LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Goodbye, My Sweet Sister and Plans for My Future

2021-04-01T21:04:00.005-05:00

It was a difficult beginning to 2021. On New Year's Day evening, my family lost a wonderful, loving, carefree person...my sister, Regina Hood-Hawkins. We said our goodbyes and celebrated her life on January 30th. A huge piece of my heart left whenever her soul departed, but I know we'll see each other again one day.

As a result of losing one of my siblings (our parents and grandparents are gone and we're the top tier of the family now), I took some time to reflect on what I'd love to do with the remaining years (hours, seconds, ???) of my life.

I have less than 8 years until I can retire from my day job. My husband and I (along with my twin sister and her husband) have taken up hiking. We love to camp. And when I retire, my husband and I plan to RV around the US for a while. There's so much I want to do. And, of course, I will continue writing books. However, I have one more book to publish under the name of Savannah Rose (the sequel to The Magnolia Moonlight Inn) titled Belles, Books, and Cupcakes. Once the book is finished, I have decided to publish under my maiden name, Angela Hood (yes, I'm still married and will continue to be as long as he'll have me...lol).

I plan to spend more time with family...

My sister, Regina (rest in peace sweet soul). My sister, Dawn. And, myself. (Pictured above)

My brother, Marshall. My sister, Dawn. My sister, Regina. Myself. And, my twin sister, Pam. (Pictured above)

This is a picture of me, my twin sister, and Regina. (Pictured above)

I've created a new blog... https://angelahoodwrites.blogspot.com/

Angela Hood Writes will be a blog that consist of writing information, a day in the life of, and post of my upcoming new book series, the Cherry Blossom Collection. I'll blog about the entire process of creating a book series and updates on my progress and book releases. This is all still in the planning stages. I'll also blog about finding inspiration for novels, coming up with characters and titles, and even a little about weekend adventures. Believe it or not, that has a lot to do with novel ideas.

The new blog site will go live on Saturday, April 3, 2021. And, I hope you'll join me over there. Tell your friends. Invite them to follow.

With the death of my sister (at only age 57), my outlook on life has changed drastically. Yes, I have only a short time until I'm able to retire from my day job. In the meantime, I'm building my future. New books. A new blog. Learning to video and edit for (maybe) my very own YouTube channel. I am planning to spend more time with my family (despite Covid-19), and just make every spare moment of my life "matter".

So, I have big plans in the works. New platforms to create. A rigid schedule to keep. But, most importantly, fun to be had. Life is never guaranteed. We can choose to walk through it with our eyes closed and do what we think we're "supposed' to do. Or we can make a life we're proud of, enjoy, and never regret a moment. I'm 51 years old. I'll be 52 in October of this year. I can't say that I regret my life. There's things I would have done differently. But, I don't carry regret in my heart.

If you'd like to support me, walk the rest of my journey with me, or just read a little about my week, join me on Saturdays when I'll post a weekly update. Thanks to all who have stuck around reading whenever I took time to post here. All your comments were much appreciated.

Savannah Rose (Angela Hood-Ross)

2020...You Got To Go (Oh, Happy Thanksgiving)

2020-11-26T22:32:00.007-06:00

This was our precious boy, Caesar. After our cat, Ella Mae, passed on July 14, 2020, this precious little boy got sick and we lost him on August 6, 2020. He was born June 2, 2008 and was part of our family since he was 6 weeks old.

This year has been a trying year, outside of adding Covid-19 to it. This morning, knowing I would not get to see my family again for another major holiday, not seeing our fur babies excited for the day and the food, and watching the most confusing Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I'm about ready to skip on to 2021, maybe even 2022.

I really don't see 2021 being any better, but I have to have hope. 2020 YOU GOT TO GO!

So, this is the reason I've not been posting on blogger. But, I DO have hope. I DO see things getting better. And, even though I don't want to rush my last extended holiday vacation days from work, I'm ready to say good-bye to 2020 and pray we begin to see some kind of normal in the year to come.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I hope everyone will have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I do plan to return to blogger (taking a year or two off from writing novels and plan to focus on my family and healing my heart from the tragedies of 2020).

I'll see you all in 2021.

Live, Laugh, Love

Angela Hood-Ross

Saying Goodbye To My Ella Mae

2020-07-24T23:25:00.000-05:00

It's been a long, stressful, depressing couple of weeks. After finding out my cat, Ella Mae, had diabetes, we realized she wasn't responding to treatment. She'd already given up. So, Tuesday, July 14, Brian and I said goodbye to our sweet girl. She would have been 11 on August 19, 2020. Even though she was our feisty feline, she was family.

