My Personal Best....

This is perfect for me....

I wake up between 3-5 a.m. every day to write!

It's when I'm at my personal best...

TALK TO ME!

I saw this and it spoke volumes to me!  When I read a book, if there is something that grabs at me, I write it down. I want to hold onto that quote, soak it all in and then retain it for safe keeping in my notebooks.

There are many authors who pull me in and force me think with such intensity, that I "have to" record their words onto paper in case I ever need to see them again for a boost. Dr. Wayne Dyer fits into this category and, with each of his books, I must take the time to let his words sink in because they always "speak" to me. 

Any of your favorite authors come to mind? I'd love to hear YOUR words...!

This, I know, is true...

 I have always been a light sleeper, but one of my treatments for Lymphoma is Prednisone which really does me in!

I 've learned how to make the best of it. Some nights I go to bed and then get up to write before midnight. Most days I am awake between 3 - 5 a.m. (without the alarm!). Rather than fight with  Mr. Sandman, I get up, take Rose out, make myself a cup of tea, light some candles and nag champa incense and then I am ready to write!  It's my own daily ritual and the only way that I can make use of that creative early morning energy. By noon, I have usually reached my writing peak and I'm ready to quit.  But to me, anything that is written in the wee hours rarely has to be edited. I bought a framed quote at a thrift store that says, "Make time for the quiet moments for God whispers and the world is loud."  I believe this to be true...when we are  most quiet, we listen for gentle cues from the "word  gods" that help  us create!

An Excerpt from Living La Vida (Lymphoma) -

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): An Excerpt from Living La Vida (Lymphoma) -: Saturday, November 6 Her “wild” obsession "Into the house where joy lives, happiness will gladly come." --Japanese Prover...

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): Meet Heather, Mesothelioma Survivor!

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): Meet Heather, Mesothelioma Survivor!:

Heather Von St. James was diagnosed with Mesothelioma shortly after the birth of her daughter, Lily. Back in January, I featured a heart war...

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): A Time For Reflection & Giving Thanks....

Living La Vida (Lymphoma): A Time For Reflection & Giving Thanks....: Sending out a special heart-felt thanks to all of the men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives for the United States of A...

Have a Wonderful, Relaxing Weekend!

Keeping it REAL!

I woke up this morning already thinking about ways to market my book, trying to stay positive and then I checked my emails and found the following letter from a student and it really put things into prospective - it's not about the marketing or the money, it is about keeping it real and helping others!

Ms. Sykes,
First off I would like to thank you for writing this book because I don't have any sort of cancer or illness but my best friend did. She had Cystic Fibrosis, not cancer related but an illness that also needs a cure! My best friend had passed away two years ago, she was only fifteen. Your book gave me the curiosity to read about the life on an in and out patient. At first it was just a book that I had to look for, for a memoir in my AP English class. Then as I started to look more into your book I couldn't get myself unattached from it. Knowing what my best friend had gone through with her illness I somehow became apart of your book, remembering how I'd visit her at the hospital or making sure she took her medicine. You are a true example of someone living life to the fullest because being able to face the challenges in your life ESPECIALLY your illness. Just me with the flu I feel like everything in the world has gone to pieces but you! You are a magnificent woman! Thank you Ms. Sykes for writing this informative book, making understand what life is like with an illness, and helping me receive an accepting grade.
Clarissa

Thanks so much, Clarissa for your kind words!

The Thrill of the Hunt - For Books!

     As a child, I can remember my mother taking us to the library each week. The thought that you could pick out any book(s) that you wanted was such a thrill! Walking into that library was like Disney World to me...I'd get lost in there, browsing through the shelves in search of my newest adventure! 

     In my "other life, " I was a Pre-K teacher. On the first day of school, when it was time for story time, I'd ask the children "How many of you have a story read to you each day / night?" Usually out of a class of 20+, maybe five hands would shoot up into the air. It saddened me to think that there are so many children who never get to experience the feeling of being read to, all snuggled up in bed, or anywhere for that matter. Four and five year olds who had never, before that first day of school, been read to! Needless to say, these children developed a love of reading and I pray that they are avid readers to this day. 

     The thrill of opening that new book.....Ahhhhhh!

T.G.I.F.!

WHOO-HOO! It's Friday!!! 

What is your favorite book EVER??? 

I'm looking forward to hearing from you! Have a great day!

HAHAHAHA!

When I first started my Living La Vida Lymphoma blog, I  never knew I'd be reaching out to so many people.  Now, with almost 9,000 hits to date (since August 2012), I  am so blessed to know that what I set out to do, is helping others. Through my blog and book, I have had so many readers contact me for assistance, support and guidance in their own lymphoma struggles and that makes me happy. I am finally at a place where I can give back and it's a good place to be! Writing is my passion, and helping others is my mission ...it's what life is all about!

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My Blog

Welcome to our Team's Homepage!

Hi! Please check out the 
Living La Vida Lymphoma 

Light The Night team page! 
Please show your support and help to save other's lives!

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Welcome to our Team's Homepage

So true!

LOVE IT!

Even though I am an e-book author, I will NEVER give up my library card!

A Call for Submissions!

Not as in 50 Shades of Grey submissions, but true stories of your online dating experiences after the age of 40!

Even if you're married and have friends, sisters, mothers, aunties, grandmothers or neighbors who've told you about their dating foibles, please have them email me...and no worries, everyone will remain anonymous!

  Asking for 1,200 words or less and I want humor, angst and all the dirt on online dating for a book that I am compiling on the subject! Please send all submissions to:

JodiSykes@yahoo.com

C'mon ladies, make me laugh!

Therapy Dog Reads With Children - Great Video!

What an awesome idea! As a former Early Childhood Educator, I think this is a great way for kids to interact and learn to read with the help of man's best friend!

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Therapy Dog Reads With Children

T.G.I.F.!!!

I saw this and had to share it!  Have a happy Friday!

Remember these?

Ahhhhh! Those were the days! 

M-E-M-O-R-I-E-S....

Have a super day, Bibliophiles!

Check out an awesome video on my Living La Vida (Lymphoma) blog that I posted today...I LOVE Survivor stories!

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http://www.livinglavidalymphoma.com/