Happy Birthday to my Baby

15 years ago today, my youngest was born. Shortly after birth he was whisked away into NICU. Nathan was born with a hole in his heart, one kidney and a bowel obstruction. Hours later I was allowed to see him for a few moments. 

The next day I held him and we began our bonding. Surrounded by other babies born with problems and worried parents, we spent the next week. The nursing staff, volunteers and doctors at Saginaw Covenant were amazing! 

Within the first year, Nathan suffered seizures and couldn't speak for years.

Despite not being able to talk, teachers believed he was intelligent and proved they were right.

While keeping up with his older brothers, he thrived on baseball and football. The physical activity proved to be good for him.

Coaches worked with his strengths, building his confidence. Soon the insecure little boy was replaced.

With a special pad, Nate easily plays football. At a young age, he noticed other players with the same pad. A brotherhood of players with single kidneys formed.

I've watched my Little Tiger overcome any challenge he faced to become the athlete and top student he is. After years of speech therapy, he speaks fluently (almost too much) without any distortion. His grades have him rated as #1 in his class. He hopes to attend the Naval Academy with the goal of becoming a pilot. His ultimate dream is to be Top Gun.

Nate loves to travel, hang out with friends, play with his cat and drive his brothers crazy.

Special thanks to the medical staff, teachers and coaches who guided us on this journey.

Happy Birthday!

#TuesdayTeaser Crow Magic

Lucy Richards is tired of being timid around men. Hoping to overcome her fears and feel like a real woman, she turns to Madame Eve to find a man who will fulfill that goal. Eve arranges a one-night stand with a handsome Shawnee shaman who will teach Lucy to use her womanly power and take her to unimaginable heights.

Shape shifter Seth Crowe is a Keeper of the Spiritual Law who carries souls from darkness to light, and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic.

Tucked away in the Castillo Poconos Resort, Seth helps Lucy find spiritual and sexual freedom, never dreaming he might find his own mate in the bargain.

Legend of the Spirit, Book 1

EXCERPT

“I am a man who is yours tonight, Lucy.” He walked toward her with arms out from his sides, exposing his nudity. “Draw on the power within you. Look at me. Overcome your apprehension of men. Have I not shown you gentleness?”

She nodded and approached him while tugging the strap of her sundress.

“Keep your dress on. Take it off when you are ready. This night is about you. Explore my body, learn from it, and take whatever you want. You are in control.”

He led her to the center of the blanket and faced her. She stood still with her fingertips resting on his waist. Cupping her face, he lost himself in her eyes.

“I am your instrument to use tonight. Open yourself up and delve into this opportunity I offer. I am yours to command. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“I think so.” She considered his offer. “What do I do?”

“Follow your feminine intuition.” He couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Touch me, tickle me, beat me, kiss me, bite me, lick me, suck me…whatever you want. Take whatever you need from me to strengthen you.”

In the moonlight, an endearing, innocent blush spread across her face. Amazing how a woman who lived her life in fear caused by abuse could be so naïve of her own sensual power. If she knew her potential, she could bring him to his knees.

Please, bring me to my knees


                  BUY ON AMAZON

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!