Lady Traveler's ideas on Reading, Writing, Traveling versus Relationships

Paris is always a good idea ~ Audrey Hepburn

Wake up, Sharon!

You're not in Paris anymore.

There's work to be done.

A book to finish...

Lady on the Run
"How to run your physical race and your spiritual race--at your own pace"
I was an avid runner in the 70's, taught a running class, and I'm writing a book about my journey.

Lady on the Run
Me and My 90-year-old mentor and friend, Mary in 2013
at her home in Morro Bay.
We ran a 1/2 marathon together in the late '70's

... A conference to prepare for.
And, oh yes, the book club next week.

Book signing at "Living Real Conference" March 2015
Book Club March 2015

Business cards, flyers, poster, pens, Square, etc.

Yes, the almost-famous author has a full schedule.
But when it comes down to it,
what is really important in life?
You have it right.
Relationships.
With God.
With family.
With friends.

My true friend, Debbie Kreitzer,
Laguna Beach, CA 2007

There is no 'distance barrier' with
God, family, or friends.
Although Debbie went to heaven almost two months ago,
I can still hear her whispering in my ear,
"It is what it is."
"Get over it."
Thanks, Debbie, I needed that.
Confession: 
When I can't hear her voice in my ear,
I listen to a Voicemail she left me when she was
still able to talk.
I cry from the pain of missing her in 'real time.'

Whatever your passion--
writing, traveling, painting, photography, singing,
gardening, cleaning house, reaching out to help someone--
remember to take time for those
special people in your life.

To know someone here or there with whom 
you feel there is an understanding
in spite of distance or thoughts expressed --
that can make of this earth a garden.

Wherever you travel,
I wish you oceans of moments with God,
with family,
and friends.


All sunshine and sovereign is God,
generous in gifts and glory.
Psalm 84:10

www.sharonleaf.com

A Time to Live...a time to die...

My hero ... my Daddy

My morning began with a phone call from my brother in Utah, telling me softly that our beloved Daddy had passed away.  When the moment finally came to be given this sad news, I had peace knowing that he was now in the presence of the Lord, dancing his way through heaven, something he was unable to do down here on earth due to Parkinson's Decease.

My Daddy loved God, family, and his country.  He was a dancer--we danced in our small living room to the 45RPM records of Vaughn Monroe, ice skater--he bought me my first pair of ice skates and took me skating almost every Saturday, swimmer--he spent hours in his pool with his grandkids, hiking...anything that kept his body moving.  Even when Parkinson's struck his body, he continued going on the assisted living annual camping trips where he could cruise down a river with no pain.

Yep, my 90-year-old Dad lived a full life.  After Mom died at the early age of 66, he joined a senior citizen group and traveled the world; he even came to visit Rob and I for three weeks while we lived in Sweden in 1992.  I must say he 'got around.'  All who knew him were blessed by his humor and zest for life.

Tonight as I open to read the first few chapters of my book, Lady and the Sea, I find that I'm straining to read the words through tear-filled eyes.  I made a point to write about my mother and father so I could leave a legacy of love to my own children.  Now, in the quietness of my living room, the words on these pages sooth my soul.

Tonight my heart is half-heavy, half-light, knowing that I'll never see him again down here, yet excited that I'll see him one day in our heavenly home where we will dance together again ... for eternity.

I love you, Talmage Keith Cook, my father, my hero ... my Daddy.

Last time with Daddy in October '12

www.sharonleaf.com