A Difficult Day

My dearest readers…

On the morning of July 1st, holding the hand of her husband of 55+ years, my beautiful mother passed away from cancer. A cancer so aggressive and vicious it took our breath away as we watched in the course of merely 3 months she went from ready to fight to slipping away.  I am lost, my father is lost, we feel as though this is the longest nightmare we have ever had and if only we could wake it would be April again, and my mom would be directing us as to how to clean up her yard, or teasing me into going shopping with her again for plants.

There isn’t a moment of the day that doesn’t remind me of her, but it’s from that reminder that I know I have to move on and make my life mean something.   She lived every day as a service to others, to her husband, to her only daughter, to her grandchildren whom she loved so dearly, and the two great-granddaughters who giggle their way into our hearts daily.

To her brothers and sisters, she gave an unconditional love.  As the oldest child she watched each of them grow up and prayed and laughed, rejoiced and cried, through every accomplishment, award, hardship or praise.

It would do my mother a disservice to be angry at her passing, although I am, inwardly struggling with that very thing.  As every plant in my mother’s yard bursts forth with blazing color I swallow down the lump of emotion, dash away the tears with my hand and look up toward the heavens with a smile.  I see it, Mama…yes I do…and I will never take a moment for granted again!

Time Flies, Backwards

This past Saturday night we gained an hour according to the practice of Daylight Savings Time.  I certainly don’t feel as though I got enough of this thing called time.  If I am honest..I want much more time to do all the things on my “to-do” list.

I want to spend the afternoons poking around shops with my mom…or working with her as she readies her yard for winter…maybe spend an hour gathered around a table with my family, laughing and sharing memories. Soon it will be time to  light the tree in Abbeville, and I’d love to go there with my cousin and just enjoy the beginning of the holiday season. I’d love to spend a day or two tackling the mounting mountain of books in my “To Be Read” pile, and of course there’s the daunting task of writing my next books to share with the world.

 

Abbeville Square South Carolina

My mom’s garden

Right now there are three books waiting in my head to come out for the public:

Night Music, the fourth Festival Series book,

Yesterday’s Mind, a stand alone piece concerning Alzheimer’s disease, and

Wayward Cowboy, a spin off of the Festival Series about this really cool ranch hand with a heartwarming smile and a past which he can’t seem to escape, no matter where he runs.

November is National Novel Writer’s Month.  I am striving to write something every day, but I’m not participating in this daunting schedule because I just can’t commit.  I want to work on my current book so I can tackle the others…Life is never dull when you’re a writer.

A few weeks ago I started going “LIVE” on Facebook….it was a lot of fun…and anyone that knows me knows that performing live is a definite spoke in my wheelhouse.  I will start again in a few weeks…but as I am between Internet carriers, I’m kind of laying low.

One thing’s for sure…when I go live again, I will probably be in front of my Christmas tree, wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday time.

Which brings me to another matter….the upcoming 2017 Community Christmas Dinner.  This has been a family affair for my family for several years.  We look forward to seeing old friends, the fellowship of a meal cooked by loving hands, and the inexplicable joy seen in children as they see Santa and get presents.  No one pays for anything…everyone gets a gift.  IF you find yourself with no where to go, or just want to see LOVE in action…please join us this year!!

 

 

That’s all for now…be blessed and remember…you are in charge of your time.  Do what you want, rest when you can, and always try to share some happiness.

Hurricanes

A few weeks ago Hurricane Harvey came and changed the world for many people in Texas.  It may take months for them to get things back to a semblance of normalcy.  On the heels of Harvey came Irma…and this storm affected my children who live in Northeast Georgia.  Rain and winds are one thing, but when the rains end and the power is off for days on end…things can get desolate for even the most faithful.

I found solace in the knowledge they were safe, and happy.  Not happy that there was no school for a week…but happy none the less.

