Bring On Lemons

About the Book: Seventeen-year-old April has spent her childhood in therapy, learning to dismiss her imaginary friends as just that: imaginary. Now, as a college freshman, she hopes to leave behind the whispers and cruel rumors that have plagued her for years.  When April begins to embrace her newfound independence, her world is turned upside down when she crosses paths with Tommy and Bobby, two figures her therapist insisted were figments of her imagination. Nineteen-year-old Tommy has spent his life waiting for a mission that has haunted him. April’s reappearance shatters his reality, prompting him, April and Bobby to uncover a hidden truth that will change everything.  The trio must unite to fulfill their destiny. But an ominous force is closing in on them, one that will stop at nothing to prevent them from completing their mission. The stakes grow darker, threatening not only their lives but the wellbeing of future generations.  With time running out and the world’s ...

 We recently had the opportunity to staycay in our very own town; this is an experience I highly recommend! We had a fabulous time exploring. Whether you live in or near Manitowoc County, Wisconsin or have never been here, this post has something for you! Here's our list of things you won't want to miss: Where to Stay/Eat/Play: The Lighthouse Inn 1515 Memorial Drive Two Rivers, WI 54241 Star Rating: 4.75 Additional Notes: The rooms were clean and spacious. We had a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan and this is a very affordable place to stay. This is an older hotel but very well maintained - the swimming pool and hot tub were a hit with the entire family! There was a wedding one of the nights we stayed at the facility was beautifully decorated - this is definitely somewhere I would recommend for a wedding or anniversary gathering! We ate at the bar/restaurant several times. Each meal was delicious and the service was outstanding! Laura, Bryce, Scott, and Jim are some of our favor...

  I couldn't find a good pic for "rolling with the punches" because my hands are dry and my nails look awful (I did take some really crappy punching pictures - I'm also having a bad hair day) so this is what you get. I don't even remember why we took this funny photo, but it seems a bit appropriate for how our faces may look when our day falls apart! It's not even noon on a Thursday and plans A through C have already failed. I'm onto Plan D and a Granola Bar. I'm sure you can relate. We make a list, we set our goals, we do the preparation, and ... we wake up late, the car doesn't start, the roads aren't plowed, the crock pot won't heat up, someone calls and needs something, and the list goes out the window, the goals seem unattainable, and no matter how well prepared we were, we find ourselves eating a partial granola bar one of the kids left under the seat of the mom mobile.  I'm not complaining by any means. I make time for the things...

  Even in the darkness there is light. Think about that. There's always a small glimmer - from a phone, streetlight, tiny twinkling star, or maybe it's not even something you can see. Maybe it's a tiny light inside of you. A small ember just waiting for a breath of fresh air to spark them into a raging fire of light! Regardless of where your light is coming from - if you nurture it, it will grow. If you focus on the light, the darkness seems less dark. Less lonely. Less intimidating. All of use have a different light and a different energy. Some of us thrive in a group setting, yet others wither and feel themselves fading when they are with others. Some of us have spent a lifetime pleasing others and have no idea what fuels their light and energy.  I'm going to give you a moment to let that sink in. Have you spent a lifetime pleasing others, fitting yourself into someone else's box, and now you find yourself questioning everything. Your light and energy have faded a...

 Here I am again...you didn't hear from me for a long time and now two posts in two days? Let me tell you a little about that. Have you ever thought to yourself, 'I'd really like to call ________ but it's been so long, they're going to think it's crappy of me. I don't know why I waited so long, but I just can't call outta the blue.'?  Of course you've had that internal dialogue - we ALL have. So often times we just put down the phone and hope they're doing well. Sometimes we make the call - and honestly has anyone ever chastised you? I mean okay - sometimes our moms or aunties can be a little harsh - but has a friend ever said "wow, it's been a really long time, you're an asshole, bye" of course not! The friend says how happy they are to hear from you and you chat as if no time has gone by at all. I have a similar relationship with my writing and my health. I enjoy eating healthy and exercise and I enjoy writing, but life so...

Let's talk about contrast for a moment. My initial thought was I should write an article about light and darkness and in reality I'm still writing the same article - just a bit of a better spin on it. Contrast is of course the state of one thing being different from another - which makes it the perfect word to use when speaking on the subject of light and darkness. As an artist though - I'd like to talk about contrast which is the coming together of two opposite elements. Look at this picture for example - the restaurant looks dark only because the light is shining in the window and the photograph was taken with me facing the light and the camera facing the dark. The opposing elements cause the contrast. I ask myself, would the warmth of Wisconsin summer seem less warm without the cold of a Wisconsin winter? Would our joyful life experiences seem less joyful if not for the pain of our anxiety filled struggles?  I initially wanted to write an uplifting article about how the ...