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The Aftermath: Hurricane Michael

Quote of the Day: Courage is the act of putting one foot in front of the other in the bleak of disaster not knowing the final outcome. Carolyn M. Bowen, Author

Mexico Beach 2014
Mexico Beach – Before Hurricane Michael

Hurricane Michael blows through and for many, it’s over, but for those living in the region devastated by the blow at zero points, it’s significant. The hurricane’s landfall and surrounding areas have experienced the wretched aftermath and it’s not a quick fix. And, the news cycle goes on to the next big story while residents try to make sense of their losses and rebuild from nothing and I’m talking about 60 miles inland.

For many, including myself, we are unsure of the property damage or even if there’s property remaining. The ocean may have sucked in the land and perhaps created another island. This brings to point. We have no news yet, about St. George Island. Does it still exist?

St. George Island is the coastal getaway for many folks living in Tallahassee and surrounding areas plus a destination getaway for the rich and famous.

These places are my stomping grounds and have been for decades. The historic homes along the old coast are gone forever. My favorite oyster bar and shipping company were completely underwater. What’s going to happen to our gulf oysters this year? And, yes, I order them by the case for my personal consumption when out of Florida!

I love the Gulf of Mexico seafood. Some refer to the area as the Panhandle, me personally, I like the title Emerald Coast of Florida. For if you saw it, you’d know there’s nothing like it in the world.

Florida, Carolyn Bowen Author

You can see I have more questions than answers. My writing about Hurricane Michael is nostalgic, yet I already know my family members have suffered significant losses. I’m still waiting until the path can be cleared to my homestead or maybe not.

As always, I appreciate your following my blog and reading my books. Carolyn Bowen

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Stress: The Good, Bad and the Ugly!

Quote of the Day: “In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember

World Mental Health Day

Stress: The Good Bad and the Ugly!

Today is World Mental Health Day and a worthy awareness cause to celebrate. However, concerns for friends and family’s mental health and our own should be something we recognize daily.

Recently I was told about a woman who was in the midst of the worst and best days of her life. The events happened in threes with some planned and others unplanned. The occurrences hiked her normal stress levels to new heights.

The first was the unexpected death of a parent, immediately followed by her daughter’s planned wedding, then a car accident where she was at fault. You’re probably thinking – how in the world was she coping? It seemed she was attempting to put one foot in front of the other and carry on until she could find a place and time to personally make peace with life events.

Stresses can build up over time if not resolved and can destroy your mental and physical health. We don’t think about it often, but good happenings like weddings, new job, partner, home, financial windfall, and others add to our stress level. Then when the boom falls caused by death, divorce, job or business loss, home disaster, and other life problems we find ourselves staring at the bottom of a dark hole.

We feel debilitating stress when the good and bad experiences make an impact acting as a vortex spinning our world out of control.

When you’re feeling you’re being swallowed up by things out of your control, seek help. Don’t wait for things to get better on their own. There is qualified help to get you back on a wellness path. For immediate free help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Today through the end of the year, December 31st, 2018 I’m offering new subscribers a free Kindle version of my personal transformation book, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Act Now! Limited Offer – Fill in the information below for emailing your gift code to redeem your book.

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

“Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success!”

 

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To learn more about my books, review my “About” page, Amazon Author Page, and/or your favorite bookstores.

Stress Relief, Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!, Books by Carolyn BowenThanks for connecting, Carolyn Bowen, Author.

 

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Courage Under Fire!

Courage Under Fire, Carolyn M. Bowen Author

Quote of the Day: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T.S. Elliot

Today’s topic is courage for I can’t think of a more pertinent quality and conduct for achieving success.

Courage Defined

Courage, bravery, valor, bravado refer to qualities of spirit and conduct. Courage permits one to face extreme dangers and difficulties without fear: to take (or lose) courage. Bravery implies true courage with daring and an intrepid boldness: bravery in a battle.

To step into your destiny and live your dreams for the future, courage or a lack thereof plays an important role. When you’re feeling courageous it seems the world is your template to create the lifestyle of your choosing.

When doubt intervenes in your thought processes, you become stuck in your tracks unable or fearful for making a decision that changes the status quo. Calculated change to your present circumstances can bring about the results you’re seeking. A shift in your mindset toward the idea of success and accomplishing your goals is the first step.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell

What’s impeding your steps toward achieving your goals?

