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!
Sep 2, 2013 | Books & more that inspire!, Good book club books, Good books for moms, Queen of Damn Good Advice
Many times in my life I’ve let fear stop me from reaching some goal or aspiration. Since I can’t go back and change all the things I wish I had done and living in regret is completely pointless, today my resolve is fierce when I’m faced with a fear that is trying to hold me back.
Now, I do believe in making informed decisions. There could be information that might stop me from making a change.
It could also be that some changes are better at one time than at another. If a desired change shouldn’t happen today, it doesn’t mean that at some point in the future it couldn’t or shouldn’t happen.
But one thing is for sure—
Do not let fear paralyze you with uncertainty, indecisiveness, and inaction.
You must stop fear before it stops you.
It’s helpful to look at your fear straight on and examine what it is telling you. Perhaps your fear is saying: “You can’t do it or it will be too difficult.” “You’re afraid of what others will think.” “You will fail.” “You will be wrong.” “You won’t like the outcome.”
Some people say that fear can be rational and logical and is a helpful instinct that protects us from danger. I don’t think it is fear that makes decisions and actions rational, logical, and safe, but rather knowledge, understanding, and common sense, as well as divine inspiration and revelation.
At least from my own experience, fear is irrational and base- less. It is some illusive belief that would stop me from making my life better—happier, more satisfying, more interesting, more productive, more fun.
Changes are natural—and can be progressive—throughout our lives. Making a well-thought-out change need not be feared but welcomed, explored, and enjoyed.
I always say asking yourself “Why not?” when considering some change can be very telling.
You may find that there isn’t a good enough reason not to.
“A Queen asks, “Why not?” is a chapter title in my latest book!
Want to read more?
This is an excerpt from:
Buy this book or ebook
Aug 27, 2013 | Author, Books & more that inspire!, Queen of Damn Good Advice
I want to be sure that anyone planning to read my new book understands something very important!
“Annette” is NOT the queen of damn good advice. My new book is about finding the “queen” that resides within each and every woman.
It’s about finding the strength, power, courage and ability to overcome problems, leap over hurdles, jump through hoops – whatever it takes – to reach goals and realize dreams. It’s about discovering your voice and your purpose. Recognizing your potential. Believing in YOU.
In fact, my latest epiphany had me asking myself, “How often do I take my own damn good advice?” We moms give our daughters plenty of advice, instruction and suggestions but as it turns out, what we share is good for each of us, too. We need to take our own advice!
So…you got it! I’m reading THE QUEEN OF DAMN GOOD ADVICE from cover to cover myself!
But you don’t need to read a book to find YOUR queen, ladies.
She is there within you.
She loves you and wants the best for you.
You are your queen!
You can do whatever you want to do, be who you want to be.
Give yourself permission!
You rule!
Aug 25, 2013 | Author, Cheer up empty nester, The "me" you want to be
30th Birthday Party!
My little chick took flight twelve years ago now so my nest has been empty for a while. Of course, she did come home during a transitional time in her life after a divorce, but not for long. She soon spread her wings again and has been flying strong and high ever since. I’m so very proud of her as I watch her grow into this awesome, focused, clear, determined woman. She’s teaching 3 college classes this fall as she continues on her PhD journey.
Reading the many tweets, posts and blogs by new empty nesters reminds me of when I was in those same shoes. And while the ache in my heart is not as great as it was in the beginning, there are some ways I’m still trying to come into my own in this empty nest season of life.
I came across a passage from a book recently that, for me, seems to define the empty nest perfectly. Interestingly, it was in a Prevention Magazine article titled, “Menopause, An Owner’s Manual” written by Ginny Graves. And the passage was from a book titled, “The Wisdom of Menopause” by Christiane Northrup, MD.
She was defining menopause – been there done that, by the way. Although Christiane was describing menopause, I say an empty nest is:
“a time of rebirth of your deepest self. It’s like being in labor: It can be painful, but you have to believe that you’re going to come out of it with something beautiful.”
She continued, “When I was going through it, I finally quit putting my needs last and started making time for myself to write – which led to my biggest professional success. It was a real blessing!”
So dear brand new empty nesters and “old-timers” like me….
Imagine being reborn into a new beautiful you. You were already beautiful but it’s the new you that is exciting to think about. This is a special most precious time in your life. A time to be cherished and nurtured! A time that will bless you!
I finally BELIEVE this!
After thirty years of motherly advising my beautiful and intelligent daughter, I’m finally going to start taking my own advice. I’ve been in labor with this new me long enough! My latest epiphany!
Aug 18, 2013 | Books & more that inspire!, The "me" you want to be, What inspires you? |
I say, “Never doubt your worth or worthiness. Never doubt your abilities.”
I have always believed that God not only will give us what we need, she’s going to lead us, she has our back, and she’ll hold our hand. “The Queen of Damn Good Advice” in my life, my mamma, has always assured me that God is with us every step of our life journey. No matter what need arises along the way, God would have a solution. My mamma has always been right!
Our journeys are our own. Each princess and queen has a purpose that is significant. Each of our missions is distinct. No one else is suitable or worthy to fulfill our individual mission. Don’t let anyone make you believe otherwise.
Want to read more?
This is an excerpt from:
Buy this book or ebook
Want to hear a song that encouraged me at a time when I was questioning my worth, my purpose, my passion?
