Hey, my cousin is a children’s librarian at the Henderson library! I’m jealous you’re heading over that way! And kudos to you on the weight loss.
You’re doing fabulous.

Beautiful, amazing, Janie. Don’t you know you inspire just by being you? Your writing is fantastic and that’s a given, but it’s the human being that we are in awe of.

I think it was Natalie who was first to remind us what huge sacrifices you make for your craft, and we are humbled and grateful. And Karla who talked about making a “wall of fame” for yourself, and she’s right. When I was in the service, my CO encouraged all in our unit to have an, “I Love Me Wall”. He said, “when life kicks you in the a**, and it will, you will need that wall to remind you of accomplishments and trials that have made you better human beings. But don’t ever loose sight of what is most important on that wall, that represents you, and make sure a picutre of your family is front and center.”

I know this is very long, but I have a quote taped to my wall, that helps me, and bouys me up lately. It is from Akeela and the Bee. The author is Marianne Williamson, and I think it might help.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

I think when life throws us curves, big or small, it can take time to bounce back. Give yourself time kiddo. It’s ok to take time. You have 4 great men, big and small in your life who adore you, and it’s ok to draw from their love and energy until you are back when you feel you want to be. Unconditional love is amazing like that.

BTW – size 8 is…wow. I haven’t been a size 8 since geez, 7th grade. LOL

peace out

I think that this is a common theme with many people, no matter what they do and that the feeling can ebb and flow.

The successful people are the ones that push through the feeling and persist.

You’ll do great! You are an inspiration to lots of women.

Love,
Iuliana

I hope you find some time to enjoy your summer and Ty and your boys and most of all yourself! I know that it will all come to you when you least expect it and you will be ready! The words will flow again.

I have been struggling with my high school daughter and her final exams. I told by bff thatmy daughter is so smart and I want her to be more than I am. She said, “You ARE smarter than you ever give yourself credit for. Don’t ever say you aren’t!”

I have taken a break from Zumba because we have been so busy with the end of the school year. But it is the best for Fat Exorcism! I have fat coming off in places it never did before and I am toned and stronger all over! Give it a try! It is hard work but so fun! Love the music.

I hope to be able to go to RWA next year — I hope to feel worthy of joining.

Take care of yourself! I see you have so many here that love and believe in you as much as I do!
XOXO
Monie

As for your sizes…you’re a beautiful woman. And if you want to be a size 6 or 4, that’s fine as long as you recognize that all the layers are not who you are, and that includes not just “looks” but the state of your health.

Yes, working out for health is a great thing to do. But now that I’ve come to know people with cancer, people whose bodies will never achieve close to physical wellness, it’s easier for me to see that even optimum health as a goal is a nice thing…but not the essential thing. You are already perfect and whole. Looking into the eyes of a sick person, you see they are, too.

So what ARE we supposed to do? Well, I think we should still do our best to achieve wellness of body and mind. It elevates our life experiences when we’re striving upward. But the most important thing is to nurture that spirit in you, the life force, whatever you want to call it–that thing that shines out from your eyes, no matter the state of your body.

No one can tell you how to nurture and protect that…but you’ll know you’re doing it when you have peace. If you don’t have peace, something’s out of alignment. But it’s okay…just listen to your gut, above all. Let it speak, and soon you’ll be back to a happy place, which isn’t always fireworks and craziness. Sometimes it’s quiet joy.

I think all of life is this shifting and learning and striving, all mixed together. If we have the right attitude toward it, if we tend to the hopeful and the positive, it’s a great journey!

BTW, I loved my wonderful prize!! You’re a generous lady, and I’m thrilled I get to read your books and take a peek into your life!

And please throw away everything I said that doesn’t sit well with you. I don’t mean to be pushy. I just want to be able to give back to you the same kind of care you’ve shown your readers.

Hugs,

K