If you’re a parent of a high school senior who’s about to graduate, you might be feeling a mix of emotions. You’re proud of your child’s achievements, but you’re also worried about their future. You’re excited about their new opportunities, but you’re also sad to see them leave. You’re happy for their independence, but you’re also concerned about their safety.
Having gone through this transition with my oldest son, I thought I would be better prepared with my second son and stepdaughter that are preparing for this momentous milestone in the upcoming month. However, I still found myself struggling so I decided to face it like the first time and revisit all the tips that helped the first time.
How do you cope with these feelings and support your child during this transition? Here are some tips that might help:
Celebrate their accomplishments. Your child has worked hard to get to this point, and they deserve recognition and praise. Whether it’s throwing a party, buying a gift, or simply saying “I’m proud of you”, make sure you celebrate their graduation and acknowledge their efforts.
Listen to their plans and dreams. Your child might have a clear idea of what they want to do after graduation, or they might be unsure and confused. Either way, it’s important to listen to their thoughts and feelings without judgment or pressure. Ask open-ended questions, show interest and curiosity, and offer encouragement and guidance when needed.
Respect their choices. Your child might make decisions that are different from what you expected or hoped for. They might choose a college that’s far away, a major that’s unfamiliar, or a career that’s unconventional. They might decide to take a gap year, join the military, or start a business. Whatever they choose, respect their choices and trust their judgment. Remember that this is their life, not yours, and they have to follow their own path.
Prepare them for the challenges ahead. Graduating from high school is a big milestone, but it’s also the beginning of a new phase of life that comes with its own challenges. Your child will face academic pressures, social changes, financial responsibilities, and emotional adjustments. They will need to develop new skills, such as time management, self-care, problem-solving, and communication. You can help them prepare by giving them advice, sharing your experiences, and providing resources and support.
Parenting a high school senior who’s about to graduate is not easy, but it’s also rewarding and fulfilling. You get to witness your child grow into a young adult who’s ready to take on the world. You get to share in their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears, their successes and failures. You get to be part of their journey and cheer them on along the way.
It seems only fair that I warn you that this may be a blog longer than most of my others, because I have a story to tell you about the crazy adventure that occurred to my family yesterday. I have had my share of dramatic events; some could even be considered near life or death, but I can honestly say that yesterday was one of the scariest days I have ever experienced. We woke up at 5:30 am so that we could leave the house by 6:30 am to take Cristian and Alex to acting class in Studio City. This was not our first rodeo, so we prepared ahead of time with not only packed lunches, but a cooler full of water, juice, and snacks. For those that don’t know, we live 3-4 hours from Los Angeles, acting class is also only 3-4 hours, so we typically head back the same day, making it home just in time for dinner. This trip, we took the other brothers with us, but Lily was able to miss the long car trip as she stayed with her grandparents. An uneventful trip down, although at the beginning of the Grapevine on the Northside we saw traffic backing up because a Semi-Truck must have forgotten to lock their doors and their entire inventory was strewn across the slow lane. Knowing we had 5 hours before we would be headed back, we assumed that the disaster would be cleaned up. The boys made it to acting class on time, while we spent a relaxing few hours in the local library. Released an hour early we took the boys over to the local public pool with intentions of a few hours of fun but upon arriving, it was apparent that we would be leaving with a major sunburn since none of the pools were covered in any shade. Taking a minute in the park, we decided to get back on the road a little early for maybe some water fun at home. Traffic was clear, we were in good spirits a few miles before we reached the Grapevine on I-5, there was a digital traffic sign that there was a lane closure causing a 75-minute delay. Before I continue, for those that are not familiar with our California Highways, this story demands an explanation of the CA Grapevine. This is a description from Wiki “The Grapevine that starts at the mouth of Grapevine Canyon, immediately south of the community, and ascends the canyon to the Tejon Pass, which separates the Tehachapi Mountains from the San Emigdio Mountains via Interstate 5 (formerly U.S. Route 99)…… The road is subject to severe weather and closure to traffic in winter. The stretch of I-5 through the Grapevine and the Tejon Pass is sometimes closed by the California Highway Patrol, generally because of the icy conditions combined with the steep grade of the pass, and the high traffic during the winter holidays. Occasionally, heavy rains will cause mud and rockslides, closing the freeway. The Highway Patrol is also concerned, especially with a large number of big-rigs that pass through, that just one accident in the icy or snowy conditions might force traffic to slow down or come to a complete stop, leaving hundreds of vehicles stalled at once. Whenever there is such a closure, traffic must either wait for it to reopen, or endure a slow multi-hour detour running between Bakersfield and Los Angeles via CA 58.” Basically, what you need to know is that once on the Grapevine you are essentially trapped as there are only 3 or 4 places that you can turn around if necessary. I have been traveling this road for my entire life, so I rarely think much about it. That was pretty much the attitude this day too after reading the sign, I checked the