Remembering

Every 9/11 we go back to that day when the worst of humanity threw a cheap shot. The pain and fear billows back as we remember the horror of that day. This year I want to do something new. I want to look forward. 

I promise
 to honor those who died that day and every day since to prevent atrocities like that from occurring to innocent people - domestic and foreign.
 to be grateful each day that I have been blessed with family, friends, a job, and opportunities for the future.
 to not take for granted the freedoms I have been gifted by the sacrifices of too many.
 to live every moment as though it might be my last.
 to hold my tongue when anger swells.
 to not miss an opportunity to say "I love you."
 to remember to say "please" and "thank you."
 to judge someone not by the superficial but by the depth of their heart.
 to not deny others the freedoms that I often take for granted.
 to recognize sacrifice - small and large.
 to not speak my complaints because someone has it worse than me.
 to not worry about what I can't control, but to control myself.
 to take a moment and absorb the world around me.
 to smile because life is too short to be angry all the time.
 to not take for granted the people who I'm privileged to know.
 to avoid the discrimination of labels and embrace the knowledge of both sides.
 to let go of past hurts and pray for those who hurt me.
 to let the little things in life remain little.
 to not waste a moment on indecision and fear.
 to give more than I take.
 to add to this list with the things I learn tomorrow and ever day after.

Stranded

Stranded by Dani Pettrey is the third in her Alaskan Courage series. It follows Submerged and Shattered. 

I've been looking forward to today for a while. Really since the publishing date was announced. Even with all the anticipation, Pettrey didn't disappoint. Stranded took us on another Alaskan adventure that kept me reading until the last page.

Darcy St, James first appeared in Shattered. She assisted the McKenna family in proving their brother,innocence. During that time she became close to Gage McKenna. A few fundamentals kept them apart though. She was a Christian. He had very painful memories of his last relationship. Darcy left on assignment and now five months later it is as if Gage never existed.

Their paths meet when both are hired by Destiny Cruise Lines. Darcy is writing publicity articles on the Alaskan Adventure excursions that Gage is in charge of. Darcy isn't simply writing articles though. She's assisting her former investigative journalist partner, Abbey, with uncovering the truth behind some sketchy happenings. The problem is that Abbey disappears before Darcy has a chance to speak with her.

While accompanying passengers on kayaking trips and hiking trails for their Alaskan Adventure expeditions, Darcy and Gage find one of their own. Something evil is afloat and they are determined to put an end to its voyage.

Again Pettrey delivers. She paints Alaska as an imperative character in each of her novels. The McKenna family remains interesting and with each adventure we learn more about them. I'm looking forward to their next adventure in Silenced.