Fly like a Butterfly

 

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A Blue Butterfly symbolizes joy, beauty, luck and is a wish granter. A Purple Butterfly
implies a divine intervention. 

In her magic she flutters stumbling along

gracing the grass blades

circling the sunflowers in the breeze

wings of rich blues and purples flapping

darting sweet droplets of crystal clear rain

the sun shining brightly down on the field

the sun shower welcoming the questions you ask

soaring high into the sky

carefree

one with the elements

with nature 

with vibes

Freedom

Peace

Dreams becoming clear 

Joy

Beauty 

Luck

Divinity

Grant her wishes

The butterfly she is 

the magic she creates

it’s hers and hers alone

No Judgements wanted

Let her be

She’s trying to find her way

But it’s a struggle against the wind

Wings weaken

But that color, well honey, it’s more vibrant than ever

Fly butterfly

fly

Everything will be alright

 

*I do not take credit for the image used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

What is your Spirit Animal?

What is a spirit animal?

Spirit animals are typically associated with traditional as well as modern Western shamanic practices. During initiations or shamanic journeys, the shaman would find one or several animals that she or another person is associated with. Traditionally, the spirit animal is used for guidance.

Think of your spirit animal as a guardian spirit or spirit guide. It can play the role of protector and provides guidance. It’s like a “personal guide or protector” that has a personal affinity with the person it’s associated with.- info via spirit animal info

Left to Right: 

Shamanic Art by Katherine Skaggs

Dream A New Dream, Guardians, Star Light Amora

*FYI- Shamanism is a practice that involves a practitioner reaching altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with what they believe to be a spirit world and channel these transcendental energies into this world.- via Wikipedia 

How To Connect With Your Spirit Animal.

A spirit animal characterized by a personal relationship to the individual it is associated with. You can have one or several spirit animals throughout your life, during a specific phase of your life, or at specific occasions. Your spirit animal often represents qualities and attributes that you may see in yourself. – info via spirit animal info

You can take the Spirit Animal quiz on the site! HERE

And if you don’t want a quiz to define your spirit animal there are many other more organic ways to find it, check out the sites How to find your spirit animal section.

I took the quiz and got an OWL.

^ Click to read all the owl info. 

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Owl Spirit Guide by Katherine Kaggs

However some key Owl highlights include:

*Deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge.

*It’s presence announces change/transformation.

I would have to say in some ways I feel like this is a good fit for me. But I don’t think that I will live my life by the ways of the owl all the time. However, I do think it’s fun to see how animals and their energies can affect us, guide or inspire us. I’ve always been interested in the Native American culture so maybe my interest in spirit animals stems from that. This world is quite large, we can be one with a religion, with the earth, with the universe. There are so many energies that circle around us. And the hippie in me, thinks that’s super cool. I’m interested in learning. 

So what’s your Spirit Animal?

Do you find that it fits you?

 

*I do not take credit for the images or information used.*

-<3- 

 

 

 

Gentleman

Turning to the prompts again…because sometimes you need a little inspiration…

Describe what the term “gentleman” means to you. 

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I think a Gentleman is a man who does more than just holds open your door for you, or who gives you his jacket when your cold. It’s more than flowers and jewelry. It’s remembering your anniversary. It’s planning date nights. A gentleman is someone who listens to you, consoles you, supports you, lifts you up when your down. He also understands that you are your own person, a person who can take care of herself, but who still wants to take care of you from time to time because he loves you.

Women are strong and independent. But that doesn’t mean men can’t help them. I know I do that a lot. I’m like no I got it. I have a difficult time asking for help. I like to know that I can do things on my own. I like to know that I can take care of myself. So I guess in my opinion, a Gentleman is someone who understands that but never gives up on being there for his significant other, treating her with respect, and treasuring her. Wanting to spend his time with her, doing things she likes to do with her even if he’s not a super fan of it. And I think in return, a woman can do the same for a man.

In a world where millennials seem to have been given this horrid name, I do still believe there are some men out there who are true gentleman. And it extends beyond just his romantic relationship. He is loyal, honorable, he is kind, caring, he is respectful of human kind as a whole. 

