{5/16/13} Personal Status

So...  My new book comes out in just over a month, and I'm getting married a few weeks, after that.  The lakehouse is being prettied up as we speak, in prep for the reception.  My honeymoon is booked.  This new book will be number five for me---what an amazing statement, in itself.  HOW DO I FEEL?

I dunno.
Calm.
Scared.
A lil panicked.
Totally at ease.
Excited.
Nervous.
Confident.
Like a kid.



I feel ready.
I mean, wasn't it just a year ago that I posted that I'M READY TO GO, blog?  So hell yeah, fuck yeah, I'm ready.  (P.S. The shoes I was wearing in that blog post? They're no longer my best shoes. wink)

Yet, I want more time... to get things done.
I know it's all flowing according to The Plan, and that comforts me.

Stuff has come out of the woodwork, to assist and move things along.  My angels definitely have a hand in this one.  Yet I can't help but stay awake at night, thinking of book details, and wedding details... things that need my attention.

All the while maintaining two homes and tending to our large, blended family.  It's kind of insane.  In a sweet baby Jesus, this is really my life, HUZZAH!, kind of way.

I mean, if someone had told me a year ago, this would be my life, I'd have never believed it.
At the same time, it's as though a part of me knew this was coming, all along.  Hell, just this morning, I put together threads of dreams I had a year and a half ago, that foretold of my new love, my new life...

Anyway.
Just a lil personal status.
Lil ParaGoddess share, lol.

Adore you guys.
Feed off your love.
Send you all good thoughts, positive energy and happy stuff...
more often than you know.

With love, always ~
#ParaGoddess

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Social Media and the Modern Author

People sometimes wonder if all this social media is necessary, or productive at all.  I mean, why would an author spend so much time on it?   And if I'm an author, why so much fitness stuff?  Why the glamour selfie shots?  Why all that spirituality?  Isn't it... silly?  A lil too playful or not at all to the point??

Welp, in the last week, here's what happened to me.

1.  A book club ordered copies of two of my novels, for their whole club.  They found me on Instagram. I get to buy groceries. :)

2.  A radio show host contacted me via Facebook, and invited me to be on her international radio show.  I admire that host.  Love that show.  For an indie author such as myself, that's a win.  *high five*

3.  A woman direct-messaged me on Twitter to thank me for all the inspiration with hair and makeup products.  She said she's screen-saved several of my pics and taken them with her to the store, so she could get just the right products.  She went on to tell me she feels so good about herself these days, especially since her newly reconciled husband, has never complimented her more. *yessss* :-D

4.  My blog attracted 290 visitors---so far, just today (it's 11 a.m., currently).

5.  Someone told me, on my Facebook Wall, that they often come to my page for positive energy and motivation, and next day, someone said (on my wall), that they come to my page for strength and inspiration.

6.  A woman googled "Squat Challenge", and was directed to my blog.  From there, she followed me on Instagram, and commented one of my pics to thank me for providing the motivation she needed.

I have said it before, and I'll say it again: social media is so much more than a playground.  Some folks use it to keep up with family and friends, or to keep in touch with loved ones and connections.  For that purpose, SM is wonderful!  But for professionals, social media is oh so powerful.

And there concludes my justification for being glued to my iPhone.

lol, jk.  All above the above is serious and true, but I'm crackin' jokes and reppin' #TeamSmartAss, as per usual.

ParaGoddess, over and out♥

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Book Excerpt from STRANGE DAYS (TBR June 22, 2013)

The following is an excerpt from Strange Days, Book 2 in the Wolf Moon Series (sequel to Strange Love).  Get ready for one helluva ride!  Strange Days releases on the Summer Solstice, 2013; order copies of Book 1 to familiarize yourself with the series!  Copies: www.JoLynneValerie.com

Damien stepped to the center of the circle. 

A hush fell among us.
All eyes were on him.
I felt Aleksandra reach for my hand, and take it. 
My sister was nervous; I couldn't blame her.

I glanced around just in time to see Jose cross his arms over his newly developed, massive chest.  The youngest brother raised his chin, slightly.  Clearly, Jose anticipated what Damien had to say.  I couldn't blame him, either.  The two men had become so close, since the incidents of last winter.  Together, Jose and Damien had saved my life, and purged the clan of a terrible poison.

