Category: The Book/Moving Forward

Writing this book…….

I have realized one very important detail I overlooked. It was something I kind of took for granted and did a lot of assuming. Now I realize that while writing my book, there is one very important interview I never did. It was my own husband’s!

Charlie is an amazing man! I don’t think I’ve ever really wrote much about my husband because, well it’s my blog, and quite frankly, he is not especially interested in technology or social media at all! But I know when I blogged about the Clayton Fire, I wrote quite a lot about what he’d told me to do and how I had him in my head when I was my strongest. Still, I never really did an official interview about the Valley Fire with him for my book. I simply was going off of the things we went through together, and the things he told me during the days he was away on the fire. Not exactly the best perspective for me to have! It’s really only my perspective unless I do the full interview with him answering the questions. So that’s what I’m doing now!

In case you are just tuning into this blog or don’t know from before, my husband Charlie is a Battalion Chief for Lake County Fire Protection District and in my book, (no pun intended), one helluva guy! He has 36 years of fire service under his belt. He’s seen a thing or two, (as the insurance commercial says), and before the Valley Fire, I never saw him look particularly worried about a fire call. This one, I could see in his eyes and actions when he left, made him nervous!

I told him that the last piece of this story is going to come from him. I have the entire timeline following the Valley Fire mapped out in my book. It’s ready to be finished and starts in the month of November after the fire, and finishes in the month of July. I am currently writing about the month of April. Late April. Like I said, nearly done. Although I did have his story entered into the outline, I now see it was all coming from me. I really need to get Charlie’s full experience written down to put within the pages of the book.

So since this weekend is the first one in months that there is NOTHING on our agenda, I am spending it writing, baking, and cleaning my house for fall decorating. Yard work can be in there someplace for weeding out old summer plants that are tired and replacing them with colorful cool weather beauties. However, the greater part of my time is going to be getting my husband’s words down in the book.

I’ve decided to make the character exactly him. Different name, but still a rugged man that wears both hats of a fireman when on duty, and farmer when he’s off. A proud, stubborn, passionate man that loves his family, loves his land, loves his community, and works hard to protect them all! His will be a character in the book that will definitely stand out and make a statement.

I love fall and all that comes with it. There’s a change in the air, the smell of damp earth and leaves, and for our family we have harvest to look forward to. Grapes first then right into walnuts. It’s busy, beautiful, and traditional. As I make some fig bread this weekend and write while smelling the sweet goodness fill the air of my home, I hope it will propel my writing into a tapestry of art. Inspiration comes from feeling good and this time of year is perfect for all things wonderful.

Please enjoy your family and your homes. They are the most precious things in life. One’s home is where so many things begin and end. Just remember it’s all the stuff in between that counts. I wish you all a great beginning of fall.

 Porch sitting

is one of my most favorite pastimes. It gives time to reflect, time to slow down, and time to plan ahead. It is also the best place I know to write!

This was my fourth summer renting a house on the  Mendocino Coastline, but this was the very first time I rented one by myself. Oh, I’ve gone away for writing trips before and stayed in places that inspire me, but never have I been so indulgent to rent a house for just little ole me! Let me tell you my friends,…….. it’s spectacular!

A few of my girlfriends were like, “What the heck are you doing going alone? Won’t you be scared?” Another friend wondered what I would do with all that time alone! (Ha! anything I wanted). But the funniest remark came from one of my dear friends that said, “Oh my God, my mother would die! She always taught me to be scared of the Boogie Man! I can hear her now! ‘Keep the lights on!’ Will you be ok?” I answered, “You know when your husband and the kids all leave and you get the whole house to yourself? It’s just like that but for days!” I believe it sunk in then because she sighed and said, “I love it when that happens!”

 At night

I got to enjoy a fire because it was actually cold on the coast, which was a welcome change to the 95+ degrees we have been experiencing here in Lake County. The sound of the fire and warm taste of some red wine, relaxed me into a place where I could let my mind drift into the world of my characters I was writing about. I had finally finished outlining the last few chapters before I had to depart.

Having packed up my belongings, I took some time to meander along Hwy 1 to take a few photos. I love to play with my camera and see what fun things I might stumble across by driving along. I drove down a few roads I’d never taken and also stopped at a place I’d always wanted to explore but never quite had the time.

