Book Signing Event!!

Gabriela Whitley: The Rise of the Kingdom

 book signing event

Sunday, Dec 8th from 3pm to 7pm at Century II's ICT Winter Bazaar!

 

I can hardly stand the wait! The anticipation of greeting and meeting so many of you...

 

 

Let's discuss Gabriela's adventures and her future explorations together!

 Century II Performing Arts and

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Convention Center

225 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, Kansas 67202

With Gabriela Whitley: The Rise of the kingdom available online for both Amazon and Barnes and Noble, I find myself searching deeply for the answer that will break it open to all the retailers. That road is perilous yet achievable and requires much more devotion than I have given it. But I have found that opportunity is in my hands and I have found the confidence to push forward and make it happen. How, you ask?

I recently submitted this novel to receive the Kirkus Indie Review. When the review came in, a shock wave of fear and excitement shot through me as I picked up the sheet to read it. At first, it started off with their summary of the novel and my impatience to skip down to the bottom of the review tried to take over, yet my fear of their opinions kept me reading it with sweaty palms. After I read it, I was astonished (though I shouldn't be with the raves I had already received) and couldn't believe what I had read. So, I had to reread it. As I read it, slowly, I giggled and felt tears sting my eyes. This was exactly what I needed to get me motivated again.

My submissions have kept me busy as well as writing the second novel (and my family, of course), which is almost complete and makes it hard to keep up with blogging (especially when you can't break free from the romance and devastation within the second part of the story). With this review, I feel my chances have increased for notice-ability and hopefully will lead to my ultimate dream. 

A brief message from the review: Though this novel was described as a typical vampire story (which is true for this first book in it's series.), it also claims to be highly readable. I encourage you to visit my website and read the review in it's entirety.

lyanajo.wix.com/lyanajo

1st Marriage Anniversary Bliss

After an entire year of marriage, I am settled in and still very deeply, happily in love with this husband of mine. They always said that the first year would be the hardest and I admit there were some challenges to tackle, but some of the challenges weren't even in our hands and left to our lord above, yet they never interefered with our deep devotion to each other.

Every evening when we snuggle into bed, we hold each other tight and stare into each other's eyes and say something that we are feeling and leaving the other smiling before we drift off into dreamland. Every morning when we wake up, we remind each other how thankful we are to have crossed paths (three years ago), thank you to our Lord Father Above. My husband always reminds me, that because of me, it's so tough to get out of bed each morning and "go do that work thing." I giggle, not letting him go for just another minute, if only we had forever to stay here in this moment. But we do disentangle because we must provide for our family.
That moment when the clock says five p.m., I'm bustling in the kitchen cooking dinner for our family, which my husband should be home in fifteen or twenty minutes, I'm so ready to kiss him and tell him I love him, though most likely I will still be over the stove and he will walk in, smile, and after taking off his dirt-clogged, steel-toed boots, would walk behind me and wrap his arms around me, nibble on my ear and tell me he loves me, which then I find myself kissing him deeply, forgetting what I'm doing as we are lost in our passion. However, my boy or Tex, our pup, would find a way to break the moment not long after it had begun and we would resume our tasks at hand.


Finding love was the most amazing moment in my life, (next to the birth of my son) and I wish every relationship the same warm fuzzy feelings that I feel inside every day. In this lifetime, we will live happily ever after.

This is 40

After watching the movie This is 40, I was left in a rather weird and silent mood.
Two things:
1. I am not forty. (yet)
2. I don't have a right out of college marriage because I got pregnant.

So, maybe my thoughts are biased with my lack of experience on decisions made because of being pregnant and having to get married when I'm not ready. However, how can two people coexist under the same roof and completely despise the other for twenty years? How can they live continuing to scream and yell and fight night after night with pure hatred about their lives with each other and in front of their children, who resembled their parents with their same yelling and fighting and hatred.

For me, that life just doesn't seem full of happiness, but of misery and regret. A house of silence would be more comforting than that, though being in a relationship where there was a lack of communication is still unsettling.

This helps me to appreciate that I found my soul mate and that there is open communication between us. Our house is filled with laughter and love especially with our children which guarantees a long and healthy life. Don't get me wrong, every family has their moments, but we work ours out at the moment it begins.

Remember, life is what you make of it and can end without a warning. Live life fully and make many blessed memories that your children (if you have them) can pass on to their children and so on. Most importantly, make life memorable and full of happiness.

"If you ain't laughing, you ain't living. If you ain't living, then you're dying." I can't remember who said this, but these are some of the wisest words I have ever heard and keep close to my heart.

I can remember a time when sleep didn't matter, only the words flowing across the screen as I stayed engaged in writing blogs and story ideas until the early hours of the morning and still had enough energy to to enjoy activities with my child all throughout the day with only a catnap to entertain me. But now, I cannot find the energy to stay up all hours of the night to write nor even just two. I struggle to stay awake to write longer than an hour after I begin or tire out after an hour the next morning. My mind swirls with ideas and yet I barely get them onto the paper (or rather my laptop) before they start to fade.
What happened to that fire that never burned out? How did I become one who preferred sleep to writing. That's not the Lyana Jo I've known nor am I ready for the new Lyana Jo to take over and slow down the writing career. There are many great story ideas written and spoken on my digital recorder that need to be shared with the world. So many that even I get tickled as I listen to an idea that ignited a spark in me from the vivid visions I once saw clearly just a few years ago.
Just the other day, while driving back from the video store to rent a movie to watch with my son, I had an idea so vivid pop into my head as I stopped at the red light. One that triggered a new excitement that I thought died when the cowboy had proposed to me or even the year prior to the engagement. The battle to stay awake long after an hour still lingers and I will not give up the fight to focus more time into what I love to do most. That is a promise I plan to keep.

Gabriela Whitley: The Rise of the Kingdom Book Signing today!

As time draws nearer for the debut of the book signing event, my heart races as my excitement grows. This day seemed to never have come and my focus had been everywhere else in this busy life. Until today when I realized it's just around the corner.

