#52WeeksofGratitude - Week 3

Family.

I’m a firm believer that birth is coincidence, and you choose your family every day. That being said, I’m pretty grateful for the lovely birth family that I have, as well as the extended  non-birth family that I’ve chosen over the years. I’m surrounded by amazing, inspiring (and sometimes flawed) humans. Their flaws only make them more lovable.

We’re all on this crazy journey, and to arrive at the finish line without any flaws or scars would mean that you didn’t live.

My family (blood and non-blood) are beyond precious to me.

Love and Peace,

Kay

I found this challenge on Pinterest and thought it would be fun/interesting/maybe torturous to try to do it and keep up. I've decided to post each Thursday in 2020 (ThankfulThursday), following the outline of the challenge. 

Why do this?

To exercise fingers on the keyboard.

It’s only one post a week.

Positivity is a great energy conductor.

I have lots to be grateful for!

It’ll be fun! (maybe?)

Join me, if you dare.

#52WeeksofGratitude - Week 1

I found this challenge on Pinterest and thought it would be fun/interesting/maybe torturous to try to do it and keep up. I've decided to post each Thursday in 2020 (ThankfulThursday), following the outline of the challenge. 

Why do this?

To exercise fingers on the keyboard.

It’s only one post a week.

Positivity is a great energy conductor.

I have lots to be grateful for!

It’ll be fun! (maybe?)

Join me, if you dare.

Love and Peace,

Kay

Author Kay Phoenix

I came up with the idea for Steele and Stone while hiking the Bristlecone Trail at Mt. Charleston near Las Vegas, NV.  Hiking gives me lots of time to think, as I’m not distracted by my child or dogs, or the ever present cell phone/modern technology that I know I use too much.  While hiking, it’s just one foot in front of the other, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and lots of quiet time to think. 

I wish I was a better hiker, one that went more often and was in better shape, like Elle is in the story.  I began thinking about Elle as a character, and wondered what her reaction would be if she had to, kind of, be a tour guide for a man that wasn’t as used to being in the mountains. 

Then, I remembered a scene from my own childhood, when I was about 3 or 4, hiking with my father when we came upon a mountain lion.  When my dad tells the story, he usually points out all the wrinkles he now has and blames most of them on that day. Being an Army medic fresh back from Vietnam, he went right into soldier mode, picked me up, and we hightailed it out of the enemy’s vicinity.  In hindsight, running from a predator isn’t the best thing to do.  But, we’re still here, intact.  The cat didn’t chase us. 

Funny enough, the only thing I remember of the incident was thinking “Oooo, pretty kitty”.

Thus, the opening scene of my book was born that day, hiking the Bristlecone Trail on Mt. Charleston outside Las Vegas, NV, and everything else was the character’s faults.  They took the reins, which was fine by me.  I provided their setting.

Come to think of it… it’s time to go on another hike!

***

Title: Steele and Stone

Author/pen name:  Kay Phoenix

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Date of Publication:  November 2, 2016

ASIN:  B01LYUQ75N

Number of pages: 133

Word Count:  42,000

Blurb:

Elle Thompson was raised in Denver. She paints. She hikes. She knows how to avoid cougar attacks.

The only cougars Michael Williams usually worries about are the ones that wear leopard print leggings on 5th Avenue.

But, when his acquisition firm sets its sights on Elle's family business, his tidy life goes awry. As things unravel, so do all his preconceived notions of love and what makes a perfect partner.

Buy links:

https://www.amazon.com/Steele-Stone-Daring-Hearts-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B01LYUQ75N/

Excerpt:

“So, how are you feeling today?” a familiar voice asked behind him. He didn’t have to turn to know who it was, but he turned anyway, temporarily forgetting about his sunburn until he saw the shocked expression on her face.

“Whoa! No sunblock either? I had some, you could have asked,” she giggled. “That’ll peel for sure.”

Blue! Brilliant, shimmering blue eyes. He hadn’t seen her eyes during their hike, as they’d been hidden behind sunglasses the whole time, and he’d always been a sucker for blue eyes. Her blonde hair hung long, loose and wavy as she leaned casually against the doorframe.

“I see you’ve already made yourself quite at home,” she said. “Randall told me he let you use the conference room.”

“What are you doing here?” he asked in a tone that sounded a bit too firm.

