Today as I went for my daily run the air was thick with Jasmine and the Magnolias lay heavy within the branches of the trees. There was no need for the blaring of my I- pod as the various species of birds filled my ears with their own delicate songs.
Spring time in the South is like no other and I feel so blessed to be able to witness all of its splendid glory. Being allowed to wake up slowly, ramble around the serenity of our home and head outside into such a natural spectacle, is one of my biggest joys. I wouldn’t trade it for any other. I am fortunate to walk out my door with coffee in hand and wander peacefully upon our grounds in admiration over the new buds upon my bougainvilleas or follow the deep scent of my roses to the home of their gardens. It is there that I will dwell and allow myself to reflect upon the words that I will write for the day. My children are grown and my days are now mine to do with what I wish. I have slowed down. Nature has nurtured me into a woman who is at peace with herself and her surroundings. There is no longer the need to fly through the day at a frantic pace. I remember those days with a smile, as I sit with my laptop upon my lap. My romantic southern days are long-lasting. I am in no hurry for life to pass me by. So for those of you who have asked me why I chose this path, it is simply to have the ability to occasionally look up from the stories that I write and admire the flutter of the butterflies outside my window.

Where does the time fly? Is it possible that we have traded in the candy that filled our pails  for turkey on our plates? Life for me is a whirlwind as I have been on tour and signing copies of my hard cover Once Wicked Always Dead. I really need to give a shout out to all the wonderful book stores who have so graciously allowed me to come in and spend time with them and all my readers. For me there is nothing better then surrounding myself around books, people and cafe’ moca’s! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! I would now like to touch on a more serious nature.

After watching the news last night (Anyone who knows me understands that I am a huge news junkie!) I saw something very disturbing, and yes, I feel the need to touch on this subject! Apparently there is an Author  (I don’t even want to put Author as a title to this mentally, problematic person) but he wrote  a how to for Pedophiles. He was able to e-pub the trash and Amazon offered it for sale on their site. After much protest Amazon removed it  and the Author was interviewed by reporters. I watched those interviews and believe me when I tell you,  the man is definitely out to lunch  and a danger not only to children but to society!

The big debate has been freedom of speech. As an Author, I am all for freedom of speech but as human beings we also need to be held responsible for our actions. The actions taken by this man are harmful,  not only for what he has written, but also in his belief that it’s ok to take the innocence from our youth and put so many children in serious jepordy but also help in furthering breaking down the moral fibers in our country. He is telling very troubled, individuals that their own perverse desires, should be act upon without any consequences or concern for the detrimental damage it would cause to our children! 

In this particular case, freedom of speech should be thrown out the window! If the government wishes to control and make decisions over what we feed our children or eliminate toys in Happy Meals, why don’t they do something about this! Come on people, have we have gone so far over the spectrum that we have lost all common sense?  So I would like to say to Mr so called Author, don’t be surprise if you receive your free copy of Once Wicked Always Dead, I think Leeza would like to meet you.  You seem to be just what she is ridding the world of!