All that I am thinking about now, is making this one awesome and spectacular event! 

As I prepare and organize ahead of time, I wonder if maybe perhaps I should take the time to speak about this wonderful book. Maybe even do a reading directly from this novel. The more I think about it, the more I want to read in front of a crowd and entice one to buy this romantic yet unnerving novel full of temptation and consequences. Not to mention the danger lurking in every corner. Gabriela Whitley is a fast-paced, must read novel that will keep you reading throughout the twilight hour until dawn.

Join me this Saturday May 11 from 10-3 @ Food For Thought's Outdoor Market Spring Fling 
2929 E Central Wichita, Ks.

27 Hours and Counting Down!

Today, the day before the anxiously awaited book signing, I find I cannot sleep. Nor have I been able to sleep this entire week.  I am oblivious to my surroundings as I make the last minute preparations that have been on my mind since Sunday. All the last minute ideas have been pulled together and my "life" is in boxes ready to go. 

In 27 hours and counting down, I will be sitting in my booth ready to discuss Gabriela Whitley and her unnerving yet romantic adventures into the vampire realm. 

In 27 hours and counting down, I will be where I want to be, where I always knew I would be, holding a calligraphy pen and discussing my love for adventure.

In 27 hours and counting down, I will be waiting for your amazing smile...
See you in less than 27 hours. 



Join me this Saturday, May 11, from 10-3 @ Food For Thought's Outdoor Market Spring Fling @ 2929 E Central Wichita, Ks. 67214.

Both soft and hard cover books will be available for purchase. The first 50 people will receive a Gabriela Whitley bookmark!

Debut of Gabriela Whitley Book Signing Event

As time draws nearer for the debut of the book signing event, my heart races as my excitement grows. This day seemed to never have come and my focus had been everywhere else in this busy life. Until today when I realized it's just around the corner.

All that I am thinking about now, is making this one awesome and spectacular event! 

As I prepare and organize ahead of time, I wonder if maybe perhaps I should take the time to speak about this wonderful book. Maybe even do a reading directly from this novel. The more I think about it, the more I want to read in front of a crowd and entice one to buy this romantic yet unnerving novel full of temptation and consequences. Not to mention the danger lurking in every corner. Gabriela Whitley is a fast-paced, must read novel that will keep you reading throughout the twilight hour until dawn.

Join me this Saturday May 11 from 10-3 @ Food For Thought's Outdoor Market Spring Fling 
2929 E Central Wichita, Ks.

Book Signing Event!!

As I have long anticipated that moment I would sit in a chair at the table with a calligraphy pen in hand ready to write that autograph for you... the time draws nearer... closer and closer... day by day...

Only 13 days left...and still counting down...

I'm ready to sign that book for you!

Come join me:

At the Spring Fling provided by Food for Thought on Saturday May 11, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  2929 E Central Avenue, Wichita, Kansas 67214

I will be ready to sign that book, discuss the future, present or beginning of the tale and how it came to be (time provided).

I look forward to seeing you!

Traveling With The Hubby

Traveling with the hubby is always an unforgettable experience as he has so many different kinds of interest with his cowboy way of living. One of the most recent memorable moments happened on the cold Thursday evening during Spring Break. It was a crazy adventure to say the least, but one I thought to be exciting. We purchased a horse, whom we've named Cash, from a cowboy in a town just outside Hays, Kansas. As most people would simply write a check and mail it (or even have their brother, who lives in Hays, hand deliver the check). A check does provide an honest bill of sale if ever one needed a proof of purchase. But not my cowboy husband. His great idea was to take that drive to Zurick, Kansas and settle up with a handshake. "That's the way we do things 'round here," he told me. The total drive would run just over six hours and still leave us with a few hours to sleep before work or so I thought.

He pulled into the drive and dashed into the house, changed into his comfortable clothes and grabbed a homemade bierock on our way out the door. The drive there was a blast! We talked and laughed like times of old and decided on a name for this horse I hadn't yet met. He made fun of me for wanting to call him Blaze because his face didn't represent a blaze face. I shrugged. How the heck would I know what a blaze face looked like? And I never would have thought to call him that had he not mentioned it to begin with.

We stopped off at his brother's and visited long enough to hold the baby and to see our future pet. He's only 14'2" and seemed short compared to Rusty, who stood 15'2".
"But he's got spunk for ya, babe," my cowboy said with a wink.
We journeyed on to the little town of Zurick and sure enough, he paid the cowboy, thanked him, and ended with a handshake. "Call me when it's brandin' time," he said with a twang.

Back on the road, the hubby, quite the chatty Kathy, was as giddy as child with a brand new toy. We were making good time, pulling ahead of schedule and made a pit stop for a restroom break at the convenient store. Still having plenty of gas, we grabbed a soda and a snack and headed back on the road again. We drove on making great time and chatting excitedly about our new horse, passing several gas stations along the way. Every time we passed a convenient store, I looked at the gas gauge. We had plenty of gas so I had little worries, though I had a nagging feeling we should stop, but neglected to share my thoughts aloud.

It was just after midnight when we were seven miles from Abbyville, and climbing up a hill. As we went down the hill, the gas gauge, which sat at a quarter of a tank, suddenly dropped. "Oh crap!" He turned off the highway and headed into Abbyville to search for a gas station. After all, the stretch from Abbyville to South Hutchinson was seventeen miles.
"There's gotta be a station in one of these small towns," he said with a hint of nervousness in his tone.
I prayed to the Lord to let us find a gas station and to not let us run out of gas out here in the middle of nowhere especially since it was the middle of the night and that's when bad things happen. Plus, it was a chilly thirty-three degrees and home was still roughly an hour away.
We drove through Abbyville and not a gas station in sight. The next town, a name in which I can't remember, too had no gas station. Hope started to fade away until he said, "Over there!" Thank the Lord, I thought as he drove to the station. But, it wasn't a gas station. It was a co-op station. With a co-op station it takes a special co-op card to get gas. I urged him back to the main highway and off these back roads. We made it onto highway fifty and I prayed silently as we drove until the tank was dry.

