since I last wrote in my blog. I have been busy living life and enjoying the holiday season without documentation. I am trying to live more in the moment and spending less time on my phone and social media. It was a wonderful holiday.

I have had an interesting year filled with both good and bad memories.

My first full year living back in my hometown area with family has been a blessing. I enjoy coffee time with my sisters, shopping and numerous dinners. We have family discussions in person rather than on the phone. We help one another out with medical needs, transportation issues and have done some door dashing of our own with home made soups and goodies.

I have also reconnected with my son and granddaughter. After living apart for many years and numerous complications, I now speak with them often. We suffered a tragic loss of my beautiful 20 year old granddaughter under shocking circumstances, but I will not let her death be in vain. It has brought me closer together with my son and youngest granddaughter, as we lean on each other to find strength.

The Canadian man I met on the internet that started out as a friend with a broken heart is now so much more. We gain strength and support from each other daily, even when we’re miles apart and bring healing to each other in many ways. Who said you can’t find love again in your mid sixties? We cherish our time together because we both understand the meaning of “tomorrow isn’t promised” better than most. He has taught me that laughter truly is the best medicine.

There were many presents under my beautiful tree and I hosted Christmas Eve for six of us. It was my mission to recreate a table that my mother and my grandma would have been proud of! My boyfriend brought some wonderful Canadian wines and the fine China his family used for years to accompany our turkey dinner and I loved every single minute of our family celebration. It was rather euphoric for me since I was not part of family Christmases for so many years while traveling to Florida. Those days are behind me now with no regrets.

I wrote a novel, which has been read by three people with good reviews. I wanted to search for a literary agent and publisher last fall upon completion, but life got away from me and it was too late. Now that the holidays are over, it will become a priority. I have a complete proposal, a book cover (with the assistance of a professional) and an Author’s photo for the back of my book.

I am not famous. I am not rich. I don’t personally know an agent or publisher. This all makes getting a book published in today’s world a stretch of the imagination because it is still all about who you know, but this story must be told. If it helps just a few people from making a mistake that could end life as they know it, then it’s a success!

I have not spoken of the book in detail because there is a huge secret that is revealed in it. The plan is to publish a trilogy, and once you read the first book, in the words of Christine Koneval who read it; “I finished the first book “Love Begins with Innocence” and I am really hoping that it gets published so I can read the other two books in the trilogy and find out how it ends. I felt like I needed anti-anxiety medication while reading it because of all that Lauretta’s husband does to her.”

Book one sets up the drama for more shocking details of covert narcissism and the abusive and demeaning treatment Lauretta Santrini endures in book two. I would like to introduce the cover, and many of you might recognize it, as it was taken from an actual photo from 1975 in Mill Creek Park, Youngstown, Ohio.

Perhaps I will share a review in my next blog, but for now, I will continue searching for a way to get published and continue writing book two. I would greatly appreciate any referrals my readers may have in the comment section of my blog for help in publishing.

In the meantime, Happy New Year to everyone and I wish you all a successful 2025!!