We rescued Ella Mae (originally named Cruella de Vil), on Valentine's Day 2010. She was born (estimated) on August 19, 2009. She was more than a cat. She was my friend. She always laid on my house shoes whenever I wrote books. She was the first to greet me in the morning with her gentle, almost silent, meow. She brought so much joy to my life. And I only hope she knew how much she was loved.

Sometimes I walk through the house and expect to see her trotting behind me with her belly swinging back and forth. Sometimes I still feel her laying under my chair, on top of my house shoes, just being in the room with me as I edit a book. Instead, her ashes are in a beautiful wooden box next to the picture of another gentle feline soul, Balki, my cat of 17 years that passed more than 20 years ago.

Yes, it's been a rough couple of weeks. My life will go on. I do not plan to get another cat. The hurt is too painful. As I mentioned in my last blog, if you own a cat and you're not aware of the signs of feline diabetes, please educate yourself.

I hope everyone is healthy and thriving during these uncertain times.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love.

2020...What's Next?

2020-07-10T22:42:00.001-05:00

2020...What's next? To say I wished this year would end is an understatement. However, I don't want to rush time. But...

My cat, Ella, was diagnosed Tuesday with feline diabetes. For me, that was a relief considering I was prepared for the worse. Since she's been at the vet, I've tried to educate myself more on this disease; how to care for her, how to give her shots, everything I might need to know to make sure she's healthy the rest of her days.

For those of you with fur babies, please educate yourself on the signs of diabetes. Had I known what to look for, I probably would have taken her to be tested much sooner.

These are some of the signs I've been told: increase in thirst, frequent urination, increase in appetite, rapid weight loss, and not wanting to socialize. I'm sure there are more, but these are the most common signs.

So...2020? Whatcha got for me next? After the last few months, I feel I can take on anything now (within reason).

How are things in your part of the world?

(Picture of Miss Ella)

(UPDATE): Miss Ella Mae passed away on July 14, 2020. Rest in peace sweet girl.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Book Release Day!

2020-06-20T22:45:00.002-05:00

This post is a little later than I intended, but I have a huge announcement. I published my 13th book today!

Winter (Book Two of the Season Sisters series) is now available on Barnes and Noble (eBook), Amazon (eBook, and Paperback), and Smashwords (eBook). eBook is only $4.99 and paperback is $11.99.

To celebrate the release day of the second book in this series, the eBook Autumn (Book One of the Season Sisters series) is on sale for a limited time.

Use the code BNPAutumn75 at the Barnes and Noble checkout to receive 75% off the original eBook price of $4.99 (sale begins June 24, 2020 and ends July 5, 2020).

Use the code ED87Q at the Smashwords checkout to receive 75% off the original eBook price of $4.99 (sale begins June 20, 2020 and ends July 5, 2020).

And, the eBook on Amazon.com is listed at only $1.25 beginning June 20, 2020 and ending July 5, 2020. (Click Author Pages in the upper right hand corner of this blog site to access my Author Page at Amazon.com.)

It's been a busy couple of days. I hope you all are doing well. Below is a little blurb about the overall series. There's going to be two more books in this series. Spring will release on September 22, 2020 and Summer will release on December 21, 2020. I hope you all will check them out.

The Season Sister series is four books that follow the lives of quadruplet sisters not allowed to venture far from their family farm. Not knowing if any of the sisters would live through their first night on earth, their parents coddled and sheltered them from the outside world.

Follow the stories of the four Season Sisters; Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer. A miracle from God. An answered prayer for their parents. The Beaucoup, Alabama, quadruplets are about to learn how to live life without the others. Who will stay? Who will flee?

A New Adult Series from Savannah Rose.

Angela Hood-Ross

Live, Laugh, Love

Happy Saturday! Editing Procrastination!

2020-06-13T12:51:00.002-05:00

I'm supposed to be working on edits for the final book in my Season Sisters series. "Supposed" to be working on it, but my mind is everywhere else but there.