It was near one in the morning and the closest person we could attempt to wake up was forty-five minutes away. It was a long shot but what choice did we have? It wasn't getting any warmer. My husband made the call and though our friend was perturbed to have to get out of bed, he told us he would see us in an hour. I could tell my husband was upset and I wanted to lighten the mood.
"Look at all those beautiful stars," I said and smiled at him.
He looked dumfounded and asked, "What stars?"
I laughed. It was a very thick cloudy night. Even the moon was barely visible. I snuggled as close to him as I could. "You know honey, I've always hoped you would take me out to gaze at the sky. I didn't realize we had to run out of gas to get a chance like this." I kissed him on the cheek and he threw a blanket on me.

"You better get some sleep baby", he said sweetly. He always kept a spare jacket or blanket just in case. Just in case what? We ran out of gas? How can one sleep in a situation like this? I shrugged and started up a conversation. Anything to make the time pass by. It took him awhile to relax into conversing with me.
Every headlight gave us hope that we were rescued. Only one person stopped and asked if we needed help and had we not called our buddy to help us, we would have gladly taken him up on his offer. We sat waiting for our friend to arrive for almost two hours. Calling him constantly to make sure he wasn't lost. He took a different route than I would have imagined but hey, he came. And I will be eternally grateful for him. Once he arrived we made it home in no time at all. It was near four a.m. when we laid our heads on the pillows and drifted into a very deep and short sleep as he only had two and half hours before he had to get up for work.

We now know that when traveling in his truck, we will never let it get below a quarter of a tank. Unless we want to reminisce on our adventure.

Searching The Local Bookstores

Staring at the pile of boxes that sat on my living room floor, I wondered how hard it would be to add my books into the local bookstores collections. I spent hours searching for bookstores and made just a few calls. I must say that I am quite disappointed in the amount of bookstores that we have here in Wichita, Kansas. Once, I sat writing my manuscript in the cafe of Borders which is now a clothing store. Where have all these wonderful bookstores gone?

The lack of bookstores didn't stop me from searching for stores to sell my books in. But it brought a new sense of wondering how many people now prefer to have an ebook. For me, I love my Sony Reader, but there's a lot to be said for holding that paper or hard cover book in your hands. A book never needs to be charged for a day while your desperately ready to know what happens next. If your like me and love to read in the bath or on a float in the swimming pool, there's not a high risk of having to replace it. A couple of pages get wet but it's still able to be finished or perhaps you might need to buy another copy rather than a whole ereader which can be quite expensive to replace. Plus, what if you had a chance to get an autograph? Would you have them sign your Kindle? I understand the love of cheaper books found with the ebooks and the amount of storage on just one reader. There are advantages and disadvantages for both. Whichever you choose is completely up to you and my book is available in both styles because I understand the need for both.

After a few phone calls and help from a friend, I found Watermark Books & Cafe on the corner of Douglas and Oliver. I walked in and gathered information about hosting book signings and consigning my books within their store. It didn't take me long to sign a contract that added my books to their collection. Also, I have a call into Dillon's and Barnes & Noble who too, promote local authors. As I wait patiently (or rather drumming my fingers on the table and looking at my phone restlessly) for their call, it's time to advertise this book and get started with the book signing campaign.

My Whimsical Life: Perhaps

My Whimsical Life: Perhaps: Lately, I've been thinking... That I'm not getting any younger... Perhaps, I haven't lived my life as I wanted to or should ...

Perhaps

Lately, I've been thinking...

That I'm not getting any younger...

Perhaps, I haven't lived my life as I wanted to or should have...

Perhaps, I have been sitting on the couch staring at the television watching adventures I only wished were mine...

Perhaps, I have been writing journeys that only I could dream of...

Perhaps my writing brings out the desire for adventure...

Perhaps, it would be wise to get my bum off the couch and take a journey...

Or perhaps, I could just sit here and write about it...

Gabriela Whitley Is Live

Gabriela Whitley: The Rise of the Kingdom is now available on amazon.com as well as barnesandnoble.com!

Gabriela Whitley's life as a college senior is both ordinary and enviable. Blessed with beauty, brains, good friends, and a handsome, athletic boyfriend who adores her, Gabriela is looking toward a future filled with success and happiness. She has no idea that she is being watched by someone who longs for her-that is, until she hears a strange, distinctively seductive voice in her head one evening while searching the local book store for another great book about vampires. She is terrified and runs into the night, but finds herself inexplicably drawn to 

the handsome and mysterious stranger, whose name is Maddox.

Unable to resist the lure of Maddox and his world of vampires, Gabriela learns that he knows even more about her than she knows of herself, such as her true past and the circumstances around her mother's death years earlier. She discovers that she is no ordinary young woman but heir to the throne in a place she thought existed only in dreams. But danger lurks there, too. For instance, Maddox tells her of his sister, Madison-but who is Madison really, and how far will she go to get what she wants?
​
As more is revealed, Gabriela is torn between fulfilling her destiny and returning to her perfect life, which is spiraling out of control. In a story both romantic and unnerving, every choice has consequences-and no one is immune to temptation.

 

The First Book

On March 11, 2013, I received a call telling me that my book is on it's way. I giggled as I couldn't wait to see what it looked like. I had seen many versions of it on the computer and even seen what it looked like on Amazon, but that didn't mean nearly as much as holding it.
I waited patiently throughout the day at work and wished I could just run home to check. When my shift ended and the kiddos were packed in the car I drove home, tapping the steering wheel all the way. I couldn't get home fast enough, though home was literally three minutes away. I pulled into the driveway and sent my son to check the mail and glanced toward the porch. There sat a package nestled in between the screen door and the door itself. I giggled.
My son told me he didn't see the book in the mail and I pointed to the front door. He ran and grabbed it before I got a chance. When he handed it to me, he stood impatiently waiting for me to open it up. Though I tried to just tear it open, the packaging was tough and I tried not to break any nails. Finally it opened and I slid it out and into my hands. As I giggled, tears welled up in my eyes. "I did it," I said softly.
My son hugged me and said, "Why are you sad, mama?"

