the fallen silk

Storytelling is my form of healing, of coping with the waves that wash my soul in darkness. I have struggled for nearly two decades with this current, constantly being threatened to be taken under, out to sea, to drown in my own sorrows. I have always sought refuge in the forests - those of my mind, or those of the natural world. There is something safe about the forest, something comforting and warm and inviting. But there are also shadows, things that defy what we know about our world. Hidden things, mysterious things.

Synopsis: Newly divorced Effie Wickes moves into her mother's forest cottage after her untimely death. As she is dealing with the loss, and the pain and fear from her abusive marriage, she is driven down the path to madness as her mother's ghost haunts her and something ancient and cold stalks her from the tree line that surrounds her home. Will she learn to live with the creature that haunts her day and night, or will it scare her into an early grave, just as it did her mother?

This ebook was inspired by the constant struggle I've had with depression, how the illness can sneak up on you, find you at your most vulnerable and destroy you from the inside. It is a silent stalker and often nestles into your soul years before you realise it has been living within you.

GO HERE TO COLLECT THE BOOK. 

I have so many people in my life that understand me, and I know that there are those out there that are not thusly blessed. Everyone needs someone to listen. If you are feeling dark, feeling abandoned, feeling misunderstood, please reach out to someone - you may not believe me, but your light would be sorely missed, should you snuff out your flame. There are people who believe in you, who cherish you, who look for your face in a crowd or hope that it will be your voice on the other end of a call.

I hope that any who visit and enjoy my words are inspired to share the publication of this project. <3

Here is the Pinterest board for the project, and here is the Goodreads page.

As with all of my books, this tale has a deep and personal hidden meaning. If you are in need of assistance or someone to just sit and listen, please seek the help you need. There are so many wonderful resources out there, and I would hate to live in a world without your light. <3

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA) 1-800-273-8255

Suicide Hotlines (USA and International)

Sanctuary: An Initiative (my offering of an ear to listen)

sanctuary

I have recently begun working on an idea that is rather close to my heart. Having dealt with mental illness my entire life, I know how amazing having a person just listen is--and that is why I decided to create Sanctuary--An Initiative.

My intent with sanctuary is to provide anyone and everyone a way to discuss and work through the thoughts swirling in their heads. I will be whatever the person needs--an ear, a shoulder, wisdom, adorable photos of kittens, and what have you. In response to every message or email I receive, I will create a post designed to inspire and lift up the anonymous contact. No names will be shared, no situations--a pretty picture and a corresponding quote. 

I have lived most of my life feeling unable to speak about my issues with someone. I see this initiative as a sort of unofficial therapy for those of us who fear opening ourselves to those in our lives. We should be able to trust our loved ones explicitly, and though we may be able to, in reality, our illnesses may make it difficult to move past the obstacles. 

If you ever feel the need to unburden your soul, or you just seek an unbiased person to listen to your struggles, I am here. My inbox is always open.

lypophrenia

It happens at the strangest times—in the morning, just after waking; at the store, buying groceries; laughing with friends about silly things. It doesn’t always happen when I am alone—in fact, most times it happens when I am around others. I live knee deep in dark water daily, but there are times when the tide comes in and I am wading up to my waist in the searing cold waves.

When it happens—when the tide comes in—it takes days for me to recover. There is no build up, there are no clues, as to when this will happen. It just… happens. The sadness washes over me, dulls my mind and stabs my soul. It is a painful experience.

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t suffer from this onslaught of darkness, but for the last year it hasn’t been so terrible. I finally chose to seek medication for my depression, and though I always have this level of depression, of dark water, my random cycles aren’t as deafening as they used to be.