I was quite lucky the day was clear of fog and I could look out over the ocean for miles. Stopping at an interesting resort, I found just sitting on a cliff near Little River, this fabulous place called The Heritage House Resort & Spa. Well from the highway it doesn’t look that big but apparently it has over 30 acres of splendor! I will most certainly be looking into that place for a getaway! Hubby would enjoy it too! Can you  say, massage? Plus the dining menu looked incredible.

Nearly home and full of ideas to complete the saga of my novel, I drove into Lake County from the Napa County line. Not wanting to go the usual route, I took Hwy 128 over to Cloverdale and drove through the beautiful Alexander Valley and entered Middletown on Hwy 29 at around 3:00pm. As I drove, I was thinking about the Valley Fire like I have done each time since that terrible incident. I came across this fantastic barn that every time I see it I think, “Wow! I am so happy that place didn’t burn because it puts a smile on my face every time I see it!”

This lovely barn has grabbed my attention each time I drive past it so on this day, I drove down their driveway, and not only was able to capture this American Barn, (as I’ve named it), but a cowboy working on his fence as well. It’s such a blessing these folks didn’t lose it in the fire.

Well, I was intending to drive around last week to look over the Cobb area and specifically Anderson Springs to see what has changed, been cleaned up, or rebuilt since the fire but my dog got pretty sick and I spent days babysitting her instead. Several hundred dollars later, she is improving so that is a good thing. My quest to visit that area will take place soon though.

Thanks for reading and supporting my blog, my book, and my spirits! I hope each of you spends some time this summer relaxing, and renewing your spirits as well. Peace to all!

 Pictures taken

on your phone are never the best, but this is what I had for a head shot today in Fort Bragg, California. I am a happy, relaxed, content girl! This is my writing weekend.

First off, I would like to give thanks to our wonderful veterans! Today is Veteran’s Day, and I would be remiss if not to send out a proper nod of gratitude towards all our men and women who have served and especially to those who gave all they had! Americans are so blessed!

But since the fires that ravaged Lake County happened last summer of 2015, I not only started this journey towards writing my novel, but the most recent fire, (the Clayton Fire 2016), brought me to a stand still. I’m working this weekend to get back on the horse! This book won’t finish itself!

 More phone pics

but I had to share that this is the view from my hotel I am writing from tonight. I will use my actual camera tomorrow for better shots, but by the time I arrived late this afternoon, I was tired and just so happy to be in this space! This was the quick shot I took with my phone before unloading my car.

Last year in November, I came to Fort Bragg in the hopes of writing an award winning short story. I didn’t win of course, but nonetheless, I started up an idea. After writing about my grandfather in WWII, I sat in my then hotel, and dreamed up the idea for my current novel, Out Of The Ashes. Before I left that weekend, I’d written up an outline, (that has morphed into something bigger now), about a love story between two people, brought together in the aftermath of the Valley Fire, in Lake County, California.

So by the spring of 2016, I was certain it would be done by summer’s end. I got hung up in May and June, where the book was still in research mode, with many interviews, both formal and informal. I couldn’t have imagined that after such a horrific fire in September of 2015, we’d be hit by one quite similar in August of 2016! The devil himself had returned and the book was unequivocally halted!

Although I’ll admit, I have had terrible writer’s block, anxiety about whether or not I could finish what I started, and basic uncertainty about my talents all together, I am finally shaking off the doubt and procrastination. I’m ready to finish the book!

So with encouraging words from Elizabeth Gilbert, (watching her Youtube Tedtalks videos on writing), I’ve realized all writers have the same issues as I’ve been experiencing. So I am going to just do it! Just do the work. It will make me feel better to get my creative juices flowing again, and once I start, it’s like a small stream flowing to a river, that flows to the sea. It begins slowly, then takes on a greater momentum, before exploding into this vastness that will enlighten me.

In the end, I hope to come up with a product that I can share with all of you and be proud of. I am hopeful to finish by years end. Not going to put that kind of pressure on myself like I did before, but deadlines can be good. They keep you focused.

