Entanglement

Writing has always been my preferred creative outlet, followed in close second by photography. I wrote my first book, The World's Smartest Circle , at the tender age of seven. It got checked out of the Woodland Elementary School library quite a few times in its limited release—I wish I still had it.  I have kept a journal ever since I can remember, as a matter of fact, I maintain a collection of blank journals—nineteen to be precise—all blank, you know, in case the urge hits me. My love of journaling led me to start this blog some fourteen years ago as a way of coping with my feelings during my divorce. Eight years of our fourteen together spent in marriage counseling, and he still couldn't communicate on an emotional level with me. His greatest fear was not losing his wife and two small children, no, it was the fear of "being broke." I hope he's happy with his money. Lots of past traumas and emotions were dredged up for me during that time, which led to the writi...

DREAMING BIG PUBLICATIONS AUTHOR INTERVIEW  Beaten In Love  Tell us about your latest book.   Beaten in Love is not for everyone, graphic and raw, it chronicles a time in my life when I became a victim of domestic violence at the hands of someone I thought I loved. It is a brutally honest memoir of how I became trapped in the cycle of abuse. As someone who struggled with low self-esteem and a proclivity for alcohol, I often confused sexual attraction for love. My hope in sharing my story, is to help other young women avoid this trap.           Who are your favorite authors?   I have many favorite authors but looking at my bookshelves it’s easy to see my preference is for V.E. Schwab, Simone St. James, Ruth Ware, Freida McFadden, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Neil Gaiman, John Marrs, Jay Kristoff and Stephen King.  What advice do you have for other writers?   I think we all dabble a little with writing; if not, we should be. It’s good exercis...

Between The Tracks Produce Market is one of the things I love about living in small town Leeds, Alabama. It takes me back to my grandparent’s garden and side of the road vegetable stands of my youth, where everything was freshly picked, probably that morning—dried garden dirt still on it, score.  Supporting local markets and farmers is more important than its ever been. We need community and that sense of fellowship and family that you just don’t get grocery shopping for produce covered in wax and cellophane.  Friendly service and going the extra mile is what you’ll get here—your tomatoes or peaches will be checked for quality and by golly if one’s damaged, they’ll go grab you a replacement. You will leave Between The Tracks with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart, not to mention delicious produce.  It’s worth mentioning that I’m not being paid to write a review of this establishment. I just appreciate good people, local grown, boiled peanuts and the no...

Rain has been coming down in sheets since the early hours of  this morning , beating first light in a race to wake the world. Thunder rumbled long and low, vibrating the dog out of the bed and to the presumed safety of the couch with its protective layer of pillows and throws. A frog’s song began, celebrating the deluge—more croak than music, but I smiled nonetheless.  Then there are my birds, ever tenacious, gathering in the downpour fighting for space on the feeders. Wrens find respite on the porch. They shake the water from their wings and look at me through the glass door, indignant, as if to say,  where is our breakfast Lady ?! More smiles.  Is it possible that I’ve never seen such a congregation? How are there so many? Do they delight in the morning rain as much as I? This glorious rising is the moment, is the miracle for which I live.  Good morning all! Be blessed, I hope your day is perfection. 

Do you know what one of the best feelings in the world is, for someone who has struggled with weight?  Answer: clothes that are loose fitting!  Once I had reached a plateau in my weight gain, years ago, I refused to buy any more clothes, especially if it was a bigger size. I have been wearing the same four pairs of pants and half dozen shirts for probably seven or eight years—black ensembles badly faded and thread bare. I hit another milestone this week, celebrated quietly, because in reality I am still overweight, but progress is progress. My clothes are just a small victory in this ongoing journey that feels less like a battle and more like a long walk home.  Processed food and sugar cravings are far behind me and I look forward to comfortably moving more as my body returns to me. Maybe I’ll finally try Pilates...take up yoga again. Lord knows I have enough loose fitting clothes in which to move freely, and man, does that feel good!  I hope everyone is taking care ...