Big News for June…New Book and Events.

On April 4, 2019April 3, 2019 By jolenenavarroIn Cover Reveal, Fun events10 Comments

June is going to be a busy month. It actually starts on May 21, 2019 with a new book that is kicking off a new series: The Cowboys of Diamondback Ranch. The first book is The Texan’s Secret Daughter. The official release is June 1.

June 8th, 2019 – If you are in the Dallas area, I will be at Boas and Tiaras in Allen Texas. This is my first time for this event, so I hope to see some friendly faces. Clink the link for more information. It’s an event full of authors.

https://events.freshfiction.com/

June 10 – 14: Is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s a great place to be if you want to strengthen you writing, up your marketing game or just learn from some amazing writers. Maybe you just want to spend an indescribable week with other people that hear voices in their heads (writers).

This year they will have agents you can pitch too.

If you write or want to write, you need to head out to Canyon Texas. West Texas Writers’ Academy is on the West Texas A&M campus. I will be leading a class for Alumni, but there are many other to choose from if it’s your first time. I’ve went as a student in 2013 and have not missed a year since.

Are you in the Amarillo area? Monday June 10 There is a Writers’ Roundup. There is more information in the link below.

http://www.wtamu.edu/academics/eod-writing-academy.aspx

That’s my first part of June. What do have planned?

A diary of a World War II soldier. My Grandfather, Forrest Freeman French

On May 29, 2017March 22, 2018 By jolenenavarroIn heroes, memories, World War 2 Diary7 Comments

In honor of Memorial Day, I’m posting entries from my grandfather’s diary. The following is one week out of a diary my grandfather, Forrest Freeman French, kept during World War II.

Forrest Freeman French, WWII soldier 7th Div. Co. "K" 184th Infantry. — Forrest Freeman French, WWII soldier 7th Div. Co. “K” 184th Infantry.

These written words have special meaning to me because I never got to meet my mother’s beloved father. Through his writing, during WWII, I get to know him.

Soldiers were told not supposed to keep a journal but he did. The passages are short and brief but capture a time in his life I could never imagine. The sacrifice of so many in order for us to live free. A young Texas Farm boy grows up fast on the other side of the world in Okinawa.

I share these to honor all the men and women that stepped forward in the hardest times to fight for a way of life we can easily take for granted.

On this Memorial Day may you take a moment to honor and remember all the ones that didn’t make it home.

Next Monday I’ll post the second week.

May 4, 1945

Was assigned to the 7^th Div. Co. “K” 184^th Infantry. They are up on the lines now. We’ll be carried as far as possible by truck then will have to march the rest of the way.

May 5, 1945

Pushed off before dawn to join my outfit. We held services before we left. Am now just behind the lines. Saw my first dead G.I.s. Three of them dead for three days. Can’t get to them. Sure gave me the shivers. Have seen dead enemy soldiers all along the way. They are paying heavy. Not heavy enough to suit me.

May 6, 1945

Air raids are every night and sometimes more than once. Have seen quite a few shot down. Today is the first day on the lines for me. We didn’t shove off as everyone needs to get settled.

May 7, 1945

Spent my first night on the lines. Didn’t get any sleep as they are giving us hell. Some of the men that came in with me got it last night. I don’t think they even know what hit them. This is a living hell.

May 8, 1945

Made my first kill today. He was quite close. Slipped up during the night. Don’t feel much different than before except maybe a little more satisfied.

May 9, 1945

Rumor is that we will be relieved tomorrow and go back for ten days rest. We need it as nearly half of the company has been wounded or killed. We are at a place called Conico Peak. Here is where we ran into most of the trouble. Sure hope the rumor is true for we need a rest.

May 10, 1945

I thank God with all my heart for we were relieved this morning and am now waiting for trucks to take us about ten miles behind the lines. I feel sorry for the boys in the 96^th Div. They relieved us and in for all out hell at Conico Peak.

F is for Flowers or Football?

On April 7, 2014 By jolenenavarroIn Blogging A to B April Challange, Texas4 Comments

The Bluebonnet is the most famous of the all the Texas wildflowers

It’s spring time, so here in the Texas Hill Country the wildflowers are blooming. Our most famous flower is the beautiful Bluebonnet.

Blooms at the old homestead at the VanPelt Ranch in Con Can Texas

Texas wildflowers are hardy, strong and independent, while maintaining their natural beauty. The people of Texas share many of the traits.
Another of my favorites ways to spend time is watching football. Yes my husband coaches it and my boys play it. My daughters truly enjoyed their time playing power-puff football

Storm's Sr. year - on the line. Ended the game as MVP. — Storm’s Sr. year – on the line. Ended the game as MVP.

This year was my oldest son’s last year to play, my youngest has at least two more years. So I still have a bit of drama, conflict and excitement for a few future Friday nights.