Hello there! I know it’s been a while since my last post—life has a funny way of hijacking my blogging time. But don’t worry, I’ve been busy with some pretty exciting things! Between diving into book two (and yes, already plotting book three—yay!) and embracing every new opportunity that comes my way, it’s been a whirlwind of creativity and adventure.
Last spring, I wrote a blog about Embracing the Power of Yes. This summer, I continued that journey, doing my best to live by that mantra. So, here’s a little glimpse into how I’ve been embracing the power of yes during these past few months—filled with adventures, new beginnings, and unforgettable experiences.
Hawks at Sea Island: Embracing the Power of Nature
One of the most memorable moments of my summer was a Hawk Walk with two incredible birds, Sue and Irma, at Sea Island. As someone who has always loved birds, this experience truly took the cake. Walking alongside these majestic hawks, watching them soar, was a powerful reminder of the beauty and grace of nature. There was something almost meditative about the way they moved, a silent communication between bird and handler that left me in awe. It was an experience that will stay with me for a long time, reinforcing my commitment to saying yes to the magic of the natural world.
A Pickleball Tournament with My Daughter
In June, I had the chance to participate in a pickleball tournament with my daughter. The idea of competing alongside her, sharing in the excitement and camaraderie, was too good to pass up. We strategized, we encouraged each other, and most importantly, had fun. The icing on the cake? We brought home a bronze! It was a moment of pure joy and a reminder that saying yes to challenges, especially with loved ones, can create memories that last a lifetime.
Book Adventures: From 30A to Atlanta
This summer also took me to the beautiful beaches of Florida’s 30A and the bustling streets of Atlanta for bookstore events. Visiting Sundog Books and other charming indie bookstores was a dream come true, a chance to connect with readers and fellow book lovers. These events were more than just book signings; they were celebrations of storytelling, community, and the power of words. Each yes to these opportunities reinforced my passion for writing and the joy of sharing my stories with others. I also had the wonderful opportunity to speak at several library events and book clubs as well.
New Tennis Teams, New Friendships
Back home, my journey of embracing new challenges continued as I joined not one, but two new tennis teams (bringing my total to a whopping seven!). Tennis has always been a passion of mine, but stepping onto the court with fresh faces and competing against new opponents brought a renewed sense of excitement and energy. What started as a pursuit of athletic challenge quickly evolved into something much more meaningful—these teams became tight-knit communities, rich with new friendships and shared experiences that extend far beyond the baseline.
Portugal: Discovering Padel and Rediscovering Myself
What started as a last-minute trip to Portugal—complicated by an airline mix-up that left me without luggage in Boston—quickly transformed into an unexpected adventure that I’ll never forget. Armed with only my carry-on, I fully embraced the spontaneity of the moment. I savored espressos in Lisbon, zipped through the city in a Tuk-Tuk, and stumbled upon a newfound passion for Padel—a thrilling mix of tennis, squash, and something uniquely its own that completely captured my heart. The surprises didn’t stop there. I indulged in the best scallops of my life, competed in a golf tournament where my team emerged victorious (despite my modest contributions), and even met an Olympian fresh from Paris, who generously let me wear his silver medal. Each day was a new adventure, filled with excitement, stories, and a renewed sense of wonder—all because I chose to say yes to the unexpected, to the adventure that awaited just around the corner. Or in this case, across the Atlantic.
Spontaneity in the Kitchen and On the Road
As if the summer hadn’t already been full enough, I found myself embracing spontaneity in the simplest, yet most meaningful of ways last weekend—by making my two college kids their favorite meals. On a whim, I packed a cooler full of homemade goodness and hit the road for a spontaneous trip to Knoxville and Athens. There's something incredibly special about cooking for those you love, especially when it’s a dish steeped in memories and comfort. In our house, homemade pico and their Nana's special sauce—loaded with meatballs, Italian sausage, and pork chops—are treasured favorites. Whipping them up last minute brought smiles all around, making the impromptu road trip all the more worthwhile.
The Power of Yes Continues…
As I look back on this summer, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences I’ve had and the lessons I’ve learned. Saying yes has continued to open doors, introduce me to new passions, and strengthen my relationships. It’s a journey I plan to continue as the seasons change, knowing that each yes brings with it the potential for growth, joy, and unexpected adventure.
So here’s to the power of yes.
As always, I’m including a recipe from my novel, Where the Grass Grows Blue…
Squash Casserole (my favorite).
Ingredients:
• 4 cups sliced yellow squash
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
Directions:
• Preheat oven to 350º F.
• Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet and sauté squash and onions.
• In a large bowl, add eggs and lightly whisk. Add cheese and milk and whisk.
• Add squash and onions and stir well.
• Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray and pour the squash casserole mixture into the baking dish.
• Top with crushed Ritz crackers (that’s been soaked in butter) and bake for 45 minutes.
Three Things I’m Obsessed with in August
1. The Racket: I’m totally addicted to tennis, pickleball, and my latest crush, Padel. Or wait—could “The Racket” be the title of book three that’s in the works? Stay tuned for more on that!
2. Kris Kristofferson: I’ve fallen head over heels (again) for the legendary Kris Kristofferson, one of the greatest songwriters ever. With classics like “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and “For the Good Times” on repeat, my creative juices are flowing. Or maybe these tunes are setting the perfect mood for book four… who knows? The Summer of 1972 in the bluegrass state?
3. Grape Popsicles: This Tennessee summer has been blazing hot, and nothing cools me down better than a simple grape popsicle. Is it the sweet taste or the nostalgia of childhood summers? Either way, it’s my delicious escape from the scorching sun!
Until next time…
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