Sending you lots of love and warm greetings!

(photo courtesy of Etsy; you can buy this sign from PalletsAndPaints)

I’m focusing on the BEAUTY of spending time with your family and recognizing your blessings.

(photo courtesy of Fotolia)

I have so much to be thankful for this year (and every year). I hope you all take the time to reflect upon your blessings and appreciate them all.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Can you all believe that this is the 100th post on this blog?!?! I’m blown away at how much my little corner of the web has grown, since I haven’t done any traditional marketing/advertising. Every follower I have came here either through word of mouth or chance. And if you came by, liked what you read and stayed, I sincerely thank you.

You all have seen 100 days worth of my thoughts, hopes, dreams, and discoveries.

You’ve seen some low points, some high points, and my journey over the past 3(ish) months.

When I call you all “friends” or “beloveds”, I mean it. The comments and messages I’ve gotten have been incredible. Thanks for the love and support!

What do you all think could make this a better space? I’ve been considering doing some YouTube videos but I’m a little shy (well, nervous about making a high-quality video). Maybe I’ll come up with some other way to make this space even more engaging.

In any case, thank you and I love you all. To 100+ more posts! Cheers!

(photo courtesy of WeClipArt)

Happy Sunday! I’m traveling from my friend’s home and it feels really good to have a few days in a warmer locale (not quite as warm as San Juan, but it’s still a good break from the ordinary).

However, as a heads up, I wasn’t able to finish October’s book selection. Between work, going out with friends, and planning for NaNoWriMo, I simply didn’t have the time. And, until NaNoWriMo is done, I won’t be picking up the Mae West again. I’m a little bummed that I couldn’t get it all done, but I’ve put life on hold long enough: I’m overdue for some adventures!

So, next month, I’ll do my Mae West review and read a “light” book so that I’m back on schedule. I will be excited to resume my normal schedule in December!

Today’s post is short, because I’m a bit nervous and awaiting some news from the Caribbean.

I have several friends who live on the islands of Puerto Rico and St. Vincent. This hurricane season has been especially hard on all of them. My friend from St. Vincent is safe but rebuilding won’t be easy. I still haven’t heard from four of my friends from Puerto Rico.

If you’re inclined, please keep them in your prayers or send them positive vibes. I truly appreciate it.

I’m deviating from my normal topics of discussion to share something that was on my heart.

This is a post in support of the efforts to assist the people affected by Hurricane Harvey. I have family in the Beaumont, TX area, so I anxiously awaited confirmation of their safety immediately after the storm made landfall. I was fortunate: my family members were all safe and relatively unaffected. But my heart aches for those that weren’t as fortunate.

I kindly ask that any of you look to see what you can do, and then, do whatever you can. I can’t vouch for any particular agency or charitable organization (especially after learning how the Red Cross misappropriate funds designated to help Haitians after the horrific earthquake in 2010). However, if you know of a local volunteer effort that plans to journey to the Houston area to assist, please see if it is possible to support them in any way. Also, please research any organization that may be soliciting funds to assist those affected by Hurricane Harvey: I’m sure many of them are reputable, but it never hurts to verify it for yourself.

And, no matter who you are, please send comforting thoughts and good energy to those that suffered from Harvey’s wrath.