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The First chapter of A Hidden Treasure

   

                                              

                                         Another Season

     Emily knew something was wrong the minute she stepped into the ballroom. The chandeliers were shimmering, champagne was flowing, mamas were supervising their daughters, and those daughters were determined to attract the attention of eligible bachelors. Anyone who was new to this ball scene might miss the subtle change in the atmosphere, but Emily was painfully aware of the eyes trained on her and the whispers of scandal circulating the room.

     A moment later, she saw the reason. Lord Crowell was leering at her from across the room. During Emily’s first London season last year, Lord Crowell took advantage of Emily’s trust and innocence when he asked her to come to the rose gardens to see the beautiful blooms.      

     Unfortunately, when they reached the garden Lord Crowell was not interested in the garden. When he pulled her against him and crushed his lips to hers, Emily was too shocked to react, but when he grabbed her breasts and twisted them, Emily cried out in pain. In the next moment, they were surrounded by curious members of the ton who had been trysting in the garden around them.

Lady Charlotte, a friend of Emily’s family, stepped forward and took Emily’s arm gently.

“Lady Emily, would you like to return to the ball?”

Emily nodded and allowed Lady Charlotte to steer her to safety.

“Lady Emily, you should be more careful around men like Lord Crowell. He only has to say that you lured him to the gardens, and everyone will believe him. Even if he says nothing, the gossips will talk.” 

     Emily stopped reliving that horrid scene when she heard Aunt Tilly say, “Emily, you have made a spectacular entrance as always!” Emily smiled at her wonderful aunt who believed her niece could do no wrong. Aunt Tilly was always on her side. She showed her unconditional love from the time she became Emily and her brother Henry’s guardian after their parents died in a shipwreck.

     Emily’s father John Randal made a fortune in the shipping industry. Generations of Emily’s family felt a passion for travel and adventure. A love for the sea and exotic lands ran in the Randal’s blood. The shipping industry had been a source of wealth for the Randal family for many years and the family’s home, Rose Gate, was full of interesting objects from different countries. Rose Gate also had a love story in its history that included a massive treasure hidden somewhere at Rose Gate.

     Emily’s great-grandmother Fiona married James Randal, and they were deeply in love. They had a son, Jeremiah, but a year later James died in a shipping accident. Fiona did not think she could do well on her own with a young child, so she married for convenience. Jeremiah was the heir to Rose Gate and the Randal fortune, but Fiona was afraid her new husband would spend the fortune, leaving nothing for her son, so she hid her jewels and the fortune somewhere at Rose Gate. Her new husband was furious, but she refused to reveal where everything was hidden, and she died in childbirth before she could tell anyone where it was.

     Aunt Tilly took care of her duties where Emily was concerned, but her highest priority was to make sure Emily knew she was loved. Aunt Tilly treated Emily like her own daughter. They lived in the country for most of the year, but they came to London for many of the social events, especially now that Emily needed to find a husband.

     Emily loved Aunt Tilly and was grateful for the life she provided for her, but although Emily hated to admit it, Aunt Tilly was starting to show her age. She napped often and sometimes seemed confused. Emily could not imagine life without her, but she knew she would not have her in her life forever and that made finding a husband even more pressing. The problem was finding a suitable husband among the prospects before her. The bachelors of the ton were either looking for an heiress to support a gambling addiction, or they simply wanted someone to produce an heir and manage a household while they visited their clubs or mistresses.

     Emily focused on the scene in front of her. She had conflicted feelings about balls. She loved the glamour, the fashion, and the glittering ballrooms, and her appearance tonight was an example of this. Emily caught a glimpse of herself in one of the many gilded mirrors placed around the massive ballroom. Her shimmering green gown swayed suggestively as she moved deeper into the room. The dress was cut low enough to reveal some of her ample chest without being too seductive. Her auburn hair was piled loosely on her head with several tendrils curling around her face. Her entire appearance was done to show off her beauty and attract the attention of a future husband.

     She enjoyed seeing the fashion the guests were wearing, and the beauty of the ballroom mixed with the music and dancers were all elements she enjoyed. Unfortunately, the balls also had a negative side.

     Each ballroom was filled with the same people and similar prospects. As Emily glanced around the room, she prayed tonight would be different. Emily didn’t want to dance with the same bachelors who wanted to waltz her into a dark corner to steal a kiss while they hoped for more.

     Aunt Tilly frowned at Emily. “Are you well, my dear? You haven’t been yourself today.”

“I’m fine Aunt Tilly. I have a small megrim, but I’m sure I will feel better soon.”