No one is perfect. But trying your best to be the best version of yourself, never goes out of style. 

This “prompt”-ed…this… 😉 

 

-<3-

*I do not take credit for the image/music/video used.*

Eye Contact

 

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So I’ve been hitting a wall, when it comes to writing blog content lately. I start a few drafts and then I get uninspired to finish, and nothing is feeling good enough to post. I want to keep to a 2 times a week posting schedule, so I turned to my 400 Writing Prompts Book, for some help. I thought this one was pretty good.

 

Do you think the eyes are a window to a person’s soul?

What does eye contact mean to you? 

 

It’s funny I wrote a poem called Sunglasses back in 2013 when I started this blog, and it touches upon this topic a little. 

I do think in some way, the eyes are the windows to a person’s soul. I think they are going to tell you how a person feels. If they are scared, confused, loving, or whatever emotion they may be feeling, it’s all there. I notice that for me personally, I value eye contact. If someone isn’t looking at me while I’m talking I feel it’s like they aren’t listening to what I’m saying. Although that being said, I know I’m guilty of doing this myself at times. Life happens around us, and distractions are constant. However, I also notice that sometimes eye contact can be difficult for me. During a difficult conversation, during an awkward moment when you don’t know your place in a situation or what to say. Or simply, when your brain needs to find the right words. I find that I kind of look off trying to come up with a phrase. I also have issues with eye contact when it comes to men- usually men I feel don’t know me well. I feel like they are instantly judging me. Sometimes, I feel this way while talking to women too, but it’s not that often. I believe in women’s empowerment. I believe in feminism and supporting each other. And I feel like women just get where each other are coming from. We all face those same weird life circumstances. We are sisters. It’s a safe space. But with men, especially with how they think differently they don’t always understand where we’re coming from. I often worry what they think about me. Are they judging me, judging how I look,  or what I’m doing. But that’s a whole other conversation that includes feelings of  fear, inferiority, nerves, anxiety, insecurity, feminism, and wanting to find a man that actually wants to listen to what I have to say. I feel like if I don’t look directly at them, then they don’t get to see those inner thoughts floating around in my massively chaotic mind. They just will think, I’m unphased./busy or even worse, they’ll think I’m being rude. But that’s ok, because it’s better than the truth. Either way it’s not super great, but I find myself doing it all. the. time. It’s unfortunate because I know that it can come off as merely uninterested and that kind of sucks. #PROBABLYWHYIMSINGLE HAHAHA. Avoiding male eye contact, (referring to male strangers/acquaintances not men I actually know or am related to) is something I’ve always done. I don’t know. I have to be aware of that, and check it. But I guess in some way, I’m still that shy girl that keeps to herself or her close inner circle. I’ve conquered many awkward moments in my life and I’m really good at filling awkward silence, and conversation. But sometimes I just feel like with certain people, I’m not myself. Or if I am myself, it doesn’t match up with them.  Well there you go, that’s some real deal truth for you. However, sometimes eyes are just eyes. And we don’t have to over think every glance or conversation. Do you know how many times I’ve dazed off and then realized the person across from me probably thought I was starring them down. Resting bitch eyes, are a thing too, I guess. So you never really know what someone is really thinking while they are looking/not looking at you. So what’s your take…

 

How do you feel about eye contact?

Do you find it easy as pie or do you view it as something

deeper like a window leading to your soul?

-<3-

 

“Magic” Playlist 2019

Magic is my 2019 Mantra word. And with every good planning cycle, there should be music that accompanies that feeling. Magic is a feeling, an alien/galactic/ feel good vibe and so are these songs. Many having to do with Magic, or just a magical feeling. Enjoy!