Here in South Carolina, there were also many power outages.  We were spared that hardship, (Thank you, Lord) but the debris was amazing.  Thankfully there were no downed trees in my parents’ yard…but the leaves and branches that littered the ground were daunting.  My mother, a slight “young” woman of 74, and I tackled the job with gusto, and three days and several lawn and leaf bags later, the yard is back to a more realistic look.  I found myself tired….a good tired…and came home knowing there was not something hanging over her head for her to tackle alone.

After so many years of parenting, maturity has made this amazing woman one of my most treasured friends.  There are no words that I can say to explain the admiration I feel for her.  Suffice it to say I can’t think of another person who could handle all that life has handed her and still find the grace to smile every day.

On to more excitement.

I recently helped a fellow author welcome her new book to the world, hosting an hour of questions, posts and photos on Facebook.  A blogger took interest and has decided to interview me for her blog, coming up in a few weeks.  Her name is Fiona McVie…so please be sure to look her up.  Her questions are thought-provoking, insightful, and creative.

 

Okay…final thought.

I want you all to know that I am putting the finishing touches on the long-awaited fourth book of the Festival Series, “Night Music”, and since I know you’ve been most patient…here is a little tease for you.

To set the scene, Macy’s twins are asleep, and Macy is alone with her thoughts and a cup of tea…

 

Flipping through the channels she found an old romantic comedy and settled back against the decorative throw pillows and let the program take her away from her thoughts and racing mind.

Lost in thought she jumped when her cell phone stated buzzing and the dull-tones of Mozart’s “Symphony 25”, Nikki’s ringtone.

“Hey girl, what’s up?”

“We wanted to know if you had any plans for the weekend. Joe and I were invited to Rick’s place for a gathering, and he’s extended the invite for you and the boys. We’ll take the van so you won’t even have to drive…what do you think?”

Macy thought carefully. This would be the perfect solution to answering the boys’ unending list of questions….straight from the horse’s mouth to be exact. Satisfying her own curiosity as to where her boys would be spending the summer, if it all worked out, that is, was an added benefit.

“Congress takes less time to make a decision Mace.” Nikki quipped in her ear.

“I’m sorry…I was just thinking how great it sounded. No, we don’t have any plans…and I’m sure the boys would love it. What do you need me to do?”

“You can pack up one of those coolers full of healthy snacks for the ride. We’ll pull out around 7am Saturday morning and be at your house by 7:30 to load up. That will put us at Rick’s mo later than 11, barring bathroom and feeding breaks. There’s no school on Monday, do you want to plan on staying through Sunday?

“That will be fine”

“I’m so glad you’re going. You are going to love it!”

Nikki’s effervescent attitude spilled into everything, she smiled, agreeing. “I am too, thank you for the invite. And tell your friend thank you too.”

“I’ll do just that, see you at the cafe in the morning. Love you sis…goodnight.”

“Love you too, see you then,” she said, ending the call. She leaned forward and put the phone back on the table and picked up her mug. Her mind rattled through a list of fresh veggies and fruit she’d prepare tomorrow evening after she packed for her and the boys.

It was nice to have a plan, she thought, sipping the warmed tea, settling back into the movie. It wasn’t long before she was slowly drifting off to sleep under the light handmade quilt, her empty cup resting lightly in her lap.

That’s all for now…please share your thoughts…either on the Facebook post that brought you to this entry..or in the comment section below.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

A Grandmother’s Blessing

Growing up as an only child I never gave a lot of thought as to my lack of siblings.  I had cousins.  As the only child of the respective oldest siblings I also had aunts and uncles that were more like sisters and brothers.  When I realized that my sweet grandmother was failing in health, I put all my belongings in storage and moved in with her, so she would not be alone.  It was an honor…and it forged a love of children that I have always had.

 

This summer I participated in our church’s VBS (Vacation Bible School) making my talents in the kitchen part of my ministry.  Our busy hands prepared light meals for the 6 classes, and I was fortunate to have my adorable older grand-daughter spending the week with me, so she was able to participate, and make friends with other children her age.  She is going to Middle School this year…and it takes my breath away that she has grown into such a beautiful young lady.