“Emily, you should have told me. I never mind spending the night with you and a good book, but I know how important being out in society is for you. Young people need to be dancing and enjoying life.” 

     Emily wished being out in society was as carefree as Aunt Tilly described it. Emily knew the danger lurking behind the pretty façade society painted. A young woman looking for a husband must know how to protect her honor and her toes. By the end of each night, Emily’s feet had been stepped on numerous times, and her head throbbed from listening to inane comments about the weather. A woman had to be careful not to have too many opinions on anything serious because she might be labeled as difficult. Emily did her best to keep her strong opinions to herself because most men would not appreciate a woman who thought for herself. She could not imagine spending the rest of her life with someone incapable of stimulating conversation. Emily wanted a partner in life and not someone who thought a wife’s job was to produce at least one heir and manage the household.  

     Emily shuddered as she remembered another unfortunate incident when Lord Bowdoin waltzed her onto the deserted terrace and pulled her behind a pillar. As Lord Bowdoin bent to kiss her, Emily smelled a fetid combination of cheroot and wine.

     Emily’s options to avoid his advances were limited. She was certain that asking him to stop was not going to work, if she screamed, she could risk ruin or be labeled as a woman who wanted to trap Lord Bowdoin. Thankfully, before things progressed too far, Emily heard footsteps and a familiar voice called, “Emily?”

     Emily pushed Lord Bowdoin away and replied, “I’m right here.” As she came around the pillar she saw her childhood friend, Andrew. Emily’s relief to see Andrew must have been obvious because he smiled and said, “May I escort you back inside?”

“Yes, please.”

Andrew whispered to her as they walked towards the ballroom, “I saw him lead you out here, and I was fairly certain you had no desire to go with him.”

“Thank you so much for following me.”

“Well, Emily, I think we both know Lord Bowdoin is no gentleman. Stay away from him.”

Emily stopped, dropped Andrew’s arm and stared at him.

“Andrew, do you think for one minute I enjoy interacting with most of the bachelors here? A lady must be so careful about how she behaves. She must guard her reputation without insulting the man who is trying to ruin that reputation, and our choices for how we interact are limited. Society is like a pack of vultures ready for that one misstep that sends a lady into ruin.”

“Emily, I know the marriage mart can be difficult, but a few gentlemen still remain.”

“Andrew, I hope I find the one for me soon.”

“I hope so too. You know eligible bachelors have challenges as well. Quite a few young ladies only care about capturing a title. These ladies will do their best to catch a young man in a compromising situation and then honor demands the bachelor marry a woman whom he will never love. Women can be devious.”  

“You are right Andrew, but you have to admit that men have more options.”

“I hope both of us find the favorable option. I will leave you with your aunt, but I will do my best to keep any of the more nefarious bachelors away from you.”

“Thank you, Andrew. I will be glad to give you my opinion of the young ladies with whom it is safe to interact.”

“I would appreciate that. I’m afraid the mind of a manipulative female is beyond me.”

Andrew and Emily arrived next to Aunt Tilly. Andrew bowed over Aunt Tilly’s hand. “Lady Matilda, how wonderful to see you. I hope you are well. I escorted Lady Emily back from enjoying some fresh air.”   

“Lord Andrew, what a pleasure to see you. Please tell your mother and father I said hello.”

“I will. Good night, ladies.”

Aunt Tilly stared at Andrew as he walked away and frowned. “Emily, why have you not shown any interest in Andrew? He is a lovely young man.”

“Aunt Tilly, Andrew is like my brother. We would never suit.”

“What a shame my dear. I would love to have an Earl in the family.”

     As more of the ton moved into the ballroom, Emily could feel beads of sweat forming. She bent down to tell Aunt Tilly she was going to bring them some punch.

     Emily looked over at the punchbowl and caught her breath when she saw Rylan Hanover staring at her. He had hair dark as night, wide shoulders, a narrow waist, and muscled legs that showed he was a man of action. He moved like a panther with elegance and grace. There was something dangerous in all that strength, but his eyes were kind, and when he smiled it was hard to look away. She watched him tonight as he made sure the wallflowers were led out on the floor and made to feel special.

     Rylan had grown up with Emily and his sister Sophie was Emily’s best friend. His parents were the Duke and Duchess, and they were also Emily’s godparents.

Rylan had recently returned from school and some extended travels. As Emily returned his stare, she marveled at the changes in her childhood friend. The gangly boy who used to stick frogs in her bed was now breathtakingly handsome, and she was having difficulty understanding the way just looking at him made her feel. 

