Eleven years ago, I met a young woman whose smile lit up a room. Her laugh made me laugh, and she always had a wise-crack or a wry comment that would make me burst into giggles. Beautiful and unique, she brought joy to those around her, although, I'm not sure she always felt that. 

Sometimes, she got down and didn't want to face the world, but no one in her life could imagine their world without her in it. Even if all she wanted to do was sleep, we took comfort knowing she would awaken and, eventually, the storm would pass. And the laughter would return. Because that was Lexi. Her strength lay in her love for her family, and she loved with all her heart and soul. 

Lexi was a phenomenal baker and cake decorator, created amazing crafts, could put together a baby shower or a birthday party a professional planner would envy, and was the go-to babysitter because she had a way with children who connected with her kind heart. Dedicated to her friends and family, Lexi wore her heart on her sleeve, and sometimes, got hurt because of it. But she would rebound, and her smile would return. 

In 2013, Lexi fought a hard battle for her life when she ended up in intensive care and battled a serious illness. She survived only to relapse a couple of years later, but her strength wasn't depleted. She continued to fight and was able to return home again, to the joy of her family and friends. But that was Lexi. She never stopped fighting, and she always had a smile for those she loved. 

But our hearts broke on January 14, 2017 when we lost that smile forever. Lexi took her final walk into the arms of Jesus that morning, and those of us left behind are devastated and shaken to our foundation. Loving Lexi was easy; letting her go will be the most difficult thing we've ever had to do. Our only comfort is she is with the One who wipes away all tears, and we've no doubt she is dancing in heaven tonight. 

I've  mentioned htat I've been writing for Movie Pilot, which is an entertainment site where contributors write about movies, television, games, and all things entertaining. 

I started writing in May 2016, and as of December 2016, I had written 110, 197 words. That's about two books for me, but I don't regret spending this time away from writing books. Why? Because writing for Movie Pilot helps me refocus. 

Posts for Movie Pilot are generally more news-related and/or opinion which allows me to flex a different side of my creative muscles. (My most recent post is about the #Charmed prequel.) Plus as I'm a rabid fan of a lot of shows that are no longer on the air, writing about them brings back great memories. 

As my handle says, I'm Addicted to Arrow so I write about it a lot as well as The Flash, other DC shows, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and so many more television shows I miss or currently watch. IF you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by. You can find me at https://creators.co/@addicted2arrow.

On February 14th, I"m releasing my 1920s historical novella, The Gangster's Daughter. Once again, my fabulous cover artist gave me the exact cover I wanted! 

Please let me know what you think! All feedback is welcome even if you don't think it's the greatest cover ever!