Stranger In A White Dress
‘We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.’
~E. M. Forster~
Set against the backdrop of the late 1970s, the story unfolds of a chance meeting one summer’s night between two eighteen year olds: Sherri, an English girl living in rural Suffolk, and Jonathan (Jon), a newly posted American G. I. from California to a USAF base in the same county.
They fall in love fast, but Sherri, delighted to show off her homeland to this ‘new boy’, soon discovers that although growing up thousands of miles apart, they share dark similarities which quickly threaten to unravel their relationship.
Their mothers divorced from alcoholic fathers, both were raised by abusive step-fathers. Jon’s increasing drug use and resulting paranoia clash with Sherri’s insecurities as hopes of ‘fixing’ him and of the stable family life she dreams of slip away.
Los Angeles and lust; obsession and rage; passion and the power of love: a love affair defined by break-ups and make-ups, a shattering revelation explodes into this already volatile mix, instantly altering the course of both their lives profoundly and forever.
A story of darkest tragedy, yet dotted with moments of hilarity and at times the utterly absurd, this is a story of two young people who refused to give up, believing their love would overcome all.
Not until decades after their chance meeing and during a return trip to Los Angeles in 2013, did Sherri discover that Jon’s last wish had been granted.
It was then that she knew the time was right to tell her story.
(c) Sherri Matthews
Love it Sherri! You really have lived many, many lives with so many challenges… and look at you now! I’ll buy a copy when you finish… don’t stop…
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Thank you so much Tieshka, your support and encouragement means so much to me, I can’t even tell you. I will keep writing and will keep you updated. I also hope that things are going well with your book.
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This sounds marvelous, Sherri..and I’ll buy the second copy and cry my eyes out!
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I’m so encouraged to read this Susan, thank you so much. This means the world to me – (but not that you will cry your eyes out!)
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That really is a great blurb Sherri, if I hadn’t read you before it would make me want to read it – it must have been quite strange blurbing your life…
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Thanks so much Andrea for taking the time to read my blurb, it means so much to me. To know that you would read my book is so very encouraging.
Yes, it is a tough story to tell but a very human one, and one I have this strong need to share but it is very strange blurbing about my life in this way. In many ways I feel vulnerable and open and it is scary but I’m glad that I’ve done it now. Now I can concentrate on getting the book written and the task in hand… 🙂
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I suppose making any of our writing public makes us feel vulnerable, but when it’s personal in the way a memoir is, it’s doubly so. So congratulations for having that confidence to do it 🙂
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Thank you Andrea, your support means so much 🙂
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What an amazing life story and wonderful book blurb. You can count me as one of your readers when your book is finished!
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Thank you so much Letizia, this means so much to me, it really does 🙂
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Sherri it sounds like it is going to be a great read. If you had that on the back blurb you’d certainly hook a lot of readers. Now you just have to get your one line and 100 word versions and you’re on the way. Well done. Cheers irene
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Yes, you are so right Irene, I’ll get that down but it’ll take me ages, I just know it! It took me ages to come up with this!!!
Your encouragement and support means the world to me, you were the first one to comment on my ‘Writing’ page that I was on the right path to publication and that made my day, as does this! Thank you so, so much! Cheers right back to you 🙂
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It is so silly the amount of self doubt we hold within ourselves. I put it down to a Victorian upbringing where you don’t promote yourself at all. I know from my own experience that encouragement and support of your work is so important. Then you just doubt your ability to write which, from the number and content of the comments you receive you have to know that you do that exceptionally well. I’m really looking forward to purchasing my copy. 🙂
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This means so much Irene, I don’t how to thank you adequately…so I’ll say simply, THANK YOU 🙂
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🙂 plus a hug
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Hugging right back… 🙂
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Hi Sherri,
I’m struggling with a memoir too and wanted to take a second and encourage you as you move forward to publishing. You have it all in your blurb; mystery, intrigue, international love story, tragedy and heart. A real story about a real family.
Good luck!
P
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Hello Patti,
Thank you so much for coming over here, for all your reads and for your wonderful encouragement of my memoir, I’m both honoured and flattered that you took the time to do so. It’s always so good to meet another memoirist and I very much look forward to sharing this journey with you. It’s a pleasure to meet you – Sherri 🙂
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You too, Sherri! I love meeting new friends and especially friends who write in my genre. Of course I may be bald from ripping my hair out in frustration, but you’ll still like me, I’m sure! 🙂
P
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Me too, on all counts! And of course I’ll still like you…absolutely 🙂
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I can’t wait to read it all – hurry up! 🙂
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Haha!!! I’m doing my best Jo…keep kicking me okay?? LOL ❤ 😀
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I think I’ll need that signed copy 🙂 I forgot to say that Jo’s cover is indeed stunning and that I probably will check her out, purely from curiosity (but you know where that leads!)
