Welcome to another edition of the Happy for Now list! This is where I share a few things from the week that are making me happy for now…because I don’t need the pressure of something making me happy forever. Except for my husband, who better make me happy forever. He’s just gonna have to live with that burden. ;)

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When I’m looking for a comfort read, I often look to older historical romances. I missed out on the 80s/90s era of romance because I was too young (and my mom was a mystery/horror reader not a romance reader, so I couldn’t even snag one of hers, lol.) So, over the years, I’ve tried to pick up classics that I’ve heard talked about.

One of those is The Bride by Julie Garwood. This one came out in 1989 and is often credited with being one of the first historical romances that added humor to the mix. So when I found a great hardcover copy at a local used bookstore, I grabbed it.

About the book:

By edict of the king, the mighty Scottish laird Alec Kincaid must take an English bride. When he encounters Jamie, the feisty and beautiful daughter of Baron Jamison, he immediately selects her, determined to touch, tame, and possess her forever.

But Jamie has vowed to never surrender to this fierce highland barbarian. He is everything she had been warned against—an arrogant scoundrel whose rough good looks hint at savage pleasures. And though his scorching kisses fire her blood, she brazenly resists him…until one rapturous moment quells their clash of wills, and something far more dangerous than desire threatens to conquer her completely.

My thoughts:

This was a fun time. We have a “violet-eyed” heroine, so immediately you get those old-school vibes. Jamie is a smart, feisty heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind to the mighty Alec Kincaid. There’s a road trip involved, which is always a treat, and there’s even a bit of a mystery woven in once they arrive at their destination (though admittedly, that wasn’t my favorite part.)

Now, having said all that, remember this was written in 1989. There’s head-hopping (where the point of view jumps around instead of staying in one character’s head.) There’s also a love scene with a consent issue (not violent but starts out when heroine is sleeping.) Also, the resolution of the mystery had an aspect I was not a fan of. You have to go into these older novels understanding that they are of their time.

Overall, I’m glad I read it and it was nice, escapist fun!

I’m sure many of you have seen that Saturday Night Live has been celebrating their 50th anniversary. There were a number of specials surrounding the event, but the ones I enjoyed the most was the one focused on the music: Ladies and Gentlemen…50 Years of SNL Music and SNL50: The Homecoming Concert.

I’m not a regular watcher of SNL anymore—mainly because I’m asleep before it comes on, lol, but I have grown up watching the different eras. And one aspect that is so integral to the show is their commitment to having great musical acts. They often are ahead of the curve, introducing us to new acts that eventually went on to be huge. Hello, Nirvana.

So, I greatly enjoyed watching both of these specials. The first goes through the history and gives you behind-the-scenes insight. The second is an actual concert. And y’all, there were many great performances at the concert, but the one that had me saying wow was Cher.

She is 78 years old, and she walked out in an outfit and heels reminiscent of her famous “If I Could Turn Back Time” video. She then proceeded to sing the hell out of it. I loved it.

So, if you want to turn back time and reminisce about all the great music of the last 50 years, check out both specials. They’re streaming on Peacock.

I’ve mentioned that this year I’ve been focusing on my physical health. I’m going strong with my exercise-daily (minimum 20 min) goal, alternating yoga/pilates/strength days with treadmill days. I’ve moved into the phase where the habit is now something I’m really enjoying and look forward to each day. Besides the physical effects, I’ve also noticed the mood-boosting effects. It’s been fantastic.

This (along with some other things) inspired me to add to my coaching credentials. I’m currently certified as a Gallup Strengths coach (which, despite the word strengths, has nothing to do with exercise. It’s about personality strengths.) I help people (mostly other writers) align their personality strengths to best serve them in their lives and work.

I love doing this, and I realized that I could enhance this coaching if I could include the physical health aspects (nutrition, movement, sleep, dealing with chronic illness, etc.) with the personality/mental ones I’m already covering with clients. So I’ve decided to get certified as a Health and Wellness Coach through MindBodyGreen to incorporate those aspects into my coaching.

It’s a 5-month course, and then I have to pass a board certification test, but I’m excited! I’m already a nerd about nutrition and have been for decades, but I’m really looking forward to diving deeper into whole-body wellness.

All that to say, this is making me happy for now because it just reminds me that it’s never too late to learn something new and to be a student again. :)

That’s all I have for you today. I’d love to hear what’s been making you happy for now!

Hope y’all have a great week!

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