Hello, friends. I almost didn’t put up a post today, but had two reasons for doing so. Anyway, here it is September 1st! That means my favorite season of the year is just around the corner!

You may remember my last Monday post where I shared the sad news of the passing of a good friend and author, Rox Burkey. They have now set her celebration of life for September 13th at the Duncanville First Baptist Church, the upper room. 323 W Wheatland Rd, Duncanville, TX 75116. Visitation is at 10am, Memorial is at 11am Central Standard Time (CST). I know a few of my blog followers are local and I invite you to join us as we celebrate this dynamic woman. Her co-author, Charles Breakfield sent me this photo and I treasure it. This was taken at one of the gatherings Rox had at her house in south Dallas.

I always love to share when I discover something new that is amazing and that works! For several years, as I’ve aged and my skin has thinned, I began to get the ‘old people’ bruises on my arms. Well! I’ve discovered an amazing product that really does work. It is an essential oil balm with Helichrysum. I am amazed at how quickly the bruises fade using this product. I have nothing invested in it other than as a satisfied user. If you struggle with this problem, I highly recommend that you try it.

Here’s a link, if you’re interested: https://www.vitalityextracts.com/products/helichrysum-balm
After my first full week of working 8-9 hours a day again, I have to say it went pretty well. Thankfully, I can work from home some and that helps. That means I don’t have to get all gussied up to start the work day. 🙂 It’s the little things. I feel that this will morph into something pretty good and for that I am super grateful.
I spent Labor Day weekend at my daughter’s house as they went out of town and I am the designated dog sitter. There have been a few issues with the dogs, but we worked through them. 🙂
This week wraps up the Sister’s Blog tour and it has been SO much fun!! And now that it is almost over, I am starting to think about what’s next. I dreamed the opening to a new story the other night, so that’s rolling around in my head. Who knows? I go where the balloons pull me. I got to go up in a hot air balloon in 2021 and loved it! This photo is me and Judy Lowe standing next to the enormous balloon while they were inflating it.

I know I should stop apologizing for not being able to make it to all of your blog posts each day, but know I am doing my best. Also, when one in our blogging community needs our support, we rally. This is the latest update on Kymber @boomcha and she remains in my thoughts and prayers. https://booomcha.com/2025/08/from-bad-to-worse/
At any rate, I wanted to keep this short, but then I got started, and well, you see what happened. If you are in the U.S., I hope you are enjoying this long weekend.
There will be two more blog stops this week and then we wrap it up at D.L. Finn’s place on Thursday. Just a heads up, there will be some prizes given at her stop, so don’t miss it.
Take care! Since I am not home and don’t have my cards, there will be no card theme for the week, but I do have this bit of inspiration to share!

I’m pretty worried about Kymber. They’re obviously and rightly keeping things private, but the snippets they share are concerning. Definitely praying.
Whatever your ‘next’ plans, I hope they end with another Sisters tour. This has been fun..
I hate it when any of our author friends fall ill. I do hope for another Kymber update from someone and pray it’s positive. I have no idea how our next venture will play out. Linda’s already knee-deep into her next book, so don’t see much of a chance for another dual released anytime soon. Thanks so much for your support, Jacqui!
Happy Labour Day. We celebrate Labour Day in Canada too. Here is something interesting, I had my son on Labour Day! So it has another meaning for me. How many women do you know who were in labour on Labour Day?
I had to laugh Darlene. One of my wife’s good friends was due today.
Oh my goodness, Darlene. Yes, that gives a whole new meaning to Labor Day. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
I love that quote, Jan! Mae definitely did not let others limit her. That’s for sure! I hope you enjoy your Labor Day. Thank you for sharing that photo of you and Rox. I’m happy you two got to create a friendship outside of the online realm.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
I treasured my friendship with Rox and loved all the times we attended conferences and book festivals together plus the gatherings at her house. She will be sorely missed. Thank you for stopping by, Yvette!
I’m glad your first week of work went well. I don’t know Kymber, but from her blog/comments it seems like she is loved by many. I join my prayer to others’ for her. Great quote from Jemison!
I only know Kymber online, Priscilla, but we all become intertwined here on the blogosphere. Thank you for adding your prayers for her. Glad you enjoyed the quote!
I didn’t know about Kymber, Jan, so thanks for the update, but it’s scary and heartbreaking. My prayers continue for her and her family. Love the quote. xo
I only know Kymber from our interaction in the blogosphere, but I always enjoyed her posts. I believe there is power in prayers and especially when we join together. Thank you so much for stopping by! Hugs!
Working full day is quite heavy going, Jan, look after yourself. I’m so sorry to hear about Kymber. I keep hearing of very sick blogging friends and it’s scary 🙏💜
Thank you for visiting, Robbie. I’m looking forward to being at your place tomorrow! I promise to try and look after myself. After all I’m no spring chicken. 🙂 I agree about blogging friends that are ill. Makes me sad.
It makes me sad too 🤗💕
Thank you for the information, Jan. Happy Labor Day.
My pleasure. Thanks for stopping by.
It is a good thing that you have the option to work from home. Since I am self-employed too, I am glad that I don’t have to work from home in my employed job. But I have to admit that I don’t have a long way to get there and we have a very cool and competent team. So, enjoy their company so much. I am blessed since I have both.
To talk about balms, oils, and creams. I can hear you well in your excitement. I found a fantastic serum which does not cost the world but the effect is breathtaking. And it too, is all natural!
Although it is not the same holiday, we have a holiday too on Monday. For you Labor Day is on the second Monday of September and for us this church holiday is always on Sept. 8th – this year it is a Monday.
Have a great week, Jan and thanks for the updates!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Erika. I use lots of essential oils daily and love them. I always put lavender in the bottoms of my feet when I go to bed. I love the scent but the relaxation benefit is wonderful. Have a great week ahead! Sending light and love.
They work wonders and are so powerful! I love working with them in many ways – in treatments and my natural cosmetics. I am very happy to hear that you have made such good experiences with essential oils!
Congratulations on officially enjoying Labor Day, Jan. I’m glad your new job gives you the option to do some work from home. I’m also excited about your dream. You never know where those lead. I am sorry again for the loss of your friend and I add my prayers for your other friend.
Thanks for stopping by, Dan. I keep thinking about the dream and wishing I could remember more details. Maybe it will come to fruition.
You’re amazing, Jan, to be functioning well and dog-sitting in spite of the loss of a friend and the danger another is in. Happy Labor Day!
Thank you for your kind words, Tim. I just keep suiting up and showing up. It’s all I know to do.
Take care of yourself, Jan. You always seem to be so busy. Life here is much the same way, and it grinds one down.
I do stay busy and eventually I will have to slow down. But I adhere to the old saying “make hay while the sun shines.” 🤪
Glad the first week went well, Jan! I’m also worried about Kymber, and she’s been in my prayers. I have some of your tour posts to catch up on.
Thanks for the “old skin” recommendation. I’ve started adding avocado and argan oils to my moisturizer. It seems like a week of ups and downs – and isn’t that life. We just do our best day to day. I am glad to hear that there are other book ideas rumbling around in your head. 🙂 And glad the job went well for your first week. Happy September, Jan.
Thank you so much for sharing this! We have to support one another as best we can.