What a life, Sherri 🙂 It sounds like it could be a blockbuster.
Being ‘a fixer’ resonates. Never easy!
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Thank you so much dear Jo for reading my blurb and you got it! It will be my honour to give you a signed copy and I have to hold that thought in my mind to spur me on!!
Yes, do check out Jo, she is a lovely lady with a great blog 🙂
Your thoughts mean a lot to me my friend. It took me a long time to realise that being a ‘fixer’ was hopeless…the old adage comes to mind…if only I knew then what I know now… 😉
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Wow! I am looking forward to your book. 🙂
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Thanks so much Imelda…now I just have to keep writing 🙂
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Sherri, that’s an awesome blurb!! I always thought someone else wrote those about the authors! Funny! Shows what I know about the publishing business. 😉 I will definitely ready your book. Do you have a current publisher or agent now?
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Thank you so much Patsy! I really appreciate your feedback. I felt I needed to get a blurb ‘out there’ so that I had something to refer others to if they happened to ask! I asked another blogger to help fine tune it for me as I felt my version was a bit too wordy. It’s really hard trying to explain what I’m writing about! I’m so thrilled that you will read my book, now I just need to get it written! I don’t have a publisher or an agent, no. I will have have to start looking for one when the time comes. Goodness…just imagine! 🙂
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I next in line for the hot-off-the-press memoir. You are sure making tracks. ❤
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That’s so kind of you Tess, bless you. I love how you are always ‘there’ ready with your wonderful brand of encouragement and support, which for sure keeps me on track! I just hope I don’t disappoint!!! Thanks so much my friend 🙂 ❤
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Disappoint? You? Impossible!
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Ahh…you are such a sweetie dear Tess ❤
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Sigh. I know. 😀 😀 😀
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You hooked me. Can’t wait to read it. I am writing a memoir, too. How long before I can get my hands on yours?
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Thank you very much for your encouragement, you are so kind. I wish I could give you a time frame but I am still writing my first draft, then of course the fun begins with the edits, ha! All I can say is 2015…at some point 🙂 I wish you the very best with your memoir too and look forward to keeping in touch – Sherri 🙂
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Thanks. Will be watching for it. Got up at 430 to write. My mother spent the night, we are collaborating on it. She heard me up and just came wandering through. She is 86 and illustrates my blog as well.
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So kind of you. How wonderful to have your mother collaborating on your memoir and illustrating your blog too. I’ll be over to check out your blog as soon as I can. I find writing early in the morning to be the best time. Happy writing and see you soon 🙂
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What a life you had with that man of yours, Sherri, but well done for getting up the courage to share your story with the world.
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Sarah, it means a great deal to me that you read this blurb. Thank you so much for your encouragement and for leaving your kind comment.
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I can’t wait to read it!
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Thanks so much Luanne…and I am so sorry for replying to you so late, have no idea what happened here…
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Writing a memoir so personal is a daunting task, Sherri. But it’s your voice and telling your story will certainly empower you. I can’t wait to read it either. xo
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It is daunting, no doubt about, far more than I realised. But thank you so much Jennifer, I am greatly encouraged and spurred on by your wonderful comment…just what I needed and such perfect timing…you have no idea 🙂 xoxo
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This sounds great, Sherri, and I’ll definitely be in the queue when you’re doing your book signing! I think you’re terribly brave to write a memoir. I would be far too scared of going mad were I to attempt it. I’m not sure if it would be therapeutic or torture. Maybe you can answer that for me. 🙂
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Thank you so much Lee, you encourage me greatly. So far, in answer to your question, I can only say that it is a bit of both…and that’s why I have to lay it down for a while…
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This Memoir Book Blurb is so engaging, Sherri. It makes me want to read the story. I did not know you wound up in CA, by way of marrying an American. Nice work! BTW, I like your photograph of your summerhouse covered in snow.
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Hello dear Hollis! Oh thank you so much, I am thrilled to know you want to read more! And glad you like the photo in the snow too. I probably need to change it soon though to a more spring-like view 😉
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This sounds riveting Sherri. I have written my memoir once a long time ago but I shredded it as i couldn’t face exposing my vulnerability and sadness to the public view. Seeing your words made me rethink that view and I might restart the project with more courage and honesty.
Good luck with it and I will certainly be in the queue for a copy”
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Thank you so much Brenda for your wonderfully encouraging message. I would be honoured to know you would read it. I am also so thrilled to know that you are inspired to rethink writing your own memoir. Perhaps it wasn’t the right time for you back then, but now it is. I have wanted to write this story for over 30 years but I just never seemed to get it off the ground until two years ago. So go forth, be courageous and see what the day shall bring. And keep me posted 🙂
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WOW!! I’m hanging on the edge of my seat here! What all happens? What is his last wish????
