Hi, Remember me? Your friend who used to blog every week and never missed a one. In the last few weeks, several of you have emailed me to make sure I’m alright. Thank you. I’m grateful, deeply, you thought to check on me. On the heels of last year’s launch of my award-winning book, MAYA BLUE A MEMOIR OF SURVIVAL, 2026 has been a trying year, but I’m doing great, and my book’s on sale.
The e-book version of MAYA BLUE, including photographs, is on sale today through July 10, for $ .99 cents, wherever e-books are sold. I’m including a few direct links below where you can buy one.
MAYA BLUE has brought so many wonderful people and experiences into my world, and all of last year, I lived life in fifth gear. When January of this year rolled around, I was tired and needed a break, but my darling dog, Annie, needed knee surgery. It’s been a difficult rehab process for both of us, and if you’ve been reading my blog, then you know I’d do anything for this sweet girl. Like cashing in part of my retirement fund to pay for her surgery and physical therapy, twice a week, on the other side of town, for the last four months. During therapy, she walks on a treadmill submersed in water, has red light laser therapy, range of motion exercises, and acupuncture, and thank you, God. Annie’s doing much better. She’s back to her old self.
Then there was the little matter of heart surgery—mine—to help control my aggressive AFib, caused by chemotherapy, over 20 years ago, for breast cancer. I like to think of myself as a tough woman who can survive almost anything–and have–but if I’m to be honest, this procedure was a bit unsettling. I called on God and some of the wonderful people at my church and asked for their prayers. Once again, thank you, God, because surgery went well.
Now, this may be the craziest part of all: Last month I had my 77th birthday. I never saw myself being this age, but I’m grateful to be here and to be healthy, and from my point of view, 77 isn’t that much different than being 67. I work out three days a week and stay limber and eat well, and because of AFib, I can’t drink alcohol and must limit my sodium intake to almost nothing. And while I’ve never salted my food, now I find myself craving… more like fantasizing… about a big bowl of soy sauce to dip everything in and a margarita with salt.
If my email newsletter goes into your spam folder, please pull it out and redirect it because I have lots to share with you in the coming months, like an even bigger cosmetics giveaway than last time, and the friends I’m trying to find who dropped off my radar when I was about 30. They were a fascinating couple—she was a call girl—and my search for them may turn out to be my next book, and I may ask you to help me. I’ll let you know.
Don’t forget to buy the MAYA BLUE e-book, where ever you buy e-books, now through July 10th, for only 99 cents!! Less than a dollar! That’s only two days away! What a deal. Here are a few direct links: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Simon & Schuster, GooglePlay and of course, Apple Books.
Thanks for reading I’m Doing Great and My Book’s on Sale. Please leave me a comment and tell me how you’re doing so I can catch up with you.
54 thoughts on “I’M DOING GREAT AND MY BOOK’S ON SALE”
So happy to know you’re doing well (and so is your dog). So good to hear from you. I loved your book and went to your book talk/signing in the Village when you were in NYC. Loved meeting you and hearing you speak about your book. Hope you’ll feel like writing another one. Keep well.
Judy! Thank you for coming to my event in NYC! I was so grateful and am thrilled to see you here. I’m researching another book but I’m running into lots of brick walls. Definitely not what I was expecting. I’ll keep you posted, and thanks for asking. xoxox, Brenda
Yay Brenda – thanks for checking in with the readers. I LOVE your new haircut. You look super. Keep it up girlfriend.
Thank you, Gray! This may be my favorite alltime haircut! xoxox, Brenda
Dear Brenda, Happy to hear both Annie and you are on the mend.
And Happy Birthday! You look and are amazing! ❤️
xoxo Fifi
Thank you, Fifi!!! It’s harder on me when Annie’s not doing well. Hope your summer is full of friends and fun! xoxox, Brenda
Well good for you Brenda…you and Annie on the road to recovery! I just figured you were off filming Maya Blue somewhere. l’m closing in on 77 myself and am grateful for all the positives in my life.
Thank you, Susan! Sounds like we both have lots to be grateful for. xoxox, Brenda
So glad to hear from you and that you’re doing well, as is Annie. I’m looking forward to reading your book. Take care!