But now... with what had occurred in the last week, we all wanted to hear what Damien had to say.  So much hung in the balance, after all.

A hush.
All eyes on Damien.
Shards of moonlight streamed through the branches on the trees.
Lightning bugs further illuminated the balmy night.
Aleksandra squeezed my hand.
Finally, the rogue spoke.

"Tonight, on this night, I am free!" Damien looked around the circle.  "Free from the past that once enslaved me!  Free from the ones who mocked and tormented me.  Free from the disbelief I had in myself." 

Damien's chest heaved with emotion. He continued. 

"I am worthy; I am strong.  The weak seek to intimidate and control.  The strong seek to encourage, to lead, and to instill."

Damien bore his gaze into Nico's.
I saw Nico incline his head toward Damien.  The elder Alvarez was acknowledging the rogue's words. Damien inclined his own head, in appreciation and thanks.

"On this night, I am free... AND I AM BOUND." 
Damien's final statement was spoken with commitment and strength. 

Aleksandra released my hand. 
She turned quickly from the circle.
Next moment, my sister disappeared into the woods. 

I glanced at Adoncia.  The matriarch's eyes held mine steadily, conveying her disapproval. 

The rest of Damien's words were lost on me.  Lost, as I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath.  I sent Aleksandra energy. 

I recalled Adoncia's words: "Things will go as they're meant to go. None of us has the right to use magic in an attempt to manipulate the situation.  Not that we could.  Forces bigger than us, are at work here.  Humility, Kasia.  Never lose your humility."

I didn't go after Aleksandra.
There was much she didn't understand, I knew that. 

But understanding wasn't something that could be forced, or achieved through explanation.  Given the situation, Aleksandra had to make peace with all that was happening, in her own time and in her own way.

I focused my eyes once again on Damien. 
Pulled my thoughts and energy, back inside me. 
I could feel my sister; she was crying.
It's alright, I told myself; the release of emotion, is good.

But Aleksandra's tears and the pain I sensed in her heart, made me acutely aware of the empty space at my right. 

I had no idea when he would be back.
I had no idea how things were going.
Lucas was more than capable, and he'd contact me as soon as he was able. 
But that knowledge did nothing to soothe the familiar ache that began to throb, in my chest. 

I closed my eyes and prayed for his safety.

#TeamDamien #GoDamien! #Lucas&Kasia4Ever

ORDER STRANGE LOVE*, Book 1 in the Wolf Moon Series, and familiarize yourself with the story.  Fans, readers and reviewers agree, Book 1 is amazing...  let me assure you, BOOK 2 IS GONNA BE ONE HELLUVA RIDE!

SIGNED COPIES OF BOOK 1 HERE-------> www.JoLynneValerie.com

FAN POLL! Vote for your favorite cupcake! The winning cupcake will be featured in STRANGE DAYS:)

 Remember Aleksandra?  Kasia's sister?

Yeah, you remember her... the quirky one.  The dedicated smart-ass who loves to wear her froggy slippers and sleep with her rainbow teddy bear.

Mmhmm, Aleksandra's the one who ended up falling for a guy who turned out to be gay, and she has a fake clothing-review blog, which she uses to get items sent to her for free, since she can't afford to buy them, but a good reviewer often gets "prezzies".   Yyyyyep, that's Aleksandra!

Aleksandra's also the one who jail-breaks Kasia from their 'rents' house, propelling her sister toward that clusterfuck that goes down up in Moonlight Glen.  Oooohhh, and remember how Aleksandra takes one look at Damien and goes GA-GA?!

Oops, I digress.  Point is, SHE COOKS (also).

Well, there's a scene in STRANGE DAYS where Aleksandra rolls out something she's baked (just like she did in Book 1 of the series, STRANGE LOVE!).  And I'm torn, genuinely torn between recipes!  So, I'm asking for your help.  Because I can't decide if it'd be quirkier for Aleksandra to create something GOURMET, or something HEALTHY.  To do either, would be so Aleksandra!