I'm sitting in my home office watching the new neighbors clean up their yard. I've got Jaws playing in the background. I'm thinking up trips to take in the fall (contingent on the coronavirus status). I'm looking at YouTube videos of Bible journaling, how to setup a planner, and 101 ways to fill up a notebook/journal. I've done laundry, cooked bacon, cleaned up around the house. I'm doing everything but what I have on my calendar for today (Chapter 30-Conclusion Edits on Book 4: Summer).

Are there times when you KNOW you "need" to be doing something but find it difficult to concentrate on what you're needing to do?

I know I should turn the tv off (I've seen Jaws like 1000 times). I know what I need to be doing. I just can't find the will to do it (not that the book is bad...). However, this book is not scheduled for publication until December. Therefore, my mind is telling me to enjoy the day and work on it when I feel the inspiration to work on it.

How do you reel yourself back into your "to-do" list for the day? Do you have those days (Saturdays mainly) where you just decide deadlines and "to-do" lists can wait?

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Love, Laugh

Returning to Work

2020-06-06T13:46:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally returned to my office at work after (what??) three months of working from home. We're only required to wear a mask if we can't maintain a 6 foot distance. Thankfully I have a large office that allows to uphold this rule so I don't have to sit with a mask on for 9 1/2 hours. I know this is to protect me, but seriously folks, I never knew I was claustrophobic until I had to strap this bad boy over my nose and mouth. (No wonder my C-Pap machine hasn't seen daylight in over 2 years.) Then there's the issue of waking up 2 hours earlier than I have for the self-quarantine/work-from-home time. I'll adjust back. It's just a little tiring right now.

But, it's nice to be out of the house. It's nice to be somewhat more organized at my office rather than working from a makeshift home office. It's nice seeing my co-workers in person rather than a ZOOM conference or talking over the phone. Emailing is not the same as hearing someone's tone or emotions in person.

Have restrictions in your area begun to lift? If you've had to adjust to working at home, are you now allowed to go back to work outside the house? How are you handling the return to your work routine?

I wish you all peace, love, and health.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Happy Weekend, Book Updates, and Much More

2020-05-30T12:10:00.000-05:00

Goodness gracious blogger friends, it's been a very busy week and a very busy Saturday.

Update: I will be posting on Saturdays only until further notice.

Like I started out saying, it's been a very busy week. Life for the husband and I are about to return to normal. As much as I've enjoyed being home, I'm ready to get back to a more familiar routine.

As for the writing career: I've spent the last three days uploading all my published and pre-release novels to Smashwords.com. (click here for my profile page) The books are available for purchase as eBooks only on this site, but it will give everyone several more choices of devices to read on other then Kindle and Nook.

I'm finishing edits on the fourth (and final) book in The Season Sisters series, Summer. This will be "it" for 2020. My plan for 2021 is to take a year off from writing deadlines and figure out my next book. Actually, I'm working on a sequel to The Magnolia Moonlight Inn titled (as of right now): Belles, Books, and Cupcakes. So, if all goes well, that will be the book I publish in 2021. Then we'll see where my writing takes me.

I'm about to relax and celebrate a few days hard work completed by steeping me a hot cup of tea and enjoying Dowton Abbey (the movie).

By the way, my first series EVER, The Whistle Creek Series eBooks are available on Amazon, Smashwords, and Barns and Noble for only $2.99 each. (Book 4: Whistle Creek Cupid just had a $2.00 price cut). I hope you'll check them out. Thank you to everyone for your support.

So, what do you have planned for this weekend?

"Do What Makes You Happy" and you can't go wrong.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Happy Memorial Day!

2020-05-24T23:21:00.000-05:00

Sunday was a day of rest for me and the husband. Mainly because lightning struck the cable line coming into our home blowing up my office television, our cable box, and our modem; resulting in a new television ordered for my office and a visit from our friendly cable tech.

But, all is good (once again) at the Ross household.

I took advantage of the interruption with social media to take the day and rest. I haven't been feeling well over the last couple of days (nothing related to Covid-19), so I did what my body was telling me she needed, I slept most of the day.

I wanted to wish you all a Happy Memorial Day. Stay safe. Don't eat too much. And, don't forget those who this day is all about.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Time to Rest and Recharge

2020-05-22T20:37:00.002-05:00

Time to rest and recharge. Happy weekend everyone. The husband and I plan to enjoy a nice, relaxing weekend.

The second book in my Season Sisters series is now available for pre-order, so I can relax a little. (click on the picture to go to Amazon). Winter book 2 in the Season Sisters series will release on June 20, 2020.