I laughed. "No, baby. Everything's fabulous! This is mommy's first book."
"Wow!" He said. "Can I read it to you?"
"Um, not this one baby." Flustered I didn't have a real good response except that this book is intended for adults.

Snow!

The first flakes of snow began to fall, though I was sound asleep. It wasn't til I woke that I knew the snow had fallen and to make matter's worse, I had spring fever. My son was ecstatic as well as my husband, but me I thought, Man I just washed my car!

I rounded up the children and took them to school. Punched in for the day and hoped at some point the snow would ease up. But the flakes got bigger and the snow came faster. By noon, I wondered how I would get us home. With school already in session, they cannot cancel and that was okay. We were probably out of school the next day anyway. The kicker of it all, we just had a holiday and Inservice day. This was their first day back and most likely their only day back this week. As the day progressed, many students left with their parents, but my groups were still present so I continued to teach them.

Finally, school ended and the first thing out of my son's mouth: I can't wait to shovel the neighbors' driveways and make some money!
I laughed. No matter how much he shoveled, the snow never let up. He worked until the sun went down (about an hour and a half) and I too worked on our driveway.

In the morning, it was as if we hadn't shoveled at all. I dreaded going back out to shovel the driveway, wishing my husband were home to do it instead. My son however, was extremely happy to go talk to the neighbor across the street. If you are wondering why he didn't shovel our driveway, it's because he said I don't pay him enough! We worked on the driveways throughout the morning and then the snow came down hard again. My poor bubby was frustrated, but he knew the neighbor had paid him ten dollars and he was determined to continue to shovel. Feeling bad, I went over and helped a little.

That evening the snow finally let up. Yet the driveways were mostly finished, my son decided, enough was enough. His feet hurt as well as his arms. So we decided to make a snowman but the snow didn't stick well. We would have to wait until the sun melted it a little. I picked up some snow and threw it at him. He laughed and we continued to throw snowballs and play in the snow as the sun peeked out. It had been so long since we had a really good snow fall and I didn't want to waste it in case it would be years before another good one.

Though I was ready for spring, I made use of the snow, making sure as a family we took full advantage. We built the snowman, went sledding down the hill, had a snowball fight and made snow angels. When we came in each time, I made hot chocolate to thaw our frozen fingers and warm our bodies.

It seems an eternity that I sat near the warm blazing fire all snuggled in the recliner with a notebook and pencil to occupy my evening writing about whatever came to mind...

I throw a piece of pinion wood into the dancing flames and watch the log ignite quickly. The campfire smell floods me with memories of the summer eve's I spent with family and friends. Many times we sat talking about anything that popped into our minds as we roasted marshmallows and slightly burned hot dogs. Laughter was contagious as it filled the air around us. No cares in the world; no place you had to be. Just sitting here relaxing with the warmth of the fire and good company.

Ghost stories were told as long as little ears didn't pop out as they were spoken. But most nights, it's conversation about life's adventures until we retire to the tents for a sleepless night and wake up early in the morning with the settled dew.

It has been years since I embarked on an adventurous camping trip and my mouth waters for those marshmallows as much as I yearn to snuggle into my husband's arms around the campfire, talking about the journey we have begun and where we are headed. Laughing as we look back on where we began only two and a half years ago.

Snuggling in front of the warm fire keeps me in deep thoughts, reminiscing on where I've been, dreaming of the future, yet living fully for today.

The day started off horrible. I woke up late and rushed into the bathroom to take a shower. My favorite conditioner had run out so I had to use one that left my hair feeling greasy and limp. I tried to slip into my jeans but they were too tight. I tried on three other pairs before I gave in and wore the loosest of the tight jeans I had. The shirts I had made me feel and look lumpy. Never mind curling my hair or putting on makeup because it was just one of those days. And yet it was Valentine's Day.

I remembered my husband's words that morning as I wished him a happy Valentine's Day on his way out the door. 

I thought we were celebrating tomorrow.

All I said was Happy Valentine's Day. I knew we weren't doing anything special. It was his night with his daughter. But still, I hoped he would be jolly and tell me something sweet on his way out. But that didn't happen. Even my son woke up grumpy. What a way to start the day.

We made it out the door a couple minutes behind schedule but thankfully we made it. The weather matched my mood with a hint of gloom. But today, I knew the sun would come out and I chose to shine as well.

It was almost lunchtime when I was told to go into the office. I panicked wondering if my son was in trouble or that something else was wrong. When I walked into the office, the secretary smiled and looked at a beautiful bouquet mixed red roses and calla lilies with a card leaning against with my name on it.

"That's yours," she said sweetly.

My first instinct was shock and then I felt a huge relief and wanted to cry (happy tears). Instead, I smiled and giggled. As I left the office, I read the first two lines of the card on my way back to the classroom and had to stop as tears stung my eyes. The card was more beautiful than the flowers ever could be. I didn't expect anything from him nor would I ever. He didn't forget me on this special day not that I thought he ever would.

All I needed was a simple I love you and a kiss on the cheek to make my day and he went above and beyond as always., making a horrible day turn into a wonderful day full of sunshine.

"Again?" I asked myself as I saw the antivirus check come up on my laptop.

While it booted up, I made a cup of coffee to enjoy as I blogged. However, it didn't look like I would get the chance yet again. For the last two weeks, every time I started to blog, my laptop has decided to do a system upgrade or a scheduled virus check.  I have tried to enable the scheduled check many times and spent many hours frustrated when I didn't get a single word typed. It's as if the computer is on strike! Yet it's just a computer. And then I have to ask myself, who set up the time for the scheduled virus check? I sighed. It was I who set it up for a two in the morning system check back in 2009. Since then, I have gotten married, gained a great job, and decided to publish a manuscript. Since then my brain has kinda... forgotten some old rules in computers and networking. I will admit now that I'm not as computer savvy as I once was.