     Rylan had been mentally listing all the places he would rather be in than at another ball. The young ladies in search of a husband would pull down their necklines, circle him as a pack and giggle at anything he said. He was glad to see Emily here tonight. He noticed her instantly because she was different. Most of the young ladies traveled in a group, but Lady Emily seemed to prefer some quiet moments. She didn’t seem interested in ensnaring a man and he admired the kindness she always showed her aunt. Lately, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. Now she stood across the room staring at him. It was time to act.

As she held his gaze, he scooped up two glasses of punch and walked towards her.

“Oh, look dear! Rylan is headed this way.” Aunt Tilly was practically dozing in her chair several minutes before, but she was suddenly wide awake and standing next to Emily.

     Emily felt her heart beating and she was wildly searching for something witty to say before he could reach them, but every topic of conversation had left her mind. She wondered why her mouth was suddenly so dry.

     Before she could collect her thoughts, Rylan was standing in front of them. He bowed and said, “Lady Matilda, Emily, a pleasure to see you.”

     Emily stared in disbelief as Aunt Matilda who complained constantly about arthritic knees curtsied low and elegantly and said, “A pleasure my lord.” Emily curtsied and said, “Good evening, my lord.”    

Rylan laughed. “Emily, when have you ever called me my lord? The fact that we grew up together entitles us to use our given names.”

 “Rylan, you have changed so much. I am having difficulty remembering the child I played with when you look much more like the ducal heir.”

Rylan smiled. “I assure you that although my appearance may have changed, I’m still the same person you have always known.”

     As Emily nodded, she realized his words brought her comfort. With all the pressure of surviving the marriage mart, she enjoyed knowing she was around someone who truly knew her. 

“May I offer you ladies some punch?”

Aunt Tilly reached out first. “Thank you, my lord. The heat is stifling in here tonight.”

“I agree Lady Matilda. Would you allow me to have a dance with Emily?

“Of course, Rylan. You two go have fun. I’m going to find out the latest gossip.”

Rylan bowed to Aunt Tilly and reached his hand out to Emily. She placed her hand in his and felt her heart beating faster. Rylan led them to the dance floor and swept her into the dance.

“Thank you for being so kind to my aunt. You know she has always loved you.”

“I have to confess I am shamelessly using her.”

Emily thought she must have misunderstood what he said. “What do you mean?”

“When I saw you for the first time tonight, I almost didn’t recognize you. You took my breath away, and I realized you are unlike the other ladies who are like vultures looking for a bachelor who will suit their marital needs. Some will even lead you into dark corners to claim you were improper with them. I know you are different. I see your kindness, your intelligence, and your humor. Emily, you will make someone the perfect wife.”

     Emily looked into his eyes feeling certain he was teasing her, but his glance was very serious, and those eyes were so beautiful. Emily suddenly knew her heart could be lost to this man. How could that be though? She grew up with Rylan and knew everything about him which could be positive, but Rylan was a ducal heir who needed to find a duchess.

Emily heard Rylan calling her name.

“Emily, are you alright? “

“Oh, yes. I apologize.”

“You looked so sad.”

“I was wondering if I will ever find the perfect husband for me.”

“I don’t think that will be a problem.”

The dance ended and Rylan excused himself to find his father. Emily saw the duchess nearby, so she asked her where Sophie was.

“She went to the ladies retiring room. Emily, I have spoken with Lady Matilda. We are all going back to the country this weekend.”

“Oh, your grace, I am so glad. I look forward to spending time with all of you.”

“We have quite a bit to discuss.” The duchess smiled with a twinkle in her eye as she continued her tour of the room. Emily wondered what the duchess wanted to discuss, and why did Emily think the duchess was up to mischief?

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When You Create a Mental Storm

Have you ever stopped to wonder if the terrible, I want to hide in the corner bad day could have been avoided? I’m going to share a realization I had about my own situation in the hopes it will help you.

We all have those days when we need to retreat and renew. My husband and I know each other’s signs for those days. I can see a bad day on his face, and he becomes slightly grumpy and almost seems to want to argue. I’m the opposite. I don’t want to interact with anyone. I crave quiet and I want to disconnect and heal. How do you react to the hard days?

It’s not normal for me to be depressed. I might have a bad day here and there, but I can usually find the positive side to anything. The past two months have been different though. I created a nasty mental storm for myself.