What plans do you have for the Memorial Day weekend?

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Shopping! (Day 2)

2020-05-17T02:13:00.000-05:00

After a fun-filled shopping Friday at Hobby Lobby with my twinzy and her daughter, my husband (Brian) and I set out once again Saturday to locate a writing table and craft cart at (hopefully) one of our local thrift stores before purchasing a new one. Luck was on our side.

Below are some pictures of what we found. Not really a desk. Not at all a craft cart. But something even better. I'm not really sure what to call it...desk...maybe, but it's wonderful. And better yet, we only paid $30.00 for it. Now I don't feel so bad for going overboard on stickers, washi tape, craft paper, and a tote bag on my previous day's shopping trip. 😏 😇

The tote sitting on the floor is one I got from Hobby Lobby Friday. The one in the cabinet I got from Hobby Lobby many years ago.

Pardon the mess on top. I'm trying to catch up on some Scripture writing.

If you're looking for a great book to read, I highly recommend Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan for Serious, Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Shirer.

This is a full view of my writing and crafting space in section one of my office.

So, I consider Friday and Saturday's shopping adventure a huge success.

It's been a great weekend with family. After our online church service, Brian and I plan to relax, spend some quiet time together, and contemplate if we're up to a day of shopping once again (grocery shopping, that is).

How was your weekend? Do you have a busy week ahead of you?

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Shopping!!

2020-05-15T19:19:00.000-05:00

After being in my house for what seems like forever (I'm not sure of how many days...weeks...months now), I finally went shopping. Hobby Lobby was calling my name. So, I went to my sisters, picked her and my niece up, and we were on our way like three kids going to see Santa for the first time.

Since the governor issued the shelter-in-place order for the state of Alabama, I've taken up several hobbies: prettying up my planner, Bible journaling, scripture writing, and studying the Gospels (I've started with the Gospel of Luke). Now, you don't need stickers, colored pencils, water colors, or washi tape to do any of this, BUT, it sure makes it fun. AND, after our trip to Hobby Lobby, I believe I'm sitting pretty for a while.

How have you started off your weekend? Does it involve venturing out after some of the restrictions have been lifted in your state (if they have)? What are some of the hobbies you picked up during this unusual season of life we've been experiencing?

Hope you have a great weekend. See you all on Sunday.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Live, Laugh, Love Blog Schedule

2020-05-12T13:47:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to post a quick blog about my blogging schedule. I do plan to be more consistent with my new blog content. With the possibility of returning to work on campus soon instead of working from home, I will only post blogs on Fridays and Sundays.

This blog has been redesigned to talk about anything. Week events, day trip fun, crafts, writing projects, local/world events, planner DIY projects (new hobby for me and my sister), and many more topics.

So, happy Tuesday er'body. Hope your week has been great so far.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2020-05-10T13:24:00.001-05:00

As a daughter, this day hasn't been easy since my mother left us in 2007. However, I choose to celebrate her quietly in my prayers and my thoughts throughout this holiday. There are little things, I noticed, that I may see or smell or hear that remind me more of her than ever before. Even though she's celebrating in heaven with her precious mother, I continue to honor her because I'm blessed to have memories to get me through this day.

As a mother, I understand my children couldn't stay little forever. They have lives of their own. They both are now parents. And even though this is a day for them to celebrate me, this is a day my daughter and daughter-in-law are to be celebrated, too. I enjoy if they are able to visit, text, or only call me. So, far, today has been wonderful, despite the coronavirus quarantine. Both have visited me with their families. I am blessed.

As a daughter-in-law, my mother knows how much I appreciate her (at least I hope she does). She gave me one of the greatest gifts...her son...my husband. This is a day he spends with his mother, honoring her.

I hope all the mother's out there are having a wonderful day. I hope you are able to spend time with your family in one way or another.

Let me know how your Mother's Day is going.

Angela Hood-Ross
Live, Laugh, Love

Blog Facelift...I'm Back!

2020-05-09T02:44:00.000-05:00

Hello all.

Considering my life has changed a lot since starting this blog many, many, MANY moons ago, I thought it was time to give my blog a facelift. I've spent a while trying to decide which direction I'd like to take this little corner of the blog-o-sphere of mine.

I'm still writing books. Some under the pen name Savannah Rose. Some of my future books will be published under my real name (actually my real maiden name), Angela D. Hood.

