I’m Losing!

A few days ago, I weighed myself. If I were to count when my weight was the heaviest, that would’ve been a couple of years ago, I have lost 20 lbs! All having to do with eating healthy fats, high protein (good organic, grass-fed and finished red meat, chicken, salmon, etc.), and low carbs.

I allow myself up to 4 slices of bread a day. I learned what that equals when my doctor had me on my hypoglycemic diet in my early twenties. I allow myself an extra slice of bread a day though. It works for me. Back then, this diet was a strict one allowing only 3 slices of bread a day for three years.

A slice of bread is equal to a 1/2 cup of rice, 1/2 cup of noodles/pasta, 1/2 cup of potatoes, same measurements for peas, carrots, and certain beans like pinto beans.

I could eat all the nuts I wanted. At that time, I didn’t like nuts, so it wasn’t really a big deal to me. lol But now, I eat a bit of them with my organic, whole milk Greek plain yogurt with added organic fresh blueberries. I eat 2-3 fruits a day on average, just like I used to do on that strict diet, except it allowed 3 fruits a day. And the only sugar I have other than the fruit is a 1/2 tsp of raw local honey when I sometimes have tea or coffee.

I cut out 100% fruit juice back in 2019 because I was having some stomach issues, and my doctor suggested I eliminate the juice from my diet. Didn’t think I could or had the will power to do this because I was a juiceaholic throughout my childhood and beginning twenties. Was a sugarholic too.

But I only eat desserts on special occasions, the last one being I allowed myself a small slice of cheese cake and three bites of key lime pie while on vacation back in July. Haven’t had any desserts since then and am happy I don’t crave it! Thinking the fruit is filling the void!

For veggies (which is my hardest thing to consume for me all my life lol) I like to have Greek salads and other salads. Broccoli, sour kraut, and some cabbage dishes.

I’ve heard that a woman’s taste buds change during menopause, and for me, it has. I now love fresh medium sized cut mushrooms in my sauces I’ve been cooking.

Anyway, I’ve noticed a difference when walking. My body feels lighter, and it’s easier to stand up straight (part of the latter’s reason is my chiropractic adjustment last week lol).

I’m now at a weight I haven’t seen since I was in my early to mid twenties, before becoming pregnant with Niko, my firstborn! This may be TMI, but I’m happy to have gone down two sizes in the bust area. Never thought I’d be back to my regular size when I was in my twenties. Never thought this would ever happen! So thrilled! My back feels a bit of relief too. 🙂

Wow. What an accomplishment. And I feel quite good. I also do a bit of walking on my treadmill at least three times a week. I’d like to do four days a week, and sometimes I do. But at least I stretch every day.

It looks like I may actually have to buy some clothes that fit me better now. In a time of menopause when a woman on average gains ten pounds that are hard to get rid of, I’ve accomplished this and then some! Amazing times for me. 🙏🙌🥹

Engage in These Books’ Characters’ Lives

Reviews from each of my four books shown in the picture above.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Deeply emotional women’s fiction…

In a race against time to save her nephew, Marina travels to Greece to recover a family heirloom that has healing properties but finds something more valuable instead. This book is a heartbreaking tale of faith, family, and freedom. It’s also a story about self-discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed Passage of Promise. As one who has an overbearing family, I could relate. Dorothy Robey pens a beautiful women’s fiction with descriptive narration, engaging characters, and the breathtaking scenery of Greece.

Like in her other books, Dorothy Robey writes descriptive narration so immersive, you can smell the salt air. Such detail is hard to come by these days, but Dorothy Robey will stimulate all five of your senses.

The plot moves at a nice easy pace as the story unfolds. The writing is emotional and really connects the reader to the story. I’m fast becoming a fan of this author’s writing. It’s all about life’s journeys and self-discovery.

The characters are written so well, by the end, you won’t want to let go. I connected with Marina instantly. Her distressing situation tore my heart out of my chest. The hopelessness she feels, the hope returning, all play a huge role in Passage of Promise.

If you’re looking for a deeply emotional women’s fiction, pick up this book. Fans of Eat, Pray, Love will love this book. I strongly recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A heartfelt story you’ve gotta check out!

When at life’s crossroads, it’s best to go where you’ve never been before. Painted With Good Intentions is a heartfelt story of one woman’s journey to rediscover her spiritual path. From the first page until the last, I couldn’t put it down. With descriptive narration, characters you’ll relate to, and a poignant spiritual message, this book is wondrous.

Let’s start with the descriptive narration. It’s immersive and filled with emotion. Every scene is beautifully described. The setting is Greece and I truly felt like I was there and experienced everything Christina went through. I could close my eyes and envision everything.

The characters are emotive and leap from the page, especially Christina and Nathan. The chemistry between Christina and Nathan is electric but realistic. Both are wary of love due to broken hearts but their passion for art soon takes over. I kept rooting for them to give it a go.

The plot moves at a good pace. The writing is so lovely with a perfect blend of spirituality without being preachy, romance, and healing from past hurts. There’s enough conflict to please any reader. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

If you’re looking for a book worth reading, pick up Painted with Good Intentions. I strongly recommend this book to any reader.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Engaging story with complex characters

Three sisters, each with their own unique traits and troubles. Each one of them on a journey of discovery. The beautiful prose takes us on the journey with them, sometimes unraveling what they believed was true, but ultimately bringing each of them to a greater understanding of who they are and their relationship with each other.

The story will keep you engaged, turning pages to find out what happens next with these compelling, complex, and well-defined characters. Their voices are distinct, and you’ll find yourself relating to each of them in different ways.

There are some serious topics explored, but the author handles them with sensitivity.

You’ll find yourself pondering the story long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Uplifting, engaging book

Lovely, fast paced story. A tale of love and loss, mourning and the return to a full life through others. A deep love between two people can have many expressions, and D. Anna’s book traces how such love cannot be lost but honored in a new way toward others. An uplifting message, and engaging story.

The Roll Out

I’ve been extremely busy with a new job, move, and basically new life.

But I wanted to let my readers know that I am planning to put out my novelette, The Rocky Retreat, and my novella, Behind the Stone House, before Christmas. Since the novelette is fairly short, it will only be in eBook format, and will be available at the usual online venues: Amazon, B&N, BAM, Walmart, The Tattered Cover Bookstore, etc. Behind the Stone House will be available in both print and eBook form.

To give you an idea of these storylines, I’ve dropped the blurbs below.

The Rocky Retreat (Political Satire/Humor)

Environmentalist Callie and her best friend go on a save-the-wetlands-and-wildlife retreat in a small town nestled in the Rocky Mountains. During those four days, Callie and her friend encounter much more than altitude, jagged peaks, sparkling rivers, and welcoming townspeople. On the contrary, adversaries of all stripes litter their vacation with protest clashes, chemically-laden products, and dangerous weapons. While Callie and her friend fight for the survival of the wetlands and wildlife, will they survive the retreat?

Behind the Stone House (Women’s Fiction/Suspense)

Grieving widow Gabrielle discovers her deceased husband’s cousin Jordan is homeless. While navigating through her painful loss, she feels compelled to help him. But amid her good intentions stands a belligerent homeless man hunting down Jordan for a past wrong. Gabrielle swallows her fear and focuses on aiding Jordan, giving her a new purpose in life. But will she take that new purpose too far?

Updates on publishing dates will follow in the coming weeks!

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