With peace, and quiet, and no distractions of housework this weekend, I am focused on the book and just wanted to touch base with all of you to say, thanks for the support you all have shown me. I am going to make this my Annual Writing Weekend. The coast is so inspirational!

I wish you all the peace and joy you need to nourish your souls! God Bless!

This concludes the first scene

in my book, Out Of The Ashes. If you haven’t read the first two entries that I blogged depicting this opening scene, you can scroll down to find them, beginning with Out Of The Ashes (sneak peak), then Sneak Peak Continues. This is the third and final blog of this opening scene, where Gabriel Hart first sees the object of his desire, Sarah McKinney. Read on and enjoy!

The bartender returned to say,

“Sorry to disappear on you like that, but things are hummin’ in here tonight. Let me know if I can get you anything else.”

“Huh? Oh, I’m good thanks,” Gabe replied without turning his barstool back. He was watching the girls settle into a corner table in the back of the room.

“You uh, ………Ok there my friend?” the bartender asked.

Gabriel realized he was rude and momentarily lost concentration. He had to almost shake his head in order to look away from the green-eyed girl.

“Sorry, man. No, I’m just fine, thanks,” Gabe smiled somewhat embarrassed.

“It’s understandable. I’m guilty of the same distractions,” the bartender said while staring in the girl’s direction himself. Suddenly, Gabriel looked at the guy and saw a dark shadow fall over the face of the otherwise cheerful bartender. “If you will excuse me, I need to grab some stuff, but I will be back.” and the bartender disappeared down the hallway.

When Gabriel turned his attention back to the girls, he saw a waitress over taking their orders. He didn’t want to seem too obvious with his intrigue, so Gabriel turned his barstool sideways to watch the TV screen and pretend to be interested in the game. Gabe hadn’t dated or even thought of dating anyone since Shelly. He just didn’t have the heart to let go of the past yet, despite all Shelly’s and his friends trying to set him up. He insisted it was too soon and he wasn’t ready to even think about it. They respected his wishes and left it alone. So that’s exactly what Gabe was getting use to. Being alone.

A strange feeling came over him though, sitting in that bar, and her quiet solitary mood, drew Gabe to look at her again. She looked like he felt, when HE was with is friends. Distracted, and uncomfortable, but trying to go along with the façade of the evening, she sipped her wine and looked around the room.

Suddenly, the girl locked eyes with Gabe and he felt a rush of heat flush is chest and face! She’d caught him looking with fixated eyes on her. Gabe tried to slowly, casually turn his barstool back towards the TV.

“Be careful with that one,” it was the bartender. He was back.

“What are you talking about?” Gabe pretended. He wasn’t ready to admit to himself that he felt interested in a woman, much less admit it to anyone else.

“She’s fragile. Don’t give it a thought unless you can respect that about her.”

Gabe looked into the bartender’s eyes. He was dead serious and had a somewhat cautionary look on his face.

“Not that I’m interested, but I take it you know her.”

“Everyone does,” he said. “She’s as local as it gets. But she’s had her fair share of hard knocks so, that’s why the warning.”

“Broken heart or?…….” Gabe’s question was left hanging in the air as the bartender stared at her pondering a response.

“Let’s just say it was shattered. She’s not recovered. Oh, she puts on a brave face, but her soul itself was battered. It will take a very special guy for her to ever trust or love again,” and the bartender turned and started washing dishes.

Gabe drank more of his beer and turned his stool back to look towards the girl’s table. The green eyed girl was shyly glancing towards Gabe periodically but then turned her chair to face her friends more directly. Gabe got the hint.

“Must have been some stupid guy to hurt a girl like that,” Gabe said in the bartender’s direction. “I know heart break man, and I can tell you, I have never been the player some guys are. I know something real when I have it. That’s just not something to mess around with. Don’t have time for it, ya know?” and he finished off the last of his fries.

The friendly bartender turned and gave a small smile to Gabe, as he took the empty plate away and wiped the counter. “If everyone had that same outlook on relationships, the world wouldn’t be so full of despair, and hate. Truth is my friend, that most folks are always looking for the next best thing. Nobody is ever quite satisfied with what they have. Especially if things get rough, that’s when the weak give up.”

“So that’s what happened? Some guy left her in hard times?” Gabe asked.

