Search Results for: new life

A New Life After Death

Sep26

On May 4, 2017, I hung onto my husband’s hand as we listened to a team of specialists explain the ramifications of my husband’s diagnosis of Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer.

In that moment, all the oxygen got sucked out of our lives, and it felt as if someone had turned off the light switch to our world, shrouding us in darkness.

I was filled with fear, angst and an intense sadness and I worried I would never regain any composure or strength.

It was my husband who composed himself quickly, squeezed my hand and said, “We’ll get through this.”

 

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I felt the love flow from his fingertips straight to my soul; we took deep breaths and pulled ourselves together, and as we did throughout our marriage when faced with a challenge, we held onto to each other tight, and prepared for the emotional roller coaster we knew we were about to take.

From that moment on, we filled our home with love, laughter, and spending every minute of every day together, celebrating the moments, cherishing our time together,  with family and close friends.

We turned the seven-hour chemo treatments at the Cancer Center into “dates,” complete with all our favourite board games, snacks, and the memory board we put together filled with pictures of our travels, and family adventures through the years.

 

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Cancer is a short drive from optimism and laughter to the cul-de-sac of worry and anxiety about the future, however, we remained adamant about taking it one moment at a time, working hard not to drive down “What-if Avenue” or “Brooding Dead End.”

 

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My husband was bombarded with countless blood tests, medication–enough to open our own pharmacy, treatments, clinical trials, emergency trips to the hospital, and endured harsh side effects.

He went through all this, maintaining his incredible sense of humor, wit, selflessness, and kindness; never complaining or asking “why me?”

A true warrior.

 

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On June 5, 2018, we were delivered devastating news; there were no more treatments available, as the cancer had spread and there was nothing else that could be done.

I held my husband’s hand and said, “We’ll get through this.”

For the first time since I’ve known him, he looked at me, despondent and said, “Not this time, my love.”

On July 10, 2018, I held my beloved husband in my arms as we said our last “I love you’s.”

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Since that day, I have faced the hardest months of my life. In the early months, it felt like I had lost a limb, was dropped off in a dark forest, with no instructions on how to find the light, and having to navigate my way through this forest without the use of a limb.

Every day presents a new challenge, the grieving at times is more intense now than in the early days, and missing him is even hard to put into words.

 

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For those of you who have endured the loss of a spouse—that person who is not only your lover, but best friend and the one person that would’ve helped you the most during this grieving period, you know that it changes you as a person.

I did find my way out of that dark forest, although, it still feels like I am missing a limb, and embraced my mission of moving forward and honouring my husband’s life, and his legacy of live, love, laugh and stay passionate about all things that bring positivism into my own life and into my family’s life.

With the support of family, friends and a group beautiful souls who have also lost their life partners, I’m doing okay adjusting to this new life.

I’ve redecorated my surroundings, changed my daily routine, volunteering at my grandson’s school, enjoying the little ones at every chance I get, and remaining committed to living up to the promise I made my husband that I would continue following my passion with creative writing.
I wanted to let you all know why I’ve been absent all these months, and not updating the blog.

My goal is to start uploading new recipes, and updating you on my creative writing journey, and at times talk about grief, and hopefully reach out and help others who may be struggling as well.

Thank you for sticking with me all these months, and I send out my best wishes and love to you all as you too navigate through the challenges in your life.

 

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In Loving Memory of our cherished & beloved Warrior

 

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Cancer may have taken your body,
and now Heaven has your soul,
I have your heart; forever intertwined with mine.

New Cover for a Re-Release!

Sep8

If you enjoy a friends-to-lovers themed romantic comedy with a splash of mystery, a big dose of sensuality, and a hero and heroine who will make you laugh and have you wanting to hang out with them, then WHAT A GIRL WANTS is a book that has all that and more.

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I am excited to share the new cover for WHAT A GIRL WANTS as it enters another phase in its life as a re-release, now available at Barnes & Noble Amazon, Kobo, iBooks

Thank you to Kim Killion for designing the cover and flap for both e-book version and paperback.

 

 

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Read an excerpt here.

