Real You: So much to be thankful for, especially you!

It's that time of year, when we all reflect on our blessings. As an author, finally putting my passion into action and having the career of my dreams, I am sure of one thing - your support makes all the difference. With each book or short story, I've been thrilled by the response from long-time friends, and new friends alike. I'm so grateful my novels have resonated with you, and that you are looking forward to the next. Who could ask for anything more? But there is more. Always. My family. A week ago, my daughter's college house burned down. She lived there with 8 other girls, and thankfully, none of them were home when the fire started. It moved quickly and the damage was enormous. She lost everything - possessions, clothes, computer, photos - but she is safe. And really, that's what matters as we all know.

Her close-call was a reminder to me, and a lot of folks who saw her story, to check your smoke detectors and hug your kids; to let go of stuff, but to hold onto memories in your heart; and finally, to be so thankful for everyday we have and everyone in it. It can all be over in a moment.

I am so thankful for you. Have the happiest of Thanksgivings.

Real You: The treasures that matter in the vaults of life

The truth is, I'm not having a great time with this move. We were relocated due to my husband's job - suddenly - over Thanksgiving and picked a place to live quickly, and for a short-term lease. Now, it's up and we're off. Two things. It's hard to move - for a short-term - a family of six with two dogs and piles of stuff. It's even harder to move - again - five months later. Second, I've found I'm practicing for empty nesting. I am letting go. I am a natural pack rat, and when the vaults - yes they call them vaults - of stuff we had in storage from two moves ago pulled up on a semi-truck in front of the new house, I wanted to tell them the driver he had the wrong address. Clearly, I didn't need the vault contents - I'd been living quite fine without all of it for more than three years.

They insisted on unloading. Ergo, for the past two weeks I've been wading through boxes of memories. Kid art scribbled on the back of paper placemats; photos galore; Mother's Day presents from various kids' preschool and elementary school days; clay creations of every sort and every talent level; my high school and college scrapbooks; books - and more books; and, well, you get the drift.

I've been snapping photos of some of the stuff before tossing it. Other, the most special of treasures, have been placed back into tubs so I can experience this all over again at some later date. It's almost like being an empty nester - but I'm not. My kids are still home, so perhaps it's a practice session?

A lot of the treasures made me misty, and many made me smile. It's the vaults of life, really, that I was rummaging through. I'm glad I did it. I don't think I tossed too many valuable memories. Judging from the new storage space stuffed to capactiy, I'll be doing this again in another 20 years.

If I'm lucky.

Real You: That's what friends are for. . .

Just back from my college reunion and I had a blast. Meandering around campus, buying things at the bookstore, cheering at the football game, sharing memories at parties - and well, just reconnecting. Friends - new and old - help us stay connected to ourselves. They remind us of who we were, and who we've become. They cheer us on, reflect our passions back to us. And they remind us, always, to count our blessings. Each and every one.

Real You: This is what happens in Vegas

We decided to take a last-minute, end of the summer family trip and where did we head? Las Vegas, of course. Yes, while it may not spring to mind as a wholesome family bonding spot, no matter where you travel with your kids, it can be a chance to bring you all closer together (literally in our case via the road trip).
And here's what happens in Vegas: we talked, we laughed, we went to a show every night, we swam in huge pools and wandered through immense hotels.
And now, we're back. Gearing up for school to start. Reconnected to technology, responsibility, and work. I'm glad that what happened in Vegas - for our family - will stay, not in Vegas, but in our memories for a lifetime.