A Twisted Fortune

Twisted Tea was my drink of choice last New Year’s Eve. Printed on the inside of each bottle cap was a single word, which made them that much more enticing to me. I love words.

Before I opened my first bottle on that momentous night, I declared to my friends that whatever word appeared on the cap would predict my 2015.

I was filled with anticipation as I struggled to twist off the cap. What portentous word would fill me with hope for this coming year??

Once the cap was off, I flipped it over to read. And what did I find? Sad.

I wanted a redo.

Suddenly I was dreading the following days, weeks, and months. I told myself that sad was just a stupid coincidence, a bit of bad luck. Though I tried to believe that, I really didn’t. A dark cloud of concern loomed over my future.

Sure enough, sadness befell 2015.

1.       I missed my son who lives about a thousand miles away.

2.       In September, a good friend and amazing person passed away suddenly.

3.       And the world has grown more violent and tenuous.

Sad.

But as it turns out, 2015 was also filled with joy and love.

1.       I got to spend quality time with my son. Even got to spot him a few times in the independent Zombie comedy How to Kill a Zombie! And my guy, Allen, and I are in the process of moving closer to my son and other family members.

2.       I made lots of new friends.

3.       I’ve kept old friends.

4.       My life has been full of adventures with Allen, friends, and family.

5.       I published my first novel, Brave.

In reality, every life is sprinkled with sad. But I feel as though it’s a necessary ingredient to help create a better us. It acts as a catalyst for us to make changes in our lives. To be grateful for those around us. To relish every moment. 

It’s there to remind us to appreciate the happy. 

Even still, it's important not to dwell on sad. Feel it, assess it, and utilize it to create more happy.

What will my word for 2016 be???
 

Meanwhile . . .Cheers to fully appreciating the happy!!

#LiveLife #GetBrave #AnJAdventures #NewYears #TwistedTea #Fortune #YinAndYang

One-of-a-kind, Best Gift Ever

The holiday season is here. 

Money is burning on the Menorah. Credit card bills are stacking up under the Christmas tree.

Instead of kissing, you’re stressing under the mistletoe. Or spinning out of control like a dreidel.

Every year it happens. And every year many of the gifts get lost or broken, returned or dumped in the trash.

Why not start a new tradition? Give the gift of you this year. Wrapping paper is optional.

• Spend time hanging out, chatting, playing card games, board games, video games together.
• Try a new recipe together. Or create one yourselves.
• Adventure outside together and rediscover your community, parks, camping.
• Share in laughter. Rent comedies, read/listen to books, watch family videos. Make new ones.
• Help a friend, neighbor, or loved one. Stop by with groceries for those who can’t get out, or who are less fortunate. Or maybe bring a homemade meal, or just some chocolate.

This holiday season and all throughout the year, focus on creating great memories. That’s the best gift anyone can give and receive.

Give the gift of you this holiday season, and share in the joy. 

#Gifts #Holidays #GetBrave #LiveLife #SpreadTheJoy

What would you do?

You’ve been abducted. You’re trapped in a room with another person. One gun. One bullet. No food. No water. There’s only one way to survive. You have to kill the other person.

Would your survival instincts kick in? And if you kill that other person, could you truly live with yourself afterwards? Or would you fall victim to the weight of the guilt?

What if that other person were your business partner, your best friend, your lover, or your child? How does that impact your decision?

That’s the premise for the international bestseller Eeny Meeny written by M.J. Arlidge. Detective Inspector Helen Grace, who has personal issues of her own, is on the case, trying to solve it quickly before the next victims are abducted.

I liked Eeny Meeny for its short, quick bursts of chapters, which was easy to squeeze into my lifestyle. The writing quality was average, but the plot was intriguing/disturbing enough to retain my interest for the majority of the story. I think there may have been just one scenario too many for me, but overall I enjoyed getting to know the victims, the dynamics of their relationships, and the resolution of their horrific situation.

My rating for Eeny Meeny: 3 ½ out of 5 stars. 

#Mystery #GetBrave #MJAlridge #EenyMeeny #Books