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1. Starchild– Level 42

2. Do You Believe In Magic– Aly & AJ

3. If That’s Not Love– The Naked Brothers Band

4. Some Call It Magic– Raven-Symone 

5. 24K Magic– Bruno Mars

6. Just My Imagination– The Temptations

7. Imagine John Lennon

8. Don’t Stop Believin’– Journey

9. Walking On Sunshine– Aly & AJ

10. A Whole New World- Lea Salonga, Brad Kane 

11. Colors Of The Wind– Tori Kelly

12. Colors Of The Wind– Judy Kuhn

13. Disney Medley– Rachel Talbott

14. Bird Set Free– Rachel Talbott

15. Crazy for You– Rachel Talbott (Spotify)

16. Call of the Wild Bethany Joy Lenz

17. Start It Up– Bethany Joy Lenz

18. Magic– Coldplay

19. Shadow and a Dancer– The Fray

20. Delicate– Taylor Swift

21. Alien– Britney Spears

22. Don’t Dream It’s Over– Crowded House

23. Superstition– Stevie Wonder

24. Do Your Thing- *NSYNC

25. Style– Taylor Swift

26. Starlight– Taylor Swift

27. Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing– Tori Kelly

28. Stars Tonight– Lady Antebellum 

29. Vibe– Fly By Midnight

30.  Fireflies– Owl City 

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So what is your 2019 mantra word?

Do you have a playlist to enhance your vibes?

 

*I do not take credit for any images, music or lyrics used.*

-<3-

 

 

 

 

New Year Themed Short Story Collection

While I work on a new short story series coming your way soon, (currently titled Crazy Stalker Love). I really wanted to share some oldies that resonate for this time of year. Enjoy! 

Crazy Stalker Love

COMING SOON!

CLICK THE TITLES TO READ!!!

Kiss Me At Midnight…A Short Story [2014]

kiss me at midnightSummary: Aiden has always had deep feelings for his best friend Chloe. But Chloe has always had another guy in her life, which made it impossible for Aiden to tell her. As kids they made a pact that if ever one New Year’s Eve they were both single, that they would be each other’s midnight kiss. Tonight. Chloe is single. And Aiden may just make his move? Will they take their relationship further than friendship? Will Aiden chicken out? Will Chloe even feel the same way? Read and see! 

What are you doing New Year’s Eve? [2015]

what are you doing new year's eve

 

 

 

 

Summary: One Year Later…we check in on Aiden and Chloe. Are they together or not? Did they take the leap and make it work or not? Read and see!

For Old Times’ Sake [2015]for old times' sake
Summary: Lennox has convinced herself that the pop culture phenomenon that has become the New Year’s Clean slate isn’t for her. She stays in and keeps to herself often. However, what will happen one night when her sister drags her to a swanky exclusive Manhattan Party, where she meets a very charming bartender named Brady. Will he be able to change her mind? Will this pessimist find her prince or is she destined to stay in one New Year’s Eve every year? 

 

*I do not take credit for the images used in my edits.*

-<3-

 

 

6 Years and Counting! Happy Birthaversary MLW!

January 8th, 2013.

A girl with a need to share stories that float in her brain, characters that have heartfelt discussions, poems, music/tv/movie reviews, fan girl stories, fashion, the list goes on. Today marks 6 years since I created Michelle Leigh Writes. It took years to work up the courage to publish my work online. Here I am 6 years later, keeping that little train rolling along. I am very proud of that fact.

However, the thing is…this year was a bit slow on posting content. As I review this year’s post history I can see there weren’t very many. Inconsistency strikes again! And sadly, I ended up taking 2 months off completely during the months of June and July, (which I don’t think has ever happened in all my years of blogging.) I guess you can call it a summer hiatus. But it mostly was a mix of lack of inspiration/my blog account was having some issues. But when I think about it, those are excuses, if I really wanted to write and post, I would have figured out a way. But the more I didn’t, the more I got comfortable just not posting at all.

But then the fall came, and inspiration struck. Besides I knew I needed something to kick my butt into gear again. So I challenged myself to do #BLOGTOBER. And I did, I blogged for the entire month of October, it was a fun filled time of Fall goodness! Then November came and I decided to give #NaNoWriMo a shot. Writing 1,667 words a day for the entire month until you get to the goal of writing 50,000 words at the end, which equals the length of a book. And I DID THAT TOO! But then the holiday craziness kicked in and my posting slowed once again.