YOU TELL ME!  Would Aleksandra be more likely to make Lavender-Blackberry Cupcakes, or Blueberry-Oat Cupcakes? :)

Remember, if the recipe is featured in the book, the actual recipe will appear in the Special Features section!

Lavender-Black Raspberry Cupcakes

          

Blueberry-Oat Cupcakes

By the way, I made both these cupcakes yesterday, for my family. :)

Vote right here in a comment, or chime in on Facebook! 

Thanks for reading, guys!
xo ~  #ParaGoddess

Intuitive Reading and ParaGoddess Swag WINNER!

CONGRATULATIONS to COCO!

Email me to set up your Intuitive Reading... 

and to receive your ParaGoddess Swag Pack!

xo  ~  #ParaGoddess

Recipe Contest Winners!

CONGRATULATIONS to Bellora 

for her winning Herbal Jasmine Rice recipe! 

CONGRATULATIONS also to Leanna Lenear Gilbert 

for her winning Chicken Manicotti recipe!  

Ladies, these recipes sound absolutely delicious, and I can't wait to work them into the storyline of my new novel, STRANGE DAYS!

Be warned however, I may change things up a bit... claiming author's privileges here!  *wink*

I also can't wait to make your recipes, ON VIDEO, and give you girls a shout-out!  WATCH FOR THE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Congratulations again, ladies... and thanks to everyone who entered!

xo ~  #ParaGoddess

#PG30 - 30 Day Health, Nutrition & Fitness Challenge!

Hola, lovers!  It's that time of year again... I usually create a challenge such as this during spring, as we prepare our minds and bodies for warmer weather. 

This 30 day challenge is DO-ABLE!  I've structured the workout so that it's appropriate and approachable for a broad variety of folks. 

However, if you have any reservations, questions or health concerns, please discuss the #PG30 with your physician, before participating.

That said, in addition to the daily workouts---that's right, DAILY! no slacking on this challenge!---I'm asking participants to commit to eating raw fruit daily, and some sort of smoothie containing superior plant materials and ideally protein.  If you have a blender, you can make smoothies.  I'll include three of my favorte recipes, below.  A google search will give you many more. :)  Why consume a smoothie, daily??  Because made right, they're packed with superior nutrition, and they're a meal in themselves.  As daily sustenance during a health, nutrition and fitness challenge, smoothies can't be beat! 

Before providing the workout regimen and smoothie recipes, let me just say two important things:

1.  If the workout is too much, or not enough, for you, augment it to suit your personal needs.  I quickly discovered that I needed more sets; I added on two.  I'm also doing the 30-Day Squat Challenge; therefore, I eliminated squats from my #PG30 regimen and am doing curls, lunges and strap-work (for the arms), instead.  I added a couple of ballet exercises for my warm up and cool down. Work with it to suit your needs.  What I want is for folks to participate and benefit, not to look at the prescribed regimen and say, this isn't for me.  Work with it, and make it for you!

2.  If you have a bad day, falter a bit or have a fail day, GO EASY ON YOURSELF.  We're only human, after all.  Humans make mistakes.  Forgive yourself quickly, and get back on the horse.  Making mistakes means you're trying.  Go easy on yourself, but don't give up, either. If you have a bad eating day or skip a workout, just come back the next day.  There's a network of folks participating; WIRE IN WITH US, for constant support.  TAG PICS AND POSTS ON TWITTER & INSTAGRAM TO #PG30.  

All that said, here's the workout!  Ready? :)

The Workout

1.  Jumping Jacks x 25

2.  Squats x 15

3.  Crunches x20

4.  Yoga plank position PLUS Ballet tip-to-tail muscle tighten 

(helps strengthen core and creates balance) - 30 seconds

5.  Kundalini breath of fire - 10 seconds 

(releases energy and energetic toxins)

6.  Plank position - 30 seconds

REPEAT 3X

And now, three of my favorite YUMMA-LICOUS smoothie recipes! :)

Strawberry-Banana Energy Smoothie

1 1/2 cups vanilla almond milk + protein

1/2 cup raw (uncooked) oats

1 tsp Garden of Life Raw Meal vegan protein powder

1 medium ripe banana

7 ripe strawberries

dollop pro-biotic soy yogurt (vanilla)

splash of water

Blend on smoothie setting - AMAZING SMOOTHIE OF DELICIOUSNESS!