CalTrans website and read that a brush fire had started a few hours earlier that closed 2 lanes, but no new reports were given. As quoted above, you should have read that the alternate route would not only mean backtracking from where we were but traveling through Mojave. Continuing on the grapevine was almost comparable, maybe adding an additional 15 minutes to the longer alternate route, but the possibility the brush fire was contained, and the other lane was open. We were enjoying our time together and decided to just keep moving forward, but just in case, we took the last exit before entering to hydrate and urinate. As we returned to the car and begin the Grapevine incline, I brought out our last snack, 3 fruit and protein snacks shared between the 6 of us. I hear arguing, as trades happen between the backseats of cheddar cheese and apples. Then the car jumps, jumps again, as I question, “What was that?” obvious answer, “I don’t know” and it happens again before the lights in the car dashboard flash and we lose all power. Fortunately, we were in the middle and crossed quickly to the emergency lane, barely coasting to the closest Emergency Call Box, because I did not know what was happening. We made it, the car stopped, we were safe, unless you are the mom that sees a line of cars on the left and a cliff down a mountainside on the right. The boys were strangely quiet, except for the ‘What Happened’ that I honestly answered with an ‘I don’t know, stay buckled.’ I knew we had roadside assistance, although, I also knew we were in more than just a little bit of trouble, that I was in a line of stopped traffic behind and in front, far from an exit ahead, but one step at a time, first needing to know how to tell anyone how to reach us. The Call Box was a new experience and not the friendliest, but they were dealing with a lot of Calls, as we found out we were only 4.5 miles into the Grapevine and we had seen several calls already on the side of the road. I called my insurance, which also had trouble determining my location, but dispatched a tow-truck. So.. everything was A-Okay, we had help on the way, people knew where we were, although phone service was sketchy, and we were in a semi-safe location. Did I fail to mention, temps were reaching 100 degrees, and we all had less than a bottle of water each, that was getting warm, traffic started to speed up and we could have been a little closer to the edge for me to feel comfortable. I know that all would say No, but I did unbuckle and only let them exit the car in our last hour because we were dripping in sweat. I felt so guilty, for so many things… colder water, a snack, entertainment, a non-broken car so I wasn’t watching to make sure we weren’t hit on the road. HAVING CHILDREN IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION CHANGED MY WHOLE PERSPECTIVE! I could not even think straight, although, I was trying to be very calm and figure things out not even knowing what was going to happen. We were literally just existing on the side of I-5, about 3:30 and I received a call at 4:30 from a tow-service. This is where it got really interesting. First, he asked where we were, I told him to the best of my ability, he told me that if we were outside of Castiac (the last stop before the Grapevine) that he could not help us. Then he asked what the problem was, I said, I didn’t know but the battery flashed and was asking for a jump. He listened to my description, and said, “A battery jump won’t help, so I can’t waste service for that, but I can tow you to your desired location.” I explained that I had no idea what else was wrong with the car, that I did not know the nearest auto service location, and the insurance agent told me that only I could go with the tow-truck driver and I was not leaving my kids on the highway. He continued to explain his reasoning for his unofficial diagnosis of the van, and that he understood my frustration and was sorry for my circumstance. Now, I need to admit that this man’s tone sounded condescending and he had initially said, he could not even come to where we were stranded so I already wanted to hang up, but good manners prevailed. Once he mentioned my frustration, I barely interrupted, but did so to say, “ I am not frustrated, actually, I take that back, I am as I am sitting in the hot sun on a freeway with 4 children and a broken car with a brush fire ahead and no way to go forward, back, or even sideways. We are trapped and I have no clue as to what to do.” He responded with, “Now, I am irritated now too because I hear your situation, and I am going to make some calls and send someone out to you. I will make sure they have room to take all of you to a location of your choosing and suggest you come here because I am sure it is your alternator. I don’t do that kinda work anymore, but think we have one here and can fix it for you tonight.” I wasn’t sure about him, or anything, but I knew we needed to be off the road.” Did I mention that during this time 8 fire vehicles passed us, and while on the phone, a CHP finally showed to check on us, as well as 5 other cars around us. Things were a mess. They thought it would take 30 minutes for the tow-truck, it took 90 minutes before he got there. The nicest guy, Hunter, and he did try to jump the battery, but it would not hold a charge, however, he looked like the driver you never want to show up late-night, again, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” He fit all of us in his truck, loaded the van and we were on our way. We backtracked, but once we saw the ahead traffic, we were not moving anywhere. The fire was yet to be contained and we had been on the mountain for 4 hours. Finally, reaching the shop, they determined it was indeed the alternator, and although it was after 7 pm agreed to work for 2 hours to fix and loaned us a car to take the boys to dinner. We were on the road by 9:30, with a discounted labor and equipment fee, plus a free quart of oil as we are due an oil change. I did a little research and it does look like received a nice discount, but we don’t have an emergency fund set up. I thank Jesus that this happened at the beginning of the month, but we have a lot of things to work out for the rest of our monthly bills.