That said…my mother’s youngest brother’s daughter is excited about entering High School this year, and I sent her to Georgia with my daughter and her family, and kept the very busy and very opinionated Kristina “Tina” Fay (my 5 year old grand-daughter) so the two young ladies could do “grown up stuff”.

Today my son Michael and his lovely lady Jacqui brought my cousin home, and picked up Tina to bring her home to Georgia.  With them was my older grand-daughter, and Jacqui’s niece and nephew, whom I’ve known for several years.  Lily and Billy are adorable children, and very smart.  They all call me Grandma(or Grandma Robin)…and I was pleased and surprised when Billy and Lily both greeted me with hugs and kisses upon their arrival.

I may not have had a lot of brothers and sisters, but my lessons of life learned by spending those two years with my grandmother were affirmed.

I hope that I am able to give these lovely children memories as sweet as my grandmother.

June 2017

People have been asking me what’s been happening since my last post.  SO many things…I’ll try to list them in some semblance of order.

 

FLORIDA

I am blessed with the best friend anyone could ever ask for, and she lives in a lovely 2 bedroom home off the bay side of Fort Walton Beach, Florida.  When tax season came to an end, I boarded a plane and took off for her neck of the woods for a well deserved vacation.  A full week of sun (it actually rained every day but 2) fun and food. (Never got my Key Lime Pie, but I got seafood, ribs and one of the best grilled steaks I’ve ever had!)

CONVENTION

The 35th Annual RT (Romantic Times) Booklovers Convention took place this May in Atlanta.  Held at the lovely Hyatt Regency we spent several days visiting, networking, note-taking and partying with other writers, celebrities, agents, publishers, and of course Lady Barrow herself, Kathryn Falk, who was just as gracious and kind as that first time I met her back in 1992 in Savannah.

My roommate was a fellow author, Catherine Stine, (aka Kitsy Clair) who was by far the best roommate I’ve had in a very long time.  We had several grand talks…shared notes about conferences, a meal or two…and by the end of the week, we wished we were just beginning our adventure.  Keeping in touch with her by Facebook and Messenger now, because I already miss her!

One of the fun things about RT week was our chance to meet so many readers.  Everywhere I went I was greeted with smiles and good wishes.  My favorite quote was from MEDIA GURU Nancy Berland who whispered, “I’ve been following you!” when she was speaking with her client…Meg Tilly, who has a brand new book out now writing under the pseudonym ‘Sara Flynn’….and it’s flying off the shelves.

Look for her to star with Brad Pitt in a  Netflix drama “War Machine”.  Wouldn’t it be nice to play the wife of Brad Pitt???  Oh sorry…I was dreaming there for a second.  ANYWAY, she was super nice and very talkative… I forgot she was a celebrity!

THE RESCUE

I say rescue in a funny way.  Actually I now have my wonderful son Matthew living with me for a few months before he starts school here in SC.  I love having someone to talk to again…I swear people were beginning to think I’d lost my ever loving mind as I’d tend to mumble to myself quite regularly.  At any rate, I am now back in SC, done with traveling for awhile, and knee deep in finalizing “NIGHT MUSIC” and the outlines galore that go with my new project…which I am keeping a secret for now.

Don’t even try to tempt me…this one stays hidden.

 

A CAUSE

Coloring Under The Covers…a non-profit organization that takes popular authors and their book covers and turns them into intricate and glorious coloring pages for an exclusive adult coloring book, has a new volume out.  It is VOL 2, and it benefits The Rose, for breast health.  You can order your copy through my Amazon Author website, because on page 41, is the black and white image of “LOVE NEVER ENDS” and the blurb, and on page 42, a wonderful coloring page that creatively ties in all the lovely things of my first full length romance.

Available now through August 24th.

You don’t want to miss this.

Amazon Author Site

 

Happy Summertime!!

Updates, Delays and an Overdue Vacation!

Source: Updates, Delays and an Overdue Vacation!

Updates, Delays and an Overdue Vacation!