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Dark Chocolate-Banana Protein Smoothie

1 1/2 cups dark chocolate almond milk + protein

1/2 cup raw (uncooked) oats

1 medium ripe banana

2 tsp Garden of Life Raw Meal vegan protein powder

This smoothie/shake is DELICIOUS and packed with SO MUCH nutrition!  It's an excellent post workout meal as it provides huge energy!  Also perfect as a meal replacement, as it is completely filling and superior nutritionally.  - SUPER INCREDIBLE SMOOTHIE OF AWESOMENESS!

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Very Berry Protein Smoothie

1 cup vanilla almond milk + protein

10 red raspberries

4 strawberries

7 blackberries

a few beet greens (ok to omit - they are PACKED with protein, however)

few spinach leaves

dollop of pro-biotic soy yogurt

Blend at smoothie setting.  Add an ice cube if you like your smoothies frothy.  SUPA-SUPA-YUM! :)

GOOD LUCK to everyone... I know you can do this!  The workout itself takes approximately 30 minutes out of your day.  Just 30 minutes!  It's time to be proactive and committed about our health, nutrition and fitness.

TAG PICS to #PG30 on Instagram & Twitter for constant support and connection.  WE GOT THIS! :)

xo  ~ #ParaGoddess

♥ { HAPPY MONDAY, LOVERS... here's our thought for the day. } ♥

We all know that person.
Perhaps *we are* that person...

Want things to be different.
Longing for some new things, or shifts, in their life.
But go about their business daily, just as they always do.
Never really connecting the dots: if I want my life to be different, I have to be different. Need to do things differently... think differently, behave differently.

Maybe not taking full responsibility for their reality, either...
#TruthIs, your life is the direct result of choices you have made. Your relationships, your job, the general state of your affairs... THE DIRECT RESULT of your choices. Oh sure, sometimes things happen *to* us---outside of our control. But we still get to decide what our response, and resultant mode of action, will be.

Once we stop making excuses... we can start taking responsibility.
And once we start taking responsibility, we can take control.
Make better decisions.
Dare to do things differently.
Start thinking outside the box. Dare to STEP outside our little box...
AND CHANGE OUR LIVES.

Only one person can make change happen in your life: YOU.

Happy Monday, lovers.
This day is ours.
This life is OURS.
Let's get it. ♥

xo #ParaGoddess

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Please... TAKE WHAT YOU NEED ♥

My daughter and I made several of these "fliers" and posted them on public cork boards and in restrooms, on several stops we made while on a road trip, recently.

I thought it was a lovely idea.
I really hope finding, and *taking what they needed*, made someone smile... maybe even made their day.

Feel free to copy.
A lovely little way to Pay It Forward... spread the love... leave a trail of positive energy.

xo ~JoLynne  #ParaGoddess

30 Day Squat Challenge!

Come on, girls... we got this!

I am smack-dab in the middle of my #PG30, a 30-Day Health, Nutrition & Fitness Challenge, but I'm about to start this Squat Challenge.  Join me!

A word about the currently running #PG30.   I REALIZE I HAVEN'T POSTED ABOUT THIS.  I'm behind on posts, lovers!  Life's been crazy!  A good crazy!  The #PG30 is all over Twitter, Facebook and Instgram (find me at Paragoddess1), but I've yet to post a bloggy about it.  I WILL.  Pinky swear promise.  But first...  let's talk about this Squat Challenge.  :)

It's easy, easy, easy!  Okay, not really easy, but we can do this!  To squat properly, either clasp your hands in front of you and bend knees then "sit" into a squat (just like you're going to sit in a chair) OR if you prefer, extend your arms in front of you, fists clasped.  When you push up out of your squat/sit position, tighten your glut muscles for even better results.

Oh and, since this is my bottom in the accompanying pic, I suppose we can consider this a BEFORE pic!

I'm nearly two weeks into the #PG30 with two weeks left, but I'm starting this Squat Challenge TODAY.  Let's do this!

Comment and tag tweets and IG posts to #PGSquat. 
Good luck, everyone! :)

xo ~JoLynne #ParaGoddess