My point in sharing, is my gratefulness for our safety, for realizing our reliance on others in times of need, and the genuine good of strangers. I also learned not to be so judgmental, although I never thought I was, and to be better prepared. Maybe a better or added Emergency Kit, definitely Emergency Food and Fund, because now I have a whole different set of stressors as I look at how to cover such a fee. But I am most grateful for how well behaved the boys were, with not one word of complaint, only jokes, and sentiment trying to keep the mood light and being understanding of the situation. From now on, I will look with more compassion to those on the side of the road and if there is something, I can ever do for them.
This morning I woke up with the pull to write, to be honest, I haven’t felt that need for the past few weeks. It shouldn’t seem so surprising for a writer, but I’ve taken a step back from not only posting my words but even free creative writing of my own. There has been a lot going on personally in my life and my words were reflecting a tone that I did not want to portray.
Within the last month I am more rested, my days of recuperation nearly behind, and yet, the silent whisper of words to share was gone. The voices of characters demanding for their story to be told was non- existent, I was/am afraid that I had lost my passion for writing.
The fear grew stronger, as did my anxiety the longer it took for me to put pen to paper. I did try, but there just seemed like I had nothing to say. I certainly didn’t have anything worth anyone’s time to read. It got worse, as people begin to ask when I would write again. For some, the question was out of genuine curiosity as my site was dark, for others it was concern, knowing I am happiest when writing.
For me; Anxiousness and Self-Doubt was replaced by personal judgement and discouragement. I felt as if I was disappointing those invested in my future. I felt like a failure as a writer, and a fraud as I could no longer hear the call…. The struggle was real.
I knew the writing tips and tricks. The mantras, positive thinking, how to “Get Out” of Writers Block; but I had internalized all the negativity. I now read all other’s posts, blogs, books and convinced myself that I was wasting my time. I was never going to be as good as ‘those’ writers. I just didn’t have what it takes.
This morning, thoughts invaded my sleep, with a realization. My claim for AutumnBrookeOnline is to write from Heart, Mind and Soul, whatever that may be. I don’t have to be perfect, or even interesting, (although it helps). I just need to be me! Maybe I won’t have anything profoundly important to say, but if I feel it, I can write it and in my experience, your words may touch someone; today, tomorrow, or next year; but it is “You Being You” that makes the difference. Don’t focus on all the rest and find your inner strength within, only be exactly who you are….. that is when the greatness begins!
I pride myself on being able to write articulately, concisely, and resourcefully but today I admit that I am at a loss of words as I have been overwhelmed with humility and gratitude while reflecting on the details of the weekend.
The past two-three years of my life have been such a whirlwind full of incredible introductions, amazing events, and iconic moments that I feel blessed to have been a part. I began working on a story idea in 2015, that became a completed novel in March of 2016. During the research of the book I spent many hours, days, weeks aboard RMS Queen Mary and am now privileged to call many that I met aboard a friend. It was through this work that I was invited to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Queen Mary’s Maiden Voyage in May of 2016. A short two months after I finished the unedited version of the novel, I was rewarded with the opportunity to meet so many of the people I had researched or only corresponded with by email or phone. I also had the opportunity to meet Randolph Churchill, the great grandson to Sir Winston Churchill as he gave the ribbon cutting speech in an exhibition on RMS Queen Mary of Churchill’s paintings. It was at this event that I was encouraged to pursue an opportunity that I had been given to engage with a Screen Writing partner in creating the ‘Brides Aweigh’ novel in to a feature film script.
