Seems like the year just started and already we are in the middle of January! I didn't realize I hadn't updated this blog since October.

As mentioned in my last blog post, I was in the process of looking for a new to me car. This car was found and purchased on Oct 7. I am the owner now of a 2014 Chevrolet Captiva. It was exactly what I was looking for...the right price, the right size, the right mileage. Everything. It has heated seats, remote start, bluetooth phone connection.

Lexi and I went to California for Christmas. She is a good little traveler. She does excellent on the plane. On the shuttle from Duluth to Minneapolis she whined some, but then settled down.

Yesterday May 6, 2021, Lexi celebrated her birthday. She turned 10 years old, and is now considered a senior. Where did the years go?  Although she is my registered Emotional Support Animal, sometimes I'm not sure if she is my ESA or if I am her Emotional Support Human. Probably a little of both. 

Hello everyone

Today it's all about Lexi.
​I went thru some pictures and picked out a few favorites.

I got a new mug today that Bob ordered for me, every writer should have one!

Until Next Time

​Rena

I hope ya'll had a blessed Resurrection Sunday!

​Just a quick update on my upcoming projects. We are currently editing my 2nd project, a novella. I am also working on my 3rd project, another book of short stories. The book will have 5-6 stories. I am currently on story # 3. I am also in the process of planning the 4th story for the book.

I've been trying to  upload pictures here, but have been having a little trouble doing it, but hopefully next time I can include pictures of my girl Lexi.

Until next time,

​Rena

I  know  spring isn't officially here, but it sure has been beautiful out and feels like spring.  But it is March, and Minnesota weather can be unpredictable. Don't forget to set your clocks ahead next Saturday night, March 13th!

We have just begun the editing process of my second book, a Novella. I have also started working on my 3rd project, another book of short stories.  Not sure yet how many stories will be included in the book, but I am currently working on story #3.

The response to my first book was amazing! It was an almost 40 year old dream come true, and it still sometimes feels like I am dreaming. 

My girl Lexi has been having lots of fun at Bubbles and Bows Doggy Day Care for the past year. I try to take her at least once a week, but don't always make it. She is one pooped pup when I pick her up after hours of playing with her buddies. They say she does well, and plays with the big dogs and the small dogs. Being a yorkie, she doesn't know that she is a s mall dog. She is a small dog with a big dog attitude.

Will try to include pictures with my next update.

Until next time,

​Rena

I hope ya'll had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but we made it and it is over. As challenging as it was, there were also good things that happened. Even through tough times, God is in control and bestows His blessings upon us.

I just finished my second book, and we will start the editing process soon, with hopes of getting it out in March or April. I am also planning my next project.  

​

I am pleased to announce the arrival of my 1st book!  It is available in both kindle and paperback. The name of the book is INSPIRING SPECIAL NEEDS STORIES!!  Hope you will check it out. Please leave a review on Amazon once you've read it. Hope ya'll enjoy my first book.

Thank you to everyone who has already purchased the book and to all who have been sharing on facebook and other social media sites.  In addition to my regular facebook page, I also have a facebook author page, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

Until Next Time,
​Rena

Click on the link below to see a free preview of the book. 

Won't be long now, folks!! We finished the final edit.  Thank you to my beta readers, Sue and Kim for taking the time to read the book, fill out the question sheet and give honest input on things to make it a better book. 

We now have a title and a cover. All that is left is the blurbs for each of the 5 stories in the the book, and the back cover. Then it will be uploaded  to Amazon for their approval. Once they approve it, they will send us a proof copy.

I have just created my own facebook page called Rena's Writings. Check it out!



Until Next Time,
​Rena

My book is progressing nicely! 
We have chosen a possible title out of a long list of brain storm ideas.
Within the next couple of days, the book will be presented to my Beta readers...Kim, Sue and Amy, for their input. 

Becoming a writer has been a dream since I was in high school, if not before. In 1981, as a Senior, I listed it as a goal in a survey all the Seniors had to fill out. I will be a published author before my 40th high school reunion next year. My dream is finally becoming a reality.

The closer we get to completing the book, the more excited I get knowing that soon I will be holding my first book in my hand. We are also publishing a kindle version and it will be sold on Amazon

Until Next Time,
​Rena

Here it is September 1st already!

My book is getting closer and closer to being finished. I just finished proofreading, and now we have more final read thru. We will also be working on the cover and title. I finished the author bio, dedication, and acknowledgements, but still have to do the picture to go with the bio for the back of the book. But every time Sue and I plan a time to do pictures, it rains. We need a nice sunny day for those :)

Until next time, 

​Rena

Just a quick update on my book. I am pleased to announce that we are in the final editing stages and we hope to have it out no later than October 1st. 

Until next time,
​Rena

After my cancer diagnosis in March 2009, one of my good friends suggested we get involved in Relay for Life, which was a big fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. That July we attended the event just to see what it was all about. The event took place at Longyear Park in Coleraine MN.

It was like nothing we had ever seen before! There was music, food, games, contests, and a survivor walk in which names  of cancer survivors in attendance were read off and they walked together around the park. It was truly a remarkable evening!

Wow! It has been  almost a year since I have updated this blog! So much has happened since my last update.

My book has taken a different direction than previously shared. I didn't make the 12 Christmas stories. Instead, I wrote a series of short stories that will be published into a book of short stories. Each story features some type of disability.

We are currently in the first draft editing stage of the stories. We are getting closer to completing the project but still have a ways to go.

My yorkie Lexi turned 9 years old last month. She goes to Doggie Day Care every week at Bubbles and Bows. They tell me she does well, and seems to love it. She is a very social dog, and loves everyone and loves to play with other dogs so this is good for her.

Hope ya'll are staying well during this pandemic. I, like everyone else, will be glad when it is over. But until then...stay healthy. With God's help, we will all get thru these times together.

Until next time,
​Rena

Everyone is created differently. That was God's plan. Some people are short, while others are tall. Some people wear glasses because their eyes aren't perfect. Others might wear a hearing aid because they don't hear well. And still others might use sign language to communicate because they are unable to speak. Are these people treated differently because of these things?  Not usually. But there is a large population of people who are treated differently because of their differences. These are people who are physically or mentally challenged. These are people who are physically handicapped. These are people who are developmentally disabled. Yes, these people have a disability. But they are people first. 

Years ago, I was taking an online writing course. One of my assignments was to write an article. It could be about anything I wanted, I had no idea what to write about. At this time, I had been working at the Orion Corporation of MN for about 11 years or so. After much agonizing over what to write, I finally decided to write about my job working with people with disabilities.

Welcome friends and family to my first blog!
 This is where I will keep updates on my writing and other things!
I am excited to begin this new endeavor!