Photo courtesy of HouseBeautiful.com

The hype is over the moon about Harry and Meghan and this elaborate, maybe not so elaborate, wedding of the year that happens tomorrow. I can't decide if I will stay up all night, go to bed early, or just forget it and watch the re-run.

​The definite pomp that surrounds any royal event as this is interesting to me. I've enjoyed watching the nightly program about the Royal Wedding on PBS hosted by Meredith Vieira. I loved seeing the dresses through the centuries, the royal tailor and what it involves putting all of the embellishments on the royal jackets, the history and awe that surrounds this Windsor family. (Photo of Harry and Meghan courtesy of WalesOnline.)

Yeah, I'll probably be awake at 3 am CST sitting in front of the tele with my freshly brewed coffee and tissues watching as the almost King Charles walks Meghan down the isle to meet her love. After all, I'm an author and all about the happy ever after!

     I don't remember much as a young child. I didn't interact with my mother that much because I don't think she knew how to mother. She was a large, by that I mean tall and big framed, not overweight, woman. Her hands were huge! She had a 6th grade education so never worked outside the home. She took in ironing and babysat. 
     Unfortunate circumstances forced us farther apart during my teen years and I couldn't wait to move out of our house into my own place upon graduation. It didn't happen that year, but the next year I moved into a mobile home with my best friend.
     She always made sure my clothes were clean and there was a tasty meal on the table...venison chili, braised short ribs in a tomato sauce with green beans over mashed potatoes (I sure wish I had that recipe!) and carrot cookies that were to die for!  Every Sunday, while my dad was still alive, we would have fried chicken and all that went with it, and homemade lemon meringue pie...all recipes in her head.
     As time passed, I moved to Oregon, then to Iowa. At that time I didn't realize her health was so poor. She was a terrible chain smoker, and by the time she finally saw a doctor, the cancer was so advanced it had eaten part of her esophagus. She died a terrible death and I wasn't there. I was pregnant with my 2nd son, when my family went to Montana to see her and clear out her apartment. I received word of her passing 2 days after returning home to Oregon.
     The relationship we had was tolerable. I neither loved nor hated her...I honestly to this day don't know how to describe what I feel about her. So, instead of celebrating Mother's Day...I celebrate my children and I celebrate women all over the world. I'm so proud to be a woman...no let me rephrase that...I'm so proud to be a lady with high standards and morals who doesn't give a rat's behind about being politically correct.
​    I stand for truth and honor and justice in all situation for all people...INCLUDING MEN! But, let me add to this, I do not support abuse in any form--whether it be from males or females. I was physically and sexually abused as a teen by the man who my mom was supposedly in love with...and I will not stand for any physical or emotional abuse by anyone! I am not a male basher. I am old school and still respect the strong male role models (even though they are more and more difficult to find) and applaud any who succeed.
    So, on a day for Mothers....may I say to all my girlfriends worldwide...shine your lights this day as you mother those around you whether they be your own children or someone else who needs your love and compassion.

It's been a busy couple months. Spring....or maybe I should say Sprummer...has arrived, my patio pots are filled with colorful coleus, purple sweet potato vine, hot pink geranium, a bright lemon yellow vine (that I forgot the name of and am too lazy to run outside to get.) I'm anxious to watch them grow. This photo was from last year.

The WALK MS even was very successful. Because of your donations I exceeded my goal of $800. Thank you to Rexco Equipment, Inc. for matching funds that you collected in change jars I will continue to be an MS advocate whenever and wherever I can. It is important to get the word out about the need for a cause and cure for this autoimmune disease.

​My new book, SECRETS OF DALGAARD CASTLE (don't you just love my cover? The talented Linda Boulanger of Tell ~ Tale Book Covers designed it--and the cover of the anthology), part of STOKING THE FLAMES II anthology, will release May 22nd. You won't want to miss this! The price is only 99 cents for 14 awesome stories by 15 incredible authors. If you love dragons, myths and folklore, please click on the link under the Stoking the Flames cover (which is gorgeous!)