​On the dedication page of The Contract is a quote by Audie Murphy. It reads: “Bravery is just determination to do a job that you know has to be done.”

I love this definition of bravery, because it is expansive and includes both uncommon and common valor.

Several of my relatives are serving or have served in the military. When I think of courage, my thoughts quickly go to them and particularly to my cousin - Lieutenant Colonel John Smith.

John is the recipient of multiple military honors for bravery, having served in Afghanistan and other combat areas. Just as impressive, though, is the fact that he is also a person of great compassion and humor. His embrace of life protects and supports all that is good about life.

When I’m around John, I wonder if he is ever afraid. I suspect he might feel fear at times, but I also suspect the fear is overshadowed by a determination to do a job that must be done.

If bravery could be charted, my cousin would be on one end, and I’d be on the other. Yep, I’m timid about a lot of things. I will always do what needs to be done, so I guess that means I'm brave according to Audie Murphy, even if I'm cringing inside and fighting back tears.

I've thought about this a lot of recent, because I have a medical issue that must be addressed. If truth be known, I’d travel great distances to meet with a healer. But alas, after months of trying to manage the situation and the pain, it is time for surgeons to intervene.

​So, I think of my cousin, and all who face life challenges, and I take a deep breath and move forward with reluctant courage. 

My blog will remain silent for awhile and the comments closed. Your good wishes and prayers are most appreciated. And, when I return, I look forward to catching up with each of you. ​♥

The Rave Reviews Book Club announces its 3rd Annual Writers' Conference & Book Expo! Because it is an online experience, it fits anyone's busy schedule.

This year’s theme is “RISING TO STAND AMONG THE VERY BEST.” The workshops cover a wide range of topics; and in addition, there are both Author Booths and Vendor Booths for those who wish to showcase their work.

Just for fun, the event will also have giveaways and a RAFFLE. 


Check out the conference through these links:
 General Info
Registration
    Registration & Pricing
Registration Page
Sponsorship Info
Raffle Tickets Registration

Each week poet, Ronovan Hester sponsors a Haiku prompt challenge, and folks (like me) try to follow his lead. This week the two words are days and old. If you have interest in this poetic form, please click on his name, and you'll be guided to his website where you'll find detailed instructions. 

When I read the prompt words, I thought of how time passes much too quickly. We imagine we can begin living tomorrow only to discover that tomorrow came and went weeks maybe months even years ago. How did it happen that we were so unaware? ♥ 

1968​ is often referred to as the “most turbulent” year of the century. The Vietnam War was at its peak, evoking confrontations between student protesters and police. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated and just a few months later, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was murdered. The young were disillusioned and angry, the old were lost in a world they did not understand. It was a very difficult time.

I was a student at San Diego State University in 1968, and fifty years ago today my first child was born. I had married the year before, and the birth of my son followed ten months later. When nothing made sense, when everything that could go wrong went wrong, I had a precious baby to hold. He was my miracle, a concrete sign of hope during a time that appeared hope-less.

Each week poet Ronovan Hester sponsors a Haiku prompt challenge, and folks (like me) try to follow his lead. This week the two words are unite and chance. If you have interest in this poetic form, please click on his name, and you'll be guided to his website where you'll find detailed instructions. 

We live in a time of great turmoil, and when I read the challenge words, I thought of John Lennon's Give Peace a Chance. The song and its hope motivated my poem. ♥ 

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