Getting Closer

As I near the final stages of writing my book proposal and polishing the memoir itself, I realize it's taken four years to arrange the pieces into some sort of semblance of my life to try to help others face similar family and medical challenges.

Writing a memoir is fraught with obstacles. First off, where does it end? Your life continues but you must weave the individual stories into a fabric of sense and stop - somewhere. Caution must be exercised when describing details that involve others, and careful attention to research requires double- and triple-checking for accuracy. I can only hope that some agent out there will see the benefits of publishing my tome.

Judging from this blog's statistics, I have readers from all over the world; not many, but a widespread audience who are finding some interest in my words. I am so grateful. Now, my attention must be directed to increasing page views and the dreaded search engine optimization.

I remember working as a newspaper reporter in the early 1980's and, then, in public relations and marketing. In the young years, all I had to do was write. The 'others' did all design, publishing, and delivery. As the years progressed and technology tools became more available, I delved head first into the abyss of direct mail, graphic design, and social media marketing. I have so much more to learn.

An 'old school' graphic design colleague had a sign hanging in his office that read: GOOD, FAST, or CHEAP. You were allowed to pick two for your project. I always asked for GREAT and FAST to throw him off balance just a bit. We had great fun working together, elevating each other's art to please our clients. Now everything is solo in today's age of social media (an oxymoron, really) unless you are already an established author or celebrity. I do have a wonderful editor, however, and she is worth every cent.

So you're joining me on this escapade - only one of many of Amy's high-risk attempts at tackling the life I've been given ... twice. I hope you, too, never lose your sense of wonder; always get your fill to eat but keep that hunger; never take one single breath from granted.... I hope you dance! (Lee Ann Womack)

I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger

May you never take one single breath for granted

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance 

I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'

Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'

Don't let some Hellbent heart leave you bitter

When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance 

I hope you dance

(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)

I hope you dance 

I hope you dance

(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance

(Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along)

I hope you dance 

I hope you dance

(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder, where those years have gone?)

The Fountain of the Muses
Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet, SC

Holding My Hand Through Hell; By: Susan Murphy Milano

My dear friend and colleague, Susan Murphy Milano, had a virtual book launch last week. For the first time, Susan has written about herself and her early years into adulthood - years in which she witnessed her police officer father continually abuse her mother. Tragically, Susan's story leads to the death of both parents.

Today, due to her ongoing struggle with Stage 4 cancer, Susan can not travel and meet many of the thousands of victims she has helped as a tireless advocate for how to leave a relationship that includes intimate partner abuse. Her first book, Time's Up, was the impetus for so many to leave such dangerous relationships. Susan has saved many lives.

Another breakthrough for victims is Susan's creation of the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit, born from the lunacy of the Drew Peterson case and his still missing fourth wife, Stacey Peterson. You can find it at the following link:
Document The Abuse

But most of all, I commend the woman who has thrown herself at life, knocking down walls and smashing through windows to help any and all victims at any cost. Her battle now is one that I know she faces with great courage and wisdom and grace (sprinkled with a little anger here and there, I'm sure). Never one to think of herself first, Susan has no health insurance. Fundraising continues daily for this brave and tireless crusader. Here are two links to fundraising sites. I hope you will take the time to learn a little about Susan and her miraculous work. She is a treasure and we can't afford to lose her.
Holding Her Hand Towards Heaven
Love, Susan

NOTE: I just read the latest Conquering Cancer blog post (above) and am devastated to learn the latest news. Please visit the sites and help any way you can. Thank you. And to my beloved Susan, may God hold you in his lap and keep you with Him always.