“Oh, no ‘How are you?’ or ‘Nice to see you?’” She tilted her head to the side, causing a loose curl to graze her breast.

He turned back to the coffee. “I didn’t mean to sound rude. You just surprised me.”

Author bio:

Ms. Phoenix is a rare bird herself...a lifelong resident of Las Vegas, Nevada. She belongs to Las Vegas Romance Writers and has served on the board for several years. She is also a member of Romance Writers of America with PAN status.

Prior to writing, Kay was a Graphic Artist for fifteen years in the casino industry and holds degrees in both Graphic Arts and Psychology. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, traveling and photography. She is also involved in several Las Vegas non-profits.

Kay has been blessed to be able to travel many places, which inspired her to host a weekly author spotlight called “Midweek Escapes” on her blog. It features guest author’s favorite vacation destinations, their travel tips, and, of course, information about their book releases and occasional giveaways.

Author website and social media links:

Website:

www.KayPhoenix.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKayPhoenix/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/KayPhoenix_

100 Things to be Thankful For (week 51)

52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge

In NO particular order:

1.       My son

2.       My family

3.       My ancestors

4.       Chocolate milkshakes

5.       Magic

6.       Candy corn

7.       My pets

8.       That I have always had “enough”

9.       The places I’ve traveled, and the means to get me there

10.   Mexican food

11.   US mail

12.   My writing buddies

13.   My editor

14.   My publisher

15.   My mentors

16.   Good shoes

17.   Comfy jeans

18.   Warm, soft sweatshirts

19.   Cocoa

20.   Lemonade

21.   Good craft beer

22.   Strawberry shortcake

23.   People who have read my books

24.   Favorite authors

25.   Good movies to look forward to

26.   My son’s teachers

27.   Reliable internet

28.   Netflix

29.   Amazon prime

30.   Heat and ac in my house

31.   Heat and ac in my car

32.   Safe, long road trips

33.   Happy meals

34.   Email

35.   Texting!

36.   Camera phones

37.   Smart phones

38.   Tablets

39.   Doctors

40.   Warm socks

41.   Hiking

42.   Sturdy shoes

43.   Birds that visit my feeders

44.   Nurses

45.   Animal vets

46.   Animal boarding

47.   UPS

48.   Fedex

49.   New friends

50.   Old friends

51.   High school reunions

52.   Mutual funds

53.   Real estate agents

54.   Coke

55.   Cool neighbors

56.   Fun games

57.   Stupid games

58.   To-do lists

59.   Dishwashers

60.   Home Depot

61.   JCPenney

62.   Amazon

63.   Windex

64.   Car that runs

65.   State of Nevada

66.   County of Clark

67.   City of Las Vegas

68.   Gravity

69.   Chiropractors

70.   Pain pills

71.   Nail polish

72.   Freedom

73.   Being American

74.   Short drive to son’s school

75.   Magic

76.   Full Moon

77.   Creativity

78.   Christmas decorations

79.   Friendly strangers

80.   Credit

81.   Delivery food

82.   Vacations

83.   Clean sheets

84.   Purple

85.   Drinking games

86.   Online strangers

87.   Funny memes

88.   Meditation

89.   Good movies

90.   Personal recommendations

91.   Hot chocolate

92.   80’s bands

93.   Spa treatments

94.   Warm showers on cold day

95.   Exterminators

96.   Grocery store selection

97.   Google – seriously!

98.   Comfy sweatpants

99.   Dove soap

100.  New friends

Love and Peace, 

Kay 

Lessons Learned this Year (week 50)

52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge

Sometimes it seems we have to learn the same lessons over and over until they sink in, and others it seems we only have to learn once. 

A lesson I learned this year is to focus more, and to challenge myself.  I can do it!  I got a book published, with a respected publisher.  More than that, I have two more books on the way and a novella.  Knowing a publisher wanted my books gave me a huge shot of confidence.

Most of the lessons I learned this year were about trusting myself, my knowledge and my wisdom to overcome obstacles, and handle situations as they pop up. 

Love and Peace,  

Kay 

Your Job (week 48)

52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge

I was happy to be able to work nearly 15 years at a job I loved, with people I enjoyed being around every day.  That’s a rare thing.  Sure, there were days I wanted to walk out, but it wasn’t ever because of anyone that I worked closely with.

