Power of Light #faerielight #lightgiver #lightwithinus

Power of Light~
Many references were given in both the Isle of Faeries and the Mystic North about a magical power of light. I have tried to establish within the fantasy books a connection to my personal religious beliefs.
I have often thought what would it be like to witness the birth of creation. I combined religious beliefs with a magical twist as Aodhan stirs up a hearth fire of an ancient race of beings. Enlightenment comes forth from the hearth but in actuality, the buds of enlightenment begin within Aodhan.
As a bearer of light and the power within it, Aodhan struggles to control his new found wisdom. Physically it takes its toll as the power of light continues to grow within him.
Genesis 1:3 "And God said let there be light: and there was light."

 

Rocks #loveofrocks #magicstones #faerierocks

There is no doubt about it I have a fascination and love of rocks. I am not really sure exactly where this derives but I have always been drawn to them. I collect them, I paint them, I line my flower garden with them, I make them into crafts and give them as gifts. I try to understand man's deep connection to the rocks of the earth.
In the Bible, there are many references to rocks. Moses struck the rock with his rod and water came forth. Sacrifices of animals were made upon the rock. Samuel, after a victory, placed a stone between the two cities. He named it Ebenezer as a reminder to the Israelites of God's faithfulness. Upon the rock, Christ encharged his disciple Peter, to spread the gospel and build his church.
In my books, Isle of the Faeries and Mystic North, I share my love of rocks into the stories as places of power as well as places of pain and suffering. Part of my obsession, maybe, but part of something innately deeper within the core of mankind.

 

Somedays #creativevoid #faeriespiritshelpme #changesinstoryline

Somedays~
There are some days when things just seem to flow. The creative juices emit from me so quickly I can't seem to get them out quick enough. I write the ideas down and then go back over them making correction after correction. Something which is happening with my third book in my series. 
Other days there is a huge blank void. I have searched for other writers opinions and many seem to have this problem. There is tons of advice out there as to how to get back into it. So much so as I read them I only hear blah, blah, blah. I've found music to be a great distraction to free up my thoughts. 
Out of my worst circumstances, I seem to be the most creative. Is it the reaching up and out which does it? Or simply a coping mechanism I have developed to keep sane. I try not to put too much thought into that because I know I would create another issue to overcome. I accept that it's part of me, an essential part of myself, which not many understand.
Recently a name came to me which I absolutely love, Raven. The name actually belongs to a family member. I am unsure yet how I will bring her to fruition, but that's half the fun. Many of my characters I have included in the storylines are actually family members either by name or attributes. 

  

Book Signing #backhometogoodrich #joiningotherauthors #faerieliterature #booksigningevent

Book Signing Event 
I will be attending a book signing with several other local authors at an event as to some would say "my hometown." I, in fact, did graduate from Goodrich High School back in the day, but I wasn't born there. Many of the people which I met in the community were very accepting of their newcomer. I must say that many of the people from my graduating class are still my friends today.
I actually was born in a different city, Pontiac, Mi. I lived in Pontiac until the age of 9. In several houses, but mostly with my Grandparents. My parents were divorced and when my mother remarried we moved to a farm on the outskirts of Rochester, MI now known as Oakland Township. Due to unfortunate circumstances, I moved to Florida to live with my father during the beginning of my high school years. We then moved back to Michigan for my final year of high school. 
When people say or talk about their hometown my usual reply is which one? I was thinking about this the other day when I overheard someone talking about family reunions. My mother's family was very tightly knit. When we were young we did everything together. When one family went to church, we all did. When one family went to the beach, we all did. When we had reunions we all came. The bonds we shared as cousins remain the same no matter the time or distance between us. We stuck together because we were all we had. In actuality, my hometown was wherever my cousins were, my support system.

    

Raining in my world #neckofthewoods #faerieland #faerieinthewoods

Raining in my world today. Much needed rain has finally arrived in our neck of the woods. June seemed to be a hot dry month with only a trace of rain. Warnings were posted for campers coming north for vacation not to burn fires in pits.
The weather patterns have sure changed and it makes me wonder if the use of computers and internet is not also adding to our ozone issues. I was thinking about how much my computer is a radiant source of heat. Ponder over that for a while.

I took this shot last July of nearby Lake Huron at an overlook from M23. The area this year is not as lush although it is still green. Imagine prolonged heat and drought and the irreparable damage it would cause on the great lakes and our fresh water supply. Thinking of how easily something like this could happen makes me appreciate the greenness of our world. Think I'll take a walk in the rain and be thankful for this small blessing!  

Book Signing #faerieliterature #fantasy

I have been very quiet lately with my blog due to our recent move. I will be attending a book signing event on Saturday, August 4, 2018 10am-4pm. The one day event but sponsored by Cottage Used Books. The event will be in the downtown area of Goodrich, Michigan. Several other authors will be joining me and the events surrounding us will involve craft booths and a car show. All in all an eventful and family oriented day!! Come join the fun!! 


                                                        Saturday, August 4, 2018
                                                      10am-4pm
                                    Downtown area - Goodrich, Michigan

Independence Day #flagoffreedom #americathebeautiful #lovemycountry

Independence Day
We have several days which are designated as holidays in our country to celebrate people who have fought in wars or those who have served or are still serving. The 4th of July we set aside a day to honor our nation's independence from Britain. Against tyranny and an oppressive government. We are to carry with us the spirit of 1776, the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Growing up my father instilled pride within us for the American flag and what it stood for. He was a soldier in WW2 and partook in the mission known as the Great Raid. Times have changed a very few families actually participate in the holiday as we did when growing up. Maybe in small town America flags and banners fly to honor this day of Independence. Very few large cities even have 4th of July fireworks on the actual 4th of July!
Within the last few years hatred has run rampant over all of social media. Being a flag waving patriot has become a stain in social media. The leaders of our country abuse the powers of social media to attack and throw shocking and unprofessional comments. It is quite disgusting, as well as disturbing, to see how America has become divided.
I will still fly my flag proudly while I am able. I'm sure if offends someone somewhere across this once great land. I will still stand during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and remember all the family members who have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. For now, we are still the land of the free.