I took a look back at my posts for 2018. Let’s do a little bit of a run down shall we?

January 2018- 10 posts

February 2018- 5 posts

March 2018- 5 posts

April 2018- 2 posts

May 2018- 2 posts

June/July 2018- 0 posts

August 2018- 1 post

September 2018- 1 post

October 2018- 31 posts (#BLOGTOBER)

November 2018- 4 posts

December 2018- 1 post

Total Number of posts: 62

*****

Now some boring math- if I were to have been consistent with my 2x a week posting schedule…

2 posts per week

About 8 posts a month

12 months in a year x 8 posts a month = 96 posts in a year.

96-62= 34 posts under.

Sad face. 

No matter the amount, I’m still excited to be celebrating 6 years online. I think it’s a big accomplishment for the girl who stressed at just the idea of posting her work for others to see. Naturally,  I baked some treats to celebrate. #GEEK #NOSHAME #DELICIOUS

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For these mini brownie bites, I used a good ‘ole Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate brownie mix, the oil/eggs/water it required, and a package of hot chocolate and mixed it all together in a big bowl. I sprayed the pan with some cooking spray, then I put it in the oven @ 350 degrees for 15 minutes. After they cooled I removed them from the mini cupcake pan with a plastic knife and got to decorating. I used a bit of Nutella as frosting, added some festive sprinkles, and a mini marshmallow! They are so cute and taste DELICIOUS! 

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So needless to say I’m not super stoked about last year’s posting history. But life happens. Technical glitches happen. And time passes far too quickly. So I am not going to dwell on it all, and scold myself for it, because let’s be real, I do not need that kind of negativity in my life! Instead I will be trying to keep my schedule afloat and inspire new and interesting content, and bring you many new, fun short stories and writing projects. I have a lot I want to work on this year!   

On the Brightside! Even though my posting hasn’t been as consistent as I would have hoped, I did complete two major writing challenges for myself in 2018. And even though my #NaNo story wasn’t posted to MLW (because it’s a book I’m working on and will take time to finish and edit and all that) I did write a lot! Which is always the goal. I realized I don’t always have to write to post. I can just write and lengthen my art. Any writing is good. But I do plan on coming back, I always do! This blog is my special place. My safe place for the written word. So thank you. Thank you for reading!

Take a look at my past Celebratory posts:

2013- Hey there…and welcome ❤  – First post ever!

2014- “Secret” Society, “Resolutions”, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! + (My 1st VLOG)

2015- Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary?

2016- Dear 2016, + Happy 3rd Anniversary!

2017- Happy 4th!!!!!!!

2018- Cheers to 5 Years! Happy Birth-a-versary!

 

Follow me on Social Media!

(I have a lot of #NaNo updates on Insta!)

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

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STAY TUNED!

And God Bless.

Happy 6th Birth-a-versary to my blog baby michelle leigh writes! 

 

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FUN FACT! On this day in POP power couple history, Justin & Britney debuted their Denim ensembles. Today makes 18 years! Haha. I never knew my Blog baby’s Birthaversary shared this special day! 😉 

 

*All photos (except the JT & Britney pic) are my own.

-<3-

 

 

 

 

New Year Planning

Happy 2019 Readers & Writers!

Your To-Do List girl is back with some new year planning info, that will hopefully give you some helpful tips to kick ass in 2019! Now I’m still not quite far enough into planning yet, because I feel like this is the first actual week of the year, because of the holiday. So I’ve been doing some inspirational research this weekend, and got my new planner, and so now it’s starting to come together. I’m sure new things will come along and old things will fizzle out. But the more you try and use these different tactics the more you will see what works for you and what doesn’t. Let’s all be honest, January is a trial month! 😉

My Current Planning State consists of: 

Buy a Planner- I have small a weekly/monthly planner

Buy a Goals Notebook/Fun pens/special pen

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I bought this pen from my church and I just love that it has a cross on it, and that it came with an inspirational book mark.

Massive Mind Dump- In my notebook, I dedicated a few pages to writing down all the many, many, many things I hope/want/need to do in my life. A Massive To-do list if you will. 