Great blurb, caught and piqued my interest right away!! Now, I’m dying of curiosity!!
Melinda
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Thank you so much Melinda! I’m thrilled to know that this blurb has you hooked, just what I hoped to hear! I am working hard on the edits, so hopefully you won’t have to wait toooooo long…I’ll do my best 🙂
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It worked alright, hook line, and sinker!! Hurry up already!! I’m tired of clinging to the edge of my seat, and my legs are cramping! lol
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Haha…okay, okay…I’m doing it!!! Now sit back for a little while…can’t have your legs cramping up for too long, LOL 😀
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IKR?? I won’t be able to walk! haha
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Haha 😀
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Just dropping by to check in / best wishes with the edits 😅❤️
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Thanks so much mon amie, how very kind and thoughtful of you to check in on me. I’m emailing you if not today, then tomorrow for sure… 🙂 ❤
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Ok sounds good – and how exciting that it is nearing the finish line….
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Sherri, I thought I’d written on this page ages ago. I read it months ago and the details of the memoir stayed with me all that time. What an amazing life, maybe you didn’t want this much drama in your real life but it makes for one great memoir. Adventure, emotional turmoil, drugs, traveling the continents. Have you finished the book? I would love to read it as soon as you have. I feel for those two young people, trying so hard to make it work, hoping against hope. Well done for telling your story and best of luck with it.
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Thank you so much Annika, I can’t tell you enough what your message means to me, reading it today was such a wonderful surprise, and a fantastic boost. And to know you want to read my memoir…wow! You’ve made my day, I have tears of joy! ❤ I finally finished the first draft at the end of September (two and a half years to get to that point, with numerous, long gaps inbetween for myriad reasons…) and I am now working on my revisions and edits. Revisiting the beginning threw up all kinds of challenges, a mess I needed to restructure from scratch. It took me weeks to get the first three chapters more or less where I want them, and then I had to break away for Christmas. I am working on that 'behind blog' stuff, getting things in place, and hope, very soon to get back to my memoir, which I am desperate to write. Fear of failure and self doubt overwhelm me at times, so I need to overcome that and just get going, believing that 2016 is the year 🙂
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You can do this Sherri! 2016 will be the year finish it – that’s your new mantra!! I honestly look forward to reading it – no pressure. Ha! Can we form a mutual inspiration society?! Your comments have given me a boost and I’m glad mine have helped you. I’m now sending off to three different competitions this month – fingers crossed. Take care and lovely to chat. 😀
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Haha…no pressure then!!! And I like the sound of that new mantra, thanks so much Annika again for all your support. Mutual Inspiration Society it is…MIS 😀 I wish you the very best with your submissions, do keep me posted, so excited for you, so enjoy our chats…you take care too! 🙂 ❤
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Hi again Annika, I’m leaving another message here which I hope comes through on your notification button as I just came over to your blog and commented on your posts but they didn’t show up 😦 I’ve been having this problem and I think it means my comments have gone to your spam. If you could kindly check and if so, release them, I should be able to comment again. This has happened before, several times with WP. Thank you and sorry for the hassle! I didn’t leave one on your recent post due to the problem, but I love the planet photos, I’m fascinated by all things astronomy wise, especially the possibility of life on Mars 🙂
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Oh dear, Sherri, silly wordpress. Saw this on my mobile and just got home to check on my computer. Yes, I found the messages in spam, though why they were there since you regularly comment I have no idea. Thank you so much, they are so warm and interesting and I will reply tomorrow as today’s has been manic and I must get dinner etc sorted. I just wanted to say many thanks and that they are both on now. Wishing you a lovely weekend.😀 Who knows, we may see some snow! Must say, I’ve been fascinated by all things space since young – one of those ‘sad’ people with posters of planets and space shuttle rather than A-Ha posters! Life on Mars – maybe, but I definitely don’t believe we’re the only intelligent life form in the universe.
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Thanks for doing that Annika. I’ve had this problem intermittently, it’s a WP problem and I have no idea why it happens. They are working on it as I type so hopefully this will soon be resolved. I’m so glad you found my comments though! Thanks for releasing me from spam prison 😉 No worries, I more than understand. I don’t normally blog at all at the weekends, but this past week has been so challenging on so many levels that I really need to get a little ahead today while I have a few hours spare. You have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the break. I shall look forward very much to catching up with you in the week, by which time hopefully my WP issues will all be resolved and I will be somewhat back in the swing of things again too! And snow would be nice 🙂 Haha…well, if you’re sad, then so am I Annika! Fascinating, oh I could talk with you all day! I think I need to plan a trip back to Suffolk! One of the most exciting things I remember is looking at the rings of Saturn through a telescope. Utterly mesmerising. See you soon lovely friend! ❤ xx
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Sherri, we have so much in common and so much to chat about – I feel we could go on all day! I just wonder if we should take this off-line and we have direct email contact on non-WP related matters. If so, please email me on annika.perry@btinternet.com.