The unrest in our country and the world in general has weighed heavily on me. Hateful posts have also affected me as I unfriend more people because although I can respect a difference of opinion, once that opinion becomes hate filled and violent, I’m out. I am missing my children more than usual, and I haven’t had the motivation to run which is usually something I love to do. I haven’t even wanted to putter in the garden. (I’m usually out there singing and talking to the plants.” I started crying for no reason including waking up crying at 2 a.m. last week.

This morning, I decided it was time to turn things around and I realized there was a lot in my power to make things better. I made the decision to take back my happiness and guard my peace.

I’m a planner, so I had to have a good plan to follow. Running has always been my therapy, so the first thing I did was to go for a glorious run. I ran hard and fast, (fast for me is pretty slow!) which I haven’t done for almost 2 months. My legs were tired after 6 miles, but I’ll get stronger every day. The next step was to eliminate the toxic elements around me. I unfriended the person who posted about hoping the marines killed the immigrants in. L.A. I then sent friend requests to people who were mutual friends with friends I consider to be amazing. One of the things that has been bothering me is all the hate in our country. I know I can’t change twisted thinking, but I can spread kindness and understanding in my corner. If I am missing my children, I can reach out to make more opportunities to be together.

What is weighing on you? Is there anything you can do to calm your mental storm and heal the hard days? If you are struggling and cannot beat the funk, reach out for help.

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5 Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

Summer brings so many opportunities for fun activities, but those activities can leave us sweaty. Here are 5 ways to stay cool.

  1. Put cooling towels in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer. If you don’t have a cooling towel, use a towel that will go around your neck. Pull one out and put it on when you start sweating. You can also wrap some ice in the towel.

A buff which is the neckpiece that you can put around your neck or use as a headband will also work.

  • Keep your sunscreen in the cooler or refrigerator. It feels so good when you spray it on.
  • Use a water mister that has been in the fridge or cooler. A quick mist to your face can make you feel much better.
  • Eat a popsicle. Remember when you were a kid and a cold popsicle was a must? They are a low-calorie way to cool off.
  •   Put ice in a bag and stick it under your hat.

Of course, you can always jump in some cool water and escape the heat, but if that’s not an option, I hope these other options help.

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The Ghosts of St. Malo

Is there a place from your past where you formed so many wonderful memories? St. Malo  and Brittany in general in France are those places for me. I have been there many times as a student, with family, and with students of my own. My husband, oldest daughter and I will be going there in July. The last time I visited was 2019 right before Covid.

Although I have visited Paris even more times than St. Malo, there is something special about St. Malo. I feel something spiritual there, and I have so many amazing memories of times with my students there. I think it will be difficult and wonderful at the same time. It will bother me to be at a place that I loved to show to my students and not have any of them there. I know I will have the ghosts of memories.

When I was a college student, I spent my junior year in France, and one of our excursions was to Brittany. We spent a day and night at Mt. St. Michel which is not far from St. Malo. I was a 19-year-old from a small town at one of the most impressive spots in the world.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont-Saint-Michel

Spending the night at Mt. St. Michel was a spooky honor as we ran up and down the winding paths, and the whole experience I will never forget.

After a memorable night at the monastery, we stopped at a cookie factory where I first tasted the cookie that would be my all-time favorite.

After college, I decided to become a French teacher, and I knew I wanted to bring my students to Brittany, St. Malo, and Mt. St. Michel. During the next 40 years I brought 19 groups of students there. I have so many memories with them in this amazing part of France.

One year, we knew our hotel was right next to the ocean, so even though we were going in April, I promised my son and his friends we would swim in the ocean. When we arrived I was hoping they would forget, but at 7:30 p.m.(it gets darker later there) they arrived at my door ready to swim. When we arrived at the receptionist this is the conversation.

“They are going swimming?”

“Yes.”

“Do they know how cold the water is?”

“Probably not.”

“Do they know the barometer is rapidly dropping?”

“No.”

The conversation was all in French, so the students had no idea what they were in for. When we arrived on the beach, I told the students we would count to three and all run in together. I counted one..two..three. Everyone ran in except for me. I mean someone had to take the video. A couple was walking by and the man said, “Did they just dive in?” When I said yes, he said, “Ooh là, là!”

Many years later, we were walking the ramparts along the ocean, and we realized they had formed boundaries for an ocean pool and children were jumping off the wall into the ocean. One of my students, Brandon, begged me to let him jump in, but our tour guide had plans for us, so I promised if he came on the next trip I would let him go in. Well, he came on the next trip, I had to keep my promise, and most of the other students wanted to go as well, so I said, “Brandon, lead the way to the pool!” He remembered the way and we were surprised to discover that the man-made pool now included a dock and a high dive and low dive.