Pull Main Goals to focus on- I have 6

Habits to implement- I had over 15

Use a Habit Tracker- I pulled the habits I want to implement the most/or want to continue implementing (I chose 15)

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Choose a mantra word for the year: (a word that is chosen to be repeated and descriptive of your new year- the focus word)

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2017- Change.

2018- Determination.

2019- MAGIC!

Winter TV schedule into planner- All my shows are coming back from mid season break, so in between my New Year’s planning I’ve been trying to catch up on them. This always happens, with the holidays I always get behind on ALL my shows. I’m all caught up on The Resident, Charmed, This Is Us, Dynasty, and Chicago PD. But still lost on Riverdale, How To Get Away With Murder, Will & Grace and Supergirl. I’m not entirely sure I want to dive into Supergirl again though. I’ve kind of had to force it anytime I have watched the new episodes, I’m a #Karamel fan and Mon El left so it’s just not the same for me. I will see though, maybe I will binge in the summer, when I have nothing to watch. LOL.

List of Projects I want to finish this year/in the next 2-3 months:

Move -MLW Short Story Series

Crazy Stalker Love- MLW Short Story Series

NaNoWriMo Project (Title TBA)

Special Project (TBA)

Self Publish something 

Create vision boards- I have a few pages dedicated to this in my Goals notebook. They are mostly just inspirational images (so I guess they are inspiration boards) that I feel reflect my Mantra word- MAGIC. I also write any inspirational quotes I come across. 

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I do have a page of doodles that reflect my focus goals too. (But I still have to create a board with actual images.) I want to have one in my notebook and one that I can post right near my bed. So often I make these cute vision boards and then I they get buried and I don’t even see it during the year. So this way I will have it in my notebook and on my wall so that when I wake up every day, I see the goals I want to accomplish this year.

Gather Inspiration- Family 2019 wishes time capsule (my family each wrote their wishes down put them into their own envelopes with their names written on them and then all were placed and sealed in a large manila envelope and put away until next year when we will revisit them and see how we did) , YouTubers, Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour Doc on Netflix – (she is a total badass!), Tori Kelly Hiding Place Album, Quotes, etc.

Create a Workout Routine Ideas/Track your work outs- I just started my at home exercising back up today. And started to implement my habits. Tracking these things will hopefully keep me unaccountable and motivate me to keep at it!

Create a Morning Routine- today I got a lot done this morning, so it was a really good morning to establish the routine I want. So I decided to write it all down.

I also want to purchase an organization suitcase to keep all my notebooks and things. I always end up having like 3 snack tables full of my notebooks, clipboards, note pads, post-its, pens, etc.

What are you doing to ease into a healthier, happier life style this year?

 

*All photos are my own.*

 

-<3-

 

 

 

 

 

2018 Highlights- Year in Review

This past year, I actually didn’t end up using a memory jar. It kind of became more of a flower vase and I forgot about it. But as usual, instagram and this blog were definitely helpful in my yearly reflection.

Here are my 2018 Highlights

(in no particular order)

Justin Timberlake released his new Album Man of the Woods and I bought tickets to see him in October. (However as you may know from my fangirl report the show was postponed due to bruised vocal chords. It was rescheduled for January 31st (his birthday) so let’s hope it sticks and I get to start my 2019 off with my fav babe!) He also released a summer single too- Soulmate. It’s fire!

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MLW turned 5 years old! This blog has been with me through so many ups and downs. I have taken month(s) long hiatus’ and have gone MIA many times, and I’m sure it will happen this year too. But I always come back! And it means a lot to me to have this outlet. To have “a safe place for the written word.” We also got our own domain this year-michelleleighwrites.com
happy 5th

I took up Jewelry Making in order to teach a class at work and I realized I do really enjoy it. For some one who loves accessories and loves jewelry, it’s cool to have pieces that I created myself. When people say that’s so pretty, I can say “Thanks, I made it!” I’m hoping this year to get my own Jewelry supplies and make a hobby out of it!

