Bucket Lists
In 2010 I left an airline job after almost two decades. I had made some amazing friendships and it was a tough decision to leave, but it gave me the opportunity to spend one full year with my mom before she died. My last days at work I passed around a book to stay connected with my friends and instead of just asking for their phone number or email, I asked for them to add a bucket list item to their note. With my own additions, the list totaled in the 300’s. Over the years I’ve had more friends add to the list and all along I’ve been slowly checking them off. Now the fun part is that when I write my own items down they come from me, but when others add to the list it can be something completely off the wall and out of my comfort zone. Another point to make here is that many people believe a bucket list only contains exotic locations or death defying acts (it has some of both) but truly anything can be added. Here are some examples of mine-
#10 pay for someone’s dinner anonymously
#36 Hunt for a dinosaur bone
#59 See the inside of Seti’s tomb
#72 Invite a homeless person to Thanksgiving dinner
#92 Cheer for the Yankees (ha I’m a die hard California Angels fan)
#116 Ride every ride in Disneyland in one day
#163 Learn another language
#213 Change somebody’s life
#244 Go jousting at a Renaissance Fair
#300 ride an elephant
Your bucket list can honestly have anything on it. Of my current list, I only have 48 accomplished so far, but that’s what makes the challenge fun. In my monthly newsletter, I include a bucket list item from my own list for my readers. The October challenge was #34 Do 3 random acts of kindness in one day. Something that this world is sorely in need of right now. I hope we can all meet this challenge and in a small way make a difference in each of our corners of the world. Have a great week! #leahmoyes
Breathe, darling this is just a chapter, not your whole story- SC Lowrie
I love this quote! It is perfect for the times we are living in right now. When everything feels as though it is too overwhelming, take a step back and remember this is but a small moment (or chapter) in your book of life. We should take stock of our lives and recognize the small things that make us happy…an Arizona sunset :) a neighbor’s smile, a facetime call with 3 squirmy granddaughters, the list could go on and it is different for each of us. Write them down and put the list somewhere you can see it and constantly be reminded that there is always something to be grateful for.
SECOND SURVIVOR
I am so excited to introduce my new historical fiction novel, "SECOND SURVIVOR"
The cover and release date will be revealed on October 1.
See below for a hint of what’s to come! #leahmoyes
During an archaeological dig on the Northern Coast of Menorca, I spent time in The Monestir (monastery/convent) de Santa Clara Ciutadella (Pictures attached). While there, I discovered a newspaper clipping of the French liner/General Chanzy shipwreck. Immediately drawn to the story, I began my research.
"Second Survivor" is a heart-wrenching historical fiction novel set in both Algiers, Algeria during French occupation, and Menorca, Spain. Told in the perspective of four characters, Second Survivor is a twist on the tragic shipwreck . . . the General Chanzy in the Mediterranean Sea. 156 people aboard the barge lost their lives on the morning of 10 February 1910. There was only one survivor. This story shares the fate of a Second Survivor.
Make a Difference
It all begins with an idea.
As we navigate these uncertain times with Covid 19 and social awareness, let’s not forget to respect one another’s opinions, beliefs, or lifestyles. The real beauty of this world is diversity and courage. We all have something to share and we all have something to learn. Start each day with a plan to make a difference in another person’s life. It might not take much effort on your part but it might mean the world of difference to another. #bekind #leahmoyes
I have been bent and broken…
It all begins with an idea.
I have been bent and broken,
but I hope into a better shape
-Charles Dickens
This is a quote used in my new book “Charlock’s Secret”. When I was reading this section earlier, I thought it seemed appropriate for this time as well. We have been in “shelter” for over a month now, and each person/family facing their own personal challenges and obstacles. For me and my family, we have survived on the humor of the quarantine memes and found ways to reach out to loved ones in different ways than before.
We have been bent and broken, but HOPE into better shape…hope is the guiding light that leads us through the dark.
“Smile and wave, boys…”
It all begins with an idea.
Said so well by the Madagascar Movie Penguins…It all begins with a simple action from one person, whether it is a smile, a wave, an emoji or a text. Kindness is free. It requires very little time and very little effort, but the result can be life-changing for the recipient.
