Cheers and Hooray!!
Chasing Ordinary is soon to debut.
It’s hard to believe my arduous labor is over and this new butterfly is birthing into the big, bad world. It feels like I’ve been carrying her forever. (‘Cause you have, Prissy. Four long years… wait…five!)
I can smell the printed ink, touch my crisp pages, and ogle those stunning colors bouncing off the butterfly design.
A ginormous thank-you to the team at Hearth and Soul in Tallahassee, Florida. I’m so excited to announce they are hosting my *launch celebration* at their gorgeous, captivating venue.
Save the Date: Thursday, April 4
How many times did I want to quit? Every day. I kid you not. To write the truth (as a memoirst) I had to return to the past (again). And looking back is much harder than we think. But what a gift it is. Because it’s only in looking back we see just how far we’ve come.
I’ll be honest though. I lost my interest in ever finishing this book. There was just too much stress and sadness happening in my life. All at once.
Losing my beloved mother, followed by two hurricanes and two evacuations. Then a boy I mentored for eight years murdered his mother. (crowning me the worst mentor in the history of mentoring) My granddaughter wrecked her beautiful face riding a stupid Go-Kart. Not enough…then we sold our house. We packed and moved twice within five months as we were renovating a house. Throw in a sick husband and his spinal surgery. Well, you get the picture.
*A Fragile Mess* seems like a good title for my next book!
The point– I tossed out more pages, chapters and drafts of Chasing Ordinary than I could count.
Chaos and Creativity make an ugly couple and have zero chance of success. So I had to do what I always do. Search within my own being for the answer. It almost slapped me in the face…the answer.
This wounded butterfly needed to nourish her heart, strengthen her wings and brighten her being. We all have our breaking points. I’d reached mine. Ask my two daughters. I knew I needed to fly….away…anywhere. And so I did.
I retreated to a place of peace and tranquility at the summer home of Kathryn Ireland, in Toulouse, France.
The week was magnificent and restored every fiber in my being. It was *Far outside the ordinary* in every way. So was Kathryn. It’s no wonder Bravo television scooped her up and just this month three magazines are sitting on newstands featuring her oozing talent. This guru of hostesses knows entertaining and design.
Things in life happen as they’re supposed to. I’m a firm believer in this truth. Though I must confess the *why* remains a mystery. I met so many lovely strangers at the retreat. They were like honey to my heart. Friendships blossomed by chance. Joy trumping sadness.
I flew home counting only the blessings in my life and not the burdens. Funny how that happens. Best of all… my heart, mind and soul were infused with the thoughts, words and narrative needed to finish my book. It took only a few months once I found inner peace. I should have remembered that cardinal rule…do for yourself so you can do for others.
More on my next blog about France. I have a new endeavor with Kathryn Ireland. Spoiler alert: This author is scooping up friends for *bucket list* trips. Pack your bags.
In the meantime….
Thank you for your support, love and encouragment.
You were like a cheerleader steering me toward that goal line. Despite all the interceptions, and brutal tackles that knocked me flat, I knew you were sitting in my invisible stadium. You were patient, waiting for me to make that touchdown. And I wanted to give it to you… even more than I wanted to make it.
There are no words for my gratitude. A simple thank-you seems pretty lame for all your grand gestures. Even so,*thank-you* from the bottom of my heart.
Hugs and love!
Prissy
I am so proud of you. Only regret is not having Sylvia here because she was SO proud of you. Joan
Thanks so much Joan.
My *Not finishing* before she died is my biggest regret. 🙁
XO
I can’t wait to dive into your new book “ Chasing Ordinary.” Simply put: You have a WAY with words that touches hearts and sparks imaginations and provides a “Looking Glass” into the soul. ❤️
Thank you SO much Sherry!! XOXO
I look forward to reading your new book…..
Thanks, Ann! XO
Prissy, I am so happy for you and us readers that you finished!!! I sensed your struggles and like me travels across the big pond clears our head!
Hooray!!! See you on the Fourth if not before!!!
Can’t wait!!! Cheers my friend!!! 🥂
Thanks, Betty!
Miss you and hope to see you then:-)
We are so proud of you!
Awww. Thank you so much, Joyce. You made my dayXOXO
Your post is captivating, and one finds that each sentence is more interesting than the last! That’s the way your first book read, and we are all anxiously awaiting the second. While bumps in your journey, you continue to grow because of that positive aura that always surrounds you – and, it doesn’t hurt to be blessed with so much talent. We are so proud of you, our beautiful friend. See you on the 4th!
You are the sweet one. Thank-you so much, Linda. Miss you and look forward to seeing you and Steve….soon! XO
Dear Prissy,
What a wonderful telling of your journey and completion of your newest book, “Chasing Ordinary”! I will mark April 4th on my calendar.
Thank you so much for keeping me on your contact list.
Love and big hugs,
Marie
Looking forward to seeing you soon. This time it won’t be in the aisle or Publix. XOXO
Congratulations Dear Prissy!
I’d love to be there for the christening of your new release. Is there a way to snag an invite to the 4/4 debut (perhaps for Jane and me if there is room)?
I’m so proud of you and would love to share in your joy (God knows I’ve prayed through so much of your sadness….you’ve had so much). I’m proud of your faith, strength, and accomplishments and am happy to promote a Jacksonville stop on your book tour when desired. Let me know about your release event please?
Blessings,
Denise
Hi Denise….girl, you don’t need to snag anything from me. YOU are cordially invited– I can’t wait to see you.
Sending you an email right now. Thank you for your dear words, and mostly your prayers. You are one of my fave’s and always have been.
Looking forward to seeing you XOXOXOXO
Bravo!
Thank-you!! XO
Thank you for persisting… we will be rewarded with another amazing book and you will be rewarded beyond the ordinary!
Thanks! And I better be seeing your smiling face on April 4th at Hearth and Soul. LMK if you don’t get the information. It was posted by them— I will repost and send an email.
Be there or be square…and we know you don’t want to be SQUARE:-) XOXOXOXO
Prissy, as always, your words brighten my day! I am so thankful to be of your “ginormous group” of friends and look forward to being at Hearth & Soul!
Thank YOU, Louise!! I’m so looking forward to seeing y’all at Hearth and Soul.
Congratulations!!!!
Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks, Elda. Happy Birthday to you!! XOXOXO