For better than six years now I have looked forward to every other Tuesday and chatting with all my dear friends and my sisters here at Murder She Writes. We’ve been through some rough times and all of you were patient through my recovery and the resurrection of my writing career. We’ve also shared some wonderful times. You’ve gone through every step of the reno on this old house with me and my husband as well as my baby girl’s wedding. I will cherish the memories until the end of my days.
This is Deb, Allison and former MSW blogger Deb LeBlanc, along with a guy (LOL!) when we did a panel at RT back in … 2007?
There’s just one problem with that way of thinking—I realized recently that I’m not a martyr at all. What I am is a chicken. Yes, that’s right, a straight up chicken. It takes real courage to focus on and fix yourself. And you don’t have to worry about feeling guilty when you’re busy taking care of everyone else. It’s much harder to say, “Sorry, I can’t do that because I’m going to get a pedicure or taking a nice, leisurely walk.” Or, “I’m going to the gym.” I’ve always hated telling anyone no, but I’m exercising that muscle starting now. A wonderful lady and dear friend of mine from childhood said it best, “Fifty-five and coming alive!” So maybe I’m having a delayed midlife crisis. Whatever. As long as it helps me get where I’m going, game on!
Where am I headed? Well, I didn’t need a GPS to figure that out. All I needed was a few months of reflection and a long, hard look at myself in the mirror. I’m shedding all those extra pounds and getting strong. I’m spending time with my husband and taking leisurely Sunday drives. I’m considering what I want before I factor in what everyone else wants. I’m going to enjoy some time just being me.
I love all you guys and look forward to showing off pics of my courageous journey into Me-Town. While you’re here today, why not share what you’ve done for you lately?
I can not tell you how sad I am to see Deb leave. I met her for the first time at the 2006 Atlanta RWA conference and we had dinner with her friends — she is kind, gracious, sweet, and Southern in all the best ways. The accident that befell her should never have happened, she should never have had to suffer through the pain and frustration of the past two-and-a-half years. She is truly an inspiration to me, and to everyone lucky enough to call her friend. I understand your decision, Deb — I support you totally — but we’re all going to miss you. XOXO. ~Allison
Allison Brennan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly three dozen romantic thrillers and mysteries, including the Lucy Kincaid series and the Max Revere series. She lives in Northern California with her husband, five children, and assorted pets.
Hi Deb, I completely understand where you’re coming from. On the first day of this year, I decided that this was the year I was going to focus on ME. It’s the scariest thing I’ve ever one, and I’m having a ball. I decided to focus more on living for ME, taking care of ME more, and worrying about ME more. I have already had some operation ME days, which were well needed. I’ll miss you, hearing about your life, the reno, and your family. I hope you stop by to check in once in a while too. I’m excited for you 🙂
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Thanks, Paula! I’m so glad you get it! Be sure to visit me on Facebook!
Deb, I wish you all the best. I really enjoyed your posts here, even if I didn’t always comment. Take care of yourself, and enjoy the extra time (something tells me it’ll get filled up by something else rather quickly, if you’re not careful).
Thanks, Jake! You are absolutely correct and I’m guarding my time ferociously!
Debb, I’m right there with you and understand. You’ve met my DH and know what a sweet guy he is. Two years now he is battling cancer and sometimes I feel my life is not my own. I keep in mind how blessed I am to have him and to be able to share things that might not have been said if we didn’t have this monkey on our backs. So even though I’m the driver, we still do the short drive and talk.
I watch my health and I do take some time for me, because I need to be strong and sane for me, for him and for the kids when they have an emergency. The branches don’t hold up the tree.
Be strong lady. Be you.
Thank you, Autumn! Very good advice!
Well, damn. I’m really gonna miss you here, Deb. Best of luck to you in all your endeavors and congratulations for taking the time to focus on yourself. :hugs:
See you around the interwebs! =o)
I’ll be looking for you on facebook and at http://www.thefacesofevil.com!