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Life Tips

Feb19

1. Relationship Tip: Ask your significant other at 6:00 a.m. how they visualize porcupines making love. This will lead to an interesting conversation.

2. Mental health Tip: DON’T read a ton of news media links. DON’T read a lot of social media posts (I know, the irony). DO read a lot of fiction. I recommend romance, but it’s all good.

3. Anti-Wrinkle Tip: Sunscreen. That’s all you need.

4. Lip Tip: Coconut oil. Tastes good and makes that pucker so smooth.

5. When life hands you lemons Tip: Add another 11 to make a dozen. For water. For salads. For inexpensive hair rinse. They smell good. They clean windows and glass better than chemical cleaners. Also good with ice, Tequila, Vodka…any happy juice.

6. Social Media Tip: Let’s turn the phrase “haters gonna hate” (seriously overdone) to “bakers gonna bake.”

7. Baking Tips: Put a heat-proof bowl of water on the bottom of your oven when baking a cake, muffins, or bread, keeps the air inside moist.

8. Weekend Tip: Hang out with your loved ones, guaranteed they’ll make you forget to look at your phone.

9. Reduce Stress Tip: Have at least one day with no technology around you. No TV. No news. Laze around with music, books, your pet….whatever recharges your batteries.

10. WIN the Lottery Tip: People who have left a review of my books have won the lottery. Seriously. Try it. What have you got to lose? 😉

 

 

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Life Tips According to the Tao of Selena

Jan31

If you follow me on Twitter, you may have read a string of tweets with the hashtag #TaoOfSelena also known as deep, philosophical thoughts (deep and philosophical is open to interpretation of course).

For those not familiar with my Twitter habits, I am pleased to share them with you here.

I hope The Tao of Selena changes your life—I know, that’s a bit dramatic, but as an Italian chick drama is a right of passage.

If my thoughts don’t change your life, my wish is that this blog post will grant you a smile or a chuckle. It’s why I love writing so much, in hopes that my musings will provide a few minutes of entertainment.

The Tao of Selena

Nothing brings a couple closer than having separate bathrooms.

Nothing in the world is impossible. Wait, flying on your own—that’s impossible. So do it with something that has wings like an; airplane, hand glider or a parachute.

A happy relationship is the union of two strong debaters.

When in doubt. Google.

Still in doubt? Check Snopes.

Treat me nice, I’ll treat you better. Treat my family, friends or me like crap—I know people.

Don’t ever argue with someone who has four siblings. They can go back and forth all day long. They’ve had experience.

Never get tired of teasing & making fun of each other. That’s what good relationships are made of.

Chocolate, music and cuddling are all cheaper than therapy and you don’t have to sit in a waiting room.

The grass is greener on the other side because it was watered, weeded & dog poop was picked up—all accomplished without complaint.

Winter really does have snow

Every woman needs that friend(s) who is the she in her nanigans.

Every man (even a bonified “Maverick”) needs a “Goose” wingman in their corner.

We’re not here for a long time. We’re here for an awesome time. So go awesomize the world.

When starting something new, and the challenges seem overwhelming, don’t place your faith in the “what-ifs”, pour all your faith in the “why not’s?” Remember all the challenges you’ve already conquered, and go forth and do it. Whatever “it” is for you.

 

 

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Secrets of a happy life. . .

Jul17

One of the secrets for a happy life is having an attitude of gratitude, remembering to be thankful for not only the big things in life, but the little things that make each moment memorable, and our daily lives that much more smile filled.

Continue reading →

The Four “F’s” of a Great Sex Life

Mar12

Re-posting this blog (Interview with Drew Evans from Tangled and author Emma Chase below) for the new followers. 

Also, posting a teaser from TWISTED—the sequel to Tangled.

Please come back on March 30th for a chance to win a copy of TWISTED, plus another excerpt and more news about Drew & Kate’s ongoing romantic story.

Excerpt from TWISTED

(Kate’s POV)

TWISTEDShe stomps forward.

Billy moves behind my chair, using me like a human shield.

