Feeling Lucky

A favorite character from stories past will be stopping by the blog today. I’ve really missed him. When you write a story, you spend so much time with the characters. They are in your thoughts, they make their way into your daily routine and the part I miss about them the most, they cheer you up when you’ve had a tough go. What I’m finding out right now, is that they are never really gone. They stay, with the writer and with the reader. That is a beautiful thing, right? I encourage you to re-visit the stories that have brought you comfort throughout your life. And perhaps, discover a few new ones along the way.

When Lucky Mason (from Sidewalk Flower) gently tapped on my memory this morning, I was instantly warmed and reminded of his beautiful heart and soul.

To paint the picture for you of where this chat is taking place, I am sitting at my writing table in my desert apartment. It’s close to one million degrees outside yet a bit chilly inside with the AC. Demon Slayer is playing on the tv in the background. I’ve just been at San Diego Comic Con for the past week and was reminded how much I love Tanjiro. I also happen to have a copy of Sidewalk Flower on the table. As I start to welcome Lucky, I have to chuckle at his image on the cover. I think that’s where we’ll start. But first, let’s close our eyes for a moment and bring Lucky into our hearts together.

Haha, I just realized you need your eyes open to read this. Sorry, I can see that having him around is still as distracting as it ever was. My apologies. Eyes open, please. But mine will be closed as I describe him to you in this moment….(I like typing with my eyes closed. It feels different.)

He’s such a cool guy, but nearly everything about him is warm. Where he’s from, the way he was raised, the quiet respect he has for life. The way he treats people. We are simply smiling with him right now. His has become very big! He’s a little shy and embarrassed by what I’m telling you about him but he’s also gracious and knows that he must allow me to introduce him in this way. He is quiet, gentle and unassuming. He is hardworking and kindhearted. Hahahaha, he is really about to lose it now though. Okay, I will ease up. Did I do a good job of introducing or re-introducing him to you all? Can you picture this wonderful man right now as you are reading?

Carlene: Hi hun, it’s so good to have you here. It’s been forever since you visited.
Lucky: It’s good to see you too, hun. You seemed like you could use a hello and a hug.

C: You are spot on and I think this is a great time for us to feel a hug right now. If anyone out there needs one, I’m sending one out, and would you mind, Lucky?

L: Not at all, hun. I’m sending one out too. I’m always good for a hug.
C: I remember.

L: Hahaha. You haven’t changed at all.
C: You haven’t lost your charm, not a single drop of it. I also want to say to our readers to take some time and get comfy. Things are always very casual with you, Lucky, and I want them to really feel that. You are one of the “safest places” I have ever written from. I’d love for our readers to know you in that way as well. Can you please tell us how you feel about visiting with our readers in this way?

L: Of course, um. I’ll do my best. I think a good way to start is just by recognizing that we’ve all got a need to feel connected to each other. It’s the way we’re built and very natural. I think there are tons of ways to connect but sometimes it can feel like the hardest thing in the world to make happen. Does that make sense?
C: I think so, hun. Maybe it’s because connecting with others isn’t necessarily something you can force. I think whenever that is the case, it can be hard to figure out. Which is why I love stories. Stories from books, movies, songs, pictures, etcetera. Those kinds of connections are always available to us.
L: Exactly. This is what I am feeling. I’ve noticed how it can be hard, when we want something in our lives and it just doesn’t seem to be happening. We can start to lose hope. I want to always be someone who is there for when others are in that space. So I think to answer your question about visiting our readers today, I want to say this. Readers, hello. This might be the first time we’ve met, or you may remember me from eons ago, haha. I’m here to sit with you. I’m here to listen. Maybe you’re making a meal or finished your day and are ready to relax. Whatever the case may be, just want you to know I’m here. I don’t mind tagging along if you need someone.

C: Lucky, thank you. Truly. We appreciate you.
L: No problem. I appreciate you right back.

C: Okay, so I’m going to insert a photo here of Sidewalk Flower. Let’s talk about that cover!

L: Oh. Okay. Sorry, I’m always a little shocked when I first see it. Hahahahaha. Trista does look beautiful.
C: She does. I love her.
L: She’s a beautiful soul.
C: Yes, and you’re not too shabby yourself!
L: Okay, but I think you should probably be truthful about this.
C: Hahahaha. What’s not to love about you? You’re a hunk.
L: I liked it better when I was just warm and fuzzy. And I might not always be that fit.
C: Hahahahahahaha. Okay, since I am quite happy with your cover look, what would you like to say to the readers. I feel like there’s something you’ve always wanted the chance to say but never had the opportunity. Now’s your chance.
L: First of all, I really do like the book’s cover. I like the road elements, I love the way Trista is captured. She’s one of the toughest angels I’ve ever known and I think that shows here. I feel like I can see the intimacy between us. It’s all really great.
C: But…
L: Hahaha, there is a very small tiny but in there. I am not complaining about how fit I am shown being on this cover. What guy would complain about that. I just seem to recall my favorite shirt. I really wished I’d have been able to keep that on. I think the readers would say I looked very handsome in it.
C: I know exactly which shirt you’re talking about and hun, you absolutely look beautiful in it. The baby blue one. Sorry dear. Just know that you being on the cover like this has brought a lot of joy to many many readers. I am reminded that you were voted Evernight’s Favorite Book Boyfriend the year Sidewalk Flower came out. I was so happy when that happened! I just remember thinking that winning that award from the readers was the ultimate honor. You’re just gonna have to accept that you are a hottie inside and out!
L: Okay.
C: Hahahaha, a man of few words.