I will also admit that I have been much too distracted. I have many lame excuses for not blogging as of late and one really good one. Turning my manuscript into a novel has really kept my attention along with reading a really good series. It seems that every time I start to blog, something got in the way; including sleep and my son waking up way too early. It's not easy writing a blog with a munchkin who has so much to say as soon as he wakes!

And here he comes now, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!

The First Fishing Trip

Taking the children fishing for the first time turned out to be more adventurous than I thought it would be. It was down right exhausting even with two adults working together to handle their needs. It was a constant battle back and forth to keep everything in order. As soon as the worm was on one hook, it was time to bait the next. Teaching them how to cast carefully was another part. As soon as one line hit the water, there was a bite. The shrill moment of catching a perch that fit a palm, lasted for a second. The second child casts, but gets their line stuck in the tree. While the perch is being released back into the water, the line is released from the tree. And then time to bait the poles again. The children were separated, one on each side of us, so that they didn't cross lines as they cast out into the lake. Another bite for one child and a little grumbling from the other child who has only caught a tree. After a few minutes he gets a bite! He's so excited that he flings his line out of the water, hooking the fish good. He listens as I teach him how to reel the line in with his perch dangling at the end of it. At least now they have both caught a cute little perch too small to eat.

After awhile things simmered down and my husband's line finally touched the water. It didn't last long before the children grew hungry and bored. They ate their chicken and played in the dirt, forgetting all about fishing. We packed up as they grew restless and headed home. After our three-hour-adventure, they were exhausted and happy and begged to go fishing again the next weekend!

Believing In Dreams

What is it about dreams that keeps you yearning for more? What is it about dreams that give you a glimpse of the future and yet does it really? How can you deny de ja vous? How can we tell if its part of our future or just a wishful moment?

My husband and I tend to differ on what our dreams mean. He believes it's just our subconscious working overtime and yet he cannot deny that some of his dreams gave him a glimpse of his future. One happened to be me. He had a dream right before he married his blonde girlfriend of three years that she wouldn't be his wife. Another woman with long brunette hair stood at the alter with him. He never understood it at the time. Many years later, I became his wife and it clicked in his mind. Yet again, that all depends on your interpretation.
I don't believe that all dreams stand for something to come. However, I do believe that our good Lord above sends me answers through my dreams.
I dreamed of a baby boy before I knew I was pregnant. I never went to see what I was having and I dreamed that he was a boy throughout my pregnancy. Today, I have a precious seven year old son. I dreamed about each of my pregnancies as I became pregnant and I also dreamed of the miscarriages right before they happened.
About fifteen years ago, I dreamed of coming home on a Greyhound bus from a vacation wearing my red sweats and feeling weary. I laughed. Several months later and after a two week vacation in Key West, the car broke down and I found myself on a Greyhound bus wearing my red sweats.
That's just a few moments in my life that something has stimulated through my dreams. I have regular occurrences. So many times it has sent me warning and when I acknowledge it, I understand.Perhaps because I feel I am close to God that theses dreams happen. Perhaps it's the Nezperce or Cherokee Indian in my blood. All I know is that I believe messages come through dreams just as well as through the mail, phone and/or email. I cannot deny that most of our dreaming is just our subconscious working overtime. Sometimes though, it has truth either plain to see or hidden deep inside them. I love waking up and trying to analyze what my dreams may mean.

Today there's not much to say. I'm still in dreamland. Not that I'm sleepy, but that I had a dream of a house and a future I am eager to begin. The house was interesting with it's endless doors down a hallway that never seemed to end. The upstairs was filled with bedrooms and the basement was a replica. Disappointingly, the kitchen never came into view and that matters most alongside the amount of bedrooms the house will provide. The house seemed humungous yet average size. It was mysterious and comforting at the same time. A feel of home yet a strangeness too. Perhaps it was just an unfamiliar place to call home. Yet a place to learn to feel welcome though I felt welcome when I walked passed the threshold. The warm tones of the house filled my heart with joy. I couldn't wait to move in and unpack the boxes.  But as in dreams, there's always something strange that happens to make you wake. As I explored deep down in the basement, a group of people sat around a table discussing the purchase of the house I had wandered into. I jumped as it startled me and woke that very moment. Perhaps that's not the house in our future. Yet it gives me that thrill of looking for the future house that would be just right for our family.

A Peek Into The Future

She stared at the fire wondering how it got to this point. She loved spending time with him, but now he wanted a relationship. Why would he push her into something serious so soon? It was just one kiss after several months of hanging out. She just found her freedom and the last thing she wanted was to lose it all over again. However, she didn't want him to walk out of her life forever. That was his style. No games. But, she wasn't playing a game. She laughed every time they were together. They were the best of friends and friendship was the most important thing to her. She couldn't lose his friendship. But a relationship? She just wasn't ready. Was she? To make matters worse, their fight last night ended with him walking out on her and their friends. He refused to answer her texts. Their friendship was over and she didn't understand why. He never once gave her an inkling to why he was so upset with her. All she wanted was to keep things as they were. Their first kiss, an amazing kiss that warmed her inside, was only two nights before their fight. Their first kiss opened up possibilities of a relationship, however nice and slow was her pace. She had built walls around her heart and refused to tear them down so quickly. Yet, she was hurting now. She needed him. He made her smile. They laughed until tears rolled down her cheeks and talked for hours on end.
When they went dancing, she danced with no one else and snuggled deeper into his arms when the song slowed. His embrace was warm and inviting. She remembered him telling her that her smile was as beautiful as she was. She looked up at him, blushing. He brushed her cheek and bent his head down as she reached up and their lips met as they slowly danced around the dance floor. Their kiss lasted an eternity before someone bumped into them. He laughed as she giggled and they continued to dance the night away. They kissed only the one kiss that happened at just the right moment. She wanted to kiss him again, but that crossed boundaries and she wasn't ready. Or was she?
She stoked the fire with tears lining her cheeks. She was afraid to love him, yet she knew she did. And now he was gone forever. There was no way to get him to respond, especially now that he was leaving town for the week. He would forget all about her in that week. If she couldn't get him to respond before he left, their friendship would end.
She looked at her phone. "One last text," she sighed. "Please talk to me. It cannot end this way."
Maybe he will respond, however, most likely it's too late. "Lord, let him respond," she whispered as she stared into the fire.

