GRATITUDE....SPILLING OVER!!

Dear Readers,

By now, you might have realized in my blog posts that I have begun the 100-day Gratitude Challenge.

Well, tonight my heart is SPILLING OVER...with joy! and MASSIVE, MASSIVE GRATITUDE! Yet another thing to add to the ever-growing list of things has happened today, yet another GIFT to be thankful and proud of.

Tears flood my eyes right now. A treasured friend whom I haven't seen in quite a while just messaged me today and said she's taking me to a VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT! By none other than celebrated Canadian Country crooner, Johnny Reid!!!!

Lydia...you've made this woman completely and utterly blown away by your kindness. I never saw this coming. Never expected such a beautiful surprise! This is exactly what I've needed. Thank you, from my heart. It's unbelievable.

Working hard for the past two years at a full time, demanding job and still writing my novels, I've immersed myself in "busyness" I think after Trent passed in 2016, as a survival mechanism. We do what we must, to keep trudging on, blazing the trail, moving forward...etc. If there are friends out there whom I've neglected, please blame my head and not my heart. This loss took a MONSTROUS chunk of my heart and my sanity. The long road back to joy, comfort and serenity has been tiring, but I feel a whole lot better now. Nothing prepared me for losing my soulmate, the One I planned forever with. Nothing will fill the gap of Trent's death, and no one can replace him, this much is true. Yet, I'm finding there are ways to REBUILD the life that was broken down and smashed to pieces. Daily, I've taken stock of everything and every little moment that has brought me beauty....as I rebuilt my life from the ground up. Maybe I'm not where I WANT TO BE just yet...but I am surely on my way.

Bouncing back from a major loss takes its toll. I don't think those around me (loved ones and friends) had any idea how crucial and important Trent was to me in the brief 10 months we shared on this earth. Some might have expected me to "just move on" and find a replacement. "Well, it was long distance anyways, and those things never work out." Some of the justifications people stated to me. I think they meant well, and yet didn't really have a clue what the loss encompassed for me.

Three years and three months later, a lot has changed for me. Nothing looks the same for me, nothing at all. Let's see...family home of 35 years was sold off to developer and torn down (another major loss), I was forced to move away from my safe, comfortable and quaint hometown (loss!)...new job arrived too. New faces, new memories to make, new experiences. You know the thing about SUDDEN CHANGE that irks me? It's just so....SUDDEN. For me, that's never been an easy thing. I'm a Taurus...a "fixed" sign. Steadfast, stick in the mud sometimes, and SOLID.  The kind you can depend on. I'm also traditional and wanting to stay in my comfort zone. But then again, no major transformation came from being stuck in the same place for 40-plus years, now has it?

The butterfly had to get her wings. She had to fly, to grace the sky with her pretty wingspan and chart the course by herself and to see new landscapes.

Okay, okay....I shifted gears and went into my gloomy loss story. This blog post is meant to be POSITIVE, uplifting, JOYFUL...

So here goes...

Lydia Jackson, I love you. You're a dynamic woman who has always inspired me to be the best that I can be. I'm not even sure if you realize just how you inspire WOMEN everywhere, but I'm letting you know that this woman has always admired your courage, strength, resilience and creativity. The way you love your family, the method in which you "keep it all together" so gracefully, in spite of life's trials... well, let me tell you, it's a magnificent thing.

Thank you Lydia for being part of my soul tribe. Tonight's gift from you is cherished, and I will treasure it for all time. The hermit in me needs to get out once in a while and experience REAL LIFE, beyond the walls of this cave that holds countless stories and sagas in a writer's brain.

Again, I'm BLESSED with Gratitude. Just in awe, really.

Those who are reading this, I hope you also make your own 100-day Gratitude Challenge and document all the unforeseen gifts all along the way that you acquire. God Bless.

Always cheering for you,

RR xo

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS SINCE MEETING MY MUSE KGM FOR THE PASSION NOVEL!!!

Dear Readers,

March 2nd marks 10 years since an IMPORTANT and MUCH LOVED muse walked into my life!!

Kelly Mitchell is a treasured and celebrated friend whom I hold close to my heart.

I'm eternally grateful for his mentoring, kindness, insight and love. I really don't know what my life would be like, had he not shown up that wintry March day so long ago.

Over the years, he's been the shoulder when I had a dilemma, crisis, had a question  or suffered a dramatic loss (my Trent). Even if he couldn't relate to my loss, he sure offered empathy and a safe haven in which to place my pain. With those charismatic blue eyes and comforting hands, it's been a god

send to experience Kelly as my kindred spirit.

