In 1998, my life was derailed by the invasion of intense pain throughout my entire body. My doctors suspected MS. I was finally diagnosed with a birth defect in my lower back and Fibromyalgia. Then in July 2010, I had a profound mystical experience. After I stopped taking 11 prescription medications cold turkey and endured the withdrawal, I 'woke up' and was downloaded with life instructions to write - books, poetry, and songs; then to use the talents I was blessed with to inspire other people. 'It' wore off a few months later, though, and I endured a year of intense hardship before getting stabilized. I had to go through all that to write a book (this one)? Meanwhile, I found out that the human spirit is truly amazing (including mine) - stronger than I ever could have imagined. I somehow managed to survive major physical, emotional, and psychological challenges which included getting strong enough to literally get up and walk again after depending on a wheelchair for many years. And after moving 43 times, I feel like I finally belong somewhere and have a meaningful life, which is what it takes to 'get past the pain'. This book covers the 17 years since I wrote my first memoir titled "Appearances: A Journey of Self-Discovery."

I've lived an incredibly adventurous life although I didn't always see it that way. On May 24, 1996 (I was 40 years old), I ended up at my sister Carol's again. The world had chewed me up and spit me out so many times, I had lost count. I was running from a dysfunctional marriage, an abusive boss, and extreme Texas weather conditions to return home with my tail between my legs, however, this time something was different. Every morning for two weeks, I woke up with divine inspiration to write about a particular subject. "Appearances" was born. Fifteen chapters including "Sky Diving," "Chameleon," "Choices," "Jigsaw Puzzle," and "Road Map" became the process of working through a lot of beliefs that had been holding me back for the first forty years of my life. I hope you begin to discover the magic in your own life. This book is about my personal journey (up to this point). I have redefined what happened in my life from a new perspective. I have written about my discoveries about the meaning of life, love, and me. Come laugh with me. Come cry with me. Come read "Appearances."