With a glass of sweet tea in her hand, she walked out onto the deck and sat in her favorite chair to watch the sun hide behind the trees. Her favorite time of night was when the wind began to chill and leaves swirled straight up in front of her and then scattered across the yard. The dry air begged for moisture though there hadn't been any in over a year. Sweat beads formed over her entire body as she sat waiting for the sun to lower. What she would give for a break from the smoldering summer heat. She closed her eyes and wondered if the rain would ever fall again. She dreamed of the wet drops soaking through her clothes and hair as she danced through the rain with thunder booming overhead. She giggled. A darkness fell over her closed eyes and she immediately opened them and smiled. A humungous dark cloud had rolled across the sky covering the sun with a promise of rain. She hoped this time the cloud would not tease her. The winds picked up and she shivered. The wind grew colder and blew harder by each minute that passed by. The cloud seemed to be making good on its promise. The sun peeked out from behind the cloud and the warmth returned. Disappointed, she looked up at the sky with a pleading look in her eyes. Another cloud rolled across the sky hiding the sun. Within minutes the entire sky grew dark and a beautiful array of pinks, blues, and purples ran along the horizon. The winds picked up speed and she heard a soft rumble. The rumble grew louder but still a serene sound. A wet drop hit her arm. She couldn't believe it. And then another smacked her forehead. She stood up and a rush of drops covered her instantly. She ran out in the yard laughing as the rain poured down on her. She danced merrily as the thunder gained a deeper voice. Lightning struck a tree near by and she ran onto the deck quickly. The storm grew with intensity bringing hail stones the size of golf balls to beat upon anything it felt. She ran for cover inside the log cabin house. The lights went out. She shrieked! She blindly reached for the wall and found her way into the bathroom and felt for the candle on the counter. She felt for the drawer and opened it, fumbling to find the lighter. Finding it, she lit the candle and carefully walked into the living room as to not spill the candle wax onto the hardwood floor. She sat watching the storm through the flickering candle light until she fell sound asleep.

Time is drawing near and my palms are sweaty. Beads are forming on the back of my neck as well as my forehead. I can't stop moving, whether it's tapping my foot or fidgeting with my hands. It's taking too long yet it's coming too soon. Do I wanna know? No. Yes. I don't know. It's killing me; the waiting. My mind plays a thousand tricks. I think too much. I get up and walk around. I'm antsy. How much longer in this dreaded silence? Do I look at the time? Yes. No. I don't wanna know. Yes, I do. Seconds tick away quickly. My heart is pounding hard in my chest. Will the answer make me smile or make my heart sink? Ugh, I want to know now!The phone rang and my hand sat on the receiver for a moment before I picked it up. "Hello? Yes, this is she. Oh, I'm sorry. I can't talk right now. I'm waiting on an important phone call." I hung up the receiver and drummed my fingers on the table. How much longer before they call? They should have called already. Does that mean the news is bad? Or will I sigh with relief? Again the phone rang. Again I hesitated before I answered. Again the wrong number. How many times will this phone ring from telemarketers? I stood and walked into the kitchen. Just as I turned on the water to wash the dishes, the phone rang. I dashed back into the living room and answered. This time it was the anticipated call I had been waiting on. I sat down on the sofa as I received the news. Shock was frozen on my face. "Thank you," I said as I hung up the phone. I sat back on the couch and stared into the mirror, yet not seeing a thing. A million questions ran through my mind. I didn't know which emotion to feel and buried my face in my hands as I cried.

An Endless List

With so much to do, where do I start? The bathroom wall paper needs removing, the shower curtain rod needs replacing, the clothes need folding, the dishes need washing, the floors need vacuuming, sweeping and mopping, the beds need making, the entire house needs dusting... The papers need filing, the desk needs organizing, the bills need paying, the computer needs updating, the printer... the printer... the blog needs writing, the book needs critiquing...The list goes on and on. Will it ever reach an end? Perhaps it's not meant to end. If there were nothing to do, boredom would come and boredom we do not need.

In the fast paced life that we live, we expect to be busy with whatever dreaded chores we have left to do. All we need is to find time to finish a project we began a month or even years ago. But how do we find the time we need? We can write a list and place it on the mirror as I have done in the past. We can tackle one chore at a time. Put a focus on an item everyday. With household chores, do a little everyday. My grandmother once told me that if I did a load of laundry each day, I would never be behind. She was right. Every day one load was washed, dried, folded and put away. Before long, the piles were too small to do a load everyday. That can even work with filing. As soon as there's something to file, take the time to do it right then and there so that it doesn't stack up. My basket is overflowing again. I dread to sit in front of the filing cabinet and file for hours. Yet had I just filed the two papers each time I had them in hand, the basket would be empty. We all have lazy days and are entitled to them. However, we also should have catch up days and stay on top of chores days too.  Why spend a whole day doing what can be done in ten minutes each day?

Day 3

My eyes are crusted with sleep and I dread getting out of this bed with the steady pitter-patter of raindrops against the window. The low rolling thunder is no help at all. It makes for a sleepy day. My alarm has been sounding louder and louder each second. I wish I didn't have to get up. Pitter-patter, pitter-patter. Yawning, I stretch my arms and legs until I shake slightly. It feels so good to stretch. I slide one leg from under the covers and I shiver. Then the next leg joins the first. I slide until my feet touch the floor and I slowly sit up. For today is Thursday. It's almost the weekend. Then I can sleep in if even for an hour longer.

The rain is falling harder and I smile. I love the rain no matter how sleepy it makes me. I love the rolling thunder and the feel of spring. It's a perfect morning to enjoy a cup of coffee in front of the fireplace and write for hours on end. When it rains so many thoughts and images rush through my mind. It's a moment of creation and the best use of my writing time.

Time has grown short just as my fingers are warmed to the keys. If only I could type the day away.