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Yes, I do too Annika! I’ll email you… 🙂
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I’m intrigued… Well done. 🙂
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and leave your kind comment Kev…you’ve made my day! 🙂
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My pleasure, Sherri. 🙂
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🙂
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Wow! Congratulations, Sherri. What a fabulous blurb. Can’t wait to read it. Love the title too. Best wishes for its publication. 🙂
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Thank you so so much Norah! As you will read my comment at the Ranch, you’ve made my day and my Christmas with your fantastic encouragement and support. Now I really need to get this memoir finished!!! 🙂 ❤ 🙂
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You do! 🙂 Happy days! (Christmas, included!)
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Happy Days always Norah! 🙂 xxx
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Super blurb, Sherrri, you’ve always had the gift – I’m so pleased and proud that you have pursued your writing, Well done !! I look forward to a signed copy, my talented and gutsy Friend. God Bless Always. Xxx Your friend Mare 😀
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Reading your amazingly encouraging and wonderful message here is so surreal…I can’t tell you enough how much you have inspired me not to give up and keep going. After all, there would be no story without you my dear Mare! God bless you too and lots of love to you my dear ‘old’ friend… 🙂 ❤ xxxxxxx
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You deserve the best Sher 💝 I’ve installed the WordPress app on my tablet, so will be right beside & behind you, checking in, as and when…..
Also following you on Twitter and FB. Re-installed Messenger to keep in touch. Just ensuring that I never ‘lose’ touch with you again.
God’s timing is surely miraculous! I am well, settled and free of challenges which were once consuming my time, mind and heart.
Rodney got a rare illness, AL Amyloidosis, and had 18 months to live w/o treatment, and 5yrs with.
Treatment was chemo, morphine etc …. v aggressive, but he lived for 9 yrs until gradually all his organs gradually packed up.
I had to focus solely on looking after him, visiting in hosp, going to London every 6 months for scans etc …
However, he is now at rest and buried in Hadleigh Cemetery.
I’m blessed that I was able to do my utmost for him, to the exclusion of everything else at the time.
Mum, Dad and Gran are at rest. And Mike is settled and very well supported both accommodation wise, & a great male support worker who takes him out, shopping, helping him with his washing etc etc – he couldn’t be more supported.
So I am free emotionally to support you in any way I can. Encouragement and moral support is my speciality lol.
I’m here for you my dear Sher 💝
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Oh Mare, you gave your all for dear Rodney and your family. What a great blessing you were there for him, and I know what a great blessing he was for you too as he was able. It must have been so very hard though. I am in awe of all you did for him. To know your family are peaceful at rest and Mike is so well supported gives you a peace that pours out from you. And lucky me, because I’ve got you back! Although I know you were always there…I never doubted it 🙂 Life carried us both away for so many different reasons. And life brings us back again. You always were an amazing encourager and friend to me. How you ever put up with my endless dream telling, I will never know! Oh to have that luxury now…I’m lucky to get 4 hours good sleep a night now lol! But seriously…thank you and bless you so much dear Mare. God sent you to me at the perfect time. You are my angel 🙂 ❤
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And you are my Angel, Sher 💝 I am beyond overjoyed to have you, my dearest and irreplaceable Friend back in my life.
You continue to continue Sher, safe in the knowledge that wherever you are, in rough seas or calm, God has you there for a reason, and all things will work together for good (eventually !) ……
So persevere, and I will do the same. One foot in front of the other …👣👣👣👣 until you reach your goal.
Much love, always, Mare. XXX
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Deal! And me too dearest Mare! Some days that one foot in front of the other feels like two steps back…but therein lies the measure of perserverence, ha! I am delighted at the blessing you bring me! And now to write and keep going! Much love right back to you dear Mare…always 🙂 ❤ ❤ ❤
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💃💃💃💃💃💃👍🍾🥂 Can’t wait to celebrate your published Memoir because I know you, and I know it will come to fruition … You don’t do things in half measures, Sher, and it will be a cracker !!
I’m so pleased to be included in this amazing venture !!
The blurb sound so intriguing, exciting & inviting.
It’s going to be a non put downable page turner –
I know it hehehe Xxx
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No pressure then, lol!!!!! I need to get cracking!! Thanks again so much Mare. you’ve made my day. No…my entire year!!!!! 😀 >3 🙂 🙂 xxxxxxx
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