It was amazing to watch the students having so much fun. They kept saying, “Madame, jump off the high dive!” I’m afraid of heights so I hesitated, but I was about to climb up when one of the girls yelled, “Look! A meduse!” A meduse is a jelly fish and I had no desire to share the water with it.

When we went to visit Mt. St. Michel on that trip, I approached Victor, our bus driver and asked if we could go to the cookie factory. He looked surprised and said, “You know about the cookie factory?” When I said yes, he looked so happy. The kids loved it and we all left with bags full of goodies.

On another trip to Mt. St. Michel, I told the students to not go into the bay around the monastery during low tide because there was sinking sand and the tide came in at over 300 miles per hour. I was at the top of the abbey looking over the bay when I realized that a group of my students were walking out in the bay! I should have known they would want to investigate the danger.

Crêpes originated in Brittany, and they taste better there than anywhere else. Food in general in Brittany is phenomenal.

The last time my daughter was in Brittany was 20 years ago. When we were planning the trip, she asked me if we could go back to the castle. Mt. St. Michel is so much more than a castle, but I understand that she would remember it that way.

I am excited to return, and I’m hoping I won’t be sad because of who isn’t there and instead I can make even more memories.

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The Key Element for The Success of Anything

My daughter runs a very successful online business. She worked very hard to be in her current situation. She let other people’s doubts of her fuel her motivation, she put in countless hours learning what would work and what was important, and she watched the people who had made it to where she wanted to be. None of it was easy. Even now, there are challenges like the haters every time she does a video. She told me that people criticize her voice and her looks. She has learned to ignore the empty noise.

She told me certain questions about her success bother her, and I understood what she meant. She told me she hates it when someone asks her what the secret to her success is. She believes anyone who asks that question wants to know what the secret pill is to have instant success. She said, “Mom, there isn’t a secret sauce. You have to show up and put in the work. You have to be patient and constantly learn and be better. The people who ask that question don’t want to work hard, they just want to reap the benefits.”

There is a difference between someone who wants an easy answer for success and someone who is willing to do the work but needs some guidance and mentoring. I speak with many people who want to be more serious about writing, but they are not sure how to begin. I love helping people who are excited about writing and are grateful for someone who can offer some resources.

Showing up and putting in hard work consistently is the key to success in any area. I was listening to an interview with Wynona Judd today. The interviewer asked her how she prepared for a tour. She said she showed up and put in the work every day. I have heard that from so many entertainers. When someone is enjoying success and labeled as a new artist that person often mentions they have been working at the craft for years.  

When you are discouraged because you aren’t finding the success you hoped for, ask yourself what you need to do differently. Do you need to invest more time or resources? Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep moving forward and trying new things.

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5 Ways to Use Essential Oils

My friend is an expert in essential oils and that knowledge has helped me numerous times. Here are a few ways you can use them to stay healthy.

#1. Peppermint oil is a natural headache reliever. When I was teaching my students would often complain of headaches, so I would dab a small amount of peppermint oil on their temples. Several minutes later they would tell me the headache was gone. They used to call it the magic oil. There are some people who are allergic to peppermint, so ask that question before you offer it to someone. Don’t touch your eyes with it on your fingers!

#2. Breathe is great to put in a diffuser for aromatherapy and it helps with respiratory health. I used to diffuse it in my classroom, and I had fewer colds during the time I used it.

#3 Lavendar can help more than your sleep. I had developed a slight case of tinnitus which is a ringing in the ears. When I told my friend, she suggested I put some lavender behind my ears before I went to bed. At that time I was willing to try anything to stop the ringing, but I was surprised to find out it actually worked. I haven’t had any ringing in my ears since using it. I have also heard it is good for bruises.

#4 Peppermint can clear congestion. Pour some in your palms, rub your hands together and breathe deeply.

#5  Peppermint can give you an afternoon boost. Put some on tired feet, your wrist, or the back of your neck.

Essential oils can help you with all types of ailments.

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What is Spiritual Warfare and How Can You Win?

Have you heard the expression spiritual warfare and wondered what it meant? It has been presented to me twice during the past week in different contexts, and I decided to pay attention to the message I was meant to be sent.

Let’s look at the definition of spiritual warfare first. Spiritual warfare is when we have to deal with our enemies who fill our minds with discouragement and defeat. Obstacles and attacks are meant to destroy our peace and faith.

You are under spiritual attack is situations like this.

