SITTING STILL OR LIVING LIFE

Well, I have done now. 

I broke my ankle in two places and a bone in my foot. 

So, what do I do now?

Since I am on total bed rest, I am going to finish up my novel The Stiletto Stalker.

I'm on bed rest for at least three weeks and this will give me enough time to finish up my novel and edits and then begin working on finishing up The Teachers Lounge.

I am not a person who can sit still for any length of time but this is making me sit still. 

Someone said, "You never sit still so you needed something to make you sit still".

That made me think. Most people my age (51) are working, enjoying a simple life and doing things that they love.

I am no different. I live my life, I enjoy adventure and vacations and that is what I love doing. 

I'm 51 not 91. And even if I was, does that mean that I can't go out dancing every week, hanging with my friends for happy hour once a week or going on mini vacations whenever my bank account says I can?

Most people say that they will "wait until they retire to travel and really enjoy life." Why should I do that? Why should I wait? Why should I do what most people would do? 

Even my grown children say, "Mom you should slow down" No ma'am and no sir, I will not.

I want to live a life that I enjoy. I don't ask anyone for anything. I pay for my own trips and I pay for the life that I want. 

IF you choose to wait, than that is your choice. I choose not to. That's my choice. 

So, while I have to be on complete bed rest., I will finish up my novels but just as I am sitting in bed writing this blog; I have just booked my trip to the Bahamas in December.

So either you choose the life you want or let others tell you what you should be doing.

Which one will you do? I think you know my choice. 

THE SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY KICKED OFF

Summer began last week and I have been enjoying it so much that I didn't do any writing, no reading and no marketing.

What did I do? 

Princess Jada and Prince Justin

I went to Vegas. Not to see the shows, not to see the Chippendale Dancers, to walk the strip or get married. I went to see my newest grandchildren.

Yes, my grandchildren were born exactly 2 months ago. Matter of fact, they were born two days AFTER my birthday. Happy birthday to me! 

The Royal Court, as I call them are the most precious ever. Princess Jada; older by two minutes and Prince Justin are both doing great and they gave me so much joy. They made me stop, listen and enjoy being a grandmother.

Yes, there is more to me than just books, shoes and writing. I am a grandmother of 9 of the most adorable children ever. 

So when you need a moment to regroup, relax and revitalize yourself. Stop and spend time with your grandchildren, your children or your friends. Life is too short not to enjoy yourself. 

Now its time for me to get back to work and the first thing I am going to do is attend #Thrillerfest2015

See you in New York City on July 9-12 +Paula Lanier 

DOES IT MATTER?

I'm asking that question today as it is my birthday and the year of Sandra.

Yes, I am making an entire year the year that I celebrate leaving my 40's. 

I always thought it mattered what people thought of me, or what people said about me. I have only begun to realize that it does not matter what they think or say of me.

Half of what people say and think about me, isn't true. However if they choose to believe it, that's on them.

Today as I celebrate my 49th birthday on this earth, I realize that I can't change the minds of anyone but myself. I can't stop people from thinking or saying negative things about me because they are going to do that anyway. All I can do is maintain who I am. I can only change the way I think, the way I act and the way I live my life.

No one will do it for me.

So today, I ask all of you.

Does it matter what people think they know of you? Does it matter what they say about you? In the end, it doesn't because only YOU have control of yourself. No one else does.