 

Since then, I’ve taken on a new job.  I’ve been able to follow my passion of writing, and I’ve self published three works and currently have one traditionally published novel.  I’m so glad to be able to have been afforded the opportunity to pursue this dream job.

 

What’s your dream job?  Is there a way you can work toward it today?

Love and Peace,

   

Kay 

The City I Live In (week 6)

52 Weeks of Gratitude Challenge

Sin City…. a title that is not entirely accurate.  "Sin" happens in every city and town.

 

But, it so happens my hometown is famous for it. And, sin must not be that bad of a thing if we’re constantly inundated with droves of tourists.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?  Well, I guess, so is SIN.

I don't think it's so bad.  :-)  

Love and Peace,  

Kay 

So, What's This All About?

This is a little pet project I've been working on. It's a collection of poems, thoughts, insights and essays on a few different subjects.  Some of these I never meant another eye to see....but what the heck!  This is me...here I am!

Chartreuse is a compilation of personal insights on various aspects of life, as told through poetry and short, introspective writings. It begins with musings on the darker side of reality, followed by inspirations of love, and finishes with thoughts of a positive nature. 

Available January 27, 2016.  Pre-order is active now.

In Inspiration, 

Kay

2016 Resolution!

     My resolution for 2015 (basically, to pay attention to my body’s cues Read it here!) worked pretty well at first.  Then came Pet Rescue, and the fact that my body wanted to plop down on the bed a few times a day and now I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I’m in the 400 levels.  Ugh.  But, it’s not Pet Rescue’s fault. It ‘s totally Facebook’s fault. Damn! Since becoming a stay at home mom (more on that later), Facebook has been a source of daily social interaction for me.  I’ll check it a few times a day, then get lost in the feed and look up after a half hour. Good grief!  So, I’ve decided that while 2015 was generally a year of self-allowed rest, 2016 will be a year of limiting distractions so I can reach my goals.

 

     In my defense, 2015 was a big year of adjustments.  My son received an IEP at school and we’re dealing with his possible autism, and everything that goes along with it.  I also climbed a few personal/emotional mountain ranges in 2015 that I’d rather not mention.  So, 2015 was what it was. 

On the bright side, it was not a complete failure. Not at all.  I freaking finished a BOOK that is, as I type, being reviewed by an editor of a recognizable publisher after they requested the full.  Traditional publishing is a long, long route. 

     As it stands right now, I am 20k words into the sequel of the above book, and the third is outlined.  I am also 25k words into an unrelated stand alone book (romantic comedy/horror/suspense). I am, oh, about 120k words into my behemoth of a paranormal saga that has been my pet project, and I have two other books outlined.  I got the rights back to a novella that I had published with a small e-publisher, so I need to decide what to do with that now.  Writing is my heart! The moment the characters take over a story is like the best drug in the world (not that I know anything about drugs, of course).

     In 2015, I also began another pet project.  I’ve always been fascinated with dreams, and I have a few psychic cells in my body, so I started a web based business around these ideas. I am not completely finished with it yet, but I plan to offer email based courses on dreams and art therapy, and  personal dream interpretation services. a peek...

     I’ve also been applying for jobs and have made it onto a couple hiring lists and had a few interviews…but no cause to buy new work clothes yet.

     So, you see that even though I give myself a hard time for “not getting anything done in 2015”, I’m my own worst enemy – because I DID. The problem is, nothing I did is exactly tangible at the moment, thus making it hard for me to give myself a pat on the back.

     2016 will be the Year of Completion! I will narrow my focus to the most important items – SON, writing, dream website, and job search.  I will limit my distractions – hear that, Facebook? Within reason, I will expect myself to complete tasks that I have left hanging for too long, and the wrapping up of loose ends will be its own reward as I love that feeling of accomplishment.

Here’s to facing 2016 head on, with a purpose and the tools I need to succeed. 

My Name Is...

What is a name?  Is it all just pure ancestry?  A label?  A definition?

What does it mean if you meet someone with the same name as you?  Names are common, but some aren’t as common as they might be.  What are the chances that your circle collects names that are similar?  Pretty slim.  So, when it happens, you sit up and pay attention.  It’s disquieting to know that there can be such a similarity of letters between strangers.   

Names.  Little badges.  Signposts pointing behind you.  A title that might define your life.

Yet, a name doesn’t belong to one person.  It belongs to everyone that has it, and everyone that doesn’t have it. 

