Letting go of Mother...

              
My mom, who has been gone 8 years now, was my best friend.

I wanted her to stay until Christmas,

Just 'til the lights were lit and music played

To spread good cheer.

Until the snow fell from the sky and covered the ground,

And the church bells rang for all to hear.

I asked her to stay until Thanksgiving

When leaves of gold and yellow, fall

With Wild abandon of living;

Until gusty winds build a wall

of dried colors slowly fading.

I hoped she would stay until the end of October

Could bring out the ghosts of past,

To share the evening with goblins

Costumed and cast

With no fear of sins

I wished she would be strong 'til end of summer

When blooms of fruit and harvest

Manifest colors so bold,

Promises that life goes on, a wonder

To behold.

She left in mid-summer, silently slipping away

While butterflies played on a sunny day.

Her silver halo of hair crowned her face, as her life faded,

Her cares given up and traded

For a much better place.

I wanted her to stay. 

                                           
Erma Wells, 1920-2007 

                                                            -©Linda Gatewood 2015

Review for Wayward Love, written by Elle A. Rose

Elle A. Rose gives us another endearing story in Wayward Love, about Tia Normandy…..a gifted writer who was tightly involved in the newspaper and publishing industry since her youth. The surprising attachment that she formed for a man who was old enough to be her father, was both as intriguing, as it was ludicrous, in the eyes of her associates. The man she loved – Maxwell Grant, reciprocated, almost as driven as she.

We share her dreams as she goes off to college and returns to fulfill her life’s ambition – to be a skilled writer and successful journalist. Her only reservation was the growing feelings for Max, her deep and abiding love for a man she’d known all her life.

This on-again, off-again relationship seems to have energy of its own, enabling the rekindling of feelings that never really ended. The heights of joy constantly collide with the depths of heartbreak and regret, as Tia struggles to sort out her feelings for Max.  She feels the necessity of secrecy because she fears the brunt of condemnation from her friends and family, not only because he is so much older, but because he is also of a different race.

After years of provocative emotions hidden deep inside, she finally agrees to expose the great love and adoration they feel for one another, but there is a price to pay.

Once again, Elle A. Rose explores the edge of boundaries avoided by others, in her frank and honest approach to writing. The detailed examination of a challenging relationship is explored in this story. A great read for anyone who wants to discover the diversity and many degrees of love, and the emotional depth of commitment. A copy of “Wayward Love” was generously provided by the author for my honest review. Find it at: http://www.amazon.com/Wayward-Love-Elle-Rose-ebook/dp/B00XKDCT80/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1439340943&sr=8-4&keywords=Elle+A.+Rose

Review for "Frozen" by Elle A. Rose

In the genre of young adult sci-fi fiction, Elle A. Rose takes us on an adventure to a time in a strange future-world that mixes the physically living beings of Earth with the dead spirits of not only the current human race, but also an alien race who conquered and subjugated the humans of this planet centuries before. The suspense builds during the story that places a special significance on Halloween, a holiday much changed in the future.

Follow Verick through the days before All Hallows Eve as he prepares to risk his life in order to help provide for his family, a ritual repeated each year on the ancient day of Halloween when the alien race can be Frozen, as the ghosts of ancestors emerge. Verick’s touching connection to his family and friends, his growing responsibility as a strong leader and his loyalty to his father are credibly portrayed. The challenge he must meet can end in death for those who choose to participate. For Verick, a sixteen year old who must also decide who he will choose as a wife, the days are both terrifying and exciting.

As the many families unite for protection, the paucity of their existence is tangible through vivid descriptions by the author. It is easy to identify with their needs, and yet shocking to learn of their inevitable suffering. The ability to continue to love without bounds is a constant theme throughout the story and adds poignancy to Verick’s search for his true love.

I found myself enthralled with this fascinating story full of unimaginable and exciting themes never before explored. Elle A. Rose has a gift for creating a reality from her imagination that is both believable and endearing. For sci-fi buffs and the young adult group of readers, this is a great read from a talented author!

