The theme for Romancing the Genres this
month is dreams and goals. My main goal for 2023 is searching for joy. When I
first thought about what brings me joy, I drew a blank. I'm one of those people
who doesn’t do well being put on the spot with a question. I need time to process
it. And it took me a few minutes before my brain kicked in, but the first joy that
came to me were the children in my life.
Is there anything more precious than a
baby's first smile, a toddler’s belly laugh, a five-year-old’s first time riding
a bike without training wheels, or an eight-year-old’s wonder at nature? Those were
all things that gave me immense joy as I watched my grandchildren progress through
these milestones this year. And it happens so fast. One minute they’re babies, and
the next they’re in grade school. I’ve spent time absorbing and enjoying these
moments because they go by in the blink of an eye.
I also find joy spending time with my
husband, my sons and their families, extended family, and friends. But beyond
that I still find incredible joy whenever it snows. The crisp, clean snow, and the
utter silence that fills the landscape. I love cross-country skiing, and in
particular, fresh snow clinging to the pine trees. And then there’s spring in
central Oregon that's mostly like winter just less snow. Spring actually arrives
in mid-June when the rhododendrons are bursting with color and the lavenders in
full bloom. I find joy in the fresh scent of pine when we mountain bike or hike
in the woods with the birds singing around us or a squirrel zipping up a tree.
As I find the joy in my life, it ends
up in my books as well. Since I write contemporary romance, I have babies and
young children in my stories more frequently these days than I used to. I think
that's because I was only exposed to older children until my grandchildren began
arriving. Now that I have young children in my life, it gives me plenty of
inspiration for my writing.
I also like to incorporate the beauty
of nature in my writing. Book five in the Falling in
Love Series, Falling
in Love With Her is up for preorder, and it’s set in Paradise Falls, Idaho,
on Lake Serenity. I absolutely love the abundance of wildlife, thick forests,
and babies and toddlers in this series. Every time I write about Paradise Falls
and the characters residing there, I’m overcome with happiness, and I can’t
wait to bring it to life for my readers.
What gives you joy?
Falling
in Love With Her releases September 5, 2023, but it’s available for preorder
now.
A LEFT AT THE ALTAR, FRIENDS TO LOVERS, BROTHER’S BEST FRIEND,
AFRAID TO COMMIT, DESTINED TO BE TOGETHER, ROMANTIC MYSTERY NOT TO BE MISSED!
Ingie
Love, marriage, and a family aren’t in the cards for me after my fiancĂ© left me at the altar. I was so certain he loved me, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. My mother’s words haunt me. “She’s an ugly duckling. She’ll never attract a man. A husband and family aren’t in her future.” Instead of dwelling on the past, I focus on running Three Rivers Fly Shop and Boat Repair, the legacy from my father.
Two years later, Ian Callahan, my brother’s best friend and my childhood heartthrob, returns home. Certain he’ll never see the swan lurking beneath the ugly duckling, the same as when we were teenagers, I protect my heart by insisting on a friends with benefits relationship. The fact is, I don’t need love. I have my work, a persnickety, one-eyed cat, and keeping the Trench Coat Brigade in line—a wacky group of seniors with a penchant for meddling, matchmaking, and mystery-solving.
Ian
After my last relationship crashed and burned, I left my job as an arson investigator and firefighter in Seattle to return home. Ready to settle down, my hometown is the only place I want to put down roots. And the only woman I want to make a life with is Ingie Pulaski. She’s smart, sassy, and fearless, but she wants a causal relationship.
When a building is torched and a body is found, I find myself keeping tabs on the Trench Coat Brigade to ensure they stay out of trouble. But there’s an added benefit to that assignment—I’m spending a lot more time with Ingie. And I’m making it my mission to show her there’s more to our relationship than friends with benefits.
Ingie
I’ve been looking for love in all the wrong places until I meet up with Ian again. Now I have to conquer my deepest fear—abandonment—or lose the only man who loves me just the way I am.
Preorder your copy now because men like Ian are
one of a kind!
Thank you so much for stopping by
today. I think finding our joy is such an important topic, and I hope you'll
join me in bringing more joy into your life.
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10 comments:
Kathy, I find joy in the outdoors, especially my backyard once the geraniums are in bloom. With the ravages of 100+ days, it is already showing some wear. My front yard is more zen-like and I find it peaceful (which is an aspect of joy to me. I love to see the seasons roll-through nature also.
I saw a mom holding her absolutely darling little one on my way home from the store. I was at a stop sign and certainly took my time going forward...actually not until I rolled down the window and told her she had an adorable child.
I certainly experience joy when with my great grands. I've celebrated my son and granddaughters achievements as they grew up and also had the responsibility for raising them. This is a very different kind of joy because I've no other responsibilities for them other than to love them.
Rereading that I realize I've two levels of joy (or maybe even more).Thanks for a thought-provoking post.
Great post, Kathy. One of the reasons I read (and write) romance is because it always contains joy.
Enjoyed your blog post, Kathy!
Family is my number one joy. Now we live closer and are able to see the grandkids and our kids more often.
2nd would be the joy of walking each morning at the park. I've been through two years of different seasons. There has been rain, snow, fog, autumn leaves spring and summer. i love it all.
Kathy, fun post! I find joy in the outdoors and my grandchildren. You're correct, they do grow up way to fast!
Love this post, Kathy! I find joy in my family and friends, in my faith, and in service to others, as well as in music, in the arts, in learning, in nature, in my fur babies...so many things I can't name them all here.
Judith:
Your yard sounds very peaceful and there is just something about the outdoors that fills you with peace isn't there. Awww that child sounds adorable and I'll bet you made the mom's day. I agree there is nothing more joyous than watching the achievements of those you love.
Lynn:
I totally agree with you!
Diana:
There is nothing better than being close to family. It's worth all the hassle of moving IMO. Your walks in the park sound wonderful and I love the changing of the seasons especially fall.
Paty:
I totally agree they grow up way too fast. It's like you blink and they're in school and then high school.
Sarah:
Glad you enjoyed the post and you posted so many things I hadn't considered. Joy is everywhere isn't it?
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