The face of the bartender seemed pained at the question and soon Gabriel was sorry he asked. It was beginning to look like there was more to this story than the bartender had first let on and Gabe immediately felt like he should retract any further questioning.

“Hey, I don’t mean to pry, you don’t need to answer that. It’s really none of my business,” Gabe offered.

The bartender gave a forced laugh, “No, no! It’s quite alright. It’s just that they were kind of local royalty, ya know. Everyone knew them. And the story has a crazy turn. The guy ended up dying in an accident too. So she was slammed twice!” the bartender waved his arms as if to brush away smoke and memories from right in front of him. “Anyway, what are ya gonna do, right? We all move on and so will she, but everyone here kind of watches out for her. Just so you know,” and he winked at Gabriel then walked back into the kitchen with the plate.

He knew he shouldn’t be, but Gabe was now more intrigued than ever about this green eyed beauty. It seemed so unfair that something as gentle as she could have gone through such trauma. And even though he was always missing Shelly, Gabriel had a yearning to get to know this girl. Approaching her in a bar was NOT the thing to do though, and Gabe knew it! She’d only think he was some slime ball trying to get her into bed. Some, out-of-towner looking for a one night stand. That couldn’t be further from the truth, so he dismissed the idea entirely.

Terrible timing! In the three years since Shelly was gone, nobody and nothing had pulled his heartstrings. Now here he was, just yards away from a fragile bird of a girl that he’d love to meet, and he couldn’t even go say hello for fear of her misunderstanding his intentions.

Gabe thought to order one last beer, just for a reason to stick around, but he was truly full to his eyeballs and there wasn’t going to be an opportunity to speak with this girl tonight without seeming forward anyway. Defeated, he decided to ask for the bill.

When the bartender came back he was carrying one more tray of clean glasses and set them behind the counter.

“Hey man, I think I’m ready to settle up,” Gabe said.

“Sure thing. Gonna turn in already?” he asked as he pulled the bill from his apron.

Gabe smirked and shrugged his shoulders. “Yea, I know it’s Friday night, but the week has been long and I think I will just fall asleep to the TV.”

“Big partier huh?” the bartender laughed. “I know, I’m pretty much the same. I can’t remember the last time I really tore it up. But I suppose we will be running into each other periodically since you are here awhile.”

“Yea, that would be great. I’m Gabe, by the way,” and he extended a hand to the bartender.

“Wiping his hand off on his apron, he reached to shake Gabe’s hand, “Max, and it’s great you guys are here to clean up so folks can rebuild.”

As he stood to go, Gabriel leaned in to ask one last question of Max, even though he wasn’t sure what he’d do with the information.

“Hey, Max? I don’t know why I’m asking, but………..what’s her name?”

Max eyes sparkled as he smiled at Gabe, letting him know it was ok that he asked. “Sarah. Her name is Sarah,” and he winked and disappeared back into the kitchen.

Thanks for following along! Keep looking for more to come in future blog posts.

  In the last entry,

I shared the beginning of Out Of The Ashes, with you. This blog entry will continue where we left off. If you haven’t read the actual BEGINNING, then I recommend you scroll down to read my previous blog post before reading this one. It has been my pleasure to share the start of my book with you. I hope you enjoy it.

   The woman bartender

appeared quickly in front of Gabe, placing his plated burger in front of him along with a bottle of ketchup. She gave a brief smile and quickly walked away to grab a chilled wine glass and a bottle of chardonnay to pour for another customer.

Just as his dimpled bartender promised, the burger was just what Gabe needed. The crisp, salty fries were cooked to perfection and he washed it all down with the beer. Before he could even ask for another, the guy just appeared in front of Gabe with a knowing look.

“Ready for another cold one?” The bartender leaned over to grab Gabriel’s empty bottle.

“Yea, you have great timing,” Gabe said.

As the bartender reached into a refrigerator under the counter, Gabe took a better look at him. The guy was a little older than he was with slightly weathered good looks. His light brown hair was a little long, and he was around Gabe’s height. When he set the beer down, Gabe could see he had deep-set, dark eyes that smiled just like his dimples. Although he was tanned, somehow, Gabe knew it wasn’t from being on the lake a lot. This guy seemed more like the outdoorsy, working kind of guy, like Gabe himself. That and his hands looked rough like Gabe’s. This guy didn’t spend his time inside bartending for his main living, that was for sure.

