Here’s a quick video update about wonderful things coming, starting TOMORROW! With Shannon Messenger’s interview about Keeper of the Lost Cities Series for middle grade and her young adult series as well. Later this month we’ll see Sara Ella and learn more about having a creative life with Wendy Speake and Kelli Stuart’s new book, Life Creative. We’ll dive deep with updates about bullying and what you can do to not feel so helpless if it happens, how to diagnose it with young ones too. Sign up for the blog and my first giveaway, wonderful swag from Shannon Messenger and…
Writers, Television, Podcast, and more! Summer Recap
This summer was extraordinary for Thorn & Vine, and with its launch came many opportunities to nurture the writing side of things, and also start spreading the word about resources for teens, tweens, and adults for more resilience in life. Daytime at Nine I was honored to share a snapshot of our experience as wildfire survivors as well as tips to thrive in times of adversity on Fox News San Antonio. Here’s the interview! http://foxsanantonio.com/daytime-at-9/hope-can-come-after-a-tragedy One of the special connections I made was with author Pam Vredevelt who helps people find a path from losing children. She is such a…
Get Ready For A Sparkling September
September is our kick-off month for three blog themes to encourage, embolden, and inspire you, and some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the end of their 60th Anniversary Diamond Days celebration. Late August Note: As a gemologist, I’m always on the lookout for something beautiful to see. Pictured above is some sparkle not to miss at Disneyland before the 60th anniversary is over on September 5, 2016. Make sure to stop by The Disney Gallery right as you enter Disneyland to view this spectacular castle and some other gorgeous gems with Swarovski crystals. There are also fascinating paintings…
Wild Lessons Ready to Go
When we wandered into a beautiful quilt store, these bundles were all packaged, ready for someone to create a thing of beauty. Eight years ago on October, 22nd, 2007, we lost everything we owned in a wildfire that came through San Diego. More than 300 neighbors did as well and thousands others in surrounding areas from five wildfires that grew huge that week in Southern California. Ours was the Witch Creek fire. Now we’re launching a new vision for Live A Resilient Life™ with great resources for people making new beginnings. It reminds me of these quilting bundles I saw…
Finding Your Greatest Adventure
I’m often asked this question: “I want to try new things but am afraid others will laugh. How do I begin?” What if the best way to uncover your own dreams in life, your deeper sense of adventure, could be held in your very hands? What if, like a magic potion or Jeanie’s wish, you could fly with airplanes in a dogfight, or search undersea for forgotten lands, or hike high mountain ranges without ever leaving your house. “Oh, wait a minute, I know what she’s about to say,” you think. “Books? What?” Yes, I’m encouraging you to read. Not…
The Hidden Hearts
On a wonderful vacation recently I started seeing things. No, really. First, after swimming with the turtles, I was resting and taking photos when I felt one in particular might be special. Get it this direction, a little voice whispered. After I peeked at the frame, I saw why. As you gaze into the pool of water as it reflects the sky, you’ll see a shape. A heart. And its twin smiled at me through the windswept clouds as a slight drizzle began. Two hearts. The next day, on a boat tour around the island, a lush landscape came into…
Seven Ways To Put More Magic In Your Life
Are mundane tasks dominating your life and stressing your outlook? Here’s seven ways to add more magic into the everyday mixture for you and your family. Light a fire – Whether it’s a candle or a fire in the fireplace, the flickering light seems to signal something special is coming. Usually it leads to more laughter at our dinner table and loosening up for the parents, too. Turn on magical music – We often listen to a station from London broadcasting amazing classical music. Not the kind that makes you snore, but the elegant, heart-lift, gaze sparkling kind….
Let the waters recede, the gratitude grow, and the worthwhile rule
Fifth post of 10 Stress Knock-Outs For this final post in the series, I arranged to discuss perspective, and how growing more gratitude and having less guilt in your life can help to greatly reduce stress. I grew up living on a lagoon near the San Francisco Bay that would flood easily in years when El Nino really gave a fantastic show, or the pump attached to the bay went out. Instead of letting the tears flow, I’d watch as my mom would study the muddy colored waters and say, “It’s time.” Time to roll up carpets, evacuate furniture to…
Turning Up The Fun Meter In Your Life
Part three of the Stress Knock-Out Series You’re still juggling a lot and need another route to de-stress rather than watching the television or eating something you shouldn’t. To find that smile again, try turning up the fun-meter in your life. Sometimes it’s okay to completely alter your personality for a day and push pause on the responsibilities, even if only for a short while. You can totally reset the gauges that measure stress and healthfulness in your life with setting out a path to have more fun. Kids don’t mind asking for it, so why, when we grow up,…
Give, Pray, Laugh – Helping Others Can Reduce Stress
Part Two in the series 10 Stress Knock-Outs For The New Year Can helping others really lift some of the stress we feel or is it just an old wives’ tale? I gotta tell you, it really does work wonders. If I could write it in a book title it would go something like Give-Pray-Laugh. Give Letting go of clutter frees your mind to express creativity and be more whole with your inner self in daily activities. I’ve set monthly goals to wipe out a corner that’s causing me to trip because, well, it’s not just a physical distraction, is…
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