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The Art of Happiness…

March 7, 2012

When I started my blog over two years ago, I termed it Writing Mama and used it as a place to share my experiences and tell the truth. I wrote about writing, and my dreams, and my kids and my experiences. Along the way, I built a platform of great friends and supportive bloggers who were sharing in finding their own dreams and discoveries on this journey.

Things have changed – they always do – and I found my blog changing and geared more toward writing as I moved into a full time job. I decided to write mostly about my kids at my other site I share with my other two friends and amazing writers at http://4badmommies.com

But sometimes my kids leaked into my post, and I still feel free to write about whatever hits me at the moment. That’s what life is about – the moment. And trying to be fully living and engaged, even when our minds want to run off and chatter in a million other directions.

So, first off, my housekeeping details! I’m so thrilled to report The Marriage Bargain is still at the top of the Barnes and Noble bestseller list in romance and all books. Holding at #3 in romance this week, and #6 in all books.

A Life Worth Living still holds at the #1 spot on Amazon for Animals/Pets in Essays and books. Many of you have written to me sharing your experiences about your dogs and I’m always humbled by the wonderful animal lovers out there. I’m also proud to announce a nice big check will be going to the animal shelter because of your generosity through sales.

You may have noticed some new photos around the net as I finally updated my author shots so my readers will know me a bit better. March is a busy month with lots of fun blog posts so here is the overview:

Wednesday, March 7th : Lisa’s World of Books – I’m talking about love spells and giving a free book away! Join me at:  http://bit.ly/xAnaFU

 Wednesday, March 7th: Maggie Marr Blog – Spring Into Romance – I’m talking about love and your first – don’t miss it! http://maggiemarr.blogspot.com/

 Thursday, March 8th: Guest blog and review at Close Encounters with the Night Kind for Catch Me – visit here:  http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

 Friday, March 9th: Book Spotlight on Sex, Lies and Contracts-

http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

I will also be participating in a St. Patrick’s Day blog hop with LOADS of prizes so stay tuned!

 OK, so let’s talk. Let me detail a real conversation between my husband and I. He comes home from his day job, bright and cheery to find me in my ragged pink bathrobe, slippers, messed up hair, and a beer hanging from my fingertips. He lays down his bag and stares at me. “Uh, hi honey. How ya doing?”

“Fine.”

HIs face reflects confusion. “Ok. What’s for dinner?”

I glare at him. “I’m  exhausted. Let’s order a pizza.”

His brow lifts. “Why?”

“I had a hard day.”

My husband of eight years takes a moment and then bursts into hysterical laughter. Absolute hysterics. Wiping tears from his eyes he hoots. “Oh, that’s a good one. You’re in your pajamas. Drinking a beer. Who has it better than you?”

Then I burst into tears, but not ones of laughter. “You don’t understand anything!” I begin blubbering. “I worked on edits for over six hours straight today.  I guest blogged in two places, dealt with my email, had to change twice because our son threw up on me, did the dishes, cleaned the bathroom, read books to our sick son, had two phone conversations, paid bills, and now I’m stuck on a scene and I think this sequel sucks and I’ll never make any sales and my career will be over! And I haven’t left the house for two days and I can’t remember when I showered or put on make-up so I needed the frikkin beer, ok! Now we’re ordering pizza tonight!”

Silence ensued. Then he nodded. “Nah, I’ll just stick some chicken in the oven, let’s save the money. Boy, oh boy, that was a good one. Wait till the boys at work hear this.”

And that, is a scene straight out of marriage.

Nope, not like in the romance novels. But still, on a day to day basis, when my husband can laugh at me, cook for me, and just be in the mess with me, it’s a pretty good day.

Happiness is what you make of it, every day. Sometimes we reach the pinnacle of joy, other times the depths of despair, and most of the time we’re stuck straight in the middle.

What defines your happiness?

 

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  1. I have a burst of happiness once a week when our cleaning lady comes … It wasn’t my idea, it was The Exec’s. And he pays. It only took me thirteen years to wear him down! He wouldn’t know how to turn the oven on for that chicken, though. :0)
    XXX

  2. Whoot for the cleaning lady! Nice one Rachelle! Thanks for stopping in!

  3. Theresa says:

    What defines my happiness? Right now as a single woman, I am going to back to my teenage years by enjoying myself following a rock band around when I can. Other than that hanging with good friends (Like you), being with family and my new found happiness working out!! I know it doesn’t defines everyones live but it gets me through!!!!

  4. Moments just like the one you just had – I love that my DH and I can laugh (at and with) each other… Other moments: when bebe (3 year old) brings a new book to be and demands ‘read’… When I finish a scene (my own writing or a fave author’s) that makes me cry. Or laugh…

    • Jennifer says:

      Yes! I love those answers, you covered the basic three – spouse, kids, writing. Thanks for taking the time to stop in!

  5. tara says:

    It’s tough to find happiness these days but when things are rough, I just have to look a little harder for it. Luckily I have my four year old comedian who makes me smile no matter what happens. I hope his positive outlook stays with him for the rest of his life! 🙂

    • HI Tara! You said it so well, and you know where the right place is to look. Your son sounds pretty awesome – he’s lucky to have such a great mom. When things are going bad for me, I look at my two boys also and it reminds me how lucky I am. Thanks so much for stopping – I always love hearing from you!

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