Fast forward to March of 2017 and I am posting about the now completed, but still raw version of the screen play. Took off a few months for other projects until Fall of this year, where I can now say we have a locked script and are in Post-Development, entering Pre-Production. It is in this phase of my life that I was again blessed with an invitation to attend another anniversary for my favorite Ocean Liner, RMS Queen Mary. December 9th,1967 she arrived in Long Beach, California completing her final 39-day voyage from Southampton under the command of Captain John Treasure Jones. An iconic landmark for Long Beach and all of California for the last 50 years, RMS Queen Mary continues to fascinate, inspire, and educate all she encounters in her current state as a hotel and museum.
In the collage above are pictures that we gathered on the short 36 hour trip we made to attend this historic occasion. As always, the Queen Mary did not fail to impress but it was the people that attended that made it so very memorable to me. I was surrounded by current lovers and supporters of the RMS Queen Mary, Sir Winston Churchill, and past passengers and crew. The first event was a dedication of “Their Finest Hour” Churchill Exhibition by Sir Winston’s great granddaughter, Jennie Churchill. The exhibit showcases several original set pieces from the new film Darkest Hour, used to recreate secret War rooms used by Churchill in WWII. When you step below the rooms are so supremely done that it is impossible not to feel a part of history and truly understand how daunting was the responsibility held by so many to plot the defeat of Hitler. The somberness was quickly replaced by the festive and jubilant spirit to the 50th Anniversary Gala held above on the Verandah Deck. It was here that I had a better opportunity to reconnect with June Allen, one of the first War Brides of the Queen Mary, that I have grown so close to in our many interviews in research for my novel. The revered Commodore Everette spoke as historic gifts were bestowed in the new partnership between RMS Queen Mary and the International Churchill Society, even a moment shared by the daughter of the last Captain, Treasure Jones. This night also included a brief meeting of the Last Stowaway, and author of book by the same name, who hid aboard the Queen Mary as she left Southampton for the last time. Fun fact; he believed he would be going to New York, unknowing it was a trip all the way to California.
Although the Gala was coming to a close, there were many that made way to the Observation Bar to finish out the night. I am so glad that I went along because it was there that I was able to be sing along and dance on the sidelines as Jennie Churchill joined in the Karaoke fun, singing ‘Sweet Caroline’, by Neil Diamond. It made the whole night, as did sharing a few dancing turns with Jennie Churchill’s companion, Laurence Geller CBE, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE), by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in 2011.
The next morning, I was back on the Verandah Deck for the Remembrance Ceremony and Salute to Long Beach from the Queen Mary. There did not seem to be a way to top the events from the night before but I was wrong. Waiting as on the Starboard side, I was privileged to sit with June Allen, which gave us a little more time to catch up. It was here that I was introduced to Maureen, a Southern California native, that was not only a passenger on the Queen Mary’s last cruise, but claims she was the very last passenger off the ship 50 years ago. I wish I had more time to hear Maureen’s adventurous story but the boats were before us in the water. Jennie Churchill and WWII veteran, Ray Deveau, one of the 810,000 Allied Personnel Queen Mary Carried as the Grey Ghost in her service as troopship, laid a ‘Wreath of Remembrance’ on the water to recognize those who went to war or returned from conflict aboard the Queen Mary, observed by a moment of silence. This was followed by a Fire Boat Water Cannon that gave a Splendid Anniversary Salute to the Queen Mary, that resulted in cheers and claps as we were graced with a full rainbow, a symbol of Peace. It was a sight to behold and a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.
Below are links for more pictures and facts in relation to the Queen Mary’s 50th Arrival in Long Beach, California.
Do any of us actually reach our final destination? I hope not, as even in our passing or final resting place, I can only hope that our purpose will continue to live on and inspire others. As we come into Memorial Day Weekend and I think of our fallen men and women that have given their lives for our country, I can only find it fitting that today is the 81st Anniversary of the RMS Queen Mary’s first international crossing from Southampton to New York. A year ago, I shared my amazing experience as a guest for her 80th Anniversary Celebration of this iconic maiden voyage and this blog is inspired by the social media posts that I am seeing to remind me of such a glorious weekend.
