Nice guys are out there!

Well folks, I'm here to tell you that there actually are nice guys in the single dating world. I have proof positive as I went out with one last night. Believe it or not, he even showed up with chocolates. Now how often to you hear of that these days? Right! That's what I thought. Like never. At least not with any of the dates I've had before this. lol.

After over three years of dating, via internet sites, friends, etc., I was ready to throw in the towel. I had come to the conclusion that all there were out there were sleazy peeps or scam artists. Then I decided to give it just one more shot and I may have found "Mr. Right".

This man is a true gentleman. After hours of texting and phone conversations we decided to meet in person, at a public place, where I'd feel safe. His words, not mine. So we pick the place and meet. Not only does he keep in touch via text to let me know when he arrived, he waited in the parking lot for me. Now keep in mind it was 4-degrees outside, he could have went inside to wait where it was warm, but no, he met me at my car and handed me a bag full of yummy goodness, a variety of chocolates.

The evening progressed smoothly, with no awkwardness at all. Even the silent moments passed by with ease. After a delicious, casual meal, we sat for well over an hour just talking, about everything. It also surprised me that he held my hand across the table during the entire conversation, giving gentle caresses and light squeezes at various times. I'm sorry, that may be the norm for some of you but in my previous married life, that was never something that was done. Public affection was like a curse, so it's a joyous thing to be the recipient of said affection.

Now for the haha moment.... When we both arrived back at our respective homes, we apparently hadn't talked enough during supper because we immediately got on the phone with each other talking until we fell asleep. We're not sure who fell asleep first or if we both fell asleep at the same time. Needless to say, we've laughed about that a couple of times today.

Plans are in the works for the weekend and yes, he's a true gentleman because the weather is supposed to turn nasty, as in snow, so he's offered to come pick me up, so I don't have to drive in it and so he can meet my "friends". The plan is a movie marathon and dinner at his place. AND, if I should happen to get snowed in, he's promised to sleep on the couch and give me his bed. Really? I didn't think men thought that way these days. How impressive is that?

All I can say is, if you are looking for the right guy (or gal) to come along, be patient. He or she is out there just waiting to find you or for you to find them.

Another Year Gone

Is it just me or does time seem to just pass us by these days? It seems like just yesterday we were getting ready to bring in the year 2013 and here we are about to embark on 2014.

So much has happened over the past year. Some things I'm grateful for, others, not so much. But overall, as I reflect on the days gone by, I find there are more positive things that happened during the year than negative.

I bought a new (to me) car. My son got a new job and girlfriend (whom I love dearly). Progress on my book series is moving along, somewhat (haha). I met some fabulous writers during the past year and look forward to reading more of their books in the future. I could go on and list many more things, but those are the highlights.

What about you? As you look back over the year that's coming to a close, do you catch yourself finding more good than bad? If not, then what needs to be done to make the New Year a brighter, happier one for you?

One quote I've run across several times this year sums it up... "Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you have made. If you want a different result make a different choice." ~Unknown~ 

So in the upcoming year, make your choices wisely and have a fabulous New Year!

'Tis The Season

Are you counting the days until Christmas? I know that I am and even though I won't be spending it with my immediate family this year, I'll be with my "adopted" family, so I'm looking forward to the day of celebration.

Now let's talk donations.... 'Tis the Season is the slogan for this time of year. In my younger days that meant celebrating the birth of Christ and giving gifts to others. It seems to me that in this day and age, it's more about being asked for donations for every little thing you can think of. While I agree that it's the time for giving, has anyone ever thought about how hard it is for some to be able to buy the gifts for their own friends and family? Why not challenge these organizations to hold these donation requests in the middle of the year? Maybe a Christmas in July kind of thing when we're not already struggling with our budgets for the gifts we need to buy? I'm always willing to give, when I have the funds, but Christmas time is not that time.

However, I admit that when purchasing gifts I try to buy them from places that help others, like The Veterans Site. Some of the items I purchased not only helps feed a Veteran but also helps women's and children's charities. There are plenty of sites/shops out there that offer this type of deal, so check them out while doing your holiday shopping.

Has Thanksgiving Been Forgotten?

I saw this today and it made me wonder, do we overlook November as the month of Thanksgiving? Retails do. Even when I had my store, I would attempt to wait until the last moment to put up Christmas items because I felt like we were losing the true meaning of the two holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, it was almost impossible not to have your things put out by the end of October. I was always shocked to be asked before Halloween, "When are you going to put your Christmas things out?" 

Part of this is the distributors fault, more so than the individual stores. When you go to market to buy the items for the holidays, you had to order your Christmas stock in January and it usually delivered in July. With limited storage space in most stores, retailers have to start putting it out on the shelves because there was no where else to put it. 

Personally, I miss the excitement of the Holiday items being "revealed" at Thanksgiving time. My favorite childhood memories include having Thanksgiving as a family, then the next day, yes, Black Friday, as the day to not only catch the great bargains, but to see all the decorations the stores had put up and had on display for sale. I would look around with wide eyed wonder at the incredible displays and interesting finds.

Now it seems that by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, we're already tired of seeing Christmas things and haven't even had the turkey dinner yet. November should be dedicated to giving thanks for all the great things that have happened to you throughout the year and your life. Not just the big things, but the little ones too. When December rolls around we should be remembering the reason for the season. CHRISTMAS... Christ's birth. 

So I say to each of you, have a very Happy Thanksgiving. Eat tons of turkey, ham, dressing, and all the fixin's. Enjoy your family and friends. But most of all, give thanks for all the things that you have been blessed with. I know I give thanks every day for my blessings, including my amazing son, his girlfriend, my best friend and co-author, and all the rest of my family and friends. May each of you be blessed this holiday season. 

