Looking for lemonade when the universe gives you lemons can be taxing, heart-wrenching and seemingly impossible. However, the good news is that it is indeed possible.

This past week one amazingly awesome high occurred of which you know about: the launching of TSLL's 2nd book's preordering of signed copies. While I tried to fall asleep late Tuesday evening, it was nearly impossible as preordering of signed copies was already beginning. I think once I finally fell asleep, I had just a couple hours of sleep to be had before the day began. That was the best night of non-sleep I have ever experienced, and it is to TSLL readers that I am so very grateful. Your enthusiasm, your kind words, your time and interest - I cannot truly express the depth of my gratitude. I was overwhelmed and continue to be with a wash of goodness and courage and determination to reach our fullest potential being expressed in your comments and actions.  

And while there was simulataneously a very negative incident that occurred in my life unexpectedly and having nothing directly to do with me, I was forced to look for lemonade. And I am equally thankful to have been able to do just that. How was I able to make the lemonade? It was because of the lovely people I have in my immediate personal circle. In fact, a few relationships were strengthened because of it. In fact, I asked myself: If the outcome (the lemonade) had been known to you prior to the incident, would you have wanted the incident to happen? As someone who feels inflictions of pain deeply (who doesn't?), honestly, I initially and perhaps still would say no. But I can't change what happened just as I couldn't change it while it was happening as it was outside my control, but I am focusing on the good that came out of it, and am thankful there was so much goodness that prevailed. 

Knowing you can weather unexpected storms is an internal strength, a personal secret of sorts that enables you to move more confidently about your day. When you aren't constantly afraid of anything negative that might happen, but rather assured that whatever happens you will be able to handle, your stress-levels drop and staying in the present moment is far simpler. My mind continues to go back to all of the goodness of Wednesday and the goodness that continues to be offered. Life can be funny and odd at times, but it always offers us an opportunity to grow and to be reminded of how strong we can be when we choose to do so.

This will be the last newsletter before I leave for France, and as I surveyed on IG Stories last week, I am curious to know if you would prefer during the time of my travels whether I continue to adhere to the weekly blog posts you've come to expect (Tuesday - Signature Style; Thursday - Outfit of the Week & Decor, etc.), or if you would want me to simply write nearly daily posts about details that inspire me along my travels. If you have a preference, feel free to email me or participate in the IG Stories survey here. 

And with that the weekend begins! Wishing you a lovely few days of leisure, and if you are looking for a movie to go see, I have a few wonderful one's below in this week's This & That. As well, after having just had the chance to view Ocean's 8, I can attest, it is well worth the ticket. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog. 

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