However, my viewpoint of this day, this weekend is more vast then I originally ever credited and I feel the need to share my thoughts with you. This ship holds a special place in my heart for many reasons and in getting to know her, I most admire her service to this country during WWII. In my research, I agree with Sir Winston Churchill that laid claim to his opinion that had it not been for her continued transports of troops we may not have won that war. This December will be the 50th anniversary of Queen Mary’s final docking in Long Beach, Calif.
However, I do not find this to be her final destination because her journey continues in educating the masses in world history. She unfortunately had the military honor of bringing men that may not have been able to walk themselves down the gangplank as they reached home soil, but their story was not over….. for their final destination gave birth to a story to be told for history. Their lives mattered, so much so that we continue to celebrate their lives and sacrifice today.
The books and movies that we read or view don’t give justice to all that they encountered, but they do give us hope and should encourage us to strive for greatness in all that we do. In actuality what comes to my mind is the Core Values that were instilled within me as a member of our Armed Forces and I hope to Inspire in Others …Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. These are the Air Force Core Values.
What it breaks down to is that the journey is never over. Little by little, Step by step, Move forward, Always move forward…… Reach that Goal, That Destination, but don’t ever stop, for once you recognize that the Journey is never over… you will realize that it was never about you in the first place. Our lives exist for our future generations. Leave a good Legacy and appreciate the lives that have journeyed before you.
My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, A Tradition of Honor, And a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of Freedom and Justice, My Nation’s Sword and Shield, Its Sentry and Avenger.
I have become a fan of the show Z: The Beginning of Everything, a biography based series about the life of Zelda Fitzgerald. (Season 1 is available on Amazon) Recently I watched an episode where after receiving a negative review, F. Scott Fitzgerald is told by the critic, “Don’t take it so personal, I was reviewing your book, not you.” As a writer, I felt stabbed in the heart when I heard those words, only thinking to myself how impossible it was to not take a review personal. How ignorant the critic was to not know that most writers, most artists, pour themselves heart and soul into their work. It is often difficult to separate one from the other. On my Author Facebook page I even write that “I strongly believe that when you know an author, that you have a deeper understanding of their words and the meaning behind them.” This is because somewhere even if it is in the depths of the unsaid, there is a part of the author within the words.
I felt plagued by this scene for a few days, but I know that I tend to be overly sensitive so I did my best to let it go. Until I felt the same stab to the heart in a scene of, my now favorite show on TV, This is Us. (Seriously, if you haven’t seen this show, please do. The extraordinary writing is only made greater by the amazing chemistry between the cast members. I can’t get enough of it, honestly considered writing a blog just to sing their praises!)
But, back to the point of today’s actual blog….. There was a scene where the acting brother seeks a top critic to review a play that he is starring in and producing, only to be told that the critic considered showing up to witness the disaster of a sitcom TV actor trying to cross over into the drama of play acting. The statement was so callous and mean, and most of all unnecessary. There was another scene in this same show, this past week, where the mother is trying to break into becoming a professional singer. Her friends are supportive of her “Singing Thing,” but think it would be wise that she keep her options open since the percentage of “Making It Big” are so slim and not everyone can live by pursuing their dream.
Yes, I know that her friends were just being realistic and Yes, I know that it is the job of a Critic to be critical. It is a harsh business and why it is said that the most important thing is to develop a tough skin or you will never make it. I guess, I just want to say that although some reviews are negative, they are helpful when given as constructive criticism. And to the friends that are really only trying to be helpful with their sage advice, remember that there is a reason most artists choose to suffer or go without when pursuing their dream….. they can’t not at least TRY! Knowing that if you fail, you did so having given your best shot and hopefully having fun along the way.
So, the next time that you are judging the work of a creative just try to remember that an Artist is usually their own worst critic, so Be Kind. It is not only a writing, or picture, or performance but it is most likely a piece of their Heart!