“So what do you do?” Gabriel asked as he took a swig of beer.

“Well right now, I’m your friendly neighborhood bartender. But I dabble in many fields. How about you?” the bartender asked.

“I’m here with the contractors for the fire clean-up. I’m staying at the hotel.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t head out this evening like the others then. Don’t feel like going home for the weekend?” he asked.

“Let’s just say, I can be just as occupied here as there,” Gabe replied, having another pull on his bottle.

“Well, it’s a pleasure having you here. I know there are a lot of folks really grateful for any help speeding up the recovery process. That fire really kicked this community’s ass! Folks need hope, ya know?” The bartender looked behind Gabriel, through the glass window into the atrium area at some women heading into the bar.

Gabe turned his barstool to look at what the guy saw.

The woman behind the bar asked if someone could bring in more clean glasses from the kitchen. Gabe’s bartender asked if he’d excuse him for a minute and left through the doors into the kitchen.

As Gabe turned his attention back into the direction of the three women heading into the bar, the glass door swung open, and they entered. The first was a lovely blonde with typically over-highlighted hair, jeans and heels. The next was a brunette in a long-sleeved dress and high heeled boots. Finally, somewhat behind and entering more slowly, was a thin, honey haired girl with her head down. She wore simple jeans, tennis shoes, and an open flannel shirt with a tank-top under it. When she looked up in the direction of her friends, her light green eyes were piercing, and something caught in Gabriel’s chest.

Next Blog: The conclusion of the first scene in which Gabriel first laid eyes on Sarah McKinney.

Interviews on the horizon still, and some information shared with me from friends on moving forward. How is everyone doing out there? It’s all pretty unique to the survivors.

Don’t forget to comment on the book, your personal experiences with the Valley Fire, or any words you wish to share. Feedback is great!

I’m posting the first couple of pages

of the book instead of the interviews, which are not ready. Thought instead of putting off a blog post any longer, I’d throw y’all a bone and give you a sneak peak of how OUT OF THE ASHES, begins. Hope you enjoy it.

Gabriel was in a foul mood.

The excavating company he worked for brought him to this rural community in northern California, to clean up after the big Valley Fire swept through and destroyed over 1,000 homes. It wasn’t the work that was upsetting. It was the fact that it was the holidays now, and that time of year always left him blue. He thought being in a strange place would distract him. The truth was, it made him feel more alone than ever.

He was staying in the only hotel chain in the area. The Best Western was the tallest building in the small town of Clearlake, reaching 4 stories high. At least he didn’t have to share a room with one of the guys. Being a foreman, he got a room paid for by the company all to himself. That way he could sulk alone.

Three years earlier, just before Christmas, he was traveling on Interstate 680 outside of Fremont with his girlfriend Shelly. They were on their way to her parent’s house to stay for the holidays. Gabe had been living with Shelly in the Bay Area city of San Ramon for over a year, and since his family was back in Oklahoma, Shelly’s family was who they were celebrating with.

It was raining that Christmas Eve, and it was all over before Gabriel even knew what hit them. The papers said the multi-car pileup on the freeway was caused by poor weather conditions, limited visibility, and high speeds. Gabe suffered his share of injuries, a fractured arm, clavicle, ribs, and punctured lung, but Shelly’s side of the car was what took most of the hit. The doctors said she died instantly.

With little reason to move back to Oklahoma, Gabe stayed in California, and continued to work for the excavating company as a heavy equipment operator. It was decent pay and moving to a neighboring city of Danville, he tried to keep his mind off of Shelly.

Coming to Lake County, to help rebuild the lives of so many that lost everything in the Valley Fire, he thought would lift his spirits. Being lonely around the holidays was just something he couldn’t shake. This particular Friday, he thought of driving the 3 hours back to his apartment in Danville, but going to an empty place just didn’t sound like it would help. Maybe if he had a dog or something. But alone was still alone. He decided to just stay on at the hotel and go grab a drink in the lobby bar.