  • One thing after another seems to go wrong.
  • You have a series of health issues
  • Life seems chaotic and filled with drama
  • Feelings of being overwhelmed/depressed. You are in a funk.

The first time I heard it last week was in a conversation with a neighbor who said she was on a much-needed vacation. She had hired a dog sitter, but another neighbor texted her to say the sitter had not been at the house to let the dogs out all day. A drama ensued with a call to the dog sitter. My neighbor said she felt like it was a case of spiritual warfare because her need for peace and relaxation was being attacked.

The second time the concept came to mind was when I had a series of health issues. I had an intense Mohs surgery for skin cancer, I threw up for a day because of the pain pills and then didn’t eat for several days, the wound became infected, and then on the way to a follow up appointment I had an a-fib attack, and I didn’t have my medicine.

When we came home, I took my meds and lied down to wait for my heart to find it’s rhythm, I started to think about how we can’t always choose what happens to us, but we always have a choice about how we react. Here are a few things we can do to win at spiritual warfare and be an example for others who need help fighting the enemy.

  • Keep things in perspective and remember it could usually be worse.
  • Be grateful for the blessings you have.
  • Stay calm and guard your peace.
  • Have faith that the storm will pass.
  • Pray
  • Ask for help
  • Rest
  • Find the positive
  • Handle struggles with grace

Good luck as you deal with the ups and downs of life. We all have struggles, but fight them the right way.

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Managing Migraines

Do you try to fight a migraine when you feel it coming? I do and I lose the fight every time.

Migraines can be caused by many different triggers. It could be from fatigue, stress, diet, hormones as well as other factors. The type and severity of migraines varies too. You could have one with auras or not, but a common factor is they are usually debilitating. If you love someone who has migraines you need to realize they are not mere headaches, and they often come without warning.

I hate taking medicine, but after I had a migraine with auras so bad I couldn’t see, I asked my doctor for a prescription. I decided that I was going to find some alternatives to the medicine. Here are a few things that have worked for me. I hope they will help you.

Block out light. Wearing sunglasses, turning off the lights, or lying down and closing your eyes can help since migraines seem to make you light sensitive.

Coke/fries. I heard this from a doctor. When the migraine first starts, chug a coke and eat Mcdonald’s fries. The combination of sugar, carbohydrates, and salt helps soothe your head. The doctor said if you wait too long it won’t work.

Cold compresses. Buy a mask that you can put in the freezer and place over your eyes when the migraine hits.

Drink water. I have stopped a migraine before by drinking several glasses of water.

Discover your triggers. When you have a migraine look for clues about what caused it. Do you have one each time you eat or drink something? Are you going through hormonal changes? My worst migraines were when I was going through menopause and my hormones were wacky, but I have also had them when I was overtired or stressed.

What works for you when you have a migraine?  

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Success Beyond the Numbers

Success Beyond the Numbers

Do you measure success in your life by numbers, or is there something more or equally important? Think of all the times we look at a number to determine how we are doing. We might be concerned with how many social media followers we have, how much money we are making, and how much engagement we see connected to our work.

As a writer, it’s important for me to have followers and subscribers. I need to have an online presence, and several publishers have asked for it, engaging with my readers is crucial do increase those numbers, and writing without engagement is not enough.

When I taught Advanced Placement French, there was always pressure to have a high pass rate, but I have always thought the special moments that class offered were as important as the final grade. The experience can be the important part.

The experience and my reader’s reactions are how I measure my success. It means so much to me when someone takes the time to tell me she liked the book, and several readers have sent me videos that show children listening to or reading the children’s series.

When my numbers our down, I focus on whether I am helping someone with my writing or making them feel something. Two of my books do this the most. I have a children’s book called, What I Hope for You. The theme is the hope of a parent that a child can maintain a joy of life and see the beauty instead of only feeling the burdens. I vend at a local market, and I have had women who start crying while they read the book. I am so touched that the book resonated with them.  

The second book is a self-help called 101 Tips to Lighten Your burden. I was wandering through the farmer’s market that is next to the art market. I stopped at a stand to buy flowers and told the woman and her daughter that I was vending books next door, so they started asking me about my books. When I told them about this book, the daughter said, “I probably need that.” Her mom encouraged her to come with me to look at it. She opened it, but told me she didn’t have any money, so I gifted it to her. She teared up and gave me a bear hug. I watched her walk back, sit down and start reading. Giving her something that might lift her up was more important to me than a sale.

I would love more followers, subscribers, and more sales, but the connections with readers will always be my sign of success. What about you? What’s your definition of success?