Things I've Learned From My Dad: Work Ethics

I came across an old photo of my dad just now that reminded me of what an amazing example he is of hard work. I've learned a lot from my father but something that really sticks out is his work ethics. For as long as I can remember, he's always encouraged me to work hard in everything I do and not be afraid to learn new things.

Years ago, I saw his work resume and was astounded! After moving to Australia from England, newly married to my mum, he worked in a prison as a guard. That was his ONLY job until he retired ... no hopping from career to career yet his resume was THICK. He started as a guard and finished an high level executive - his secret?

Make yourself indispensable. 

Don't settle for where you are.

Learn everything you can about your position.

Look for ways to improve. 

Be the first in line for training.

Ask for opportunities to grow and advance.

Don't be afraid to apply for things.

And finally,  be the kind of employee your boss NEEDS. 

I've tried to follow that advice all my life and it works! So thanks, Dad. It's been an invaluable lesson and one I've tried imparting to my girls!

P.S. My dad is the one crouching. This was taken in England before he moved - he helped build roads in County Durham.

#‎rolemodel #‎awesomedad #‎family #‎prouddaughter #‎workethics

#AlwaysKeepFighting #LetsTalk

Depression sucks. It leaves you feeling alone and broken. It isolates you and makes things so dark it's hard to hold onto hope. Sometimes it only stays a little bit. Other times it just never seems to go away - no matter what you do to try and regain your sense of self and happiness. It's taken me SEVEN months to pull myself out. Don't let appearances fool you - depression is often something that strokes behind the scenes.

Jared Padalecki, the actor who plays Sam Winchester on Supernatural and Dean on Gilmore Girls, started a campaign called "Always Keep Fighting" - to bring awareness to depression, self injury, and suicide - to help people know they're NOT alone. The response has been EPIC as people step forward and share their story. I personally have had issues with all three of these things ... my butterfly tattoo represents my own commitment not to self injure. The struggle IS real for so many of us. It gives me hope that people are not afraid to speak up now. It's no longer okay to hide it in the closet or something to be ashamed over.

Jared recently had to cancel appearances. It's easy to become overwhelmed and overstimulate yourself to the point where things spiral. He's exhausted himself and not only am I proud that he respects himself enough to know his limits but that the #SPNFamily loves him enough to support him.

He may never see this and that's okay. I don't ever do things for that reason. I just wanted to say this ... Jared, we stand by you. We love you. And please, #AlwaysKeepFighting. You make a difference. We see YOU beyond the characters you portray. Do whatever you need to feel better.

And for those who also deal with depression - I love you. My heart is with you. You're in my prayers.

We are not alone. We have value. Hold on to those around you. It will pass, I promise.

Hugs and kisses to you all! xoxoxo

Geeking Out ... Doctor Who Style!

For those of you who follow me on social media, it's not a surprise to see that I am a complete GEEK when it comes to certain fandoms. Sometimes I wonder if I looked up FANGIRL in the Webster dictionary, would my photo be there?

Maybe. Probably.

What I do know is I wouldn't be alone. When you love a fandom, you become part of a universal family - one that brings you joy and laughter ... and ANGST as we huddle together to ride out the whims of the shows writers.

And OH. MY. GOSH. 

The FEELS.

There's nothing like the excitement that comes from being part of something epic - something totally inspiring that allows you to be a kid, even as an adult.

Which is why I'm SOOOOOO excited for the end of this month. I recently went to my first convention and loved it! The Star Wars fandom blew me away and I walked away with a deeper love for the movies and cartoons. I understood why my hubby goes completely nuts over it.

At the end of this month we're going to Phoenix Comic Con and I am beyond giddy over it! This is the first multi-fandom event we're going to and I decided to celebrate the occasion by cosplaying ... well my version of it! I have HUGE respect for those who dress up in elaborate outfits - those who show their love by representing the shows they cherish.

So, who am I representing? *insert snicker* Like you all had to ask ....

DOCTOR WHO!!

I still have things to get and make BUT my wig came in today - the first time I'll have LONG, LUXURIOUS, THICK ... BLUE hair! How cool is that?

Next step is making my TARDIS tutu, because hello? Every girl needs to wear one! I'll make sure to take more photos of the process and then when it's all completed. Until then ...

I'm ready to become the next companion!

#PhxComicConOrBust #Whovian4Life #Waiting4TheDoctor

#GeeksUnite #KidAtHeart

Looking For A New Book Boyfriend?

Have you claimed your new book boyfriend from one of my stories? Are you looking for someone to weaken your knees, steal your breath, and leave you craving more? There's a book boyfriend for everyone - paranormal romance, urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy, historical fantasy, and NA contemporary romance ... take your pick or choose them ALL!

Here's what some readers had to say ...

"Quinn is the bad boy we all love to hate, but bad can be REALLY tasty!" 

~ Lisa Markson, I Pimp My Authors.

"Mason rocks my socks! He is THE hottest Alpha you will ever have the pleasure of meeting!" 

~ Amy Chris, Weet Weet's Bookshelf.

"Aithne's name may have been a prayer to his lips, but Hadrian is like the salvation to my soul. He's like a Fae Peeta!" 

~ Angel Downey, Amazon Reader.

"If Oliver told me to come with him, I wouldn't think twice about it. I would be gone!!"

 ~ Laura McGee, Amazon Reader.

"I don't think I've ever wanted to LICK a vampire until I met Devlin the Enforcer. Yum!!"

 ~ Lacey Weatherford, USA Today bestselling author of the Crush series.

Book Boyfriends ...

Mason, Daniel, Devlin, and Vlad
The Mystic Wolves series
(The Mystic Wolves, Forget Me Not, Testing Fate, Forever Changed, Savage Possession, Darkness Unleashed, and Last Wolf Standing.)

Oliver Nicholls
Loving Liberty

William and Hadrian
Enchanted Hearts

Ryder McKinley
Wanderlust

Quinn Michaels
Broken Promises

EeNee, MeeNee, MiNee, Mo ...

So many SWOONY choices!

**Don't forget: The Mystic Wolves and Enchanted Hearts are currently FREE on all book retailers! Don't miss out!**