Day 2

Where do I start... oh yeah. I am awake, but barely. It seems sleep comes so easy these cold winter days. Once my toes touch the cold ceramic tile, I shiver. If I could just run back to bed. Why do I wake myself at such an early hour? The coffee is brewing and my mind is groggy yet searching for ideas. At least my fingers are typing away...

There was nothing out of the ordinary yesterday. Nothing to get jazzed about. But then I remembered something unnatural about their stares. Why did they stare at me so? I only smiled and continued my routine. Their greetings were strange as well. I didn't think about that until now. They never reached out to me the way they had yesterday. Did they find out? How? Nobody is supposed to know. Will they confront me? What will they do? What will I do? I pray that they know nothing. I pray it is just my imagination.

Time is short. I better get ready and back in uniform. I cannot act suspicious or I may not write another word. Okay. Here I go...

Day One

Day One...

"Wake up America," I say groggily.

Getting out of bed gets harder and harder each day. Which is absurd because my day used to begin at five-thirty a.m. and I was wide-eyed and bushy-tailed. Though I'm eager to write, I just need five more minutes. Five more. Before too long it's been thirty minutes and it's time to get ready for the work day ahead. I've missed my chance at writing once again. I say this more often than not.

Why is it so tough to get out of bed? Maybe it was a good dream or an intense, action-packed, dream that left me exhausted. Or perhaps its the warm body that I am snuggled up against. Yet, isn't he supposed to be out of bed already? Oh no. He's late. He's late again. How long will his boss be understanding? We are newly weds. Well, seven months had gone by. Yet, nothing has changed with our devotion and longing to be together. That won't matter in his boss' eyes.

I am awake and rolling out of bed. My eyes are half open and I can't stop yawning as I make a cup of coffee. While the coffee brews, I power up the laptop and stare at the flashing cursor wondering what I want to write today. Nothing comes to mind, yet my mind is flooded with thoughts. Which task do I take? Do I just sit here and write aimlessly in hopes of something interesting pops into my mind? At least I am writing though it makes not a lick of sense. But how often does writing make sense? If published, more often than none. But daily blah is normal for me. Not everything in life makes sense. Nor should it. If everything in life made sense, boredom would come so quickly and time would pass slowly. The mystery of life is what keeps us going. Wondering what's in store for us each day. Whether it makes for soundless sleep or tossing and turning. Regardless of which, it's time to get going enjoy the beautiful sunny day that lies ahead.

Black-eyed Peas to the Rescue

Celebrating New Years Day with black-eyed peas has been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. It is said that a spoonful of black-eyed peas can make or break your luck.

Last New Year, 2012, I somehow forgot to eat that spoonful of black-eyed peas. On the first day of 2012, the Wii crashed. The next day it was my phone. Then the next, my computer. (Thank goodness it wasn't my laptop.) It seemed every day in January of 2012, something was replaced or thrown away. On the positive side, I can say that I have lots of new items that shouldn't break too soon! 

While everything around me was breaking, I was preparing for my wedding in May. Thank goodness the groom didn't crash! It was a stressful start to the new year and I tried desperately to take it with a grain of salt. Though 2012 was a year for replacements, it was also a wonderful year with my fiancee/husband. We experienced many struggles together on top of the electronic issues and it only strengthened our bond.

It's New Year's Eve of 2012 and I'm relaxing on the sofa reading a book until it's time to run an errand. I'm not really wanting to go, but I must. It's been scheduled. I look up at the clock and sigh as I close the book. I walk up the stairs, grab my keys and enter the garage. I hop in my car, put the key in the ignition and nothing. No way! This can't be happening! The car is a 2008 and only has 36,000 miles. I've only owned it for a year and a half. I tried again. No power. I tried to pull the key out of the ignition but it wouldn't budge. I check to make sure it's all the way in in park, but even the shifter is locked into place. "What a fabulous end to the year," I whispered sarcastically.
I'm clueless on cars and the factory warranty had expired. I am at a loss for words. I walked into the house, cancelled my appointment and tried to call the hubby. But his phone went straight to voice mail. His battery was just about dead when he left for work. I shrugged and made dinner.

When he arrived at home and heard the news, he went out to the garage and unhooked the battery to get it replaced. He arrived five minutes after closing time. My car would just have to wait until New Year's Day. Though I was frustrated, I was thankful that my husband brought his suburban home from his parents house the week before which gave us a third vehicle. At least I know that if my car decides to RIP, I still have a vehicle to drive and work was only three minutes away.

On New Year's Day, I made a corn salsa dip that included black-eyed peas. I had almost forgotten the importance of black-eyed peas until my car chose to stay resting in the garage. Not only did I enjoy a bowl of this dip, I had my son deliver a jar to some of our neighbors.

At noon, while making chili, my husband began to finish the business he started with my car. Within half an hour I heard the engine revved and I peeked my head in the garage. I cheered happily because this was a great beginning to a new year! When he came inside, not only did I smother him with kisses, but I made him eat his spoonful of black-eyed peas. Reluctantly, after he ate his bite of the corn salsa dip, he told me that he saved over fifty dollars with his employee discount when he purchased the new battery. That made it even better!

Day two and I had to fill a prescription. Our joint insurance began on the first and I only hoped that my ninety prescription would be cheaper. It was by forty-five dollars! Not only that, but there was a nine month coupon of thirty dollars which brought it down to fifteen dollars!

This year we are cheering on the New Year of savings! Thank goodness for those black-eyed peas!

A Couples New Year and Resolution

On New Year's Eve, I slip into the dress that will cause my cowboy's mouth to drop open and eyes pop out of his head. My hair falls down my shoulders to the middle of my back in loose curls and my makeup covers any blemish noticeable to myself. The necklace was a gift from my cowboy two years ago and has earrings to match. I pick out a pair of four inch stilettos and walk out of my room and into the kitchen.

My heart beats a little faster as I walk down the stairs to the basement. He's playing Spec Ops on the Xbox. I wonder if I will divert his attention.