“Or better yet — would anyone like to explain why my best friend took off from New York like a bat out of hell, leaving behind a shit storm that makes Katrina look like an April fucking shower — and I have no idea why?!”

She takes another step forward and drops her bags to the floor. Then she snaps her head to the right – in the direction of the perky blond teenager standing next to the lockers.

That’s Kimberly. She’s a waitress here. Works after school. She’s seems nice. And at the moment — terrified.

“Hey Gidget, how about you make yourself useful and get me a diet coke? Don’t scrimp on the ice.”

Kimberly flees the room.

Lucky girl.

Delores points at me and yells, like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, “Well?! You can’t keep me out of the loop, Kate. I am the loop!”

Buy / Pre-Order Links for TWISTED

Simon & Schuster

Amazon

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eBook

Barnes & Noble

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Nook

Chapters

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Kobo (not available yet)

IndieBound

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BAM

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eBook

iTunes

Maddie Interviews Drew

Hey, everyone, it’s Maddie Saunders, the heroine from Selena’s WHAT A GIRL WANTS.

Since I’m in between contracts at work and Alex is overseas on an assignment, I have free time on my hands and volunteered to interview Drew Evans, the hero from Emma Chase’s New York Times Best Selling romance, TANGLED.

So let’s get this party started and help me welcome Drew Evans.

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Maddie: Drew, welcome to Selena’s blog and thanks for joining us.

DREW: Looking forward to it. Thanks.

Maddie:  If money were no object what one guilty pleasure would you buy?

DREW:  An island.

Maddie:  Great idea. Islands happen to be a favorite destination of ours. Besides the obvious, tropical, relaxing and adventurous, why an Island?

DREW:  I’d enjoy owning a piece of the world, where I could make up any rules I want. For instance, only people I like would be allowed to go there –– and everyone would have to call me ‘master.’

Maddie: I’m thinking Kate would smile at that fantasy you have going there, and then let you know you’d be the master of your own domain, and that’s all the master she’d muster up.

Let’s get a bit more personal, create a bumper sticker that best describes your sex life.

DREW:  The Four F’s of a Great Sex Life:  ”Keep it Frequent, Fabulous, Fun and once in a while, Freaky.”

Maddie:  Creative and so true. I’d buy that bumper sticker. What do you sleep in?

Selena: Uhm, Maddie, I have to interject here, I don’t think this an appropriate question.

DREW: Inappropriate questions are the best kind.

Maddie:  I agree with Drew.

Selena: You would. I just think Alex may have a problem with this line of questioning.

Maddie:  I love you, Creator of Mine, but you worry too much. You know I’m a one hero heroine, and this question is for all the readers who love to know the inside scoop—all of it, about their favorite book boyfriends.

Besides, Alex has said that he doesn’t care where I get my appetite, as long as I eat in his kitchen.

Selena: Okay, go at it then.

Maddie:  Thank you, now as I was asking, Drew, what do you sleep in?

DREW: *Grins* Kate. Or nothing at all.

Maddie:  Alex is the same way. With me though, not with Kate. *LOL* What non-sexual gesture turns you on?

DREW: There’s no such thing as a non-sexual gesture.

But if I have to pick something…I’ll say stretching. Kate lifts her arms over her head, then she arches her back so her breasts press right up against her shirt and usually she lets out this sexy little moan. That gets me going every time.

I’m getting turned on right now just thinking about it.

Maddie:  That is so sweet. I’m missing Alex, I hope he gets back soon. *sigh* What’s your attitude about Valentine’s Day?

DREW:  A brilliant marketing strategy for florists, candy and card manufacturers, but a totally unnecessary holiday. If you need a date on the calendar to show the person you love that you love them? You’ve got no fucking business saying you’re in love. For me and Kate — every day is Valentine’s Day.

Maddie:  I’m so on the same page and I know Alex is as well, about Valentine’s Day. Everyday is a good day to show your love and of course bring chocolate home. *Smiles* Have you ever read a romance novel? If so, which one?

DREW:  My mother and sister are big romance readers — which is disturbing to contemplate.