I want to let him know that his presence in my life is PRICELESS. I would not trade it for any other experience or connection with another human being. It is said that when we reincarnate, we relentlessly come back to the same souls we knew in past lives. Mister Mitchell is definitely one of those souls.

Thank you Kelly -- from my heart and soul-- for always being there for me. For never turning me away when I needed you in my dark days and for sharing my triumphs when I succeeded. You will go down in history as SOMEONE who made my Journey all the more happier and fulfilling.

I love you, my friend.

RR xo

GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!! The Courage of a Lion and the Heart of a Saint

This one here is just a simple post of gratitude to show appreciation for a special person in my life who INSPIRES me SO MUCH, that I want to shout it from the rooftops!!

Yeah yeah...I've thanked this person before quite a few times on the blog in the last year. But what harm is there in doing "just one more" post? (hehehe)

To that Leo man whom I revere so much:
Your friendship and connection is a BLESSING from the heavens that I hold close to my heart on a daily basis.

I love how you show up AUTHENTIC and wear your heart on your shirt...showing me that you are UNAFRAID to go after your big dreams. In turn, your COURAGE bolsters my own spirit and jump-starts my heart into divine action. It makes ME want to chase those lofty goals too!!

I hope you know, that the moment I was aware of your presence on this planet, I KNEW right then and there, we had a soul connection from a past lifetime, perhaps more than a FEW lifetimes.

I just want to thank you for having the courage of a lion and the heart of a saint. For caring the way you do about people, humanity and the whole collective.

I want to honor you...the deepest parts of you that you hide away and shelter from the world. I SEE YOU --I mean REALLY SEE YOU-- behind the big barricade that you have put around your heart. Don't keep that wall up for very long. Please let someone in at some point, because I feel you're going to miss out on the GREATEST CONNECTION OF YOUR LIFE.

I love the way you exude HEART & SOUL when you show up. Keep bringing that PASSION to the forefront.

I am aware of how much you've gone through...the way you lost your little girl. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I wish I could reach up to heaven and bring her back down here for you. She loves you beyond measure and is now your Guardian Angel in the afterlife. What a blessing, to have her take care of you, guiding you along life's trials and triumphs.

I'll close this letter by saying "I love you, kindred spirit" and please don't ever change.

Sincerely,
Your friend and ally,

RR xo

REFLECTIONS ON LOVE AND LOSS

Dear Readers,

Sometimes my heart swells with pride over the beautiful, sentimental things in my life that fill me with joy unspeakable.

Sometimes, the tears fall when I contemplate the losses. There's a few (sob) and they've stolen my breath away when they happened. The loss of my soulmate in 2016 and in 2017, the family home sold off and torn down. THAT one was a bitter pill to swallow. I think I died inside when it happened. 35 years of memories...too many to mention here. What a blow to the heart.

This post is not meant to be a downer. Please don't think for a second that I am depressed. It could be farther from the truth.

I'm playing the soundtrack to St. Elmo's Fire right now. Far out, man. Totally RAD!!! 1985 called and wants its denim back and big hair. I can't help it, I love me some David Foster gems.

Okay okay, all joking aside...tonight I'm reflective. The wind is howling outside my window, and the weatherman says possibility of snow flurries. Winter in Southern Ontario can bring a chill to the bones that never seems to go away til April's daffodils start pushing through the soil.

My headphones are on FULL BLAST at the laptop. Yes, I'm multi-tasking. Eating After Eight Chocolates that were gifted to me at Christmas. Playing my You Tube playlist (made especially for noveling. Writing this article. AND...drum roll please...editing and REWRITING the classic 2012 PASSION novel that I am SO DAMN PROUD of!!! It's getting a revamp for Valentine's Day.

Back to love and loss...

Well, I'm taking stock of those painful losses that broke me wide open to allow much more love to come sweeping into my heart. It's fascinating, isn't it? The way loss can do that to you, and make you appreciate what you have right in your hands.

Some people just build a barrier and block the brand new love or goodness from coming in...out of fear that they might get hurt again. But I've made a pact not to let that happen. Besides, what would it serve me? Nothing at all. No good can come from a Heart of Stone.

What have I learned from love and loss?

I've learned that love is only as good as the love that you give away. It's the sweetest prize in life, and no amount of money can surpass the value or feeling of being TRULY LOVED.