A Time Of Thanks

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to think about the things that we're thankful for, so I ask you, what things are you giving thanks for this holiday season?

Me? I'm thankful for....

*... I'm especially thankful for the wonderful son that God gave me. Even though he is an adult now, it seems like just yesterday that he was an infant in my arms. He has grown into a young man that I'm proud of. As with any child, there have been ups and downs in his life and in spite of those he has overcome the obstacles with his head held high. It's nice to know that he is striving to better himself and I'm happy for the fact that he has someone special in his life to help support his decisions. Someone that I can tell has his back, no matter what. How many people can say that in a relationship? These days, not many, I'm afraid. So I guess that leads to the second thing I'm grateful for this season....

*.... A wonderful young lady that has become an important factor in my son's life, along with mine. I'm so thrilled to have her as part of the "family".

*... Next, I'm thankful for the wonderful network of friends I have. Over the past couple of years they have supported me through some rough times. Without them I don't know where I'd be at this point in my life. Everyone should have friends as incredible as the ones that I have. Ya'll know who you are. My peeps from the U.S. of A. to Romania to Australia to New Zealand to South Africa and more. Thank you for all the encouraging words and just being there when I needed to get things off my chest. I love you guys.

*... A fantastic job that I love. My co-workers are the best.

*... The ability to write my thoughts in a blog to share with others.

*... That I've been given the opportunity to write a book series with a great co-author. My friend, you rock! I can't wait until we are ready for the publishing stage of things. Writing with you has been a soul touching experience. Our characters are truly a part of "us" and I can't wait to share them with others.

*... Having books to read by some amazing writers. Please, if you have the desire to write, do so. We can never have too many books. And if you're turned down by publishers, don't let it discourage you. Keep on trying.

There are so many other things that I'm thankful for this year; too many to list if truth be told. Which makes me wonder... do you ever think about making a list of things your thankful for any other time of the year? Maybe we should. Have you ever thought about how these lists make you feel? When I write them I feel a certain peace in my heart, so why not do these lists several times throughout the year? Something to think about.

Books! Books! And More Books!

Is there any such thing as too many books?

No, you say? I couldn't agree more. Just because everywhere I turn there is another stack of books does not mean I have too many, right? Open a drawer, find a stash of books. Slide the closet door open, more books. Under the bed, books and dust bunnies. Isn't that what's under yours? What is that tucked under the window? A pile of books? Why yes. Yes it is.

In my opinion, one can never have too many books. Books provide hours of entertainment. They relax, enthrall, educate, and excite us. Is there anything better than curling up with a good book in hand? Okay, so yeah, there are a few things I can think of but when those particular things aren't happening, then books are the next best thing.

Tonight I sit with my Kindle on one side and a paperback on the other, laptop in front of me. I look around the room at all the books tucked in every nook and cranny and laugh wondering if there are any spots left to tuck a few here and there.

I'm the person who swore she'd never get an e-reader because I love the feel of a real book in my hands. However, I have altered that opinion over the past year, thanks to a friend who gifted me my first Kindle. I've discovered the benefits of the portability of an e-reader; the fact that you can read anything you want without worrying what others think because the cover of the book isn't out there for all eyes to see, whether it's a romance novel or a history book. Although I read book after book on my Kindle, I still have a love and passion for a book with real pages. There are some books that I just have to have the complete collection in print for my shelves and I don't just mean the classics.

So now I wonder where are some of the strangest places that you have books stashed away?

Are there any good men out there?

What is it with men in the dating world these days? 

Obviously the majority of the "older" dating population have moved towards the online dating atmosphere. That's all well and good when you're not into the bar scene anymore and it's a place to meet a wide range of people. 

I've been back in the dating game for three years now and I've met a lot of interesting men. By interesting, I don't necessarily mean "peak my interest". I mean crazy, perverted, loony toons, few fries short of a happy meal, whack jobs. From guys trying to run a scam to those who sound like Mr. Right until they insist on naked pics of you. Seriously? Excuse me, what happened to getting to know you first? Meet in person, have a few dates, see where it leads before the nakedness begins. Really?

First of all, I'm no pin-up model that's for darn sure, but I'm happy with who I am and how I look. However, that doesn't mean I want to take a picture, send it out for the world to see. What if I decided to run for President one day. hahaha. Yeah, right, like that would ever happen. But still. Why do guys think they have to have these pictures of you before agreeing to meet you? Picture of me fully clothed? Sure, no problem. Naked or in sexy lingerie? (snorts) As if. I admit, I'm just like any other red-blooded woman, sex is an important part of a relationship, but shouldn't it be based on more than just sex? 

Tell me that there are still decent guys out there in the world. Someone who actually wants to know the person behind the body. Someone that is interested in your intelligence and then your looks. When I talk with a guy, I try to take in what they're saying. It doesn't matter what's on the surface, I want to see what's underneath in the depths of their minds before I worry about the physical aspect. Or am I the only person in the world that feels that way? 

Come on men, step up to the plate and prove that your species hasn't turned back to the caveman attitude I'm finding on the dating scene these days. I can just picture the guys I've been meeting carrying around the big wooden club, saying, "Me man. You woman. Naked etchings. Now." I know there has to be real men who are up to the standards, out there some where, so roll the rock away from the cave entrance and step out into the light of today's world. The place where women want to be loved for who they are, not the naked pics they send you. If you only want naked pictures of women, then take out a subscription for a porn site or magazine. There are real women in the world who might be sexual creatures but prefer to keep that side of them private; between herself and her lover, spouse, mate (whatever you want to call it). Is that so wrong?