stephanieraffelockNov 7, 20213 minKeep The FaithSometime in April of 1973, just days after I turned twenty-one, I started waitressing at The Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Boulevard. I knew...
stephanieraffelockJul 7, 20212 minCaution: Writer StretchingI put aside a work in progress, a manuscript that needs to settle before I can pick it up again. Such an action stirs in me other...
stephanieraffelockMay 15, 20213 minLiz Cheney, An Author's Platform, and Speaking Your TruthOne of the things that I’ve learned about being a writer is that you need a platform in order to share, promote and market your work....
stephanieraffelockJun 25, 20204 minTHE TALE OF HOW THE GOVERNOR CAME TO BEIn the mid-1960’s in South Denver, a short distance from the apartment where my mother and I lived, was a hotel on Colorado Boulevard. I...
stephanieraffelockJan 11, 20202 minIn the Age of Me, Me, Me, Me . . .Writing is one thing. Marketing yourself to the world is another. On the one hand I don’t think that the desire for readers is an...
stephanieraffelockApr 18, 20193 minThe Dominant Gene, and the Gracious Ladies of the Ranch Readers Book GroupMelinda’s divine cake, with a frosting to die for . . . For most of my adult life I have been a carrot juice swilling, veggie chomping,...
stephanieraffelockMar 1, 20193 minThe Positive Aging MovementI’ve recently come to realize that I’ve been a part of a movement that I didn’t look for, didn’t ask for, and didn’t see because it was...
stephanieraffelockFeb 6, 20194 minThe Super-Mighty, Texas Drivers License Fiasco That Ate My MonthWelcome to Texas road sign at the state border with some bullet holes This isn’t the first time that I’ve overthought something and maybe...
stephanieraffelockOct 28, 20184 minA Story About the Awkward Dance of Halloween Guilt and Fitting InMy new neighborhood reminds me of the opening credits in Desperate Housewives. Behind the beautiful front doors, the manicured lawns,...
stephanieraffelockJan 14, 20183 minThe Year of ConvictionsI like the “new” in front of New Year. Other than that, there’s not really anything that I celebrate. New Year’s eve is my least favorite...
stephanieraffelockJul 9, 20173 min8 Steps to Dynamic Living After 60 (Or Really Anytime)Is it the need to heal some childhood wound of wanting to get it right? Or is there a deeper reason, like wanting to get the most from...
stephanieraffelockJul 4, 20172 minHappy Independence. Gratitude.I have yet to find any better attitude than gratitude. There’s a scene from Viktor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning that will...
stephanieraffelockJun 5, 20172 minInsecurity, Not Good Enough and Other Sucky Things Writers Do to ThemselvesOn the one hand, you have to be a little bit crazy to want to lock yourself into a room several hours each day to create worlds with the...
stephanieraffelockMay 20, 20171 minMy Summer To-Do ListThis morning I made myself a to-do list, a reminder list of the simple things that make me a kinder, happier person. I hope that you find...
stephanieraffelockMay 3, 20171 minSunrise CeremonyWhat marks the beginning of the spring and summer months for you? Please share with me in the comments. #spirituality #joy #introspection...
stephanieraffelockApr 16, 20173 minA Life In LettersA few days ago an old friend, Kitty, emailed me that she was cleaning out a file cabinet and had found several of my letters. She scanned...
stephanieraffelockApr 11, 20172 minUnited Airlines and a Nation of SerfsCorporate America is so huge, so vital to our economy that we are secondary citizens. Corporations are the primary citizens, and as such,...
stephanieraffelockApr 2, 20173 minInspire or Perspire, Thoughts From An Old Determined RookieMy writing journey is pretty inspirational, at least to me. For the past four years, I have been doing what musicians call...
stephanieraffelockApr 1, 20172 minHere’s To 65 Years Of Kick Ass LivingI woke up this morning and wished myself a Happy Birthday, then said a little prayer; “thank you for 65 years of living.” I meant it too....
stephanieraffelockFeb 18, 20173 minWhy Would You Even Want to Write a Book?So why write a book at all? I’ve asked myself this question in the past year as I’ve slogged through the slow revision and polish process...