With everything that has happened recently on our planet, I wanted a place where we could share our thoughts, passions, hopes, and dreams, so...I changed the name of my blog and the content.

I'll still share updates and exciting news concerning my writing. But, I'd also like to share a little bit about my life, my loves, and what makes me laugh (on days when I think there's nothing to laugh about). And, in return, I would love to hear about yours.

I hope you'll continue to follow me (if you already are) and if you're new here, well, "Hello and Welcome". Tell your friends. Spread the news of my new blog site.

Angela Hood-Ross
LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE

Bored from Social Distancing? Check out these books!

2020-03-21T14:09:00.001-05:00

I hope you are staying well. This is a crazy time in our history. My husband and I are practicing social distancing in our home on the brow looking over Gadsden, Alabama.

So much has happened in my author life since I blogged on a regular schedule. I thought I'd put my Amazon author link below if you'd like to check out any of my books while waiting out the storm.

Bless you all.

Savannah Rose
(Angela Ross)
"Write what you know...believe in what you write."

amazon.com/author/savannahrose

My books are also available as eBooks on Barnes and Noble. If you'd like to share a link to your books in the comments, please feel free to do that.

Below is a description and release dates of The Season Sisters series, my New Adult series for 2020.

Announcing a new series from Savannah Rose...The Season Sisters series. A four-book series that follows the lives of quadruplets Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer Season. Not expected to make it through their first day of life, the girls are now graduating from homeschool and trying to find a place in the world outside of their parents' Four Season Farm.

Book One: Autumn is available for purchase now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Amazon: Paperback: $11.99 eBook $4.99
Barnes and Noble: eBook $4.99

Look for a new book each day a new season begins in 2020,

Release Dates:
Autumn: March 19, 2020
Winter: June 20, 2020
Spring: September 22, 2020
Summer: December 21, 2020

*The Season Sisters series is a New Adult series appropriate for age 13 and up.*

Book Release: Autumn, Book One of The Season Sisters Series

2020-03-18T20:08:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone. I hope you are all doing great and staying healthy. The virus has entered our state of Alabama. I'm still working my day job, but practicing social distancing.

I'm excited to announce I have a new series I've been working on. The Season Sisters series is a four book series about quadruplets learning how to live independent lives.

Thursday, March 19, 2020, the first book in my New Adult series will be available for purchase on Amazon (eBook and paperback) and Barnes and Noble (eBook only).

eBooks: $4.99

Paperback: $11.99

The Season Sister Series: Book One

Interning at a real-life publishing house in New York City was a dream Autumn Season dreamt from the moment she wrote her first short story when she was only a small child. Nevertheless, here she is, only eighteen-years-old, and about to board a plane for the first time. Will New York City be all she dreamt it would be? Will she find her individual identity in the big city, or will she long for the safety of her three sisters and the Four Season Farm?

Follow the stories of the four Season Sisters; Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer. A miracle from God. An answered prayer for their parents. The Beaucoup, Alabama quadruplets are about to learn how to live life without the others. Who will stay? Who will flee?

I hope you'll check it out. And if you do, please leave a review.

I'm still trying to get back in the practice of blogging. My blogs may not post once a week but instead every other week. Again, I hope you all are doing well. Happy bloggin'.

Savannah Rose

(Angela Ross)

amazon.com/author/savannahrose

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/autumn-savannah-rose/1136385551?ean=2940162683247

"Write what you know...believe in what you write."

March...Time for Change

2020-03-04T11:24:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone. It's March and that means clocks change, weather changes, and people change. It's been a very long time since I've posted a blog, so...here goes.

I am an indie published author of ten books now. Below is the link to my author page on Amazon where my books are available in eBook and paperback. All my books are available as eBooks on Barnes and Noble, as well.

amazon.com/author/savannahrose

I'd love for you to check them out, read a few (or more), and leave a review.

Today is mine and my husband's 14th wedding anniversary. Such a wonderful day (as with any day I get to spend with him). We don't have much planned...dinner, watch the Masked Singer. It's a day job kind of day and it's raining in our part of Alabama. But, still, a wonderful day to celebrate.

It's my hope that I can revive this blog site and add some more friends. My plan, as to date, is post at least one blog a week about writing, other authors, crafts, journaling, and things of that nature. And, along the way, I'd love to keep up with your posts.

I've missed the blogging community.

Author Savannah Rose
(Angela Ross)

"Write what you know...believe in what you write."