My name may as well be something unpronounceable, or even a symbol.  Prince (one of my favorite musicians) was on to something.   So was the character “Madison” in the movie Splash.   Her real name was a series of sounds. 

Names are meaningless.  The only value is what we attach to them.

Resolutions!

A few years ago I decided to change the way I made resolutions.  I used to make the usual ones like “Eat healthier, exercise, bla bla bla”.  No longer.  I make them different now, and this new way has worked for me. 

In 2013, I chose to “Be honest”.  It was WAY harder than I thought it would be.  Sure, we all think we’re pretty honest all the time, right?  But, think about it, how many times do you lie every day?  If someone asks you how you’re doing, how often do you say you’re fine when you aren’t?  I chose to be honest that year, and sometimes I screwed up, but I felt very empowered.  I drew lines in the sand for some people whom I felt took advantage of me.  I also found out that in being honest with others, I gained more true friends.  About halfway through the year, I realized that my resolution of “Being Honest” meant that I needed to be honest with myself as well.  That was very hard, perhaps the toughest part of that one!  Try it, you’ll see.  I really picked a tough resolution for my first year of going about them in my new way. 

For 2014, I chose one a bit easier… “To strengthen my friendships”.  And, I’ve got to say that 2014 was a stellar year for friendships!  I was able to help out a few friends in need with no strings attached.  I randomly ran into my first best friend from childhood and we’ve rekindled our friendship.  I met up with old coworkers several times and it was as if no time had passed at all.  I bonded with a new critique group of like minded writers whom I completely adore.  I also became a part of an artist’s group, and I am humbled to see my name alongside theirs at our gallery shows.  Like I said, it was a stellar year for friendships! 

    

So, what will I do for 2015?  What will the big resolution be?  I’ve thought about this for awhile and I’ve decided “To pay more attention to my body.”  Hmm, does that sound odd?  Well, there is something that I’ve noticed about myself; when I am upset about something it’s usually my body that clues me in before my brain does.   Often, I find myself awake in the middle of the night, brain spinning, searching Pinterest or some other dumb thing because I don’t want to get up.  And, if I do get up, I might organize my filing cabinet, or some other nonsense.  But, when I think about it, I usually figure out what is bothering me.  And it’s usually something that I need to settle myself upon, which might involve a phone call or an in person talk.  After I’ve had that discussion, I’ll have some kind of crazy dream to symbolize the purging of the negativity.  I’ve realized MY BODY KNOWS ME BETTER THAN MY BRAIN DOES.  I’ve been experiencing some sort of disconnect.  My mission for 2015 is to unite that connection once again!  I need to find the laces and pull my mind and body back together.  Actually, I think this is a problem common with women; we’re so used to being accommodating to everyone that we forget about ourselves.  NO MORE!  

You’re welcome to join me on this journey.  You can share with me, or not.  But, know that I truly wish everyone the best of themselves in 2015!

Dear Mr. Sun

Last Saturday was Summer Solstice, so I decided to a write a little letter to the sun.  As you can tell, the 105 degree heat in Las Vegas was getting to me.  But, I'm sure the Sun can forgive me. 

Dear Mr. Sun,

     I wrote your brother, the Moon, a letter not so long ago.  I like him better than I like you, by the way.  You aren’t as gentle as he is. 

     We’re always told not to look at you directly.  Why so shy, Mr. Sun?  What have you to hide?  Certainly, you don’t help us hide anything.  No, you point out our faults for all to see, garish and loud.  There’s no mistaking something when you point it out, nothing is lost in the shadows.  You bring full attention to every detail, as if it were your business.  You’re nosier than your brother.  You’re a tattletale!  We can look at the moon without fear.

     You see, the problem with you, Mr. Sun, is that you think that you are the one with all the power.  Sure, you give us warmth, you help the plants grow.  But, without your brother, the one that I like better, you would be useless.  Your brother casts a lighter, gentler glow on everything.  He doesn’t burn his friends, like you do.  His light reveals the same things that your does, but he makes them beautiful whereas you just make them …lit.  He pulls the oceans, he guides us.

     So, Mr. Sun, I’m sure I’ve gotten on your bad side…which is the same as your good side, isn’t it?  I’m not afraid of you, you’ve burned me before and you will again.  You’ve blinded me too.  You’re a pompous jerk. 

Sincerely,

A Moon Fangirl.

