A Meditation Moment

Living in the woods can be a form of meditation and I find it very comforting. 

Every morning I do 15 minutes of yoga on the back deck (front porch if it's raining,).

When I gaze into the woods, peace and calm wash over me.

Sometimes, hubby and I will sit on the deck to enjoy our morning coffee. We both feel that wonderful calm but it also lightens our hearts. Being together and sharing such a moment refreshes our love as well.

You don't have to live in the woods for this experience. 

Simply, look up. 

Do you see trees or buildings? Admire what they are and the majesty of it. Take a few deep breaths and slowly exhale. Feel the moment. If you are with your honey, embrace each other in a cozy hug and look up together. Feel your heartbeats.

A Romantic Desk - Old to New

Logs homes are basically very masculine. It can be rather difficult to add "a woman's touch" to wood walls decorated with wildlife and old tin signs advertising guns or fishing equipment. I decided to take over the bedroom to add a feminine touch.

Our bedroom has a bit of a bohemian flare. The dark gem colors compliment the light pine walls and dark hickory floor. I love beads and baubles, crystals and other shiny things. 

I chose the wall separating my walk-in closet and bathroom door to turn into "my space". I wanted a spot to write out cards to friends and family (yes, I still use the U.S. postal service). 

While scrolling on Facebook one day, I came across a post from one of my favorite shops, 

The Rusty Blue Shelf.

Well, first of all, I have to tell you about this place! The Rusty Blue Shelf is an antique and vintage market that is only open at certain times of each month. Visiting this quaint store is truly an experience. Grab a cup of iced coffee when you walk in and wander. The owner is an incredible sweet gal and the individual booths are set up with an artistic flow to inspire. The staff is super friendly and its so fun to discuss projects with them.  Be sure to take photos of where you need an item and they will help you find the perfect one. They love to see photos of where their items go. You will not only leave with a purchase you love but also new friends who will remember you each time you visit. They plan to have an Open Market June 11-14. If you happen to be in Mid-Michigan or close to Flushing... be sure to check it out!

Okay... back to my story.

I saw a photo a refurbished desk featured in a post. The desk was similar to one my grandmother had in her bedroom from the 1920's. I fell in love! 20 minutes later, I was in Flushing and looking at the desk.  Not only did I purchase the desk, but also the matching chair and the mirror. Luckily, I had my youngest son with me to load.

Using antique decor I already had created a nice little space.

The hooks under the mirror hold my long necklaces; easy to grab when going from the closet to the bathroom when matching outfits. The picture is from my grandmother's house. I placed books and a miniature tea cup/saucer set on the shelves. A decorated box holds my greeting cards. Everything you see in the photo above is recycled, reused or vintage.

By creating little displays or vignettes, romance can be brought into any space.

I spent $6 on the antique velvet purse and $1 on the broach.
Attaching the pin to a beaded candle holder created a unique display.

Items found at yard sales. I added the beads to the lamp shade.

Visit The Rusty Blue Shelf

Do you have a favorite resale, antique or vintage shop you visit?

Visit From Spazz - #SpiritAnimal

My Native American Shifter Romance series Legend of the Spirit feature heroes who know their Spirit Animal not only intimately but can actually physically transform into the animal.

In Native American and some other cultures, a Spirit Animal (or Totem Animal) refers to a spirit which helps guide or protect a person on a journey and whose characteristics the person shares. They represent traits and strengths we should be honoring in our lives at certain points. Sometimes, the animal possesses traits you are meant to learn. During short visits, the animal may be delivering a message to lesson.

While sitting on my deck enjoying my morning coffee, Spazz the Red Squirrel paid me a visit. 

Squirrels embody the idea of resourcefulness and preparing for the future, but also balance the seriousness of life with playfulness and passion. These furry little animals remind us to quit taking life so seriously all the time and make time for fun. Let go of worries and stress. Laugh, enjoy the world! This balance helps you face your future and whatever it brings.

Red Squirrels reflect your guiding spirit. A reminder that each one of us has a good opportunity to make our own fun.

Sitting on the deck, hubby and I enjoy watching Spazz. The little critter rules the back yard with a furry fist and fears no one. He certainly brings laughter and reminds us to be lighthearted.

Do you have a favorite backyard critter 

you enjoy watching?

I don't feature a squirrel shifter in my books 

but I do have crows, eagles, hawks, and wolves. 

Check out the first in the Legend of the Spirit series

Buy on Amazon Today!

Meet Hawke of Hawk's Honor, 3rd book in the Legend of the Spirit series

LEGEND OF THE SPIRIT SERIES

Corporal Jamie Hawke: 

Native American Chippewa from Michigan

Hawk shifter

 His nature makes him observant, cunning, and decisive, with a mind that can plot strategy and a heart that makes him very protective of those he cares for.

A marine in a Special Ops Unit aka the Spirit Walkers, is made up primarily of Native American shifters. Cpl. Hawke is well liked and respected by his comrades. He teaches others to be observant and to pay attention to what is often overlooked. He is known to find the positive in every situation which he often uses to maintain the mood of his unit and push them to give 200%. 

His bright outlook fades when he is critically wounded helping his team accomplish their last assignment on tour. Shot while in hawk form, bullets sliced through the muscles of his back and shoulder, putting him on a long road to recovery.

 Deeply but very secretly, in love with his female commanding officer, St. Sgt. Andrea “Andy” Nelson. Knowing she's is mate, he hides his affection well. Acting on his feelings would go against not only military policy but also his own personal beliefs. He doesn't have relations with other women because of his principles, keeping his heart (and body) pure for his mate. He maintains a deep sense of honor for her, his teammates and his country. To him…honor is everything.

Photo: Dyami Thomas

 His avoidance of relationships with women gives him a sense of innocence despite being war torn veteran. His eyes are dark and sharp; face is angular like a warrior.  His stature is not large and dominating but rather average with a hard body, giving him the ability to move silently and shift to a hawk at will in less than a blink of an eye. He strives to overcome the pain when he shifts from man to bird, but he's grateful he can still fly.  

He spends time recovering with a fellow marine wounded in the same battle. As they prepare for their final physical to qualify for the next tour, Jamie's drive falters and his outlook on honor changes. His wolf-shifting buddy suggests an online dating service, 1 Night Stand, to get him out of a funk. Hawke won’t do it, he still pines for his commander and his honor to her. However, his friend is really good at convincing people to do things. 

Get ready for his story in HAWK'S HONOR ... my current work in progress.

Special Thanks goes to Dyami Thomas, who named the hero in the book, Eagle Dance, and has been my Native American consultant for the characters of the Legend of the Spirit series since 2014. His inspiration has helped publishers include more Native American models for book covers. Please follow this wonderful young man if you seek inspiration, joy and truth along this journey we call life.

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Monday Morning Madness - An Ah-ha Moment

I can't believe I never noticed before, or even knew it at all. 

Maybe it's just because of being Monday... 

but I learned something this morning.

I never knew you could stack a bowl on a coffee mug to help keep the coffee warm.

Who knew?

I wonder what the rest of this day will bring.

Do you ever have one of the hand slapping the forehead, ah-ha moments?