New York Times Bestselling Author
Okay, in spite of a crippling fear of water, thanks to my Dad’s throwing me in a lake to ‘teach me how to swim’ when I was a kid (I did not learn; I did not float; I kept plummeting to the bottom…), I’m finally FINALLY going to learn to swim. Because it’s my year of COURAGE and I’m going to be brave as fuck.
Just called and set up the lessons for June 12-23 and I’m hyperventilating just from the phone call (with the “head of aquatics” who sounded 12), but here we go.
Friday Mental Health Check In: How is everyone this week?
I realized I have the “My baby is going to college” blues, but then College Ninja decided to live at home and commute to his college classes this year, so I won’t be totally an empty nester. Yay! I’m also avoiding the doctor, because I think I’m going to hear some bad news. Which is a Bad Thing to do, I know.
Damn. Okay, I’ll call her now, because I’m a crap role model on battling depression if I avoid doctors. See? You helped me and you didn’t even have to say anything!!
So I’m learning to cook, in the Better Late than Never category. Tonight I made my first-ever roast chicken, and the Actual Conversation In My House went something like this;
Me: I made my first-ever roasted chicken**! Isn’t it beautiful??
Navy Guy: You roasted it upside down.
Me: But at least it’s roasted. And beautiful! And I made my first-ever gravy that turned out great!!
Navy Guy: Too much salt in the gravy.
Me: WELL, AT LEAST I TOOK OUT THE FREAKING PLASTIC BAGS OF GUNK, UNLIKE THAT TIME WITH THE THANKSGIVING TURKEY.
Conquering fear…
One of the worst things about depression is that it makes us afraid. Afraid of stepping outside our comfort zone, afraid of trying new things, afraid of stepping into the world and experiencing it fully–with adventures and anticipation and joy.
So today I’m going to begin to tackle one of my lifelong fears: I don’t know how to swim, because I’m afraid of the water. Wow. That is so embarrassing to admit, especially since we always live near the ocean. But my horrible father did the “throw her in the deep end–of a LAKE–and she’ll figure out how to swim” thing when I was really small, and I nearly drowned. He kept thinking I’d pop up.
Welcome to a new year and to my new website!
My word for 2017 is ESSENTIAL. I’m paring down and gearing up for a bold new year of focusing on what’s essential in life and in my career.
In book terms, that means watch out!! It’s the year of writing like the wind—or at least a very strong breeze. You’ll see new books in all of my series: Poseidon’s Warriors, the Cardinal Witches, and the Tiger’s Eye Mysteries. Check out this gorgeous new website that my wonderful team at AuthorBytes built for me for details, extras, and more.