It’s been too long since I wrote anything, but the main reason is that after shopping at our local Walmart this past January 16th, I reached up to close my trunk, lost my balance, fell, and broke my wrist.  I spent the next 7 weeks at my parents’ house, because, when one walks with a cane, and breaks her  wrist…she can’t walk  very well!!  The care and love that my mother showed me during this time was amazing…and I will never be able to thank her for all she did.

Now, on to more updates…

Book One, Love Never Ends, got a new face!  The cover, designed by my dear friend Tiffany Fox’s team is incredible.  It perfectly encompasses that special once in a lifetime love that Larson and Margo had for each other.  Of course I was thrilled with how it turned out…and now I hope to get Tiffany to do the other covers for me..as I believe “The Festival Series” will stay in the Indie world for a while.

I hope to shop “Doug Dawson” as a stand alone detective series, more mainstream, with more adventure and suspense, and less ROMANCE…although I’d like to find that perfect heroine for Doug, I want him to sow his oats a while longer.

In  a few days I am taking a well deserved vacation.  May 2-7 I will be at the Annual Booklovers Convention sponsored by Romantic Times Magazine.  It’s an event that I look forward to every year…so please stay tuned and don’t forget to check my Facebook Page…Robin Lynn Wildes-Author  for details on a few giveaways…especially one special signed copy of the book that started it all!!!

Good bye for now and enjoy your day!!

Merry Christmas, One And ALL!

Merry Christmas!!!

I am coming to you today with a song in my heart, and a dream.

A dream that once you read this you will be moved to act.  For the gift of giving,  whether it be your time, your resources or just a few trinkets found in and around your home…well,

its like the greatest gift of all.

This season, the Christmas season, brings out all sorts of feelings.  Between the twinkling lights and the festive foods, the true meaning can be lost.  Unfortunately, these can be troubling times for many people…even the people next door.

For fourteen years, my friends, Terry and Lafaye Murphy, have organized a Christmas Dinner for the unfortunate people in the small country area I used to live, Cleveland Georgia.

The premise, NO ONE should ever spend Christmas day alone, was a mantra spoken reverently throughout our home. My son started working as a server and carver, my daughter helped to hand out gifts and clothes, my youngest son and I would sing with our jolly band leader,

Ken “Pappy” Sanders.

It was and is always a blessing.  Terry wears a Santa hat, and helps the older people with their plates, walks along with them through the GENTLY USED CLOTHING area, scoring bags and bags of items that would otherwise be tossed away.  Donations come into various stores and areas around the county, and on Christmas Eve, the workers gather and organize the hundreds and hundreds of new toys for the children and their families to find the following day.

Children from all ages, come with their families and are treated to a lovely meal, gifts and each child, every one…gets a new toy!

Terry and Lafaye also arrange for meals to be delivered to the elderly, disabled and shut ins, further perpetrating the message…NO ONE left behind, no one left alone.

In my experience, the food is wonderful, the fellowship unlike anything you would ever imagine.  Their children have grown to be selfless successful adults, and I would like to think it is this tradition of giving that has instilled that benevolent attitude in us all.

Everyone is welcome, no one is turned away…and there is always a side bet as to how long Lafaye’s voice will hold out…as she usually winds up whispering her instructions towards the end of the day.

What brings me to come to you, dear reader, is that with two weeks to go, the donations are not coming in as fast as we’d like, and the food items and new gifts for the older children are scarce at best.

So if you are in the North Georgia area, look around your house, pick up an extra can of beans or sweet potatoes, donate a ham or dessert…

And if you are not…there is something you can do…

Donations are 100% deductible, and anything monetary can be sent to Mt Yonah Book Exchange 3779 Helen Hwy Cleveland Georgia, 30528…Ellen Schlossberg proprietor Checks can be made out to Caring Hands Ministry.

If you want a real blessing…come to the event!!

Community Christmas Dinner
Sunday December 25, 2016
At the Sautee Nacoochee Center
(283 Hwy. 255 Sautee, Ga. 30571)

Happy Saturday!