Once, I scanned my mom’s copy of “The Flame and the Flower.” From what I understand, it’s considered a romance classic. I thought it was totally fucked up. I’m not a chick — but I was offended on behalf of chicks everywhere.

Still, it seems like that book sparked a kind of revolution for women — made it a socially acceptable way for ladies, at the time, to have access to literary porn.  Which is a good thing.  If romance novels turn you on, more power to you.

Unless…you’re my mother or my sister. Then…just no.

Maddie:  I know all about not bringing blood relatives into any romantic or sexual discussions, Alex mentioned that once…okay probably more than once. I get it, you guys don’t mind starring in a romance novel, but it’s not your go-to reads, and that’s okay. Vive la difference. What are the top three things you have learned about women, by starring in a romance novel?

DREW:  1.  For a lot of women, their most romantic fantasy isn’t actually about sex — it’s about change. Girls want a man to want to change for them. Sometimes it can be small differences, sometimes big, but the bottom line is women want to be the impetus of a guy becoming better than who they were.

2.   Some women really don’t want to know what guys are thinking.

3.   Grand gestures go a long way with girls. They’re impressed by them. So go big or go the fuck home.

Maddie:  Thanks for your honesty, and I’m sure your answers will elicit a great discussions on the blog. If you were a Muppet, which Muppet would you be? Which Muppet would you date (life before Kate of course)?

DREW:  *Chuckles* Cookie Monster.

Maddie: Good call, except now I’m hungry. *smiles* Tell us more about why you’d choose Cookie Monster?

DREW: There’s nothing I like better than munching a sweet, warm cookie. Kate’s is magically delicious.

As for dating? Sure as hell not Miss Piggy — way too high maintenance. There was that blond girl muppet…don’t know her name, but she played guitar in the band and wore a belly shirt. She seems more my type — laid back, up for a good time.  I’d nail her.

JaniceMaddie: Here you go, Drew.

Janice, the lead guitar player in the Electric Mayhem on The Muppet Show.

DREW: Yeah, that’s her.

Maddie: She resembles Donatella Versace to me. *Laughs* Oh, look, Emma Chase has just arrived. *waves* Drew, thanks again, it was fun interviewing you and I look forward to reading about you and Kate. Say hi, to Kate for me. Ciao. *packs up her laptop and heads out.*

DREW: It was fun, bye. Hey, Emma. *nods and walks away.*

Selena: Emma, welcome to the blog and thank you for joining us. Do you know a man like Drew Evans? Or is he a composite of a few different men you know?

Emma: Yes, he’s a composite — my own alpha-Frankenstein. The guy-friends I grew up with, my older brother and his friends, and my husband all went into who Drew is. His thoughts, feelings and opinions come from the mouths of real men, plus what I’ve seen for myself.

Selena: Alpha-Frankenstein. *LOL* I call my alpha-hubby, Mr. Rugged, but we all know that deep down they are all Beta-sweethearts. You did capture real men thoughts and opinions, especially for the age group you are writing about.  What was the first thing you did when you learned that Tangled had become a New York Times Best Seller?

Emma:  I said, “Oh my God!” and I called my mom, *lol*. My husband was there with me when I got the email, and we were both surprised and excited and overjoyed.

I always felt that Tangled was a strong, entertaining read, but I never expected it to be so successful, so quickly. I’m genuinely flattered and grateful that so many readers have enjoyed the story and have come to love the characters as much as I do. It’s literally a dream-come-true.

Selena: Congratulations and well deserved. So great to hear a writer’s dream coming alive and sharing the excitement with you. Which character in Tangled would you pick to bring to life and spend the day with?

Emma:  Um…definitely Drew.  Not in a sexy kind of way…for me, my husband is and always will be, the only “leading man” I’ll ever want. But Drew is just such a fun guy — he’s very devil-may-care and life-loving, but honest, intelligent and sophisticated at the same time.

Selena: I think as romance writers we do fall in love with our hero’s (in a non-sexual kind of way, because like you, I feel the same about my husband. I always say, he would put any romance hero to shame *S*). If we aren’t crazy about the leading men, and want to hang out with them, then our readers won’t be attracted to them. What would you and Drew do on your day out together?

