PUBLISHED!

At the beginning of the year, I set a goal for myself to publish my story...this was the year I would become a published author.  Well, I'm happy and proud to say that not only did I become a published author, I became an international best selling author, and #1 Best Seller in the US.  I am proud of the 105 other women co-authors - from all over the world - who collected their own inspirational stories and the work of Carla Wynn Hall and Laurie K. Grant to pull it all together into this beautiful anthology called Chocolate and Diamonds for the Woman's Soul.  The Kindle version released on September 13th (no Kindle required - I don't own one, but I have the app on every device I own so I can read wherever I am :)), and we're still sitting as #1 best seller in the US, and almost there in Canada.  The paperback will be released on October 4th.  I know some people are holding out for the paperback - me too.  But I couldn't wait to read this collection!  As much as I love holding a book in my hand, I also love the convenience of being able to read a book on my phone.  So, I have both, and almost always purchase both the Kindle and hard copy, especially when supporting my fellow author friends (of course, I want the hard copy with their personal message to me - it's a great way to connect!).

Chocolate & Diamonds for the Woman's Soul is a collaboration of stories from 104 writers who have released their legacy. Hot Pink Publishing hosts compilation programs for women who wish to tell their story. Our "Diamonds" shine brightly through every page. Unwrap the stories as you allow them to take you into the lives of women who have truly made an impact on the world through their stories. 

From stories of becoming instantly blind at the age of 23, to living life with a disabling condition, there is something in this book for everyone. 

SHE is a Diamond 
SHE has walked through the fire of adversity. 
SHE is a survivor or Domestic Violence. 
SHE is a cancer thriver. 
SHE released guilt, held for a lifetime. 
SHE wrote her story. 
SHE shines bright. 
SHE is a DIAMOND. 

Chocolate and Diamonds for the Woman's Soul contains "Timeless Treasures" to warm the heart and soothe the soul. Get it on Amazon! Get it for yourself, or as a gift...you'll love it, and we'll love you for supporting us! 

With my story, "Remembering Me and Breaking Free", my hope is that you will be inspired to have the courage to remember who you are and be free to be your true self, no matter what!  It's the story of how I came to remember who I truly was, and my yearning to be free to be me and to be loved as ME.  It's not the whole story (there's a ton more I have to say about it - that's coming; I'm currently working on the whole story, my journey of awakening, and hope to have it ready to publish in 2016).  In the meantime - FEED YOUR SOUL WITH SOME CHOCOLATE AND DIAMONDS!  Happy reading XOX

Linda J. Spencer
www.LindaJSpencer.com
https://www.facebook.com/LindaJSpencerWriter

The Success of Love

Heart shaped crystals embedded in Bell Rock, Sedona, AZ

"Love conquers all", so the saying goes....and I must attest that I believe this to be true.  I have experienced first hand how love has healed my wounds - physical and emotional, those on the surface, and those in the depths of my soul.  I have seen it in my children, in friends and family (especially my soul family), and even strangers.

March came to an end with my return from a most expansive trip of LOVE to Sedona, Arizona with a group of people whom I've fallen in love with, and the publication of my poem "The Success of Love" in Sibella Poetry Magazine.  The synchronicity of the trip, to my poem, to a Wide Awakening message I received yesterday are amazing.  The trip was one of love and deep remembering.  The Wide Awakening message was one of courage (click on the link to read it yourself), remembering and leaving a wake of love.  My poem holds a message of the success of love - the amount of joy you’ve created with your heart. <3  
How do you measure success?

The Success of Love

(©Linda J. Spencer, 2013)

What is success?

Is there ever only one definition? Or infinite possibilities?

Is it making millions of dollars tucked away that you’ll never spend?

Having luxury cars in the driveway that you never drive?

Living in a big house so large that you could avoid its fellow occupants,

With manicured lawns, tennis courts and a pool?

Or is it the number of trophies and medals hanging on the wall?

Or the diamond jewellery adorning pricey manicured hands?

What about the smile you put on a co-worker's face,

As you give them a cup of their favourite coffee, just because?

What about teaching your child to tie his shoes

And the excitement he shows when he finally does it by himself?

And what about the collaboration of collecting hundreds of bags of clothing

For a community ravaged by fires or floods?

Or filling a community centre with youth who would otherwise be walking the streets?

And what about when you’ve taught someone to show love and respect for all creation?

Maybe success isn’t measured in dollars and cents,

But in the amount of joy you’ve created with your heart.

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Please visit the April/May issue of Sibella Poetry Magazine to see the full collection of poems with my fellow contributors (www.sibellapoetry.com).  Happy Spring to you ALL! xox