  1. Fear of judgment or being ridiculed
  2. The embarrassment of falling on your face in public
  3. Unsure of your capabilities for achieving your goals
  4. Not having a clear plan and strategy for success

The above are all possibilities if you focus on the downside. Some of the most successful people in history have failed, more than once, but they didn’t stop trying or believing in their goals.

“Worrying about something you can’t change will forever be the biggest waste of your time.” — Unknown

Fear of the unknown has caused many to stop in their tracks, don’t let that be your downfall. People who judge you most likely don’t know you. They’re likely acting out of jealousy, greed and/or shortcomings of their own. Don’t let anyone influence your life goals. Even those close to you, don’t know everything about you. Listen, and then make your own judgment calls.

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear. Mark Twain

First, you’ve got to believe in yourself and your plans for the future. Then, have clearly defined goals and strategies for accomplishing your dreams or ideas for the future. Lastly, follow through on your plans and revise as needed to hit your mark.

What are your plans for success? Begin taking action today one step at the time. I’m looking forward to learning about your courageous leaps of faith to realize your dreams. Carolyn Bowen

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Prepping for October 2018

Quote for Today: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”  Michael Altshuler

October 2018, The Writing Life
Photo Credit: Pixabay

This month is swishing by like a video streaming of an Amtrac train blistering full throttle down the tracks. Sticking to my writing schedule is a daily priority and I am deliberate in making progress although tight-knuckled at times. I’m tickled to see the end in sight for my next project. I’ll tell you more about it next month. (Smiles)

I love celebrating special occasions and holidays are included in these fun days. The dates listed below are this month’s (Oct.) observances. Although I’m not a big fan of Halloween, I’ve noticed its’ growing popularity. So, enjoy and have fun trick or treating!

October Holidays

Monday, October 8 Columbus Day (Federal Holiday)

Wednesday, October 31 Halloween

What do you enjoy most about the fall season? Comment below!

Book Reviewers & Bloggers Wanted:

Do you want a sneak peek of my next novel? Sign up for a Kindle version for your review on major book platforms like Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, and others. You’ll be added to my reviewers’ list and emailed your gift code with my appreciation. Thank you!

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Latest Giveaway

Exciting news! Subscribe to receive the latest updates about book releases, reviews, giveaways, and receive a free Kindle version of Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Limited Offer – Act Now! Note: If you follow using a social media sign-in, please provide an email address to send the gift in privacy mode. Thank you!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Latest Book News

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Conflict Resolution: Taking the High Road

Quote of the Day: “Conflict cannot survive without your participation.” Wayne Dyer

Conflict Resolution, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success!“ I talked about steering clear of negativity and taking the high road when necessary to keep from responding in like-kind toward mean-spirited actions or comments by others.

At first glance, taking the high road seems like an act of denial. Most times what you really want is to give the opposition an equally or better negative response. Although expressing those feelings may give you a temporary shot of endorphins, it’s not over yet. You may have just created a monster.

There is a purpose in stepping above the pettiness of others. You’ll have no regrets and may end up making a friend and in the least avoid a heated exchange thereby creating an enemy. There are ways of dealing with conflict when two or more opposing parties have differing points of views.

The Short List – Conflict Resolution

  • Find a safe place and time to talk
  • Stick to the facts – No personal assaults
  • Active Listening: Listen to one another with the idea of understanding what is being said. Identify his or her perception or understanding of the conflict.
  1. Are there any points that coincide with one another?
  2. Are there any points you both can agree upon and will you? Strive for a win-win outcome by providing other options for solving the problem.
  3. In business communication, map out these points of agreement and attempt to build a working model. If the goal is of mutual interest, then fine-tuning the overall concept with strategies for achievement becomes one step easier.
  4. In interpersonal communication, conflict gets sticker. Finding the upside for mutual agreement usually doesn’t have the same focus as business conflicts where monetary gains are on the line.
  • Recognize that all of us have biased fairness perceptions. If no agreement can be made that will work for everyone, accept the other person has the right to their opinion and let it go.
  • The feel-good feeling will return and you can go about your lives in peace and harmony.