Would love to know how you like Maya Blue, Leigh. Thanks so much!
you look GREAT! glad you and annie are on the mend! oof:( afib! dealing with the decision for ablation – and not hearing optomistic things…i most only have it as a result of alcohol – so backing off has been my choice to date. i miss a glass of wine or cocktail, tho. i too dream of a margarita. luckily, not a salt fan. would love a conversation on the topic of afib. glad you are on the other side of it.
So many people are dealing with AFib! I recently spoke with someone who’s had FIVE heart ablations! I can’t imagine. I’m with you about cutting alcohol out. It’ just not worth it. AFib is considered a “progressive disease,” so the person who’s had five ablations… You have to wonder if they’re drinking.
Thank you for the update. So glad you and your beloved dog are both recovering nicely from your surgeries. I loved Maya Blue. Another book may be in your future? Can’t wait!
I’m happy you loved Maya Blue, Deanna! I’m in the process of researching another book. Since I don’t know how it turns out… a true story… I don’t know but it might turn out to be a True Crime. I love researching, and I’m fascinated with the entire process because it requires me to become a detective and think way outside the box. Next week, I’ll be out of town, following “the bread crumbs.” I’ll keep you posted. xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda, I’m a new subscriber. My book club read your book, more like we devoured it. Please tell me it’s going to be made into a Netflix series! I could watch that over and over again. So exciting I can now leave you messages on your blog here. Best of everything to you, Amy
Hi Amy! My sincere thank you to you and your book club for reading Maya Blue. “We devoured it!” That’s always a good sign, so thanks for letting me know. I love hearing from you. I will say, Hollywood is interested… We’ll see what happens! Hope you’re having a wonderful summer! xoxox, Brenda
So glad you’re back! You have been missed! Please tell us your book is being made into a movie. My husband loved it as well and a few months ago asked if I knew what was happening with the book because he predicted it’s going to come to “a screen near you.” Summer is hot and we’re thinking about going someplace cool for a break. Again, so happy to see your email in my box. Take care! Carolyn
Thank you, Carolyn, and my thanks to your husband! I’ve heard from so many men who love Maya Blue. The book has even caused a couple of arguments between couples because one spouse raved about it and while they were out of the room on a bathroom break, the other spouse claimed the book and wouldn’t give it back. LOL! Makes my heart smile:) xoxox, Brenda
Hi Brenda
So glad to hear that you and your beloved Annie are both recovering and doing so much better!
I must say you look fabulous and happy birthday.
I plan to get your ebook and can’t wait to read it – what a great deal!
Best, Michele
Hi Michele, Did you pickup the ebook of Maya Blue? If so, I how you liked it. Thank you, thank you, and thanks for stopping by. Brenda
Hi Brenda! So good to hear from you and to finally know you are ok, as I’ve thought of you often and your helpful advice to me on dealing with my anxieties. So sorry to hear you and Annie have both had surgeries, but grateful to know you’re both on the mend. I like your haircut. You look beautiful. I pray God continues to watch over you and keep you safe and well. Your friend from hot west Texas.
Marcie!!! Hot west Texas, indeed! Did you get any of the rain that’s come our way in the last week? Something like 250 Billion gallons of rain in Uvalde!!! I’m not sure what the difference in advice and suggestions are, but I’m hesitant to give advice, but do make suggestions “for your consideration,” so I’m grateful to hear some of them were beneficial. Love my haircut as well. So easy!! Please take care. xoxox, Brenda
Thank you for your comment. We did get rain here, but not much. Some places close by got some flooding, but it seems right in our spot the rain goes around us most times. At least it’s been just rain and some wind, and no hail, as that seems to be what we usually get when it rains here, and we’ve had our share of damages from past hail storms. Yes, the horrible flooding AGAIN in central Texas – Uvalde, Kerrville, Comfort, etc; all there in your area of SA is horrific. We love that area of TX so much and are so sorry residents there are suffering again.
Take care sweet lady!
Marcie, I love west Texas! Love the desert and the plants, but you do have long dry spells. Know anyone who does rain dances or cloud seeding? xoxox, B
A call GIRL!!!
Hope WE FIND HER
Your hair is phenomenal !Can hair be phenomenal?I would love that cut but don’t have the curl you do plus I have the double chin saga!Glad the heart has been FIXED and that Ticker will keep on KEEPING YOU IN FORMA!