I've learned that loss can be a stepping stone to a higher altitude...that if you take the ashes from your loss, you can make something new, something beautiful and fulfilling, and it can give you wings to soar to your new destination.

Perhaps tonight, you will give yourself the gift of silence and reflection, and ponder how love and loss have affected you as well. There's a lot to be learned from these experiences. They both hurt us, mend us, transform us...in our quest to become a better soul.

Stay Passionate,

RR xo

Christmas In My Heart: A Poem For A Special Muse

Whenever you come around
I light up
Like a Christmas tree
in Rockefeller Center

Like a kid
Who's met Jesus
For the very first time

What you do to me,
Magnificent music man
You send my heart in a tailspin
My brain in a flurry
Of love
and adoration

Grateful
So damn grateful
For Christmas In My Heart
The one you brought me
The feelings you've inspired
Too many to mention
Too massive to express

This love is Golden
Epic
Instrumental
Monumental

You've opened the floodgates
With your cool blue eyes
and warm, warm heart
I cannot thank you enough
There would be no measure
No way to contain
Just what you mean to me

So here is my heart
On a silver platter
With a big red bow
Just for you
And you alone
My sweet man

Christmas is here
Alas, finally...
Christmas in my heart

I give it all to you
For all time and
for eternity

I LOVE YOU.

RR xoxo

My Forthcoming NaNoWriMo Entry 2018!!!!

Each November, I've been fortunate to partake in the annual National Novel Writing Month. For me, it's a passionate endeavour to get an entire novel finished in 30 days. The feat is bewildering, intense, delicious. Your adrenaline is on edge and the coffee carafe is flowing nonstop! All my nails are bitten off in full anxiety and my social life takes a hit. But to be honest, I would not have it any other way.

This year, the novel that "chose me" is a sexy crime thriller full of sass, sin and intrigue. I've dubbed it Scent of Midnight (and the title may change later) so fasten your seatbelts...it's going to be one helluva ride!!

I began a while ago, creating the main characters in my head as I worked my day job. Yeah, I'm a space cadet sometimes, drifting off into my own wonderland, conjuring up spicy scenes that could make you blush. 

Rebecca and Alex are my lovers. They don't like one another at first, and it's an unlikely pairing, but oh when things heat up in the kitchen, Chef Alex gets my heroine's mercury rising!

The setting is a retirement community in a lakeside town. Think Dirty Dancing meets Murder She Wrote meets Golden Girls. 

I'm beyond stoked to see how my 7th consecutive NaNo entry plays out. The cast of characters are colorful and scintillating. 

On November 1st, I'll sit down to draft the first chapter. Stay tuned!

With much love and appreciation,

RR xo

HEART WIDE OPEN

Once in a while in the middle of an ordinary life, magic appears.

I've been blessed to recognize this when it shows up. Time and time again, no matter what the trials or tribulations in my life...this magic resurfaces. It might be a person who comes to make my day, or a magenta sunset that just burst across the sky and stole my breath away. It could be a brand new song just released from my girl Mariah, sending my heart into flight. Or maybe it's the friend who surprised me after work and drove me home. She stopped in at the local Starbucks and bought us both iced pumpkin spice lattes...to die for! Tonnes of whip cream and cinnamon on top. The perfect treat after a long day slaving away. You get the gist.


When my soulmate died 2 years ago, I feared the magic would be gone forever. I went into a brief depression because losing My Trent was the most painful, riveting blow to the heart. It's been 27 months since he died and broke my heart. Everyday the ache still lingers...but it is much more bearable.

Sometimes a person steps into my life and just makes it really beautiful again. Fortunately, I have radar for when this rare soul shows up. My feet have a spring in their step...my heart a little lighter...the days brighter and even a workload is less a burden because my thoughts have shifted to the sweetness of that muse who helped me feel alive again.

For a romance author, finding a new muse in which to channel fresh material is a godsend. Even more so...one who inspires me to reach for the stars and yearn for the best in life. He's reminded me that I'm capable of achieving so much more than the mediocre life I'd been settling for since Trent passed. The biggest fear I carried with me was that my heart would close up and shut down. But the exact opposite happened. My heart broke wide open, with love rushing forth, like a river, ready to make a grand adventure. In this discovery, I found that invincible summer within me, knowing my courage and heart had grown tenfold.

