Sep 26, 2013 | Cheer up empty nester, The "me" you want to be, What inspires you?
Just when I was having a bad day, feeling down on myself, filled with regrets, consumed with grief, beating myself up with a bunch of what I should have done lectures, a very dear friend sends me a video message that truly was a God-send.
I was reminded again that my mamma was right when she said we are all somebody’s angel!
So my friends, if you’re feeling like everything in your life is falling apart or you’re doubting your world changing capabilities or you’re wondering if you’re too much or not enough, I invite you to listen to this video.
In fact, after hearing on the news today about another heart-breaking young teen girl’s suicide, I intend to share this video with every young woman, teenager, girl I know!
I want every young woman to know how precious and important they are, that they are needed, and wanted! That yes, we may make choices we sometimes regret. But part of life is learning to make better choices. We all must learn this lesson. I know it may sometimes be bittersweet. I know this from experience. I’m learning such a lesson right now.
But I want all young women to know that nothing is worth ending their life. That they need not feel they must figure out solutions to their problems or mistakes alone. Ask for help. There is a world that desperately needs them, needs their talent, their insights, their accomplishments. And there are people in this world who can and will help.
Sep 17, 2013 | Books & more that inspire!, Cheer up empty nester, Good book club books, Queen of Damn Good Advice
I heard someone say that Amazon.com boasts more than 20,000 titles on the subject of happiness. Yet with all the reading we’re doing, many of us will still say we haven’t found it yet.
Some say a deep longing for happiness is at the heart of the desire for money, fame, and power. Perhaps the best advice anyone could give us, whether we’re married or single, is to stop waiting for happiness to come galloping over the next horizon.
From my own experience, happiness does not come from trying to be someone different than who we are, nor in running from here to somewhere else. Happiness is not in the things we desire nor is it based on conditions. Happiness is always within our reach, but to have it we must sometimes take a stand and mentally fight for our divine right to be happy.
Abraham Lincoln said, “People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
Roman Emperor Marcus Antonius said, “No man is happy who does not think himself so.”
English journalist Roger L’Estrange said, “It is not the place nor the condition, but the mind alone that can make anyone happy or miserable.”
I have proven to myself that a change in attitude and viewpoint leads to a change in perspective and outlook, which inevitably results in improved situations. Living next door to in-laws who, in my early marriage years, often made me feel they weren’t pleased with my husband’s choice in a wife gave me many opportunities for implementing my attitude adjustment.
I believe happiness must be as consciously practiced as gratitude, forgiveness, and kindness. As with everything else, the more we practice it, the better we get at it.
Want to read more?
This is an excerpt from:
Buy this book or ebook
Sep 11, 2013 | Author
I wonder how many more stories of untold heroism and compassion comprise the tragic day of September 11, 2001.
Here I am early on the morning of September 11, 2013 taking my morning walk and looking on my iPhone for music or something to listen to when I see this YouTube video.
I had no idea how emotional I would become listening to this 12-minute story. After all, it had been twelve years since that horrific event. But to hear it – a story I never knew or never heard before – was another life-changing moment.
Besides my awe, respect and love for my fellow citizens, I found myself also saying OUT LOUD,
“I never want to say I should have!”
I even gained a new recognition of how our actions and our words matter, are important, make a difference in the lives of others.
One man on this video said, “Even if I only save one person, that will be one person who doesn’t have to suffer or die.”
It made me ashamed to ever believe my life, my actions, my words are meaningless, have no purpose, are not needed – even if only by one person!
I think what was truly amazing to me about this boat story, was a SINGLE call went out for help looking for any boats that could come to the rescue of the millions of citizens who ran away from the falling towers to the water’s edge with no place or way to escape.
ONE SINGLE PLEA FOR HELP!
And a multitude of boats suddenly began arriving within minutes!!! Many were individual boat owners who didn’t think twice, were not part of an organized coalition or planned rescue mission!
They simply responded. They acted. And thank God they did!
Bless each and every one of them and the many others who put the life of someone else before their own without even blinking an eye.
My mamma was right when she said,
“Each of us is somebody’s angel.”
May we never forget that!
Sep 4, 2013 | Queen of Damn Good Advice |
Woo hoo! The first DamnGoodAdvice reader photo contest is announcing its winners, selected by a neighboring photographer because I could NOT make my mind up. I LOVED LOVED LOVED all of the photos!
Many thanks to each lovely lady who participated! And to show my enthusiastic appreciation to everyone who took part in my first contest, the runner-ups will also receive an Amazon gift card. All participants will be receiving a signed copy of The Queen of Damn Good Advice along with her customized tote bag filled with other “Queen” customized goodies.
Without further delay…
♥ The first place winner is Morgan Miles.
Morgan Miles
♥ The second place winner is Deborah Napale.
Deborah Napale
But as I said, I LOVED all of the entries and sincerely appreciate each darling & sassy photo! Amazon gift cards will arrive via email so winners should be on the look-out for them TODAY! And book goodie bags will arrive via USPS – being mailed on Friday!
Stay tuned all ladies! Who knows what Queen challenge will happen next!
Sep 3, 2013 | Author, Good book club books, Good books for moms, Gospel According to Mamma, Queen of Damn Good Advice, Southern Women Writers
Join me along with over 50 authors
at the
September 14 from 10am-4pm
At Tyler Rose Garden Center
420 Rose Park Drive
Tyler, Texas 75702
Texas Book Festival
San Antonio
I’ll have a booth displaying both of my books (see them here) with special pricing and several FREE goodies for those who buy either or both of my books. Each book comes with a customized tote bag!
This is a great time to find some new books, but also a great place to find holiday gifts early. You can get both of my books to give as gifts for $20. My books are great gifts for moms, daughters, sisters, other family members and friends.
And…they are great for young women in college, empty nest moms and seniors looking for new purpose, women of all ages striving to accomplish their dreams, brides preparing for marriage, women struggling with divorce or other drama — ANYONE men and women who want to recall and honor their own mamma stories and lessons.
The East Texas Book Fest is organized by SALT (Smith County Public Libraries) and UT Tyler Robert R. Muntz Library. SALT is Bullard Community Library, Lindale Community Library, Troup Library, Tyler Public Library, and Whitehouse Community Library.
Please help me help them by sharing the news of their 2013 book event!
