I Am Currently...

Loving: That my garden is producing the most tasty peas, beans, and carrots. I can't wait for the tomotoes. It's a universal truth that a toasted bacon and tomato sandwich enjoyed with a cup of tea can fix anything. 


Reading: Reader, I Married Him. A collection of short stories edited by Tracy Chevalier, inspired by that epic line from Jane Eyre.  



Watching: I just finished season one of STRANGER THINGS. My thirteen-year-old son and I made a ritual of watching one episode (okay maybe two) every night. I loved the 80's references (JAWS poster, Tupperware, music...) and my son liked the sci-fi angle stating, "This is better than X-Files." 

The kids steal the series. They have cool bikes with lights and walkie talkies and play Dungeons and Dragons in the basement and call each other jerk face. And holy Hannah, everybody smokes! And don't even get me started on the fabulous hair and clothes. I miss the 80's, a time when people weren't bent over their cell phones. The series ends with some lingering questions, leaving room for a second season. I'll be listening to Duran Duran while I wait.


Thinking about: What to make for supper. Seriously. Every single night. Why is meal planning so hard? Please send me your 'family favourite' recipes.


Anticipating: Launching BLACK FRIDAY, the sequel to NIGHT SHIFT, my YA paranormal mystery series. I've been working on these books for eight years and I finally decided to self-publish the trilogy. It's been a sharp learning curve as an Indie author, but totally worth the result. My heart is so happy they're finally real books out in the real world. Check out the Pinterest board.

Here's the cover I made for Wattpad, the official fancy pants one from the designer will be revealed in style in a few weeks!

When a shocking letter of confession from beyond the grave makes Daniel and Mary question everything they thought was true, he desperately enlists assistance from a dubious source. However, his hope is soon shattered when new clues reveal the disturbing truth of Mary’s past—a truth that may destroy them both.

Wishing: Netflix would make a series out of the Night Shift. But who would play Daniel? Any suggestions?


Making me happy: Yoga. It helps my writer brain, plus my hip flexors have never had so much attention.

How about you?

How Yoga Saved My Writing

I've been going to Halifax Yoga for almost three months and I'm completely in love with the classes. No matter how busy my day, I always make time for a trip to my mat.

But it's not only the physical benefits I enjoy (I can finally do The Crow Pose and it makes me feel like a superhero), it's the philosophy as well. During class the instructor will give encouragement to help you keep hold of a difficult pose by sharing certain yoga values. I believe I was trying not to fall out of Reverse Warrior when I heard this one...

Be present. This is your pose. Take what you need.

A lightbulb went off inside my heart (a true a-ha! moment). I relaxed, I focused, I let go of the fear, I reached higher...and then I fell to the floor. But that's okay because it meant I was going for what I needed. There was no sense of failure and when I did the pose on the other side, I totally nailed it.

The real epiphany though, happened on the walk home afterwards. I'd been wrestling with my writing career and felt like I was at a crossroads. Do I keep writing? Am I justified in giving so much of my free time to something that wasn't meeting my (or the publishing world's) expectations? There was a sense of panic I couldn't explain.

However, after that class, I felt a connection between the message to help me embrace the pose and how it crossed over into my everyday life. I'd forgotten how writing used to fulfill me. I was concerned with the opinions of strangers. Success seemed elusive. But once I was able to fully realize this truth and face the fear behind it, the worry and urgency slipped away.

I will write for enjoyment. I will take as long as I want to write the book of my heart. That will be my success. I will take what I need.
  
Since that class I've been cataloging some of my favourite a-ha! moments from yoga. I hope these little nuggets of inspiration help you with your writing—or whatever you are needing guidance with.



Your bliss is where your mind wanders, where your energy is focused. Follow that.

Trust that where you are is the right place for you at this moment.

You become what you judge.

If you're not getting back the energy you give, drop what isn't working and let it go.

Find that place of peace, that place of stillness inside you. It's always there.

It takes mindfulness to be still and in the moment.

Give gratitude for your abilities and rise to the possibilities.

All your energy should give back.

Force is fleeting. Power is courage. And courage is following your bliss when everyone else is doing something different.

Embrace challenges by knowing that even if you don't achieve your goal, you expand and are forever changed.

The light in me acknowledges and is grateful for the light in you.

Even in chaos there is opportunity to nurture and be grateful.

Know that seeds of future happiness have been planted for you already.

Imagine, wish, dream. Send out the vibration and you'll attract what you desire.


~Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this post please share! Namaste.