Yesterday I shared my first video of myself across social media. It was meant to be a Live video as that seems to be what is trending, but I could not bring myself to “yet” make that leap. I, instead, sat alone in my room and recorded a minute long video of myself. It was simple, I asked people that Follow Autumn Brooke on Facebook to also Follow my Author Page at AutumnBrookeOnline. However, this simple one minute recording took me all day to work up the courage to film and then at least 30 minutes behind a locked door as I deleted every video I took. I knew that I was being ridiculous in my critiques and would never be satisfied. To be honest, I am not even sure that the posted video is because I finally gave up, or the boys were repeatedly knocking on the door with the ever so familiar “Mom, Mom….. are you okay? Why is the door locked? I’m hungry! Mom, my brother hit me!” It doesn’t matter what made me stop recording; the point was, I did it. Yes, it took me two days to then work up the nerve to post it, but I did that too and all of it was totally outside of my comfort zone and that is what matters. You have heard it said that “your life begins outside of your comfort zone” “the magic happens outside of your comfort zone” ect, ect….. The list goes on and on and that’s because it is probably true. Talking on a recording was a big deal for me. I have tried it many times before, even in a professional atmosphere, but it has yet to get easier, but I continue to try and will keep making that effort. Why? Not because the few viewings went viral or made me instantly famous, (which is not my goal) but I do want to be successful enough in my writing and the selling of the novel, and feature film adaptation that I need to put myself out there. I need to feel comfortable with being on camera or talking about myself. My favorite place to be is settled on my sofa, in a pair of yoga pants, tank top, and most likely a glass of wine nearby…. but that comfort zone is not going to find me the success that I desire. I am the only one that makes myself feel nervous, and I am the only one that can tell myself to get up off the couch and reach for the stars. It is all up to me to make my dreams a reality and achieve my goals. I know that my story is meant to be told, read, and shared, but that only happens if I make it happen. I was Active Duty Air Force for a few years in my early 20’s and it really made an impact in who I am today. One of the most important lessons I took away was how many people told me that I was not Military material or would be able to handle Basic Training, I learned to not only Rise to the Challenge but surpass all expectations, and excel in whatever I do. I’ve continued to live by that philosophy in all aspects of my life, but am only now realizing that I need to do the same within the boundaries that “I” put on myself. The future is limitless, and so is your destiny.
Happy 2017! I have never been a fan of New Year’s Resolutions, choosing instead to constantly push myself towards the positive which ultimately means changes occur within my life all year long. One of those, I am dedicating to the New Year and that is stated within the above picture. I am committing myself to posting a new blog each and every Wednesday. This may not seem like much of a challenge to many of you, but I posted in July of 2015, titled Worst Blogger Ever, because I recognized that consistently writing on the blog is difficult for me. It is not that I don’t write, or have anything to say, it is simply taking the time to make it worthy for my readers. I struggle with knowing that the content that I put out is intriguing enough to be shared.
I made a personal choice this Holiday Season as I sat down and evaluated what changes I need to make within my personal and business life so that I truly can #BeInspiredToInspire. I realized that I was finding myself in a rut. I have been focused on the novel, turn screenplay, Brides Aweigh and in order not to distract myself from this unbelievable opportunity, I’ve stepped back from a lot of my free writing and I believe that this has unfortunately separated me from my blog. However, that is not good for me, nor my followers. It disconnects me not only from my readers but also from myself.
Writing for me is my way of finding ME Time in the midst of being a Full Time Single Mother of 4 Beautifully Busy Boys. I have adult conversations by sharing my blog with the world even if it is only for a few minutes a day and I owe it to myself to stay Dedicated and Consistent in order to Restore myself to remaining AutumnBrookeOnline. I was inspired to start up this blog on the continued request of my mother. She told me repeatedly that my life was full of enough fodder to maintain a blog and it wasn’t about the content as long as I was writing. So, with that being said and by sharing this post, I am dedicating myself to all of you and me too. I will trust that you will hold me accountable by checking in every Wednesday to see if I have indeed succeeded in Sharing My Words; Heart, Mind, & Soul with all of you. Here is the First for this Weds of our New Year…….
Grisham says give a book for Christmas. Yes, that is the John Grisham, the best-selling author of one or more books a year after his first publication in 1989, with A Time to Kill. Then leading the Best-Seller List of all 1991 with The Firm, that’s 35 books with this year’s newest release, The Whistler, and if that wasn’t impressive enough, 9 of these books were made into major motion pictures. As an aspiring writer with dreams of reaching the masses with my own feature film adaptation based off my novel, I listen when Grisham speaks, or in this case, I read when he writes. I’ve always been a fan, but I can admit I started to pay more attention when he ‘Liked’ an Instagram post of mine (I was ecstatic), then to see that he ‘Followed’ me (I was on Cloud Nine.) It actually encouraged me to buckle down and pay more mind to what I was writing and posting.
