Monday Meanderings #21

Happy Monday, as we say goodbye to June. This year is half gone! And it’s hot outside on this side of the equator.

It’s been another busy week. When I look back, it’s all a blur. I strive to stay in a state of mindfulness, but the rush of life sometimes takes over and I shift into automatic pilot. I did a lot of driving last week. And I hate to complain about the traffic again since I already did that last week, but darn it, there are way too many cars on these roadways. When they constructed the freeways, they had no idea the population would explode like it has.

But I try to find something every day to be grateful for. And it’s not hard. I am so blessed. I went to see the new movie, “How To Train Your Dragon 2” with all the kiddos and it was a super cute movie. I always enjoy going with them and it’s a great excuse to see all the fun new kid shows. 🙂 I’m still a kid at heart and missed all that growing up, so it’s fun.

Ace turned one this week and my youngest granddaughter threw him a birthday party. 🙂 I have to say he was a pretty good sport. Although he did get lots of treats.

I’m knee-deep in getting ready to launch A Bold Bargain! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has already preordered a copy! I am deeply grateful! I worked on a book trailer over the weekend and would love to get your feedback! It’s not set in stone yet, so I’m open to changes.

I will be sharing my June book reviews soon, and look forward to telling you about some great books I read!

July has a lot of travel in store for me, so I may not be around much. Still, I’ll try to check in as I can. I’m not leaving until July 13th. But just a heads up if I disappear for a few days. The first trip is to Michigan to see where my oldest grandson is living and going to college in Grand Rapids. I’ve never been that far north and am SO looking forward to it. We have plans to explore the entire area as much as possible in the few days we are there. My grandson told me there is a casino on the Canadian border that is half in the United States and half in Canada. 🙂 I will be going with my oldest daughter and two younger grandsons. I’m hoping it may be a bit cooler in Michigan than it is in Texas in July.

When searching for a quote, this one really spoke to me. The other thing about the magic of dreams is they have no expiration date. Sure, the body will age and won’t be able to do the physical things it once could, but the creative mind is ageless! Hope you enjoy this quote.

The tarot card for the week is the Four of Pentacles.

The first words that come to mind when I see this card is ‘sitting pretty.’ It represents building stability and conserving resources. Boy, is that ever appropriate for me right now. This card asks us to affirm to ourselves that we are stable, safe and that we will always have what we need. Conserve what you’ve earned without closing yourself off to new paths to abundance. This card also leaves us with this advice: Holding too tightly to the material world will never satisfy your need for a sense of security. I had to think about that for a minute, and then it made perfect sense. Everything in this material world is temporary.

That’s it for this Monday. I hope you have a great week ahead! Thank you for visiting.

  • Comment (30)
  • I don’t even drive in the metroplex anymore. That’s some difficult traffic! I am SO looking forward to A Bold Bargain!

    • I don’t blame you, Priscilla, for not driving here. It’s insane! It wears me out for sure. I am happy to hear you are looking forward to A Bold Bargain! Thank you so much for stopping by!

  • Dan Antion says:

    You certainly sound like you’ve been busy, Jan. All good stuff though and it seems it’s falling into place. I hope you get everything set and can enjoy that break. A trip to Michigan sounds like a great escape from the Texas heat. The trailer is looking good. I hope you have a great week.

  • petespringerauthor says:

    “Shifting into autopilot<” is the perfect phrase for when life gets hectic. I’ve owned dogs my entire life. None of them would have worn a party hat like Ace. 🤣

  • I hope you have a safe trip to Michigan and enjoy your time with your grandson. My wife and I have lived here in Michigan for over 40 years now, and all our children and grandchildren live here.

  • Having grown up in Michigan, I’ll tell you that in July in Grand Rapids the daytime temps are in the upper 80s with humidity to match. For us Texans, it is way better than our 106s. You might want to take a jacket. Nighttimes are in the 70s, and the humidity doesn’t go away unless it rains. I hope you have a great time.

