rj1yUcWS8pubuaVNf8XZej51h2LCnCNc

Thank you to my readers for your continued support.

With much love always,

RR xo

Poem for My Valentine

Poem for My Valentine

Long before I knew you

Before our eyes ever met

or paths even crossed

Before space and time

Aligned us

Together

I knew I loved you

That your spirit was 

out there

floating in the atmosphere

searching for me too

Longing for 

Connection

and kinship

and profound love

Long before this old heart

would conspire

with the Powers

of the Universe

Something within me

Just Knew

That you would 

MANIFEST

Long before I held you

in these lonely arms

Some part of me

always knew

I would find you

And my soul just

Overflows

with the gushing force

of a river

that has been set free

of its own accord

and how BLESSED

I feel!

To know your Divine Love

and the Splendor 

Of You

My sweet, beautiful man

At last, I've found you!

At long last, the tides

have shifted

After the earthquake, storms

and avalanche,

Alas, it's YOU

Divinely imperfect,

sincere, lovable, steadfast,

loyal and supremely generous 

"YOU"-

and my heart cannot contain 

This Joy

For all the angels in heaven

are singing

their hearts out

sounding the trumpets of Glory

and God himself is blessing this

Divine Union

God Bless You ~

Dear Heart~

Finally,

We are One

Finally,

Forever,

Amen xo

- Rochelle Renee- Sat Feb 12, 2022

10:53 am

FALL TIME IS IN THE AIR...

Dear Readers,

Can you feel it?

That certain Fall Feeling? There's a slight dampness in the air and the nights are getting a bit chilly. Crisp Autumn nights are right around the corner in a matter of days. Soon, in Southern Ontario, we will bask in the changing landscape of smoky skies, the crunch of leaves under foot.

Falling leaves, in orange, lemony yellow, scarlet...

The sunsets will be a nice shade of baby blue with a fuchsia or perhaps blush pink that steals your breath away as it lingers before the sun dips low behind the hills.

Starry nights and clear skies. Sweater weather. Bonfires with their curling plume of smoke that billows to an onyx sky.

A loved one's arms  will wrap around closer than ever to warm you on a chilly night. Perhaps a favorite beverage close  at hand? Peppermint tea or Earl Grey...hot apple cider...or Starbucks Pumpkin Spice (my favorite seasonal drink).

Tonight, I felt inspired by Fall time and pulled out some recipes that were perfect for cooler weather. What did I end up choosing, you ask? Well, I settled on a delicious veggie curry with a side of piping hot rice.

The recipe is in the link at the bottom. I hope you enjoy it like I did tonight!

https://tasty.co/recipe/simple-veggie-curry

My hopes for you this Fall are that you find love or enjoy some playtime to the max! Get out there and revel in the exquisite scenery. Perhaps catch a Fall Fair, music festival, or other community gathering that celebrates the season.

Please don't stay stuck inside...REALLY FEEL THIS SEASON...CELEBRATE!! I know I will be. Every day. It's my absolute favorite time of the year. I only wish it lasted longer.

Cheering for you always,

Stay romantic,

RR xo

CHRISTMAS JOY!!!

Dear Readers,


Don't you just love this time of year? The days are short, the nights cool and crisp, and the fireplace is burning with the living room lights down low. Just the glow of the Christmas tree to light the room.
There might be a fresh snowfall coming or the promise of one. If you have a special person in your life, this time is even more memorable, because the romance of the season is front and center. Everything just feels so ALIVE...and unforgettable. It has MEANING where

it would otherwise be just another day.

I want to share some Christmas joy tonight with you. I've just come from the most SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS CONCERT!

The REAL Derek Keys (yes, there is a REAL LIVE MAN who inspired my book "The Christmas Keys") put on a stellar performance at Simcoe Street United Church, to raise funds for the homeless. As president of The Back Door Mission for The Relief of Poverty, Derek Giberson is my personal hero. Not only that, but is the modern day hero for countless homeless, hungry and addicted people who need a hand up in this community.

I am floored and honored to know him. Somehow, the Universe put me here in his ward. Where I once tried to resist this fate (being misplaced from my idyllic hometown to this awful city that I begrudged), I now ease into it and accept that RIGHT HERE AND NOW...I am meant to be.

The most PERFECT AND BEAUTIFUL story has come out of my spring of writing. Thank you Derek for all that you are, and for being the magnificent soul that God made you to be. I am GRATEFUL for your existence, HUMBLED by your presence, in awe of your beauty, and ENAMORED by the majestic man that you are.

Tonight you walked onto that stage in a red blazer with gold buttons, black pants, brown shoes and a crisp white shirt. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. My storybook hero had come to life!!

Sorry if this comes off as some sort of gloating fool. I just want you to know that...after my huge loss and heartache...I am infinitely happy to have found you on this planet. Did you know...that when I lost My beloved Trent...I feared the worst? That the stories in me would die, that the well of ideas would dry up and be no more, and that I would walk this earth as some shadow of who I used to be. Horrible, right? I feared that I would lose my edge and the ability to write with conviction...or any sort of talent that i was born with.

Lo and behold...I was wrong. Alas...from out of the blue...a vision appeared. Someone to chase away my fears and remind me that life is still...after all...worth living.

Derek, you have brought me Christmas Joy tonight at the concert. You and those amazing singers and performers...blew me away. I am blessed to know you. So many mouths will be fed. Lives will be touched. Hearts will be warmed in the midst of winter. Last year, in one night, you raised $17,000. This year, as the concert runs two nights, I am expecting you and the Mission to bring in over $30,000.

God Bless You, sweet man. If this blog post makes me a sap, then so be it.

You've brought me Christmas Joy beyond what I expected this season.

May your glass always be full, your heart be light, and your bankroll be forever replenished.

I love you, My friend.

Merry Christmas,

RR xo

BRAND NEW KEYS!!!

Dear Readers,

I can't contain my joy!!! My brand new holiday novel has just dropped and it's beautiful!!!

Even better, I am offering it for FREE on Kindle from Dec 10th to 14th!!!! Get your copy now!!!

Please, kindly leave a REVIEW for me on Amazon and Goodreads. Let's get this book to Number One!!!! Thanks for all your wonderful support.

Special Thanks and Dedication to Mr. Derek Giberson, my inspiration behind the hero, Mr Derek Keys.

Happy Holidays and much love,

Rochelle xoxo

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

Chronic pain, setbacks and NaNoWriMo

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

LINGER: The New Novel

Rosalind Baker loses her entire world when her beloved fiance, Jack, is shot in the line of duty one night.
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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE REAL RHETT STEELE!!!

Today is a very special day for the man who inspired the novel "Perfect Storm."

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.