Xxx
Yes, Elizabeth, Hair can be phenomenal. I L❤️VE this haircut! Haven’t had a stylist this good since Juan Carlos when I used to go to NYC. I hear you: My chin and throat aren’t in peak condition, but my hair was even worse. It’s too fine and thin to support a bob, so shorter layers are now my friend. I love it so much, I don’t think about the other areas. Dying to tell you about the friends I’m trying to locate, but it’s too premature. So stay tuned! You, BTW, look wonderful and seem to be more active than you’ve been, so I’m hoping this means you’re feeling better. Love to you, B
I’ve been wondering if you were alright.You’ve certainly had a lot on your plate. I’m so happy to hear you and Annie are both on the road to recovery.
I loved Maya Blue. Hoping you have another book in the works.
Sending love and prayers’
Thank you, Carolyn. Annie and I are both doing well. My biggest problem has been trying to keep her, and all of her feet, out of the mud from all of the rain here in Texas. Thrilled to know you loved Maya Blue!!! Thank you! And yes, I’m just in the beginning stages of researching a book that could turn out to be a true crime. We’ll see. Take care! xoxox, Brenda
Dear Ms. Brenda,
I’m so happy to hear from you. I was one of your blog friends that was sincerely seriously CONCERNED about you. It was not like you to drop off your communication. I figured something not so good maybe had/has come up.
I’m happy to hear your heart surgery was successful and Annie’s surgery and rehab PT has gone well too. Wow, you girls have been through so much together. You are such a wonderful fur mother, that does not surprise me. You treat your fur child the way you would treat yourself. I’m coming back as a dog, and you can take care of me ok?
Happy belated 77th birthday. You look fabulous, your new hair style is super cute. It’s very youthful and opens up your eyes.
Keep in touch. Continue to take TLC of yourself and stay safe out there.
You’re a love, Katherine! Thank you for worrying about me. All is well. Just crazy busy. I had a veterinarian who told his wife he was coming back in his next life as one of my dogs because I raised “the nicest dogs.” I’ve always loved that compliment. My dogs, and when I had cats, are my kids, so I’d do anything to make their lives good ones. You take care as well. xoxox, Brenda
You and Annie both are on the mend! When I remember you in my evening prayers I wondered if the ablation was beneficial. Thanks for the update! You have tonnes of prayer warriors beside you. We read Psalms 91 every morning and it gives us such encouragement. He promises that His messengers will protect us and I would say He has provided special angels just for you.
Donna, I’m so grateful for your prayers. Thank you. I rarely reach out or ask for help of any kind… I’ll always be the tough chic… so I’m touched you think of me and pray for me. Thank you. I have a great girlfriend I’ve had since high school, and not long ago, she said, “Your guardian angel must be exhausted.” LOL! I like to think I have one, and I’ve apologized. Be well and be safe. xoxox, Brenda
So glad things are going well for you and Annie. You look amazing and the hair cut is very young looking and extremely flattering. God bless.
Sending God’s blessings to you as well, Colleen. Thanks for the sweet note! Take care!!! xoxox, Brenda
Hello Brenda, So happy to hear you and Annie are doing well.
I’m 79 and I too never thought about getting older but here I am. I’m not as young looking as you but I survived breast cancer last year and grateful for every day.
Looking forward to your next book. Loved Maya Blue.
Hi Trisha! Brava and congratulations on surviving breast cancer. I know what that’s like, and 22 years later, I’m still here. So happy to know you loved Maya Blue. Thank you for letting me know! Be well, and I hope you’re having a wonderful summer. Blessings, Brenda
Like so many of your readers I was worried because it wasn’t like you to drop off the radar or at least not let us know what was up! Feeling relieved and happy to hear from you! Do tell us more about your friend the call girl. The life you’ve led… and we only know a fraction. Xo, Mimi
Hi Mimi, I’m shocked I’ve gone so long without touching base with all of you. At least when I was writing Maya Blue, I let you know what I was doing and checked in from time to time, but I think I just needed some time away the last six months. This coming week, I’m going out of town to follow some leads about my friend, but it’s too early to go public with her story, plus I’m having second thoughts. What if nothing bad happened to her–my fervent hope–but she wanted to go off the grid and lead a different life? If that’s the case, I don’t want to do anything that would embarrass her in her new life, so I need to be mindful of that possibility. I’ll share what I can, when I can. Thank you, Mimi! xoxox, Brenda
Just bought another copy of your book! An ebook I can carry on my phone and read when I want an exciting moment. What do you do to stay so young looking? I know you’ve had cancer and trauma in your life but where is it? In the attic on a painting that’s growing older? Haha! Seriously! Please share!