Latest Giveaway

Exciting news! Subscribe to receive the latest updates about book releases, reviews, giveaways, and receive a free Kindle version of Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! Limited Offer – Act Now! Note: If you follow using a social media sign-in, please provide an email address to send the gift in privacy mode. Thank you!

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Latest Book News

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Book Review: Enemy of the State

Quote of the Day: “A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.”  William Styron

silhouette of man
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
Today’s post is a book review of Enemy of the State by Kyle Mills. You will find it exhilarating and possibly exhausting following in the steps of Mitch Rapp.

Book Review

Enemy of the State (Mitch Rapp, #16)Enemy of the State by Kyle Mills
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mitch Rapp pushes the limits in fighting terrorism wherever and however is necessary. Forced to change directions with the president’s approval, he quits the CIA.

Rapp assembles a group of independent contractors to get the job done. They had just begun infiltrating the Saudi government and ISIS when the new head of intelligence discovers their efforts and puts a stop to the plan by threating to go public with the post 9/11 agreement between the two countries.

Concerned about his political career and an international incident, the president turns his back on Rapp. The American intelligent agencies were ordered to join the Saudis’ effort in finding Rapp.

Rapp and his band of mercenaries become the center of a manhunt orchestrated to stop his mission. Who will win? Will Rapp vindicate himself and turn the tables on the Saudis and come out alive?

Kyle Mills has picked up the gauntlet from where Vince Flynn left off and has stayed true to his voice while expanding the old, and creating new characters to move the series forward.

View all my reviews

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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No Holds Barred: Personnal Growth

Quote for Today: “Art is innate in the artist, like an instinct that seizes and makes a tool out of the human being. The thing in the final analysis that wills something in him is not he, the personal man, but the aim of the art.” Carl Jung

Author Carolyn Bowen, Blog, The Writing Life

About “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success!”

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!, Carolyn Bowen Author

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,”  life coach and Author Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life!

How To Access Career Resource Sites

Today it was brought to my attention that some folks are having difficulty reaching the career testing sites I referenced in “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” I’d like to help navigate you to these career resources. I’ve used them, some more than once, and have been pleased with the results.

On page 29, “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” I mentioned MAPP – Assessment.com. Type in Assessment.com into your browser and their site will pop-open. Click on the button “Take The FREE Career Test” and follow the prompts. It takes about 22 minutes to complete. The basic career information is free. A fee is required for a more in-depth look at your career possibilities.

Another good site mentioned is QuestCareer.com. Although the company focus is on providing company-sponsored outplacement services. I particularly like the free samples for writing cover letters and resumes plus educational information for pursuing a new career. The link for career testing is also an available resource.

To access career testing from their website type the name, QuestCareer.Com into your browser and their website will open. Look on the left-hand side of the web page and click on “Career Center” then from the drop down menu click on “Career Resources” and click on “Free Online Career Test” and it will bring you to the MAPP testing already discussed.

Today I checked out another career testing site, 123test.com. It’s a FREE Career Aptitude Test that takes five to ten minutes to complete. You will see fifteen sets of four pictures that show specific work activities. You must choose only one work activity that appeals to you the most and one that appeals to you the least. It’s fun, quick and easy.

I found this treasure trove of career assessments I thought you’d like to check out! Career Testing

Career aptitude testing can show you many facets of your personality, some of which may have been hiding from your view. Take a couple of the free tests and compare the findings. Find the repeating fields of interest and research the possibilities of making a career transition.

If you have questions about specific topics in “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success”, please let me know. I want to be a part of your success story. Thank you, Carolyn Bowen

Note: I have no affiliation with the services/companies mentioned.

New Giveaway

Exciting news! Subscribe to The Writing Life to receive the latest news about book releases, reviews, giveaways, and receive a free Kindle version of “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” Limited Offer – Act Now!

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Here’s today’s top picks from readers. Check out my “About Page” for the full listing of all my books. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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A Change Is Coming ~ Fall 2018

Fall 2018, The Writing Life, Carolyn Bowen Author
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Season’s End Quote

Quote of the Day: Summer is dancing away as the leaves change into mosaic colors as a reminder of the season’s end leaving only memories of days gone by. CM Bowen

Autumn: A Transition Season

The annual seasonal changes are a reminder that nothing remains the same. This Saturday, September 22nd at 9:54 pm EST is the autumnal equinox marking the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s an exciting time to breathe in the freshness of the crisp fall air and relax with a pumpkin spice latte while reading your favorite book.