A copy of “Frozen” was generously provided by the author for my honest review. You can order a copy of this book at: http://www.amazon.com/Frozen-Elle-Rose 

Summer reunions

If only summer could last forever! Long, hazy sun-filled days when morning dewdrops cling to cedar branches, soft afternoon breezes caress the skin, and blazing sunsets color the sky with hints of glorious illusory fantasy. The soothing progress of each day lulls the senses and teases the imagination. Not only is the summer weather addictive in the most mesmerizing way, but the notion of gathering with one’s family becomes a seasonal obsession. Suddenly, calendars are filled with reunions, visits and activities that include family members, mostly those who travel far to participate. The tangle of planning such organized events and incorporating the sensitivities of each individual can be testy and requires a genius approach. Success is measured by the sincere happiness reflected in the eyes of family as they enjoy each other and reacquaint with shared memories of the past. By the time this whirlwind of gathering is over, the summer is almost spent and autumn is pushing its way closer every day. The sun sets a little earlier, the morning feels a bit cooler and the wild plants that grow along the roadside begin to throw their seeds into the wind. Cherished memories will never fade, though, and are forever embedded into the hearts of all. Until then, enjoy the blessing of family and friends, treasure their presence and embrace the opportunity to be together.
©Linda Gatewood 2015

Magnolia Blossoms

If you’ve never lived where Magnolia trees bloom, you’ve missed a bit of heaven. The blossoms are big and plump with a surprising, delicate scent that most bees can’t resist.             

When I took this photo in Texas, I was awe-struck by the gentle flow of pink seeds that spilled with abandon from the center. It reminded me of the subtle beauty that frequently surrounds us, and yet, often eludes our attention. Do we pause to watch a flower shed its seeds, or ponder in wonderment as the dragonfly softly sips the dew or the tiny spider weaves its silky web?

It was two days before I noticed the beauty of the Magnolia's soft, creamy petals. When the bee began to gather the pollen, he loosened the seeds and they cascaded like a waterfall off the edge of the creamy slope, landing below on the black earth. 

It only takes a moment to stop, look, and listen, a decision that could change the course of your day and the color of your attitude. The simple elegance of flora and fauna surrounds us with a whisper of enticement to come and enjoy its bounty. It’s my hope that you will.

©Linda Gatewood 2015

Get ready for #4, 'Autumn Hush'! I’m so excited! Hope you are, too!

The story began in the wintertime when Derek first met Cynthia on top of a windswept ancient volcano. Fate brought them together in ‘Winter Secret’, but constantly threatened their lives in the action packed, thrilling adventure.  The story continues in ‘Spring Promise’, their tender, blossoming love threatened with a new twist from fate – a lethal vengeance that followed them and is intent on destroying their lives. The exciting, gripping escapade continues in ‘Summer Truth’, where one more season brings spellbinding excitement, overshadowed with a lurking, menacing evil. In ‘Autumn Hush’, their love story reaches the very edge of whatever fate has left and must withstand the greatest test of all.

“You can’t just read one – you have to read them all!” –  Beverly M.

“Winter Secret’ is an enthralling page turner. I knew I was settling in to read a suspenseful romance, but I was not expecting all of the vigorous action. From page to page, chapter to chapter, Gatewood has her characters, Cynthia and Derek, fighting to breathe life into their journey. I followed Derek and Cynthia through harsh weather, kidnappings, nearly fatal wounds, and explosions, all while an endearing new complicated relationship tried to blossom.

‘Spring Promise’ starts where ‘Winter Secret’ ends. In this book, we are able to join Derek and Cynthia during the calm, before the storm. The first few pages will lull you into thinking nothing could ever go wrong again for the happy couple. Yet, Gatewood has packed another thrilling ride of more secrets, treasure hunting, crazy weather, and a lethal vengeance that tries to once again tear the couple apart. This is a great read that will leave you wondering  who is lurking in the  shadows, and how will the couple make it through this next great feat?” – Elle Rose, Author

“Just finished 'Summer Truth' and I loved it! Can’t wait for the next book. You know how to keep me hooked!” – Brandy M.

Pre-order soft cover or get digital for 'Autumn Hush' right now from www.tatepublishing.com