I have survived the ultimate summer adventure with gusto!

 

 

Tori in my mom’s garden

My lovely grand-daughter Victoria (Tori) spent the entire month of June with us.  It was wonderful.  We worked on reading and art…she discovered the world of CAT VIDEOS on YouTube (and I never tired of listening to her laugh!)

Then for a nice change, all my children came to see me on 4th of July.  I expect it was because of the annual pool/bbq party at my aunt and uncle’s house…but it was fun nonetheless…even the dog and my pseudo daughter Jacqui and her son (p-nut) came along.  I felt very blessed!!

Me and the gang!

After my daughter and oldest son left with the majority of the crew…we (Matthew my youngest) and I kept the youngest, Kristina (Tina) for a few days.

While my son was here we spent many evenings talking…you see…it was kind of a LAST HURRAH for him…as he was moving to Portland Oregon to work and go to school.

 

I was also able to watch the ongoing excitement of the media craze “Pokemon Go” which was only a little disconcerting when their popular theme music always popped up whenever we would travel somewhere..as though I had my very own soundtrack!~!

 

I know I will miss him very much…and my house is incredibly quiet now that everyone is back home, but how can I argue when I did the very same thing so many years ago…striking out on my own to find my way, away from my parents, but never too far.

 

Tragedy has struck my world…a classmate who I always admired…strong, upstanding..a veteran and an athlete who was always quick with a joke.

He was diagnosed with ALS last year, and I’m sad to report that he passed away this past Thursday, succumbing to the disease in record speed.  He was an organ donor…and several lives are now that much better for the sacrifice of his family.  We smile when we tell those special families,”Don’t be surprised if your loved one suddenly has an inherent NEED to follow the Red Sox and the Patriots!”

My sweet mama also had to say good-bye to her long time companion, BINKY  her full name Wil Lin Bin Kai…a full blooded Shih Tsu …we are missing her every day…in the silliest of times.  But she was a wonderful girl, and we will see her again when we come to the Rainbow Bridge

.

 

So, now…it’s August…and the wonders of the Indie Publishing world beckon me once again.

“Night Music” Book Four of the Festival Series, is in the final stages.

 

I am pleased with this one…very pleased indeed…and that’s all that I’m going to say about it right now.  :-)!!

 

 

When Blunders Occur

I have been curious that the release of Book Two, “No Strings”, while critically well received, did not gain the momentum that Book One, “Love Never Ends”, had, on Amazon.

I tried to consider that people just don’t give reviews anymore…there’s just no time.

In the Indie World of publishing, even with a moniker of Dreamland Publishing (my own name, validity in itself as I am an Indie Author) the sales at events bypassed the count on Amazon by  3:1!

At last, after I stumbled upon the blurb under the intro, I realized what had happened.

Simple really.  I had released a “Sneak Peek” edition for attendees of the Indie Mashup in Arkansas back in October of 2013.

To do so, and to advertise, I went ahead and published the half book on Amazon’s Kindle and Print…intending to pull it when the manuscript released that December.

Somehow, the description of the Sneak Peek stayed, even though the CONTENT was the full length novel.

Of course I can FIX IT,

It’s a simple matter of editing the entry.

But we are in the  middle of a promotion right now, and I don’t want to stop mid promo to do that, so…

SPREAD THE NEWS.

BOOK ONE, LOVE NEVER ENDS….has been revised and contains additional scenes and information.

BOOK TWO….NO STRINGS….IS a full length (294 pages) novel, and it is available this weekend at a reduced price.

BOOK THREE…BUILDING TOWARD FOREVER….will be available for pre-order before the end of September…it should release October 20th (my parents anniversary).

Sunday is my birthday.  I am looking forward to attending church, having lunch with my parents, and settling in to the computer to work on final edits and changes.

(Book Four…Night Music…is in the wings, and I know you’re all just going to LOVE LOVE LOVE Macy’s story!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Stop by my Amazon Author page and show some love.

http://www.amazon.com/Robin-Lynn-Wildes/e/B008P67WN4