This morning I opened my eyes, rolled out of bed onto the floor, and onto my knees, to pray.  This is a morning and nightly ritual in our family.  My kids are adults now, but the last thing I say to them at night is, “Say your prayers, on your knees.”

I always begin my prayer with … “Thank you, Lord, for waking me up this morning … “ but after saying those words this morning, my prayer was cut short as I jumped up and ran to my desk to pen the piece below.  (By the way, I did return to finish my morning prayer).

THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE

We lie down, but we don’t know if we’re going to wake up.

We leave the house, without the certainty that we’ll ever return.

We get behind the wheel of a car

Not to go far…

Just a few blocks…

One of my favorite authors has been on a bit of a writing-hiatus lately, but fortunately for those of us who have been inspired by his writing, Author, John J. Fioravanti, has a new release coming out this year!  His first book of quotes, REFLECTIONS: INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES & INTERPRETATIONS, is the Grand Prize Winner of the 2020 RWISA SUPREME BOOK OF THE YEAR Award, so that means it is an excellent read!  I’ve no doubt, REFLECTIONS II will follow closely in its footsteps.

Because I love and live by profound quotes, I was honored to find that in John’s first REFLECTIONS, he reflected upon a couple of my personal quotes.  As I was reading through the book again the other day, one of his reflections resonated with me so loudly, that I just had to share it with you here. 

Here is Reflection # 31: 

“DON’T TRIP ON…

Hello, Friends!

As poetry is my first love, I am so excited to open up RRBC’s March “SPOTLIGHT” Author blog tour for member, Robbie Cheadle! Robbie will be sharing her love of poetry with us today via her book, OPEN A NEW DOOR: A COLLECTION OF POEMS.

Robbie, welcome to Watch “Nonnie” Write! although today, we’re going to watch you! Take it away!

In the author’s own words…

I like simple poetry that shares a powerful message. I also like poetry that rhymes.

I have heard that poetry editors hate rhyming poetry, and that rhyme has become a sore subject in our modern world. My understanding for this dislike is that people believe that serious subjects cannot be tackled using rhyme because poets make their poems to frilly and nursery rhyme like.

I like rhyming verse and it is my ‘go to’ from of poetry. I hope that the topics…

Welcome to Day 9 and the conclusion of the RWISA “REVOLUTION” Blog Tour!  We’d like to introduce you to an amazingly supportive RWISA member, Author, Nonnie Jules, who is also the Founder of RRBC &RWISA.  Take a peek at her writing below…

A LIFE ISN’T WORTH LIVING IF NOT IN SERVICE TO OTHERS

I’d like to begin by thanking two of my fellowRWISAAuthors who were also on this tour, Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko and Linnea Tanner, who both had the courage to write about, or reference the ills of our world, that many would like to keep deeply hidden.  I speak of hatred and systemic racism.  Again, thank you both for your courage to write with such substance and I hope that it is still resonating with all who read both of your pieces.  I am honored that your words are a continual ring…

Last night, I was reading over some of the newer reviews and comments of my novel Vanished. I noticed some understandable trepidation among a few of those who hadn’t read the book. In response, I’ve decided to write this post, explaining the origins of the book, and why I wrote it.

First, though, I wish to thank all of those who took a chance on me, readers who cracked the pages, in spite of the subject matter. I really appreciate you, and I know it couldn’t have been easy to start.

I want to clarify what is NOT in this book; rape, gore, excessive violence (yes, there is violence, but no more than any other action/thriller), injury or death to animals, pedophilia. You only need to ask someone who’s read the book, I’m confident they will attest to this.

If you asked me, ten years ago, to write a book…

Welcome to Day 8 of theRWISA “REVOLUTION” Blog Tour!  We’d like to introduce you to an amazingly supportive RWISAmember and the 2nd graduate ofRWISAUniversity,Author, Karen Black.  Take a peek at her writing below…

THOUGHTS ON TWO THOUSAND TWENTY

Who could have imagined the changes that last year brought to us all? Like so many, I’ve read more than one book that told a tale of life during a pandemic. Scary stuff to be sure, I never expected that fiction would describe so much of that which became reality.

New Year’s Eve is my favorite holiday celebration; the end of a chapter and the start of the next one. It is the time to get over mistakes, mishaps, or misfortune that might have littered the past year, and plan for a positive future, with fresh energy and new goals. On December 31, 2020…

Welcome to Day 3 of the RWISA “REVOLUTION” Blog Tour!  We’d like to introduce you to an amazingly supportive RWISA member, Author, Yvette M. Calleiro.  Take a peek at her writing below…

EMERGENCE

The cocoon –
Formed because of a virus,
Reinforced by fear and anxiety.
Surrounded
Protected
Sheltered
Imprisoned

The incubation –
Agonizing silence led to loneliness.
My inner voice tormented
Until the tears flowed freely
And the salty river healed the soul.
Meditation led to self-reflection.
Acceptance
Forgiveness
Release
Self-care

Emergence –
The walls slowly crumble.
Timid to step out but
Resolved to join the world again,
To rise up and feel whole.
Resilience
Strength
Courage
Hope

TheRWISARevolution Blog Tourchallenged its authors to write with this year’s theme in mind: A New Year – A Fresh Start. Immediately, I thought of a cocoon. A caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly is not an easy…