C: So just to catch everyone up on Lucky’s story in Sidewalk Flower. This is a road trip romance. It’s got a lot of the traditional road trip stuff that we all know and love. But there is also the element of unexpectedness. Trista and Lucky have a windy, bumpy road ahead of them in this one and it’s not always easy. But, I have to say that if I were to embark on the kind of journey Trista has to take, our dear Lucky is the man I want by my side. Sometimes, it’s very hard for her to accept his goodness. Of course, she’s just being protective of him. But my question for you right now, hun, is lighthearted.

L: Okay, hun. I’m ready for it. I’ll do my best.
C: There were several times in the book when you and Trista were trying to figure out how to get closer to one another. It often was awkward, right?
L: Yes, that is a good word to describe it.
C: Okay. So I’m curious to know how you stayed motivated to keep trying? I didn’t keep count, but you got shut out quite a few times. Hun, why didn’t you give up?
L: Ooof. I thought you said your question was lighthearted. Hmmm….
C: I’m sorry. I did say that. It’s because I do have a lighthearted question but I want to know this first.
L: Got it. Okay, well, Hmm. Um, what I will say is that Trista was that way for a very good reason, even though I didn’t know it at the time. I knew I needed to go slowly. I might not have stuck it out for the wrong person. I think this is important. To know who you’re getting involved with. I think there are things we will all feel when we meet someone new. You know, you can take your time getting to know them and um, you’re generally going to get a feeling of whether this person is someone who is going to maybe just be up on the surface of your life, or whether they are going to maybe come in a little more. Sink in to you a little deeper. I just felt very strongly that Trista was someone who mattered. Not just to me, but to everyone who knew her. I had to keep reminding myself of that. Trust me, there were times when I asked myself this same question. Lucky, man, what are you doing? Sometimes you have to learn to step back. But um, yeah, I think you just, you just gotta follow your heart. I knew in the instance with Trista that I was greatly needed. Sometimes it’s really gonna hurt. Whoa, what’s your fun question for me? Hahahaha. Can I get that one please?

C: Yes, dear. You definitely earned it. But thank you for going there for us. It’s really something to think about. I think we can all relate. We’ve probably all done things for people who perhaps didn’t deserve our time and energy, and we’ve also all given ourselves for people who absolutely deserved us.

L: Yeah, no problem. At the end of the day, everything we do has meaning. People will always show you who they are, whether they mean to or not. My grandma was always saying that the proof was in the puddin’. It’s really true. I want to say to our readers to let people show up for you in the way they choose to. There’s no need to force anything. And then you make your decisions from there. You know like, so and so makes me feel like this. Ask yourself, does this feel good? Does this not feel good? And then you make the decision on whether they get to stay in your life.

C: Hun, I love that advice. And I think it’s a true act of love as well. Love for yourself as well as for others. I think if someone is consistently treating you in a way that isn’t great and never changes, it really just means that they aren’t meant for you. At the end of the day, let them be on their way.

L: Yes, hun. This is what I think as well.

C: Okay, so here is the fun question I have for you. Alright, here we go.
L: Oh gosh, I’m nervous now.
C: Actually I think this one suits you. Hahaha. The question is: how likely are you to steal a kiss at the drive-in movies? And before you get shy, know that I tweaked this one since I know you feel more at home outdoors and well, obviously in a car. Wink wink.
L: I think I should keep this one short and sweet. The answer is: very likely.

C: Oh, I love you, Lucky Mason.
L: I love you too, hun. And I want to say this from the bottom of my heart, I’m sending good love and energy out to all our readers. Love is real. You can find it just about anywhere and it goes everywhere you go. It’s always with you. You just gotta remember it’s there.
C: Thank you, dear. That sounds like another thing your grandma would have said.
L: She was a wise, dear and feisty lady. But she taught me everything I know about love.
C: Alright hun, please take good care and thank you for sharing your story with us today.
L: Anytime, darlin’. God bless, everyone. Take care.

Sending a big thank you to each of you reading this and spending time with us today. I hope you enjoyed Lucky. If you’d like to read his story, you can find it HERE.

Sidewalk Flower synopsis: A jaded young woman sets out on an intense road trip home to deal with her past when she is asked to allow a relative stranger to tag along. But she’s seen too many good guys succumb to the harsh realities of her supposed privileged life in the music business and intends on keeping her distance. When she picks up Lucky, the southern gentleman cousin of her selfish best friend, she has absolutely no idea of how to accept a perfectly good person with good intentions. Home has never looked so good or felt so far away.

Thank you, take good care and see you next time!
Always love,
Carlene