  • Your dog is a doll–a pup still! My 3yo has serious joint issues so I sighed at the “lots of treats” Our pup is on a massive diet to lose weight off his weak joints. I’m looking forward to launch day for your book–have it on my calendar so I can grab it on KU.

    • Yes, Jacqui. Ace is still a pup with puppy energy. It was so crazy that he’d leave the birthday hat on, but he’ll do most anything for a treat. 🙂 Thank you so much for stopping by and I look forward to launch day, too!

  • Teri Polen says:

    I also hate traffic, Jan. When Reese lived in Austin for a year, we sure didn’t envy him. Looks like Ace had a fantastic party! No way would Bond wear a hat, lol. Enjoy your travels!

    • Yep. Austin traffic is almost as bad as Dallas. I hate it all, but then I lived in a small town of 6,000, for twenty-five years before moving up here. I wasn’t there for Ace’s party, but my daughter shared the pictures. That pup will do almost anything for a treat. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

  • Darlene says:

    The trailer looks great. I’m behind in reading the series ( behind in everything it seems) but I can’t wait to read this one. Enjoy your summer!

    • I so relate to your comment, Darlene. I, too, am behind on everything it seems and don’t see any catching up happening soon. Maybe once the kids are back in school and we settle back into a routine. 🙂 Glad you like the trailer and thank you for your comment!

  • Staci Troilo says:

    What a cute pic of the birthday boy! Hoping he has a great year ahead.

    Nice job on the trailer, Jan.

    If we don’t talk, enjoy your travels!

  • Erika says:

    What a wonderful quote and it says it all! I can imagine how much you must be looking forward to visiting your grandson. The card is well fitting for me too, since we discussed and are organizing our pension in 10 years. Very fitting indeed!
    I watched the video. I like the music but think that the video is a bit to obvious in its pictures. I don’t know how to explain it. I think it should not show the people/animals and situations right to the explanation. It takes a bit of the fantasy in my opinion. But I am not a professional, so this is only how I feel about it. However, I am wishing you all the best for the release!

    • Thank you for your feedback, Erika. I appreciate your comment about the trailer. I’m always open to opinions from others. So glad you enjoyed the quote and card. Thank you for stopping by and adding to the conversation!

      • Erika says:

        It is always difficult to see this with independent eyes. You have a picture of your book in your mind. I have difficulties promoting my products. I can do to a certain degree but I am always glad when people with fresh minds and eyes give me hints.
        However, it is a good trailer, I don’t want to limit that. Thanks for your weekly inspiration, dear Jan!

  • I love the How to Train Your Dragon series and look forward to seeing the “live” version. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Michigan is beautiful. Plenty of nature to enjoy and explore, and I hope you have time to do so. Great quote and reading! If you still need bloggers to promote your book, just let me know. XOXO

    Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
    http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

    • Thank you so much for your offer to host our blog tour, Yvette. We are only doing a handful of stops, but I deeply appreciate your generous offer (that was all I could talk my sister into). 🙂 The How To Train Your Dragon movie was super cute with a positive message. That’s what I always look for in kid movies. Thanks for the kind words and good wishes!

  • Harmony Kent says:

    I hate traffic too, Jan. Congratulations to the birthday boy! Enjoy your travels and wishing your sister and you much success with your double launch 🤗💗

  • Enjoy your trip. Sounds like a good time.

  • D.L. Finn, Author says:

    I’m not a fan of driving anymore. I’d rather be the daydreaming passenger 🙂 You have some wonderful travel ahead, Jan! Love the quote and card. We do place too much on the material side of life when that’s what usually leaves us first.

  • I love that quote, Jan, and Ace is adorable! I loved your trailer and can’t wait to read your book! Wishing you safe and fun travels ahead! 💕

  • It’s fun to check in and hear how busy you are – all fun stuff, except for the traffic! Great job on the trailer, Jan. I’m eager to read the books as soon as it pops. Have fun with the grandies, enjoy the stability of family this summer, and don’t go crazy on the slots. 🙂

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