To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
The pictures today were taken in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. In January, I remember as I stood and stared at the regal valleys, in awe of their rugged beauty. I had titled the pic ◀, Veronica's Ridge, because it reminded me of a fav scene where Jaime and Claire stare out at their Fraser's Ridge land in the Outlander series. The air was crisp and cool, giving no hint of the tumultuous changes that were lying in wait, ready to pounce on an unsuspecting world. Little did I know...
The past week has been a bit surreal as America and the world adjusts to a change in leadership, holding our breath to see what happens next. I know for me it's been an up and down rollercoaster of emotions--the things that really get to me are the continued word duels between the right and the left that don't seem to be mellowing in tone nor civility.
As the year draws to a close, I hope we can return to a sense of calm in this new normality. It looks as if there is good news on the vaccine front that may obliterate the need for lockdowns and travel bans. People are ready for this all to be over, let's hope the scientists have it right and bring this viral nemesis under control. As for the rantings, vent if you must, but choose your words wisely--you reap what you sow.
Winter is coming...and for that I am so grateful. We've had our first, glorious weekend of rain here in southern California, cleansing the air and giving the land a much needed refresh. As we proceed through the next weeks and months, I hope people remember that change is an ever constant, and with it comes the growth and a #season of new opportunity and possibilities. Rhetoric aside, I for one, am looking forward to all the New Year has to offer! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Book Marketing Glam!
I'm so excited for the new book trailers Bibiana Krall is making for me! I love seeing my books come to life in 30 second productions--a visual preview I hope will entice to readers to my series. The one above🔼 is for The Crown for Castlewood Manor, book 1 in my series. I love the actress in the clip--she embodies Gemma's spirit pretty spot on--what do you think? This is an imaginative way to boost your book #marketing efforts! You can learn more about Bibiana's Compass Bespoke Creative Services here:
Poetic verse for the soul this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Derek King, Noir, (Or, When the Night Comes), 5🌟
Author King offers a stunning collection of poetic verse in Noir (Or, When the Night Comes) that captures the emotions and tensions that emerge from the darkness of inner thoughts, wrapping us in their spectral tentacles of pleasure and despair. The poems lure you in with their uninhibited perspective, daring you to experience the rawness of the moment.
Each section of the book whisks you into their noir world of sensations, some heartwarming, some bittersweet and some showing the depths of despair from which there is likely no return. As a reader, I was drawn into each poetic journey, engulfed with the concise artistry of the words. They offer a mindful voyage that I will likely take again and again.
This is a collection that inspires you to explore a plethora of what lies beneath the recesses of the mind and soul. A journey filled with life's joys and sometimes cloudy moments--a highly recommended read!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Just in Time for the Holidays, Almost-Royal Spoons from Cherrywood Hall!
My gorgeous niecy elves gave been busy making these gorgeous spoon ornaments that will soon be gracing my website store soon. I love their glitzy sparkle--I'm sure I'll have a few on my Christmas tree🎄! You can check out some of Gemma's favorite things here:
We're back! Join us at 1:45pm EST for the next #BOOKEM chat!
Bibiana's on deck this week, discussing 'Is reading bio-hacking?' Sounds like a thought provoking discussion to get those little gray cells churning--see you soon!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. #Christmas is coming, and that means it's time for a bit of🎀🎄 Mistletoe and Mayhem:Yuletide at Castlewood Manor🎄🎀, proudly featured on BookAuthority's recommended #reads categories⏬. Gemma most definitely approves💖👑:
