Prepare Yourself!

Special pricing is coming! On Saturday, November 16, 2019, I have arranged for a discount on my e-book of The Fairies of Carlow: The Outsider. The special pricing will be in effect for 24 hours and will increase incrementally until it returns to full price on November 18.

I hope you take advantage of this opportunity and read the story of Princess Morgen and her adventures as the intended of the crowned prince of Carlow. She finds a healthy respect for herself through her challenges, that range from the easily solved to one that is difficult to surmount. I’ll give you a hint: it involved those terrible Red Caps. I’ll write a post soon about these dastardly creatures and the havoc they wreak.

Enjoy your special discount. Sonja

#Books

Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash

Books are a portal to a world outside your imagination. The best ones transport you, make you think, and/or give you friends that can survive inside your head for years.

I know I can rely on Nancy, George, and Bess to be at my side during adventures; Elizabeth helps me prepare my daily tea; and, Marianne to go with me on flights of fancy and romance.

I love to read books that transport me.

I hope my stories do that for you. Sonja

Young Readers Day

Photo by Jyotirmoy Gupta on Unsplash

Today is a fun holiday that is close to my heart. I love my young readers and enjoy hearing from them. I write my chapter and picture books with them in mind.

What is your favorite book?

Have fun reading! Sonja

It’s Veterans Day

Fly your flag! It’s time to honor our nation’s veterans.

Originally, called Armistace Day, Veterans day is the day to honor those who have served in the military.

It is observed on November 11th of each year because that date is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistace that ended World War I. It was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor the veterans of all wars.

If you’re wondering about my grammar, Veterans Day is officially written without the apostrophe.

Did you now that the Mayflower Compact was signed on November 11, 1620? There was a small group of Americans who lobbied to have the holiday renamed Mayflower Day to honor that occasion.

I hope you fly your flag to honor U.S. veterans! Sonja

Semper Fi

Today is the 245th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps. Founded in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress, the Continental Marines (as they were called at that time) consisted of two battalions. As of 2017, the U.S. Marines number an estimated 186,000 on active duty, with another 38,500 in the Reserves.

The Marines are the smallest branch in the U.S. military, with a large reputation. They work with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force during expeditionary and amphibious operations.

Take the time today to thank the U.S. Marine Corps. Sonja

Be The Best You Can Be

It doesn’t matter what you’re doing: being a friend, taking part in your favorite things, or doing your job. Be the best. Don’t be a slacker if you don’t like what you’re doing it, who you’re doing it with, or when you’re doing it. Give every moment of the day your full attention.

How you do something is more important than the actual outcome. If you put a positive spin on your daily tasks then the outcome will be positive. You will be viewed as someone who cares about their job, their friends and co-workers, and whatever you decide to do. Also, it makes everything so pleasant for you.

Imagine going through your day angry or upset. It’s not pleasant for you or for those around you.

In a previous post, I told you about how making yourself smile can improve your mood. Try it when you’re doing something you’d rather not. You’ll have a better time. Guaranteed!

Be happy! Sonja

My Favorite Things

Above and below are some of my favorite things. I see a theme–nature. I love to be outside. Water is important. So are trees and flowers. A good hike is the best! And a good hike with Guinness the Therapy Dog is even better!

He loves to be outside–and he loves water. When he hikes, he wears a backpack. When he finds water, he lays down in it and doesn’t bother about taking off his backpack first.

What are some of your favorite things?

Have a great week! Sonja

Friendship

Photo by Duy Pham on Unsplash

A few weeks ago I had the luck to spend four days with one of my best friends. I hope you have one of those, too. She’s someone who knows me so well that I don’t have to pretend–it wouldn’t do any good since she can read me so well. With one look she can see everything I’m trying to hide and makes sure I’m okay.

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

It’s nice to have someone you can count on. I know I can call her anytime, day or night, and she’ll be there for me. It’s important for someone to stand next to you without judgment and only support. I can tell her anything and I know it won’t go any farther.

Be a person who can keep a secret. It’s so important to a good friendship.

Be Well! Sonja

Photo by Kristina Flour on Unsplash

It’s Election Day!

Photo by Josh Carter on Unsplash

It’s time to cast a vote for the country. If you’re not eligible to vote, please encourage those in your life who can. If you are, please send in your mail-in ballot or go to the polls.

It’s so important for every eligible citizen to cast a vote. Here in Arizona, we are voting on important city issues, plus filling soon-to-be-vacant offices at the local level.

National elections are always held on the first Tuesday of the month–the first Tuesday that follows a Monday. So, if Tuesday is the first day of the month, then the elections are held the following week.

Congress decided on that day in 1845, specifically for presidential elections. November was an ideal time of the year since the harvest season was ending. This made it easier for people who lived in the country and worked farms to get to a polling station and cast their votes.

Every state in the union is holding elections today to select public officials and decide on legislation.

Be a part of the process! Sonja