Emma: I think it would be fun to walk around New York City with him — visit his favorite restaurants or hot-spots — and just hang out and listen to his opinions about life and the people around us. I could probably talk to Drew forever and never get bored by the conversation.

Selena: If you ever do go out for a day with him, take us along with you, I know the readers would love to hear more about Drew’s take on life.  If Hollywood came knocking, who would your choice or choices be to play; Kate, Drew, Mackenzie, Alexandra?

Emma: I always have a hard time answering this one.

I think Kate Beckinsale or Nina Dobrev would be great as Kate.

For Drew, personality is everything. The actor would have to do ‘charming bastard’ really well – make the audience want to root for him – even if they feel they shouldn’t. A young Patrick Dempsey or Bradley Cooper could pull it off. Chris Evans would be a nice fit for Drew as well.

Ali Larter would be wonderful as Alexandra. And for Mackenzie, there’s a child model named, Kristina Pimenova, who is just the most adorable, precocious looking little girl. Her at age four – that’s who I imagine as Mackenzie.

Selena: Great choices. What sound track would you love to assign?

Emma: I have one, actually! It can be found under “media” at my website (click HERE for the soundtrack).

A few of the songs were part of my inspiration for the story, while I think others would be perfect playing in the background of some scenes.

Selena:  What’s next for readers to look forward to? 

Emma: In December 2013, the short story Holy Frigging Matrimony (#1.5) will be released in e-book. I really can’t wait to share this story with readers. It’s fun and sweet and sexy – classic Drew Evans. At the same time, some of the things that happen in HFM really set the stage for Twisted, the sequel to Tangled.

Twisted will be released in e-book and paperback in March 2014. It’s in Kate’s POV, which is exciting because it will give readers a chance to get to know her, and her friends and family, more than we were able to in Tangled. Twisted focuses on Drew and Kate’s relationship two years after Tangled’s end.

Then, in May 2014, Tamed will be released. Tamed is Matthew and Dee’s story — how their relationship began and grew during the scenes we didn’t see in Tangled. They’re such wonderful, quirky but real characters, I’m very excited for readers to get to know them.

Selena: Looking forward to all those books. Wishing you continued success, Emma. Thanks again for stopping by, it was a pleasure chatting with you.

Emma: My pleasure.

To find out the recommended food to combat the “Drew Flu” I highly recommend you pick up TANGLED.

Favorite Quotes by Drew Evan from Tangled.

“For God’s sake, don’t let her watch Cinderella. What kind of example is that? A mindless twit who can’t even remember where she left her damn shoe, so she has to wait for some douchebag in tights to bring it to her? Give me a frigging break!” 

“Newsflash, ladies: We can’t read your thoughts. And frankly, I’m not entirely sure I’d want to. The female mind is a scary place to be.” 

“You know on TV when there’s one of those awkward, shocking moments and all you hear are the crickets in the background? Well chirp fucking chirp…this is one of those moments.”

“Women fall in love quicker than men. Easier and more often. But when guys fall? We go down harder. And when things go bad? When it’s not us who ends it? We don’t get to walk away. We crawl.” 

“Then I flip Kate the finger. Immature, I know, but apparently we’re now both functioning at the preschool level, so I’m guessing it’s okay. Kate sneers at me. Then she mouths, You wish. Well—she’s got me there, now doesn’t she?” 

“My mother always told me, “Anyone worth doing, is worth doing well.” Okay, she didn’t actually say those exact words, but you get the picture.” 

“Vaginas beat penises every time. They’re like kryptonite. Penises are defenseless against them.”

About Emma Chase

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By day, Emma Chase is a devoted wife and mother of two who resides in a small, rural town in New Jersey. By night she is a keyboard crusader, toiling away the hours to bring her colorful characters and their endless antics to life. She has a long standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

Emma is an avid reader. Before her children were born she was known to consume whole books in a single day. Writing has also always been a passion and with the 2013 release of her debut romantic comedy, Tangled, the ability to now call herself an author is nothing less than a dream come true.

Connect with Emma Online:

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