After showering and shaving, Gabe decided to head downstairs and grab a burger at the bar and a few beers. Maybe watch some football on the TV if it was on. He knew most of the guys would probably be headed back to the city by now but that suited him just fine. He’d seen them all week, and he wasn’t particularly close friends with any of them. Gabriel was somewhat of a loner, not trusting his heart to rely on a single soul.

To his surprise, the small town bar was slammed and lively. There were loads of people shooting pool, watching the game, and talking loudly over the jukebox. Behind the bar they had three bartenders, one woman and two men.

As Gabe walked in, several of the women stopped and gave him a second look. Not drop dead gorgeous, but Gabe was a substantially good looking guy. His 5’10” stature was muscular and it showed, through his t-shirt and jeans. His thick, dark hair was cut short, and his blue eyes were always a show stopper. That was what Shelly had told him she noticed first about him. That they were beautiful, but sort of sad looking. That intrigued her, she’d said.

Walking up to the bar, Gabriel waited to make eye contact with one of the bartenders to place his order. There was one lone seat at the far left of the bar, furthest away from the television, but closest to the kitchen entry. He could smell the aroma of cooking onions and sizzling beef. Suddenly he was famished.

“What’s your pleasure my man?” the gentleman taking Gabe’s order had deep dimples that accompanied a kind smile.

“Oh, a Coors Light please, and can I order food?”

“Of course. Do you need a menu or can I make a suggestion?” the bartender asked.

“Um…..well, sure. What do you recommend?”

“Well, the chicken fried steak is always good, but my personal Friday Night fav is a thick, juicy burger with sauted onions. We have shoestring fries that go great with it too.”

Gabriel thought the guy read his mind and quickly agreed to the burger and fries. The cheery bartender winked at him and said he’d place the order right away. The long-neck bottle of Coors Light was placed in front of Gabe as the bartender disappeared into the kitchen.

The Stanford game was on the TV but the sound of Bruno Mars was blaring out from the jukebox. Gabe swiveled his barstool around to survey the room while taking a long swig off his beer. The group was mostly his age or younger.

At 33, Gabe was an old soul. He never was a big partier and preferred more intimate gatherings. But somehow, being swallowed up in a crowd right now seemed more comforting. It was easier than being back in the city, with Shelly’s and his friends feeling sorry for him. Nobody knew him here, or his story, and that’s the way he liked it.

Next blog: The next few pages of the book, and how Gabriel Hart first saw Sarah McKinney.

Once I complete the interviews, they will be posted. Now that I have my summer off, I will be better at blog entries closer together, and still have time to write the book.

Thanks to those of you loyal readers and know your comments are always welcome and encouraged! Hope your weekend is full of peace, joy, and a little excitement!

  Introducing, Sarah McKinney!

The green-eyed siren who Gabriel Hart cannot deny!

The oldest daughter to a retired local butcher and widower, Sarah has always been responsible. She has lived in Lake County all her life, has two siblings, and loves her family!

At 28, she has seen her fair share of heartache, but still remains a steadfast friend, employee, and volunteer. Staying busy is how she copes with pain, and after losing her mother to cancer at age 14, she has been busy more than a decade.

Perhaps her biggest heartache came from losing her husband. Shortly after a huge altercation, her husband was killed while driving out of town. The pain from not ever fixing their problem, then having him die before they could make amends, haunts this young woman. She had attempted to move on with her life, but after a year of burying her pain in work, she still felt like she’d not gained any ground.

Then the fire came.

The Valley Fire wiped out so many people’s homes! People she cared about! The people of her community. Worst, her best friends from high school, Michelle and Caleb, had lost everything and nearly lost their lives escaping the inferno. Their pain and suffering made Sarah forget about her own.

Then one evening out with girls from work, Sarah happened upon a stranger in her town. She noticed him sitting at the bar, seemingly alone, having dinner. Not once since her husband’s death had she thought to look at another man. But this man at the bar had the most captivating blue eyes and genuinely seemed forlorn. Unlike the usual male species who frequented bars, this man was not there to pick up on women. He simply appeared to not want to be alone.

With a guarded heart, Sarah finds herself in a situation that brings these two together once more. This time, they are introduced and she cannot fight the immediate attraction she has for him. But attraction or not, she isn’t sure she is willing to let her wall down that she’s put up to protect herself.

