We hope you enjoyed the February 2023 issue of This Awful Awesome Life.
Many thanks to Lilly Kauffman, Orlando Bartro, and Linda Cahill for their contributions to each issue.
My manuscript, Everything In-Between, is in the hands of a new editor. I’m not doing this one myself. I’m also working with an illustrator to design the cover. I will reveal his name once the deal is complete. Yes, he has been featured in This Awful Awesome Life, is tremendously talented, and I am so fortunate to be able to collaborate with him.
Formatting and publishing are next, and you will see advertisements on Amazon soon. I’ll make an announcement on social media prior to its release.
My home reno projects are proceeding noisily, but the results are fantastic. I have a new custom bookcase to hold my treasured books, a new heating system in my two-story three-season room, updated electrical panels (sometimes you have to spend money no one will ever notice), and the demolition on my ugly outdated main bath is underway. Best of all, the tile, vanity, toilet, and fixtures arrived on time.
The theme for this issue is creativity and we are focusing on writing. Last year, I wrote five short stories based on one writing prompt. This year, in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, our writing prompt is this quote by the Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde, “Flowers blossom for their own joy.” This year a wrote two stories with female main characters. Lilly Kauffman, Louise Goodhauer, and Orlando Bartro chose different approaches to our prompt. Creativity is alive and well at This Awful Awesome Life.
We have articles about Women’s History Month and a quiz featuring strong female characters from your favorite films.
In honor of Women’s History Month, I reviewed, Call Us What We Carry, by Amanda Gorman. Gorman is the youngest poet to recite an original work at a U.S. presidential inauguration. She represents the talented, strong, young, women of this country who acknowledge the past, plan for the future, but live in the now.
“What’s in a Word?” is only one word this month. It’s an important and often misinterpreted word we all need to understand. For our streaming column, I selected four movies with strong performances that left an impression.
“Dare to Believe,” is proud to feature HeForShe, a movement focused on gender equality,
and Mary Robinson, the first female president of Ireland.
Our March 2023 salad in “The Twelve Months of Salad” is Spring Peas and Asparagus with Mint Salad. It’s the perfect green for spring and so easy to make.
Linda Cahill shares delicious recipes courtesy of The Pampered Chef. These dishes are ideal for those who observe Lent and are sure to make us all think about spring. Don’t miss our reading recommendations for kids and adults. Also, check out our Author page, March in Pictures, and our preview of the April issue.
I know we have most of the year before we have to think about voting again, but the 2023 elections will include gubernatorial, and state legislative elections in a few states and numerous citizen initiatives, mayoral races, and local offices. Please keep showing up and voting. We will never tell you who to vote for, but we will keep telling you to vote and do your homework! Vet all candidates and insist that all political parties do the same. Vote for the candidates who are the most qualified and who will safeguard our democracy.
Samantha Sayers has been missing since she disappeared on August 1, 2018, after a day of solo hiking at Vesper Peak near Seattle, Washington. Sam grew up in the Erie, Pennsylvania area where her parents Ron and Lisa still live. Her family is exploring all avenues of inquiry to find and bring her home. In the face of such an enormous challenge, they have chosen hope. Please keep sending positive thoughts to Sam and her family. As promised, we will be displaying a yellow ribbon for Sam on the opening page of each issue of This Awful Awesome Life until she is home.
If you are a person of faith, please pray for her safe return to her family. Because we are an online publication, we can update this article with any news. We will also post information on our Facebook page. Thank you!
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Happy Reading,
Fran