Seeing Susan Stirling

I wrote my story for many reasons.
Today, it’s about my SQUISHY FACE SMILE.

Somewhere along the way, I lost permission to smile like I did as a child… shoulders up to my ears, just excited to be alive.

To prep for that day I slept with CURLERS in my hair (yup we did that back then)
Climbing the steps into a Winnebago for a travelling photographer.
It was pure excitement.

The first photo is little me. Then.
The second is from this time last year—just after I said yes to working with TSPA on Velcro Kisses.

My daughter-in-law arranged a beautiful photo shoot at an exquisite venue.

And here’s a tidbit: when we were choosing photos for the book…

We saw that smile was caught on camera again!

Megan called it my “squishy face smile.”

I laughed until I cried.
Because it was true.

It’s definitely not polished.
Nor is it perfect.
But it’s ALL MINE💛

HealingInPublic SquishyFaceSmile

I wrote my story for many reasons, but today I’m highlighting my partner, husband and wingman — Andrew.

Who knew when we met eight years ago that we would walk this path together? When Andrew first heard where I had come from he said, ‘you should write your story.’ I don’t think either of us imagined I would end up writing a book about my trauma bond to prophecy and reclaiming my voice. But that’s the way life goes, isn’t it? The creative process unfolds. What we begin with changes, grows and evolves, and sometimes it’s right underneath our own pen.

I handwrote my story before I ever typed it. It became healing. Grieving what should have been given space years ago. Gathering the threads that once felt scattered into something whole.

Andrew has been a big part of how I wrote. Through his support — the many cups of tea, making space, standing with me as I contacted TSPA, being my plus one as I ventured to my first writers conference in Vancouver last June, and always encouraging me to keep writing regardless of the hour. Even though much of this felt new, even unfamiliar at times, his support was always steady.

In my first marriage I promised to love, honour and obey, and that didn’t turn out so well.

When Andrew and I married, we chose to write our own vows. In them were these words:

“I promise to nurture your dreams, because through them your soul shines. I promise to encourage ALL that makes you unique and wonderful...”

I can honestly say he has lived those words.

Thank you, handsome.

PS. This photo was taken as Andrew watched me walk down the path toward him on our wedding day just over 3 years ago.

Here’s to dreams….Istikhara (is-tick-ARE-uh)

I wrote my story for many reasons—but today, I’m highlighting my son Ben and my daughter-in-law Mariah.

For the relationship each of them carries within themselves because that relationship sets the tone for everything else.

Building and encouraging a strong partnership everyday.

For becoming someone new—together and on their own.

And especially for this:
to have fun along the way,
and to cheer loudly for each other’s growth as it unfolds 💛💛

I wrote my story for many reasons: today I highlight my daughter Abigail Rose.

I wrote so that she grows up knowing her voice matters,
and that what we inherit, we also have the power to transform. That we as a female can own our power both inside and outside.

This is where it shifts. Perfect for this weekend where many celebrate Easter. I will celebrate RECLAIMING.

This is where something new begins—because of her, and for her. You GO girl! I’m cheering for you💛♥️💛

Whoohoo—my first book launch, and SO fun!

There are moments that matter—
this was one of them.

I didn’t know what to expect… but what I thought would be “just” a book launch
became a room full of incredible women, real connection, and inspiring conversation.

Thank you for showing up, bringing your joy, and celebrating this with me.

Velcro Kisses carries my story—
and something bigger: healing, truth, and reclaiming what was always ours.

Here’s to telling the truth—
and not holding it alone.

Ever wonder how a book title finds the subtitle that was meant for it?

The journey begins! ✨

Heading to North Vancouver this weekend for The International Writers’ Conference and I couldn’t be more excited!

Can’t wait to soak up the inspiration and connect with fellow storytellers. Hope you’ll follow along!