HaHa, Jeannie! My mother, and my father’s mother–my grandmother–both were youthful looking as they got older, so it may be genetic. Certainly grief, chemotherapy, and hard times aren’t good for the skin. I spent a lot of time in the sun until I was 40ish, then I started wearing super widebrimmed hats on my adventures. I’m also faithful about taking care of my skin and using retinol every other day. You both a second copy of Maya Blue? I love that! Thank you for telling me, sweet lady!! xoxox, Brenda
You just get more beautiful as you age. Tell Jeannie if there’s a painting in your attic, it looks like me! Sincerely, Old & Frazzled Looking
Old & Frazzled… You’re adorable! Thanks for reading and leaving me a comment. LOL!!! xoxox, Brenda
So nice to see a post from you today. Lots going on in your life. Happy to hear your heart surgery went well. Doesn’t seem fair that the problem was caused by the treatments that saved your life….
My little girl Gracie had to have knee surgery as well about 4 years ago. The vet told us the rehab would be a lot of work for us but we really didn’t realize how trying it would be. Having said that, we would not hesitate to have the surgery done again as she is our baby.
I’ve already told you on Instagram that your hair looks fabulous but I’ll say it again.
Have a great day .
Awe, you’re sweet, Jeannette! Glad you like my new “do.” Rehabbing a dog, especially a big one–Annie weighs 60 pounds–is a lot of work. For six weeks, she pretty much remained confined to her condominium except when she had to go outside and then, I had to support her rear legs by holding them up with a towel. But I’d do it again in a blink! xoxox, Brenda
I am so happy to hear you and your girl are on the mend! That is great news! I can’t wait to hear more about your new project. I am finally writing again after a too-long gap.
That’s great news! All week, we’ve had tornados and rain of Biblical proportions, and I thought of being with you, looking at the street sign outside, spinning around and round in the storm! Miss your company, my friend. Love, Brenda
Brenda, I just bought your ebook and am excited to read it! I bought your book last fall. My mom and sister were visiting and each read it while they were here and loved it. Think they took it with them. Happy to have you back!
Thank you, Lisa! I’m honored you bought another copy and your mother and sister like Maya Blue as well. You’re the best!!! xoxox, Brenda
WHEW! I kept looking for your blog thinking I missed it, it got deleted…or something went wrong with you. I am so happy you came back looking amazing! Prayer works for sure even though He always holds us.
Brenda, you inspired me to write by giving me a small, simple complement about what I wrote. You believed in my ability and told me to write more! So I wrote a book about my once-missing grandma. The book got published last month and I owe its completion (and follow-through) to you. THANK YOU, ma’am.
BTW it’s called Amalia
I’m guessing that’s your grandmother’s name. Amalia. It’s beautiful. xoxox, B
Oh, thank you, Nena! Thank you for letting me know. I remember making a comment about what you wrote. Brava for taking the next step and writing a book. I’m intriqued… your once missing grandma. Congratulations!!!!! xoxox, Brenda
Brenda:
Good to hear from you! You always have interesting things happening in your life! I am glad to hear that you and Annie are doing better. I am sorry that you have to give up alcohol–it could be worse, but its hard to beat a relaxing cocktail or two when socializing with friends. Drinking alone has no real appeal. The one thing I wanted to say–I really like your new haircut! It looks so fresh and fun.
I hope you continue to thrive!
Take care.
Thank you, Julia! Loved your note. I love this haircut. Don’t know why I struggled for so long to make a bob work, because clearly, it didn’t. This is fun and fresh and so easy. I just finger fluff it and let it dry. I’ve never been much of a drinker, but I do miss an occasional glass of wine, a vodka tonic or a margarita, but it makes my heart beat out of rhythm and that’s what the heart surgery will hopefully correct, but only if I don’t have any alcohol. xoxo, Brenda