I don't have to wonder long as he stands almost instantly once he catches sight of me. There was no question whether I caught his attention as his lustful eyes devour me as he approaches. His hand slides through my hair and he grabs the back of my head. His lips smother mine in a seductive and sensual kiss. My heart races as his hand slides down the small of my back and he pulls me in tighter. I wrap my arms around his head never wanting this kiss to end.

A moment passes and he looks into my eyes. "I love you," he says and kisses my nose. "Hubba, hubba."

I giggle. "I love you too, cowboy," I say gazing into his eyes. He gathers me into a warm embrace and we stand holding each other longer than the kiss. This has been a hard year for us down to this very last day. Yet it was also the happiest year as we vowed to keep our promise to love one another through the good and the hard times.

He leads me to the blanket in front of the glowing fireplace. A platter of chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of Champagne and two glasses sat awaiting our arrival. At first we are silent watching the New Years Eve special on Kake. But then the silence is broken by the appearance of Pitbull and our normal chatter begins. We indulge in the juicy ripe strawberries and wait for the clock to chime down, laughing and talking about nothing important. Spending quality time enjoying each others company.
"Next year, we'll go out on the town," he promises.
"Next year we may be in the hospital awaiting the arrival of our child," I tell him. "You never know, we could have the new years baby." I wink. He grabs my hand and squeezes it.

Time is winding down to those final minutes and he pops the cork. My glass overflows and I laugh holding it over the platter. My hand is sticky and my glass now is half full. That is all I need to bring in the New Year. We engage in a kiss, forgetting to count down the last seconds of the evening. Outside, fireworks burst out wildly. But we cannot stop kissing.

"Happy New Year," he says to me.
"Happy New Year," I say beaming back at him.

In this moment, we know the perfect resolution for us.
Our couple's resolution: To spend at least twenty minutes conversing of things that are not work related, child related, or news related. But, to spend at least twenty minutes each day reminiscing, dreaming, or just talking about us and our love for each other.
We already wake up each morning and thank God for letting us cross paths. Now we will spend time showing our devotion to one another.

Sneakl Peek!!

Gabriela Whitley: The Rise of the Kingdom

The Vampire stepped out of the woods at sunset and headed for the Bistro, clearly playing over every word her angelic voice spoke in his mind. Only hours from now, he would perch himself in the tree and listen to her read. At least he hoped she would. He stopped suddenly as the rich eucalyptus scent filled the air around him. He turned swiftly and followed it, down the sidewalk and across the busy street, pushing through the rushing crowd of people near the entrance to the bookstore.  

            When he walked in, Gabriela was scanning her finger over the titles of the same bookshelf. He camouflaged himself in the leaves of the silk dragon tree in the far corner of the café and closed his eyes and concentrated on listening to her voice. 

“Oh, which one is this?  No, I have already read that one.  This one looks good. Vampire Theories Volume 1.  Hmm,” she said, pulling the thin black book with red lettering on the spine off the shelf.  There wasn’t an image on the front of the book, just a cursive script dripping down the book like blood. “This looks interesting,” she thought and flipped the book over to read the back cover.

            “No, not that one. I’ve read it and it’s quite boring for your taste,” he thought.

She gasped and dropped the book, looking around her. 

He froze. “Impossible.”

            “What,” she said, frantically.  “Where are you?”  She looked around drawing attention from others wandering near her, gaining looks of confusion.  “Did you say something?” she asked the man with long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. He glanced up at her, and then looked from one side to another, then back at her, his eyebrows wrinkled.

            “Um, no ma’am,” he said, shaking his head and walking away.

            “I’m losing it,” she said and laughed nervously. She shook her head and put the book back on the shelf and walked out of the bookstore. The vampire followed, keeping his distance.

Gabriela turned cautiously on the sidewalk, glancing around her. An eerie sensation swept over her that someone was watching her, following her. She could still feel a presence in her mind as if someone was tapping into her thoughts.  Quickly, she made her way into a crowd of people, walking with them towards the street that would lead her home. 

The Vampire slowed his pace. He knew he could communicate with other vampires, but it was an exhausting task. With her, he was at ease and energized. “Unbelievable, how could she hear me,” he thought.

            “Who is this?” She shrieked.  “Where are you?  Why can’t I see you?”  She looked around anxiously as she walked through the center of the plaza, still surrounded by people walking to the shops that lined the street.  As she neared the Bistro at the end of the plaza, her heartbeat quickened, knowing soon she would be alone.

            The Vampire spoke to her gently in his mind, “I do not wish to harm you.” He watched as she looked from one side to another walking quickly, yet cautiously.  He could feel her fear. Her heart raced pumping the blood harder and faster through her veins.  His mouth watered and his throat burned.  

People passed her by, glancing at her curiously from over their shoulders, shrugging and continuing on with their agendas.  She did not know whether to run or hide.

            “Hiding would be pointless, Gabriela,” he said gently.  Oops. 

            “You know my NAME!” 

She ran passed a large group of people almost knocking down a girl close to her age.

            “Hey!  Watch where you're going,” she snapped, shaking her fist at Gabriela.

            “Please stop running so I can introduce myself.” The vampire quickened his pace.  “Look behind you to your right; I am not far.”

            She slowed to a walk and looked over her right shoulder. A very tall man, who stood out from the crowd, in a casual dark gray suit moved swiftly and elegantly towards her.  Her pace slowed to a stop. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. The stranger looked enchanting yet mysterious the way he glided towards her, his feet barely touching the sidewalk.  He was intriguingly handsome. His hair, a rich dark brown that curled loosely, wildly sexy, flowing in every direction. 

He held his hands out in front of him as he approached her. She gazed into his emerald green eyes, entranced. She was under his spell, unable to look away, unable to stop herself from walking toward him.  He looked away at once.

After a moment, she shook her head.  “What was that,” she asked. A tremor of fear rose inside her as he stood an arm length away.

            “Gabriela, I do not mean to frighten you.”  He did not gaze into her eyes as he did a few minutes before, knowing she could easily be his next victim.  She intrigued him and he wanted to know more about her rather than her becoming his next meal.