My Sexy Saturday

     My Sexy Saturday ( http://mysexysaturday.blogspot.com/ ) is all about sexy. Control is sexy.  It’s sexy to give up control in the bedroom.  But, in order to trust someone enough to give up that kind of control, you must first learn how to give up control outside of the bedroom, not just to them, but to fate.  In this snippet of my short story “The Plane Truth” ( https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/214003 ), Emily, who absolutely hates flying, gets a lesson from Aiden about giving up control when the plane they are flying in hits a bad thunderstorm.    

 

     “Do you believe in fate, Emily?”

     “What?” she asked turning to him, her brow creasing.  Was he going to get philosophical?  Now?  The plane dipped again and she swallowed hard, uncrossed her arms and clenched the armrests.

      “You can only have so much control over your life; the rest is up to fate.  You can control what you eat for breakfast, what you wear, where you live.  But, you can’t control certain things, like this airplane.  Sometimes you just have to let go,” he told her in an even, calming tone.

     The speakers came on with a crack and this time the plane hushed.  “Ladies and Gentleman, this is Captain Jim again.  It looks like this storm is going to be a bit of a bear on us.  We just got off the radio with Reno and they have cleared us to land due to unstable air currents in our flight path.  I apologize for the unscheduled landing.  We will wait out the storm and should be cleared to take off again as soon as it passes.  If anyone has connecting flights in Seattle, representatives will be standing by to accommodate you.”

     Emily turned back to Aiden hoping her fear didn’t show.

     “I bet dying next to me is the last thing you ever wanted,” he said with a half smile.

     Her mouth opened and closed a few times like a fish while she focused on something past his right shoulder.   She realized she wasn’t quite sure how to answer him.

    
     What happens next?  Well, their situation suddenly becomes much more intense, and their convictions are put to the test.  

 

 

Download my short story for free with the

code: QA52X (code expires August 1, 2013)

at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/214003.

 

My First Bra

     I’m not talking about my first “training bra” (who came up with that stupid term anyway?).   I’m talking about the first real bra that I bought with my own money. 

     I was maybe 11 or so, and I carried a purple purse with a unicorn on it that enclosed a purple wallet which held some red hot birthday cash.  So, it was off to the mall! My mom brought me and let me go into Dillard’s by myself (which may have been Diamonds at the time). 

     My birthday money was burning a hole in my wallet! 

     I wandered into the lingerie section of the store.  I hadn’t really been in that part of the store before and had always glanced at it whenever we had walked by in the past.  The pretty, lacey things with soft, shimmery fabric that looked as fragile as flower petals seemed so much more interesting than the kid’s clothes section we usually spent time in.  I felt excited and somewhat out of place browsing through the racks of pretty undergarments.  My underwear to date had been nothing but sturdy, practical cotton underwear that came in multi-packs from Kmart.  And, as far as I knew, that’s what my mom wore as well. 

     But, this underwear was so different.  Who would wear something so pretty, and why?  The notion that a woman would wear pretty undergarments to impress a man was far from my adolescent mind at that time.

     It was then that an older woman approached me.  She was a shopper, like me.  And, I’m going to paraphrase the conversation here…

     “Such pretty things, aren’t they?” She asked while lovingly admiring something from the rack.

     “Um, yeah."

     “You like them, don’t you?” 

     I nodded shyly.

     “I always find that I feel extra confident if I’m wearing something pretty underneath.  It’s like it’s my little secret,” she said, and smiled at me. 

     I nodded again and turned my attention to a Christian Dior bra in my size. 

     “Oh, that’s a very pretty one,” she said.  “Well, I’m going to go try these on.”  She left with a small pile of lace draped over one arm.

     I turned my attention back to the bra, and checked the price tag.  It was on sale!  It was going to take all of my birthday money to buy it (meaning I wouldn’t have enough left over to get the new Duran Duran album), but I couldn’t resist.  Confidence, she had said.  The bra was so pretty.  It was all off-white lace with light blue satin cups. 

     And…it became my first real bra.  I wore it to school under my silly purple unicorn shirts, and it gave me confidence.  It really did!  I had a pretty secret below my awkward surface. 

     My mom thought I was silly to spend all my money on a bra.  But, I didn’t care! 

     I still think about the woman who told me of her secret to confidence, especially on the days that I need a little extra…if you know what I mean. 

     Wink!