Self-confident, but leery of getting too close, Sarah embarks upon a journey with Gabriel Hart, that meanders through familiar and also uncharted territory. Love was not on her agenda, but she is tired of treading water alone. Maybe Gabriel is the guy to bring down those walls. And if she is strong enough to allow herself to be vulnerable once more, maybe she will find second chances truly exist.

Next Blog: My experience with witnessing our volunteers in action here in Lake County, during the aftermath of the Valley Fire. Some of the best people in the world.

And later………..I still promise the interview with a local First Responder and…..YES! The first chapter of Out Of The Ashes!

The week is coming to a close. May your Friday be quick and your weekend move slow.

  Mother Nature has a way

of regenerating herself. Here are a few pictures, shared by my friend Mike Holland, of Big Canyon Road this spring. The wildflowers have been more spectacular this season than in any resent years. I know the much needed rain we had helped tremendously. I’m just feeling so much gratitude for the beauty that is here, raising itself from OUT OF THE ASHES!

So that’s the winner folks, it’s Out Of The Ashes.

My husband will gloat for a spell, feeling proud of his contribution to my project with his wit and insight. I must admit, the title has a certain symbolic attribute that I love. So I suppose a proper thank you, is in order, Charles Diener. I do love you.

Now that the title is set, I wanted to thank those of you who helped me to come to this decision. I take your opinions to heart and wanted to listen to each of you. More folks liked the idea of Out Of The Ashes, so now I feel I can move forward, more confidently, with the project.

My characters are developing quite nicely, and I feel I know them as real people. They’ve become so important to me, mostly because I feel they have been created with qualities of personality in mind, of those I already respect and know. They are genuine, sincere, flawed, but courageous too. I’m enjoying the process.

Next Blog: I want to tell you about my character, Sarah McKinney and introduce you to her. I am hoping you will fall in love with her, just as Gabriel Hart does. She is near to my heart.

Enjoy your weekend, my friends. “Eventually all pieces fall into place. Until then, laugh at the confusion, live for the moment, and know that everything happens for a reason.” – Unknown

    It started out as

After The Fire, but one Sunday afternoon, as I was sitting in my dining room, clicking away at the chiclets of my laptop, my husband came in and sat across from me in the rocking chair that I once used to rock my babies in. He waited patiently for me to stop pounding out my thoughts on the computer before he spoke.

When I paused, made eye contact and then said, “What’s up?” he started out cautiously, choosing his words carefully.

“I know I don’t understand much about this writing stuff, but I think you should change the title of your book,” he almost winced when he said it.

My first thought was, he was crazy because I’d already divulged the title to hundreds of friends, Twitter followers, and a couple of agents. Too late now. Or is it? I decided to hear him out.

“I had this idea of a phoenix, rising out the ashes. Out Of The Ashes, is your book title. See a phoenix is a cyclical creature that regenerates itself, rising once again, like the sun, out of the ashes and is more powerful then before. Can you see it?”

I like the idea, but it’s been used in the last decade. Even though you cannot copywrite a title of either a song, or book, I’m still hesitant. But it IS a good idea. I could write a preface with the history of the Greek myth of the phoenix. What a great analogy. But too corny? I can’t decide.

Anyway, I originally came up with After The Fire because my book takes place……AFTER THE FIRE! Haaaaa! Too obvious? I don’t know. But the title is very important.

I could really use your input. Please comment on this with your thoughts and I will also put it up on Facebook and Twitter. By the end of the week, (May 13th) I will post the winning title, based upon your votes and insight.

Next Blog: I am going to share some of the information I have been receiving this week from other survivors/victims of the fire. Good, bad, and indifferent. The one thing I can attest to, is so many are still going through it. BUT YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Hang tough my friends!

Also, an idea given to me that I had a passing thought of myself, for advice to our community on how to possible push up over the proverbial red-tape hill. That’s coming up shortly.

Here’s hoping all the moms out there are having a splendid Mother’s Day!  Remember, we are given the immense privilege to be called by the name of MOM, and we hold that title for the rest of our lives. It’s pretty damn amazing don’t you think?