Life is... Complicated

I wish I could say that 2021 has been a good year. After all, 2020 wasn't the worst for me, but this year really did kick my ass. From the beginning of the year wondering if my husband had cancer due to a four cm tumor on his kidney, my horse dying on valentine's day and my mother's passing due to addiction and covid.... this year has been rough on my mental health. 

I've struggled this year with direction, purpose, self-identity, depression, hopelessness... There were months where I couldn't find the willpower to create anything at all, which as an artist only deepens the chasm between who I am and who I want to be. It took a while, and my best friend visiting me, to find a piece of myself to hang onto again. A single piece is enough to start though.

I've been working out like crazy, and I think it is helping with the depression, though I will admit it isn't easy to do it some days. At least I'm used to ignoring the voice inside my head that tells me not to get up for the day, not to go out of my house, not to workout... I won't let my demons defeat me. 

I have been struggling to finish editing GRAVESEND because of my depression and lack of focus, though I have written three beginnings for CONTEND and started another book... We will see where they lead.

In addition to that, I've been taking on freelance Graphic Design gigs. Mostly for other authors or the local theatre but it's a start. I hope I can build on this. A friend also wants to work on a creative arts program locally so there's potential. 

My youngest daughter is in the town Christmas play (which is a professional production) so I am quite proud of her. My oldest daughter and son just had their first of two recital for their middle school drama program, and they KILLED it... And my youngest son is FINALLY getting the help he needs in a specialized preschool program meant to help him speak soon. I am hopeful where they are concerned. 

Anyways, that's about all I've got. Things happened, books get delayed. I'm sorry about that because I know you're waiting impatiently for the next installment. I promise I'm working on myself so I can work on it with the best mindset possible. 

Lots of Love,

​Leia Marie 

​PS. The store will be back up in 2022.

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