What happens during the equinox?

• The sun crosses the Earth’s equator at the time of the equinox, from the Northern Hemisphere into the Southern Hemisphere.

• During the autumnal equinox, day and night are balanced to about 12 hours each all across the world.

• The Earth’s tilt causes the change in season with the Northern Hemisphere beginning to feel the chill of fall after the warmth of summer.

• Daylight in the Northern Hemisphere becomes shorter leading up to the winter solstice in December. The polar opposite happens in the Southern Hemisphere, where daylight will gradually grow longer until that hemisphere’s summer solstice in December.

abstract art artistic autumn
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Latest Book News

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success, Personal Development, Carolyn Bowen

Launching “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success! ” has been a wonderful experience. Helping others live their best life now is rewarding. I’m looking forward to reading your reviews and comments about this potentially life-changing book.

Check out the latest book review for “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success.“  More reviews for my books are posted on my media page.

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Ahoy, Matey! – Celebrating Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Quote of the Day: Batten down the hatches...

Will Turner: This is either madness… or brilliance.

Jack Sparrow: It’s remarkable how often those two traits coincide. From Pirates of the Caribbean – Curse of the Black Pearl

Today is International Talk like a Pirate Day. My first novel, Cross-Ties, depicts the life and times of early pirating in the Caribbean. Read and you’ll see my fascination with the Caribbean and pirating tales from the early days of exploration and surprising allegiances during wartime.

Cross-Ties (13)

Background

International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Since September 19th, 2002, International Talk like a Pirate Day has been celebrated.

Who should we thank for this fun day of talking like pirates?

It all started when John Baur and Mark Summers (June 6, 1995) were playing racquetball and reverted to pirate talk as friendly encouragement.

Time went by and friends reminded them on the day they’d picked to celebrate talk like a pirate day – September 19th. Deciding to create awareness of their unique holiday, they emailed Dave Barry, a well-known humor columnist and author, who to their surprise thought it was a good idea. Barry wrote about the holiday in his column and the rest is history.

The Lost Macaw, B.L. Blair, Writing Life, Book Blog Tour, CMBowen Author, Book Blogger

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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Latest Writing News

Quote of the Day: “To think to long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.” Eve Young

person writing on white book
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Sunday’s are a day of reflection and planning around my house for me. Today is exciting as I look forward to my next creative venture. And, you’re invited to participate in my latest Sunday fun day idea!

The V.I.P. Launch Team

Team members will receive the first copy of my new books for review and comments. Also, members will have the opportunity to win prizes of a few of my favorite things – books and more. Join the V.I.P. Group today. Thanks for your support!

 

Free Gift For Subscribing to “The Writing Life!”

Please leave your name and email address for a free Kindle version of “Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success!” by Carolyn Bowen. Limited Offer – Act Now!

Cross-Stepping Your Way To Success

Book Description

When surfers hit the water, they use a technique called cross-stepping or moving their weight forward and backward to stay standing. Cross-stepping isn’t just a good idea for surfers, though – you, too, can metaphorically use the same strategy of zigzagging motions to achieve success.

In “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” career coach Carolyn Bowen shows you how to zig-zag your way to success one step at a time. She examines grieving, life planning, owning your power, becoming health conscious, learning to love again, and more.

Read “Cross-Stepping Your Way to Success,” and you’ll discover how to maintain your balance on the choppy waters of life! #SelfHelp #MentalHealth #Bestseller

Life is precious – go live it! ~ Carolyn M. Bowen

Where to Find My Novels

Check at your favorite online bookstores and corner bookshops. Click the direct link to begin reading on Amazon. Happy reading!


The Long Road Home: Romantic Murder Mystery


Cross-Ties: Historical Fiction Passages

I’ll be writing and sharing on social media. Hope to see you there, too! Carolyn Bowen

Social Media Hangouts!

These are a few of my social media hangouts! Drop by and say hello!

Goodreads

Twitter

Google Plus

Facebook

Love picture ideas? Me, too.  Pinners Follow Here!

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