truly (Part 31)

If you're new to this book, this story's journey begins here:

If you're catching up, see the links listed on the left sidebar to pick up where you left off :)

truly. (Part 31)

Once Celia shut the big door and turned out the lights the room got really quiet. They were all gone–Kate, dad, Colin, and even Celia. I finally had my wish, even though I no longer wished for it. I wanted desperately to see Finn, but that wasn’t going to happen, so I’d have to settle for Colin’s report when–and if–he came back to give it to me. The man owed me nothing. But he knew. He had to know. And now Celia knew too. I’d said too much to too many people, and now I felt helpless and small and my leg ached so bad I thought I might crawl out of my skin. So I did the only thing I could do. I laid in the dark and cried myself to sleep.

Love Out Loud

This organization completely embodies the heart behind Letters From The Ledge. I was absolutely astounded when I read their vision. Based on a quote from Emile Zola "If you ask me what I came to do in this world, I, an artist, I will answer you: "I am here to live out loud" this organization aims to encourage creative expression and healthy relationships as a means for combating difficult issues such as depression, self-harm, and suicide especially in this generation.


THE LOVE OUT LOUD CAMPAIGN was started by two Cal Poly students who wanted to raise awareness and put feet to their words. These issues are so much more widespread than anyone realizes.

Please check out their website, their blog, like them on Facebook and otherwise support them!

Let's raise awareness and spread the love people!

truly. (Part 30)

If you're new to this book, this story's journey begins here:

If you're catching up, see the links listed on the left sidebar to pick up where you left off :)

Colin looked back at me and smiled. “You see? I told you he was a good soldier!”

“Tell him…” 

Tell him what exactly? That I said hi? Thanks for saving my life? It only took me about a second to realize I had no clue what I would say if I saw him myself, much less what to tell his father to deliver by way of a message.

His father, who I’d suddenly become strangely attached to. The words were all jumbled up in my throat, and nothing would come out. Maybe I needed that laptop more than I realized.

Colin nodded once, as if he understood completely. “Don’t worry. I’ll tell him.”

I just can't help it - I have to tell you this!

Ok so I don't want to sound like one of those moms, but my kids REALLY ARE amazing...

My oldest daughter Jessica just got engaged.

We couldn't be more thrilled. She also is an amazing singer/songwriter with a custom songwriting business!

Her website:

Jessica Lindsay Custom Songwriting

The song "Marry You" she co-wrote and recorded with my 16 year old son and my other daughter on BGVs... They are an amazing bunch...

Listen to this amazing song!!

At any rate, she is currently in grad school, and one of her part time jobs is working in a grocery store... She was just messing around. Acapella... In an empty store... And this is what comes out. Amazing.

She posted the following on Facebook:

"I had some time in an empty grocery store last night... So I waited until each customer left and then belted out some Adele into my computer mic! :) Fun times."


  Adele Cover - Rolling in the Deep by The_HeartCanvas




Ok, so I know I was there when she was born into  this world? But I don't think I had anything to do with the part where she is out of this world... which she is. I'm just sayin'. See for yourself...

truly. (Part 29)

If you're new to this book, this story's journey begins here:

If you're catching up, see the links listed on the left sidebar to pick up where you left off :)

truly. (Part 29)

The war? What war? Which war?

I dropped the tissue into my lap. “The what?”

Colin smiled. “Well I know he doesn’t look all that big and tough, but me boyo there’s a decorated war hero.”

I tried to process that information. “Afghanistan?”

Colin nodded in the affirmative. “Two tours. Last one nearly killed him.”

I rested my head back on the pillows, realizing with some finality just how little I knew about this man who’d recently risked his life for me. The look on my face must have made it obvious.

truly. (Part 28)

If you're new to this blog, this book's journey begins here...

                truly. (Part 28)

I felt like throwing up again. There was nothing in my stomach, but I asked the nurse for the basin anyway.

“I take back what I said.” I was breathing heavy and the nurse had her hand on my forehead, holding a cool washcloth there.

“What’s that?”

“I told that big group of doctors I wanted something lighter for the pain, so I wouldn’t be so loopy, but it hurts so bad right now all I want is sleep.”

“I’ll be right back.”

A funny thing happened on my way home from school...

I dropped some promotional materials for LFTL off at my son's school this morning. A few signed posters, a stack of bookmarks, and a signed copy of the book. Gave them to the librarian along with my card and went on my merry way. Ok so it was early, so I wasn't incredibly merry, but I went on my way nonetheless :)

About an hour or so later, as I was with my mom at the hair salon an email came in from the librarian with this picture! In under two hours they had created this amazing display in the library!

I am so humbled and thankful to be part of such an amazing, incredibly supportive community. Thanks guys!!

News and Events

I've added a new tab up top to house press releases, news, upcoming events, announcements, etc. After they're announced on the blog they'll be added to that page so you don't have to scroll through wads of posts to find out what's new and exciting!

Like today, I was picking up my son's medications in the drive through at the pharmacy (I love drive through anything...especially in the winter!). The woman at the window says to me "You're the one who wrote that book, right? The one that was in the paper!"

Contest Winner Announcement!

Congratulations to Josh from San Diego, who correctly answered the trivia question and has won a free signed copy of Letters From The Ledge!

Question: What school does Brendan's father want him to attend?
Answer: Wharton School of Business

Thanks to everyone who participated! Stay tuned for more prizes and giveaways~