Complete Change

To say that I've done a 360 is leaving a lot out. I've had so many things on hold as I took a leap of faith and followed my dreams. I've been visiting Cyprus for the past 24 years and now I have finally made it my home. The transition has been exciting but at the same time overwhelming. As my wonderful husband and best friend deals with all the paperwork in his homeland, I find myself struggling at times. An increasing need to learn the language has overcome me and a desire to really be part of this community is a driving force. I haven't written more yet as establishing yourself and family in a new place leaves no time for anything else. As I enter my 7th week here things have slowly calmed down and I find myself once again inspired to continue to tell Fran's story.

Stop Asking Permission

We go through life first asking our parents for permission and seeking approval. We go to school and again are taught to ask for permission and approval. We fall in love and we again seek approval. In the process many of us loose sense of who we really are and what makes up happy. We

The Power of a Song

Why is it that we associate songs to situations or people? For my music is so powerful and it can change my emotional state quickly. I once had someone look at my playlist and comment that they were really great songs but all sad love songs. This morning on the radio "Someone Like You" by Adele played and though it's a beautiful song it made me so sad for so many reasons. I think we all have those trigger songs that make us sad but we can't stop ourselves from listening to them or even singing along.

The video to the song is also touching: https://youtu.be/hLQl3WQQoQ0

On the Road to Change.

As you rediscover yourself, you struggle with who you were and who you want to be. For me it's been a long processes as I tend to please those that I love but I've come to realize that sometimes you need to please yourself. I won't lie I struggle with standing up for myself when those that I love are negative or hurtful. It's a difficult thing to do as you struggle with your feelings and how you feel towards the other person but if you don't standup for yourself it will never stop. The first few times it's difficult and you get push back from others but stand tall. After a while you just get stronger and the others start realizing that they can no longer order you around or impose their views. Stay strong & believe in yourself.

Rediscovery!

Sometimes develop a check list of thinks that we believe we must accomplish. We go through life focused on this sometimes mental list and in the process we loose site of where we are and where we are going. It's been almost a year since I last post anything on this blog and I can honestly say that it's been like being on a rollercoaster ride with many ups, downs and loops. Thankfully the ride had come to an end and I feel my feet have landed back on solid ground. I've re-evaluated my check list and realized that many of the items on the list weren't items that I put there but things that ended up there as I tried to please others and meet there expectations. It took a lot of soul searching but and inner strength to revise my list, reprioritize my life and start working towards things that make me happy. In the process I found that by reaching for my happiness I became a happier more confident person. I think reaching your mid forties is a huge mild stone in your life as you come to realize a large section of your life is over. It prompts you to look at things differently and it make you realize what am I waiting for? If you want to change something, change it. If you love someone, tell them! Do what makes you happy because the clock will continue to tick and eventually time will run out. Life life without regrets!

Paperback Now Available

I'm so excited!!! I received the paperback books I ordered in the this week. The cover looks beautiful. Showed it to my hubby, he looked amazed and said "wow, congratulations". That comment made my day. Now I'm in the process of giving some copies of the book to some very dear friends.

What I have learned in the process of trying to get the book promoted and placed for sale in various bookstores is that many bookstores will not sell your book if it's self published through Amazon or Create Space. I find it very unfair as other publishing companies charge a lot of money for the services that I can obtain through Create Space. This makes a huge difference when as an author you are just trying to get your story out there for others to enjoy.

I will keep you updated!

So Excited!!!

I've republished "Awakenings: The Greek, The Russian and Me" after it has gone through professional editing. It has a beautiful new cover. It's listed on Amazon for $0.99 for a short time. I'm also running a promotional giveaway through Amazonhttps://giveaway.amazon.com/p/4a371d9bf757a286