Every time I finish writing a book, every time I see the cover, participate in an online event...I just get giddy.  That feeling never goes away. In fact, I think it is multiplied with each book that releases.  The realization that you spent hours pouring over the manuscript and the possibilities that regardless of how many times it has been read, edited, proofed, and edited again there will still be an error or two.  The best of all, though, is the knowledge that it is a part of you....a part of your thoughts, your psyche, the very center of your soul.

Today, the release of a boxed set...When Sparks Fly...has humbled me again.  Six amazing authors and I have come together to bring you this summer's newest collection.  I hope you will take the time to investigate it and review it.  I'm thanking you in advance!!!

How exciting to be sharing with you a new release!  Moonlight & Music is part of the When Sparks Fly collection that releases Saturday, June 27th. I'm so blessed to have worked with this phenomenal group of ladies.  Kristine Raymond, JM Nash, Andrea Michelle, Anne L. Parks, B. Maddox, and Maryann Jordan are some of the finest writers you will find. Please get your copy from Amazon...$1.99 for 7 awesome, intriguing romances!  You can't go wrong!  I'm thanking you in advance.

Recently I was reminded how important the BASICS are to everyday life.  Remember these are just my thoughts and my views and I'm not imposing them on anyone, but sharing them with you because I feel someone will resonate with what they read.
B....BELIEVE.  In order to succeed, you must believe...in yourself, in what you're doing, in what you're promoting, in what you're selling. The more educated you are about what you're doing the more believable you become to those around you. The more believable you are, the more others will want to be near you, share in your knowledge and experience. All of this has to start with YOU believing in YOU, YOUR gifts and talents, YOUR products.
A...ADVANCE. Stagnant pools of water go no where...if there is no new water feeding it to keep it fresh, it simply teems with bacteria and evaporates. We must move forward in our lives, our businesses, our personal journeys. It's important to keep our eyes focused on what we want to achieve and ADVANCE toward that goal with humbleness in our hearts...never forgetting our roots--the very thing that allowed us to begin that journey in the first place.
S...SELF CARE.  One of the most sure ways of failure is to not take care of ourselves. Do you take care of yourself?  I mean really take care of yourself?  Do you budget time just for you?  Do you have a daily self care program?  I find I am horrible at this and the older I get the more I need to take care of me.  It is true, if you don't take care of yourself, you have nothing to give those around you who need you.  Take even 5 minutes each day and spend it outside...breathing, enjoying the fresh air, the sunlight, your surroundings. I practice prayer and meditation. I work with healing and crystals. Sleep when you need to, exercise to keep your heart healthy, avoid harsh situations and negative energies. I know the latter is the most difficult because negativity is around all of us all the time. Speak only good of yourself (this is my downfall). Say thank you to those who compliment you.  You are wonderfully and uniquely created for a purpose. Remember that. Be humble in accepting your purpose here on earth.
I...INVITE.  Be inviting in your presence with others...in how you carry yourself, and in your speech. People in general just want to feel worthwhile and accepted in the presence of those around them. Be inviting in your demeanor. It wouldn't hurt to actually invite someone you don't know all that well to have lunch or coffee or tea.  Or go out on that limb and ask them to help you in your adventures.
C...COURTEOUS.  This is a word that isn't used much any more. I substitute being kind. Kindness is a thing of the past. As each generation grows up there is a new set of morals/mores and somewhere in the mix of all of this kindness has been swept aside. Acknowledge the differences that exist, but be kind in your responses. Understand that a word shared with someone from a kind and courteous place in you tells them that they are valued, not taken for granted.
S...SHARE. Share of yourself. You have gifts that others need. Maybe it is a hello or a smile. Maybe it is much more. Only you will know in your soul what it is you are to give.  Sometimes it is only availability, sometimes it is driving someone to the store.  It's the little things that matter most. We get so caught up in life that we forget our roots...we forget where we came from...we forget what got us to where we are today. May I never forget the kindnesses of those who have crossed my path to get me here to the person I am today.

Please sign up for the newsletter if you have not done so already. Exclusive news is found there only. Join us for the release party for When Sparks Fly on Saturday, June 27th from 4-8 pm. Vicki from Platinum Book Reviews is our party hostess. It's going to be a blast!  Lots of prizes and you may be the lucky winner of your own boxed set of When Sparks Fly.

Sending you all lots of hugs and love.
Grace