One Day at a Time... ❤️

We'll start with the most important thing first...thank you.

As many of you know, Nikoo had surgery this past Friday. Your messages, emails, prayers, and kind words have poured in, and we've read every single one. Often, more than once. And yes, sometimes with tears in our eyes.

It's a humbling and beautiful thing to be surrounded by so much kindness from people we've come to think of as family.

Recovery is coming along, and we're taking it the only way that makes sense right now...one day at a time.

That little phrase has been on our minds a lot this week. And the more we think about it, the more we realize it's pretty good advice for all of us, whatever life happens to be throwing our way.

So, if you'll indulge us, here are a few things we've been reminding ourselves lately.

Be gentle with yourself. Rest isn't a reward you earn after everything else is done. Sometimes, rest is the work. And that's perfectly okay.

Let people help. This one is harder than it sounds! But saying yes to a casserole, a ride, a phone call, or simply someone's company isn't a weakness. It's a gift to the person offering too.

Look for the small good things. A cup of tea that's still warm. A dog sleeping in a patch of sunshine. A message from an old friend. A chapter in a book so good you forget to look at the clock. These little moments matter. Sometimes, they're what carry us through.

And one more thing, especially during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month: if you've been putting off a screening, a mammogram, or a checkup, please make that appointment. Early detection can save lives, and taking care of yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give to the people who love you.

Consider that a loving nudge from both of us.

A little escape to Harbor View for just 99¢

Speaking of small good things, sometimes the best medicine for a weary mind is a good story.

A little magic. A seaside town. A mystery waiting to be solved. And perhaps a ghost or two with entirely too many opinions.

That's exactly what you'll find in FIRST STREET, the opening book in our Harbor View Cozy Fantasy series.

For a limited time, through the end of October, 

we're offering First Street for just 99¢.

If you haven't visited Harbor View yet, we'd love to welcome you. And if you've already met Skye, Ocean, Henry, Jo, and the rest of our slightly unconventional gang, perhaps you know someone who could use a little escape of their own.

STEP INTO HARBOR VIEW — FIRST STREET FOR 99¢

And the BOOK SALE is still ON! 

Every book in our bookstore is 50% off, all October long.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and once again, we want to turn something we love—sharing stories—into something that can make a difference.

Throughout October, every book in our direct bookstore is 50% off.

Highland romance, Regency, cozy fantasy, Westerns, thrillers: all half price through October 31. And there's something more.

For every purchase, we're donating $1 to the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance (LBCA), an organization close to our hearts that supports research, education, and advocacy for invasive lobular breast cancer.

So whether you're treating yourself to a new adventure, discovering a series you've been meaning to read, or stocking up on gifts for the readers in your life, your purchase will also help support an important cause.

SHOP OUR BOOKSTORE — 50% OFF EVERYTHING

And if you'd prefer to support LBCA directly, you can make a donation here:

DONATE DIRECTLY TO LBCA

Thank you. Every act of kindness matters, no matter its size.

 One little favor — please share the love 

If this newsletter brought you a smile, a moment of comfort, or a reminder to take care of yourself, we'd love for you to pass it along.

Forward it to a friend. 

Share our book sale with someone who loves to read. 

Or share the LBCA donation link with someone who is looking for a way to make a difference.

You never know who might need a little encouragement today, who might find comfort in a good story, or whose life might be touched by the research we're helping to support.

And for those of you who've already shared our books, recommended us to friends, or simply taken the time to write a kind note, please know how much that means to us. Word of mouth is one of the greatest gifts you can give an author.

Thank you for reading. For writing to us. For caring. For being part of this wonderful community we've built together over the years.

We feel your kindness every day, and we hope some of it finds its way right back to you.

Take care of yourselves. Hug the people you love. Find joy in the little things. 

And remember, one day at a time is still moving forward.

The Linen Skirt is Back

Do you have a piece of clothing in your closet that is over a decade old? Maybe two decades? Did you contemplate donating it but at the last minute the sentimental value had you bury it deeper in there? Even though it no longer fit. Or the color was faded. Or the fabric was just a little frayed along the edges.

For me, this precious piece of clothing is a long linen skirt that I bought back in 2002. Moved across the country, washed so many times, packed and repacked and pushed to the darkest corner of the closet, this was the skirt that I wore to thirty sessions of radiation while I was going through treatment for my first bout with breast cancer. The skirt was my good luck charm, my happy skirt, my I’m going-to-surface-on the-other side-okay garment.

So, guess what I was doing this morning at 6:00 am, deep in my closet? Looking for that linen skirt. And I found it. And I wore it. And it fit! After a thirty-pound weight loss over the past four months, a lot of clothes now fit.

This morning, I wore it to my first ‘official’ chemo treatment.

Many of you have either been through it yourself, or you have family or friends who have gone or are going through cancer treatment, so let’s not talk about the side effects (though some of them appear to be instant and affecting me right now). Instead, let’s talk about the kindness and compassion of nurses and doctors who work in oncology and how I truly believe these people are angels on earth.

They get your name right. They have a sense of humor and make you laugh. Before walking into the treatment room, they read about you and then they ask about books and grandchildren and weekend plans. They treat you like a friend and not only a patient. At our request, they even take the time to bring in Marilou (the oncology pharmacist) so I can meet her and thank her in person.

And, of course, they say, “What a cool skirt. Where did you buy it?”

Then Jim and I come home and see all the messages and contributions and love that you have sent us during these few hours that we were gone. Here, today, we are blessed with so many more angels. Every one of you.

Thank you, friends. I’m a writer, but right now I’m a little short on words to express my gratitude for everything that you’re doing for us.

All I can say is that I’m looking forward to the day when I can fold up that skirt and tuck it away until the next battle.

Take a mental survey of your closet and tell me what’s the oldest piece in there. I’ll bet there’s sentimental value attached.

 A friend has been kind enough to set up a GoFundMe fundraiser.

Here is the link to that page.

Thank you!

More Test Results

May 16, 2022

Cautiously optimistic.

The oncologist and the urologist are to some degree ‘stumped’ by what’s happening to me. The oncologist used the words “believe it or not” twice today, and he even said, “we spend years studying science, but sometimes there are things we can’t predict.”

The PET scan results cleared the bone ‘shadows’ on the spine, which is amazing news. What was shown as bone metastases on the CT scan showed no activity on the PET Scan. We’ll take it!

However, the surgeon told us that the tumor he biopsied on the ureter and kidney looked “concerning,” meaning cancerous. The results of the biopsy are still being treated as inconclusive.

What’s happening next?

The biopsy tissue is being analyzed by another lab. Extensive bloodwork was taken to check genetic markers. Another biopsy of the kidney and ureter is scheduled for June. And we’re meeting again with the oncologist in July to see where we are.

Jim and I are celebrating, especially since tomorrow is our 42nd wedding anniversary. And the two of us are grateful to every one of you for your prayers and positivity and the incredible love you continue to send our way.

We’re blessed to have you in our lives.