In this month’s Writer Wednesday blog my fellow Firebirds and I are talking about our favorite item on our desk.

For me, picking one item wasn’t enough. And really, I wanted to share my entire office at my day job! It’s where I spend a significant chunk of time each day, so I’ve turned it into a place where I feel at home, where I’m comfortable, where I feel loved and supported, where I’m surrounded by the things that are important to me.

Being the writer that I am, I took the idea I was given—share your favorite item on your desk—and asked myself, “What if?”

As in, “What if I shared what makes my office so special?”

And…..voila!

A peek into my 9-5 sanctuary:

If you’ve checked out my website (soon to be updated and improved, but it’ll do for now), Twitter or Instagram accounts you already know I’m a huge Florida Gator and Chicago Cubs fan, so the picture collages shouldn’t be a surprise.

These collages are filled with candid shots of me with family and friends having fun and making cherished memories over the years.

It’s a wonder what a little spray paint and elbow grease, not to mention help from my fabulous mom and dad, will get you these days! And I must say, the initial idea came from my middle daughter’s creative genius, with me asking myself again that all-important question, “What if I…?”

In a nod to Vince Lombardi (a fellow sports fan and Hall of Fame coach) I took his famous quote and tweaked it for my own purposes to read: Faith, Family and the Florida Gators!

Yes, I’m that much of a sports fan.

Moving over to my desktop, a place that is rarely accused of being clutter-free, you’ll find two corners that speak to my heart.

On the left a little group with a surprise award I hadn’t expected that brought tears to my eyes. The work I did that made others feel I was deserving of the plaque was work I would have gladly done without any reward. Helping students, helping others, is as natural as breathing. It’s what I believe we should all do. So to receive the award was quite a humbling experience.

The postcard stands for my vision of what I hope my university and the world will one day truly become—a place where diversity, inclusion, acceptance and open-mindedness thrives. It’s a reminder to me of where I come from, where I am, and where I hope to help us all go.

The candy dish with Dove chocolate—well, that’s probably all I need to say about that.

Really, it’s for the days when I deserve a little treat. It’s also a test to my willpower—CAN I RESIST TAKING ONE?!? And it’s for the moments when I’m feeling like: What the hell, go for it!!

The candle, because it relaxes me. And we can all use a little pampering in our lives.

Move to the right corner and you’ll find the heart of what makes me tick:

Family, friends and faith!

My girls, the greatest blessings I’ve been given. My parents, who made me who I am and continue to support and love me. A beautiful crystal gifted to me by a dear, dear friend (Hi Kieran love ya!!). A love note my youngest stuck to my computer while I was away.

And tying it all together, a reminder of my faith—it’s what has kept me going in dark days, what comforts me in trying times, what lightens my mood when I’m doubtful, and what makes every celebration that much more a moment to be thankful.

Finally, when I sit in my desk and look toward the door, I see my To Do whiteboard, with a hand drawn pic from my niece and a couple of mantras to remember:

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!—Thanks, Jimmy V!

The time to be awesome is now!– Amen, Kid President

You are worth it!!—Thanks, inner me talking to myself!

I also see another reminder of why I do what I do and why I am who I am: a pic of me with my girls, a beautiful sunset painting from Thailand (Thanks, G!), and a beautiful replica of Auguste Rodin’s piece “The Cathedral.”

The piece of two right hands speaks to me because it evokes strong emotion—in me and so many others—while the two hands just baaaaaaarely touch.

But that whisper of a touch shows how easily you can affect others. How a simple gesture can create love, hate, pleasure or pain.

In the romance novels I love to read and write, our characters experience all of those emotions and so much more. Yet in the end, they conquer the bad, move past the pain, and vanquish the hate so that love, compassion, pleasure and peace prevail.

That’s what happens in my fellow Firebird sister KD Fleming’s novel, Her Hometown Reporter.

Here’s a little blurb to whet your romance-reading appetite.

TOBY HENDRICKS HAS THE INSIDE SCOOP ON GINA LAWSON 

The reporter is looking for a story that’ll be his ticket out of his small Georgia town. With her political connections, legal assistant Gina Lawson could help Toby realize his aspirations. Their friendship is just an added bonus, but falling in love isn’t part of his five-year plan. 

Gina’s devoted to her family and community, and doesn’t plan to ever leave. Though she finds her favorite reporter maddeningly irresistible, she must guard her heart. But when a betrayal of trust threatens to shatter both their dreams, will Gina and Toby learn that they share the same values after all?

Check out KD’s book at Amazon, Barnes &  Noble, and HQN

But before you go, I’d love to hear what special something you have on your desk or in your work area. What motivates you? What makes you smile? What keeps you going when the day seems to NEVER end?

It’s always fun to get a peek into someone else’s office and see what’s special to them. I’d love to hear about yours!

And remember, there are many of us sharing our favorite desk items today, so hop on over to my fellow Firebird sisters’ sites and see what fun they’re cooking up, too!

Contemporary Romance: Tamra Baumann, Jamie Wesley, Kat Cantrell, Lauren Christopher

Paranormal Romance: Kay Hudson

Romantic Suspense: Sharon Wray

Novel with Romantic Elements: Natalie Meg Evans, Jean Willett

Sweet & Faith-based Romance: KD Fleming, Kristen Ethridge

Historical Romance: Kathleen Bittner Roth, Wendy LaCapra

Here’s what we have on tap for you in the coming year, hope we see you back here again!!