I claim my writing as words of heart, mind, and soul. I don’t stick to one specific theme in my blogs, instead choosing to write by what weighs on my mind. My voice to the world in an effort to inspire, motivate, and educate. I hold myself accountable to how what I write may influence others and the fact that these words are forever more a part of history once posted. It was with this thought that I saw the above image shared on Instagram by Grisham and knew that was ‘it.’ I reached out to the Grisham Team for permission to share his image and was even emailed a better resolution copy. (I may have danced around my kitchen at such personal acknowledgement.)
Now comes the hard part, to write a blog worthy of sharing his words, with very little to add as Grisham pretty much says it all, “Give a Book for Christmas.” The 10 listed reasons are more than enough, but for me, I advocate book giving because of the educational benefits. I’m known for gifting books or gift cards to bookstores; is there really a better gift? When you give a book as a gift, you are investing in the future. Promoting an increased knowledge in comprehension skills, spelling ability, and imagination.
Take time to give the best gift of the season, the opportunity to travel the world in multiple time periods or dimensions. To lose yourself in another life, spawning new career opportunities that may never have been considered had it not been for that one year, that one specific book was placed under the tree.
Invest in future generations providing promises of unlimited potential, in hope that they dare to dream and realize that nothing is impossible.
Pictured Above is Autumn Brooke & Gabriel Alvarez (writer and illustrator of the History Comes Alive Series and Brides Aweigh), at the Media Event for the 80th Anniversary of the Maiden Voyage for the RMS Queen Mary!
Privileged to meet many distinguished guests. Those included in the photo collage above would be Commodore Everette Hoard, June Allen (war bride), and her grandson Chris Boots. Next is the extremely charming Ralph Rushton (bell boy, 1948). My in depth conversation with Randolph Churchill, Great Grandson of Sir Winston Churchill follows. Following is the PR director and his son, with the ever so beautiful war bride, waiting gracefully for her daughter. Two serving Bell Boys for the opening of the gallery opening, of Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings took time to pose, and ‘The Polka Dot Shoes’ (Deservedly worth a mention).
Thank You to Everyone that sacrificed a few moments of their time,
I am truly grateful & honored.
The past four days was a year in the making for myself and business partner/best friend. At the beginning of 2015, I made a decision to write a historical literary fiction novel that highlighted the Queen Mary’s service in WWII but specifically in relation to the War Brides and their incredible journey. I was hopeful to share their story in such a way that held commercial appeal so that I could reach a broad and varied audience. I have been fortunate to have some screen writer’s interest so I hope that I achieved my goal. History has always been a love of mine, but once I had children it became a true passion. I began to realize that the past, our history, fades over time and although some may be recorded within the history books, it often becomes lost. I decided that I needed to teach my boys as much as I could about past events that created or changed our World. When it is possible to interact with that history, the experience is that much deeper, bringing the history to life.
Almost exactly one year ago today, I was honored to meet a part of living history! When researching my novel, I reached out to the Queen Mary and was given many resources, but the best was being put in contact with a War Bride, by the name of June Allen. We shared many conversations but after a few months I was able to meet with her personally aboard the ship. The more I read, learning about the War Brides and GI’s traveling when she was in-service as the Grey Ghost, the easier it was to imagine how they may have walked the corridors, but awe inspiring to know I was literally sitting with June where she had sat 70 years before. What a responsibility I was undertaking by not just trying to Keep History Alive, but in the realization I was sharing living history. Writing their thoughts as they relived what they felt seeing rooms where they had slept as they crossed international waters.
This week my illustrator, Gabriel and I were presented with an opportunity to attend several Media Only events aboard the Queen Mary to celebrate her Maiden Voyage 80 years ago. There were many honored guests in attendance, more words to preserve so that we may keep the Memories Alive. I was star struck, blessed, and thankful creating a feeling of euphoria that glowed over the few days of celebration. I am sure that I often appeared nervous and scattered to most and if not, I am proud of my composure. How could one not feel anxious when standing in front of Randolph Churchill as he talked about his great-grandfather, Sir Winston Churchill’s paintings? Or having the opportunity to dance with Ralph Rushton, a bell boy to 1st Class Waiter serving in 1948.
It was an incredible week and we will never forget it. I treasure the memories that were shared with me I we created new memories aboard the extraordinary Queen Mary for future generations.
