Saturday, December 31, 2016

Happy New Year!


I'm not one for the 'new year, new me' that I see a lot of people post online, but I do believe every day is a fresh start. Regardless of what the date is on the calendar, every time you open your eyes is a new beginning. Attitude affects everything around you so bring positivity into everything you do.

This past year was hard for me. I haven't been focusing on my books and writing as much as I should have. My health has been up and down. I'm not where I want to be in terms of job or money. Honestly though, I feel like a change is coming soon. Good things are on the horizon. My husband's hard work is going to pay off soon.

The power to affect real change is in all of us every day. Don't wait for the start of a new year to give it a shot. New Years Resolutions are all well and good, but don't forget what makes the year: You.

Every day I strive to be better and happier than the day before. It's not always feasible, but with air in my lungs and strength in my body, I will reach new heights.

5 goals I want to achieve:

1) I plan on releasing at least two books in 2017.
2) I want to be in a job that not only supports my family, but that makes me happy
3) I intend on getting the strength back in my right shoulder and lower back.
4) I want to spend more time in Charleston, SC with my dad, brother, and nieces.
5) Learn to crochet

Happy New Year, everyone! What goals are you hoping to achieve?

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Rest in Peace, Carrie Fisher


When I first heard the news that Carrie Fisher had a heart attack, I was floored. I closed my eyes real tight and said a prayer for her and her family. Growing up a Star Wars fan, Princess Leia as a big part of my childhood. In a year which so many unexpected deaths, the possibility of losing Carrie hit especially hard. I didn't want the news to be true. When a report came out from Carrie's mother (the wonderful and delightful Debbie Reynolds) that she was stable and doing better, I relaxed.

And this morning on Twitter, Carrie started trending. I held my breath as I looked. Maybe it was good news! Maybe she was out of ICU.

I instantly cried at the headlines. Carrie Fisher had passed away.

She was more than just a Star Wars actor. Carrie was an icon. When my world was dominated by Miss Elizabeth and Barbie, I had Princess Leia to look up to as a strong woman in the sci-fi genre. Not a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. She showed me I can stand up for what's right, oppose evil, lead a rebellion. Princess Leia was a bad ass.


Because of her, I wanted to become an author and create more characters like her in a genre dominated by weak and useless eye candy. Carrie herself was so un-mercilessly funny and unabashed in who she was. Her take me or leave me attitude never cease to amaze me and fill me with pride. She wouldn't consider herself a roll model, but she was. Outspoken about her own demons and mental issues, she blazed a trail to bring it to light. It was okay to talk about mental illness. Carrie beat addictions. She freely admitted to struggles with bi-polar disorder. She refused to be a punch line for late night talk show hosts. She was an author. She had influence over major Hollywood scripts.

She was loved by many.

We are down one geek goddess but she will never be forgotten. Her final word in Rogue One I will take with me. "Hope."

I am one with the Force. The Force is with me.

Rest in Peace.