::Sniff, Sniff:: I’m sad to see you go, but wish you all the best. sometimes being selfish is the best thing you can do. Good luck!
Thanks, Toni!
deb, i am sitting here wishing the best for you with all my heart. what an amazing role model you have been for me, and I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of a little “me” time. much love as you head for adventure!
Thanks, Sophie! I hope to see you in Atlanta this summer also!
Deb,
Although going to miss seeing your posts here I do applaud you on taking the next journey. I know it is not easy taking care of yourself… I too have recently started on that long trek.
But if you don’t take care of you then who will? So go and enjoy your Deb time!
Of course I will still see you at the Weekly Briefings 🙂 and on FB.
Thanks, Linda! I will see you there!
Deb has been my hero for a really long time. She is one strong, amazing woman. While I will miss her here at MurderSheWrites, I can’t wait to see her continue to soar in her career — and her adventure to recapture her ME.
I love how you set your mind to something. It’s awesome to see, so have fun, girl!!! Life is good. Enjoy it!!!
Thanks, BJ! See you on facebook!
I can sure relate, Deb! It’s hard to put yourself first! Most of us just aren’t wired that way! I’m sure not but I’ve had to do that in the last year and boy what a learning experience in patience! I have had debilitating migraines for 24 years but in the last year they became chronic migraines – about 15 per month! I had to step back and change my whole lifestyle. Pretty much focus on myself and make it all “about me” which was super hard! I’m much better, not cured, but it has taught me a lot! Good luck to you in your ventures!
Oh my gosh, Valri! Bless your heart. I’m so glad you’re getting better. Take care of you girl!
I’ll miss you on here but I’ll keep track on facebook. We have to know when you have new books coming out. May you enjoy some me time.
Thanks, Holly! I will definitely see you on Facebook!
Deb, I love you. But more than that, I respect and admire you! I’ll miss seeing your smiling face here, but I’ll see you over at Faces of Evil. You’ve always been kind and supportive of me and you helped me make some tough decisions about my career. They turned out to be good ones so I have one more thing to thank you for!
Go have fun with your ME. It’s just another adventure and one you’ll love having.
Thanks, Silver! You are a true jewel!
Deb, there is only one you, and you have to take care of her. Will miss you here but will keep enjoying your awesome books.
Thanks so much, Jill! I’ll see you on facebook!
We’ll miss you. Best of luck with everything.
Thanks bn100! I hope you’ll drop by http://www.thefacesofevil.com!
Aw Deb,
I am sorry to see you go; but you are such a courageous lady and I admire you so much for what you are doing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Thanks, LSUReader! I hope to see you on facebook or at http://www.thefacesofevil.com!
You will be missed here alot! Good luck with everything. I look forward to many more Faces of Evil books! 🙂 😉
Thanks, Erin! Be sure to drop by and see me!
I do a lot for me, but then again I’m not married and don’t have any children so I can do what I want. I guess that makes me Me-Centered or Me-Centric. I do have to take care of my cats (cleaning out the litterboxes – ugh!) and give my dad his pills. Those are my two big responsibilities. And taking out the garbage and recycling. What I do for me: read books and watch T.V. and D.V.D.’s.
Good luck, Deb. I’m sure you’ll still be blogging.
At first this redesign confused me and I wasn’t sure where to start.
Thanks, Michelle! Sounds like you stay pretty busy but taking care of you is good!
Huzzah Deb!! I wish you excitement, laughter, murdurous stories and joyful exercise (ok, maybe not joyful) on your journey. You are an inspirational woman. Keep going on and may your flourish even more. Enjoy those drives with hubby!!
Thanks, Catherine!!!
Love you, Deb. Can’t wait to see you in Atlanta! xoxoxoxo
Love you, Karin! I will see you there!
Bye, great to u he u here
Thanks, Kimh!
Debra,
You will be missed but you health and well being come first, and me time falls under that category.
Thanks, Joyce!