A heart wide open becomes a magnet for miracles. My brand new muse is someone I needed in my life. To inspire. To relate to. To fulfill a need. A mission. I can't express fully how grateful I am that he has come along. In the coming weeks and months, I hope we grow as friends and support one another in a warm connection. My heart is at peace that he is here. He's got a major project in the works and I've jumped onboard to help support the campaign.

That's the thing about a heart wide open. It wants to give and never hold back. To offer freely its time and services to those it holds dear. Unconditional love at the helm of the ship. Steering straight into the blue horizon.

I feel like a kid all over again. Joyful.  Abundant. Free. Wealthy. Loved. Blessed.

Magic is everywhere and I'm loving how it's touched my heart.

I love you, my new friend. I'm proud of you beyond measure. May you always have the blessing of the gods on your side. May the sun always shine on your face. May you always be in my corner.

Thank you from my heart.

Cheering for you.

RR xo

Hello September!!!

Every year at this time, I do a little happy dance.

Why, do you ask?

Strangely, as a girl who was born in April, I have a hugely over-enthused OBSESSION WITH FALLTIME.

I know, I know. Stop it with the Pumpkin Spice talk, right? But I can't help it. Something abut the days getting shorter, the nights getting longer, and the scent of fall in the air just sends me on a trip to the moon.

We're in September officially today. Here in southern Ontario, that means hot days and cooler nights. Today the mercury hit 34 Humidex (25 celcius but feels like 34c with the humidity) In Fahrenheit for my American friends, it feels like 93.

The sun is shining and I've had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Tim Hortons is brilliant, although I do prefer the Starbucks version.

Soon, there'll be the crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet, those familiar, chilly nights and the scent of wood burning fireplaces in the neighbourhood. This time of year, the night skies get prettier. Everything about Autumn pulls me in. Pure romance. Sweater weather. Cozying up to someone you love. I might even be compelled or inspired to have an Autumn romance myself. Wink Wink.

Romance is always on the brain for me, whether in my fantasies or in the form of a book. I love conjuring up a good ole love story. Right now, I'm drafting the outline for my annual NaNoWriMo entry. It's my yearly novel that I set out to write in November. Something about that 50,000 word count just sends the pulse racing and stirs something deep inside me. I am beyond stoked for this year's novel. The storyline hits close to home and it's got romance, murder and intrigue.
I'd like to say it's a hybrid between DIRTY DANCING, MURDER SHE WROTE, and HARLEQUIN.

TANGO IN THE NIGHT is the working title, but it might very well change when November gets here. Right now, it's just a draft, a germ of an idea.

When inspiration hits, you just run with it. My hero is a sexy, adventurous alpha male who likes to work in the kitchen. The heroine is feminine, smart, intuitive and courageous. There's no telling what mischief these two will get up to! Stay tuned for more on Alex and Rebecca.

Wherever you are in the atmosphere right now, may your weekend be filled with adventures and happiness.

As always,

Cheering for you,

RR xo

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

LUCK BE A LADY...

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY....to all the lovers in the world....and to my dear faithful readers who make me smile each time they share a wonderful REVIEW about my books!!!

LOVE AND PEACE to you all XOXO

Stay Passionate,

RR xo

SUBMITTED!!!

This author is smiling for a few reasons...

1. It's St. Patty's Day (Kiss Me, I AM Irish!!)

2. I JUST submitted THE CHRISTMAS KEYS (my latest novel) to a reputable publisher...tonight! at 11:00 p.m. SO AMPED!!! Fingers crossed :)

3. I'm IN LOVE...with my hero....DEREK KEYS. He's "all that" and more!! If he walked off the pages of this book, I would MARRY him in 2 seconds flat XOXO

After much laboring, editing, polishing, scrutinizing, sweating, nail-biting and many cups of coffee...

THE BOOK is finally complete!!! What began as a small seed of an idea in early November 2017...has grown to a 63,000 word novel that makes me grin so huge :)

I want to take a moment and thank THE VERY SPECIAL MAN who inspired my beautiful love story. It has changed my whole outlook on life, and you inspire me daily...to be a better woman, a more dedicated writer, a stand-up kinda gal, a brave warrior, a courageous heart and a fighter.

What I love about you is EVERYTHING. Keep being that solid guy, that champion for human rights, the man who petitions for the homeless of Oshawa, the one who wins awards for Accessibility so that disabled people can find normalcy in their lives, and above all....your BRAVE HEART...for showing up so AUTHENTIC in this life...after losing your precious little girl at age 7.

I commend you so much!!! D.G.!!!! You rock!!!!

See you soon XO

Love and thanks,

RR xo