 

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We started many new family traditions, now that we have a 6th person at our  usual table of five. My baby niece turned one and she’s learning so many new things, it’s so amazing and so exciting to watch her grow. Holidays are sweeter now that she’s here and we were able to celebrate many of her first holidays this year too. And as usual so many other special family moments with our extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. I also got to take my mom to see Summer (the donna summer’s musical) and help out with a mother’s day photoshoot for my sister in law, my brother is a photographer and he wanted me to shoot some behind the scenes footage for him, so that he could make a montage video.) 

Jack & Elizabeth’s Wedding on When Calls The Heart. This show is so magical. (Except SPOILER ALERT the actor playing Jack decided to leave and so they had to kill off his character just shortly after the characters got married. So Elizabeth was left a pregnant window. It still breaks my heart so much. But I’ve been watching reruns on Netflix of earlier seasons of their courtship and I can’t help but love this show. It is so full of strength and hope and grace. And these women are fierce as they come.) Despite the heartache, the wedding was absolutely beautiful and when it comes to TV viewing parties and themes, I can be pretty “extra.” I learned to sew in order to make my own custom WCTH tee and had a cup of tea and some pie in honor of the special occasion. I still don’t have the Hallmark channel so I totally bugged my brother and watched at his house.  The show did the wedding right, they even had a invitation that you can rsvp to, pick your meal choice and request a song. Hallmark still has a full wedding album up too. Such beautiful pictures, Elizabeth looked gorgeous and their vows were breathtaking. 

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^In other tv related news (because you know me, I’m a TV fan girl) I fell in love with the show The Resident on FOX and the Netflix film- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (it’s getting a sequel!) 
To all the boys

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I had a lot good times with friends (fell in love with a new tea spot, tried hot pot for the first time, had a few brunch meals, tried frose, and braved karaoke, etc)-work friends, high school friends, old friends, new friends! Caught up with some middle school friends I haven’t seen in a while. We actually were able to get in two visits this year, so we are doing really well, considering we are all always so busy- one is a mom and one is always traveling, so I’m so happy we made it work! My best friend got married and I was one of her maid of honors, so we got to do all the things-the shower, the bachelorette party (which was epic thanks to me and my co maid of honor), the rehearsal, and the wedding. It was all magical! And they are a beautiful couple.

 

*NSYNC got their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on “It’s Gonna Be May” Day (April 30th) and it was broadcasted live for all to watch. I totally did, and I may or may not have bought a few *NSYNC merch tees, they are being sold in stores like target, and spencer’s/hot topic, but also on *NSYNC’s official site! The guys were also on Ellen!

So I was kind of in fangirl heaven!

I hosted a 90’s theme Girls Night In for my best friend, as our own little bestie send off before her wedding. It was A BLAST. I love nostalgia and I LOVE the 90’s. Butterfly clips, chokers, and blue eyeshadow, OH MY! 😉 

90's party

My family participated in our first Alzheimer’s walk in honor of my Grandma who passed away in February of 2017. We all had t-shirts and it was a beautiful day, honoring someone we all really miss and love. We raised well over what our goal was! Thanks to my Aunt and Uncle who organized it all, and to all who donated. Our hearts are full! 

I did BLOGTOBER– blogged the entire month of October! My fall was so full of all the Halloween, Pumpkin things!

sneak peek day 2

I participated in my first ever #NaNoWriMo– National Novel Writing Month (November) October and November were very busy for me, it made me really proud to be able to write so consistently and meet my goals. 

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I continued writing my short story series- Move that I started at the end of 2017, but still have to continue and finish it this year. I also started another short story series that has yet to be finished and posted- tentatively called Crazy Stalker Love. (STAY TUNED! for all of the stories to come!)
MOVE poster

Crazy Stalker Love Sneak Peek-

I had a list of over 60 great memories for this past year, so I guess it was a really good one. So I can’t complain. But in the interest of time, I chose a few. Thanks for the memories 2018, I am very blessed. I look forward to all the magic ahead in 2019.

Happy New Year friends!

May all your hopes and dreams come true!

Stay Tuned for much more content this year.

So many stories to tell!

-<3-