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The Love That Waited

The Love That Waited

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 10/13/2026

As grandparents, we learn there are some hurts we cannot fix, some miles we cannot shorten, and some lessons life insists on teaching the hard way.

This story came to me while thinking about the many forms love can take. We often celebrate love at its beginning, but we talk less about the love that endures. The love that waits through seasons of absence. The love that survives mistakes. The love that never stops believing in tomorrow.

Although this is a work of fiction, it is written for anyone who has ever loved someone from afar, missed years they can never get back, or hoped for a second chance.

Because sometimes the strongest kind of love is not the love that finds its way easily.

It is the love that waits.

The Love That Waited

Every year on her birthday, Lena lit three candles.

One for yesterday.

One for today.

And one for tomorrow.

The first candle reminded her of the roads she had traveled and the choices she wished she could retrace.

The second reminded her that she was still here, still breathing, still growing.

The third was for hope.

It was always the brightest.

She would sit by the window and watch the small flames flicker against the evening sky, imagining they were sending their light beyond the horizon to two little girls she loved more than words could ever say.

The girls had once fit perfectly in her arms.

Now they were growing up somewhere beyond her reach.

Life had carried them forward.

Time always does.

Yet no matter how many birthdays passed, Lena carried every precious memory with her.

She remembered tiny hands tugging at her sleeves.

She remembered lullabies sung off-key.

She remembered warm cheeks after bath time and sleepy voices asking for one more story before bed.

Most of all, she remembered being called Mama.

It had been years since she had heard the word spoken to her.

Sometimes that realization hurt.

But love, she discovered, isn’t measured by what we receive.

Love is measured by what we continue to give.

So Lena began writing.

At first it was only a few pages.

A memory here.

A story there.

A letter she never expected anyone to read.

When the pages filled, she found another notebook.

Then another.

Then another.

Soon she had a shelf lined with journals.

Inside them were stories her daughters were too young to remember.

Stories about chasing butterflies.

Stories about pink unicorns and princesses.

Stories about dancing in the kitchen and in sidewalk puddles after a Texas summer rain.

Stories about bedtime prayers and missing teeth and birthday cakes decorated with far too much frosting.

Each journal was different.

Yet every single one carried the same message.

You are loved.

You are loved more than you know.

And you always will be.

When loneliness visited, as it often did, Lena wrote.

When regret whispered in the dark, Lena wrote.

When hope felt distant, Lena wrote.

The words became bridges stretching across years and miles she could not cross herself.

One afternoon, her grandmother found her filling another notebook.

“You’ve written enough books to fill a library,” the older woman teased.

Lena smiled.

“Maybe.”

“Do you think the girls will ever read them?”

The question lingered between them.

Lena looked at the stack of journals.

Their worn covers held years of memories, dreams, prayers, and promises.

“I don’t know.”

Her grandmother settled into the chair beside her.

Then she said something Lena would never forget.

“Love is never wasted, child. Sometimes it simply waits.”

The words wrapped themselves around Lena’s heart like a warm blanket.

Sometimes it simply waits.

Years continued their steady march forward.

Seasons painted the world in spring blossoms, summer sunlight, autumn gold, and winter frost.

The journals multiplied.

The girls grew.

Life continued.

One day, while helping their grandmother sort through old family keepsakes, the girls discovered a weathered wooden chest tucked away in a corner.

Its brass latch creaked when they opened it.

Inside sat dozens of journals.

Carefully arranged.

Protected.

Treasured.

The younger girl picked one up and opened to the first page.

A pressed daisy slipped into her lap.

The handwriting was neat and gentle.

The title simply read:

For My Girls

Curious, they began reading.

Hours passed unnoticed.

The stories pulled them in.

There were memories of playground adventures and Halloween costumes.

Stories about favorite stuffed animals and beloved bedtime books.

Descriptions of tiny personalities that felt strangely familiar.

The girls laughed at some pages.

They cried at others.

And with every chapter, another piece of a larger picture came into focus.

The woman who wrote these journals was not perfect.

She never claimed to be.

But on every page, they found evidence of something remarkable.

Love.

Patient love.

Steadfast love.

The kind of love that had endured silence without disappearing.

The kind of love that had remained faithful through years of waiting.

Late one evening, the older sister closed the final journal.

For a long moment neither girl spoke.

Then the younger one quietly wiped away a tear.

“She remembered everything.”

Her sister nodded.

“No.”

She gently placed her hand on the stack of journals.

“She remembered us.”

At that very moment, miles away, Lena was sitting by her window.

A sunset painted the sky in shades of gold and amber.

The three birthday candles burned softly beside her.

Tomorrow wasn’t her birthday.

But sometimes she lit them anyway.

Just to remind herself that hope deserved celebrating.

She stared into their tiny flames and whispered a prayer she had carried for years.

“Let them know.”

Nothing more.

Just those three words.

Let them know.

Then her phone rang.

Lena glanced at the screen.

An unfamiliar number.

Her heart quickened.

Slowly, she answered.

“Hello?”

Silence.

Then a nervous voice.

Young.

Gentle.

Beautiful.

“Hi.”

Lena gripped the phone with trembling hands.

The voice continued.

“We found your stories.”

Tears filled her eyes before she could speak.

Another voice joined the first.

“We read every one.”

The room blurred.

The candles shimmered through her tears.

And for the first time in years, the distance between them felt smaller than hope.

“We know who you are,” the girls said.

Lena closed her eyes.

Not because she was sad.

But because joy can feel too large for the human heart.

Outside, the evening breeze stirred the trees.

Inside, three candles glowed softly beside the window.

One for yesterday.

One for today.

And one for tomorrow.

The brightest of all.

Because some loves burn quickly and fade.

But the deepest loves endure.

They wait through storms.

They wait through seasons.

They wait through silence.

And when the moment finally comes, they light the way home.

A Mother’s Love: Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!

Author’s Note: This story is dedicated to every parent, grandparent, child, and family member who has ever held onto hope when hope seemed distant. Love may be tested by time, circumstances, and life itself, but genuine love never forgets where it belongs.

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Toby’s Trail

Toby’s Trail

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 10/01/2026

No one can say for certain where every step of the Lopez, Goldman, Mosquedo, and Duran families began. Records tell part of the story, memories tell another. The rest lives in imagination.

Perhaps, more than a hundred years ago, one of Toby’s ancestors stood beneath the wide Colorado sky. Near Denver, where the Duran family put down roots, he rose before sunrise and saddled his horse while the plains still glowed silver with morning dew. He was a vaquero, one of the proud horsemen whose Spanish traditions helped shape the cowboy culture of the American West. Historians tell us that the skills of the vaquero, from roping cattle to working horseback over vast ranches, became the foundation of the American cowboy.

On long cattle drives, he might have heard stories of legendary riders whose courage and horsemanship were celebrated across Colorado and the Southwest. The vaqueros were admired not because they sought fame, but because they embodied honor, hard work, loyalty, and respect for the land. Those values were their true legacy.

Maybe his mother told him tales carried from Puerto Rico, passed from her mother’s father. He had been born about 1900, and arrived in San Francisco before 1929. Puerto Rico, an island where Spanish heritage met Caribbean spirit, had an influx about that time. Around evening campfires, as horses rested and stars filled the Colorado sky, he shared stories of family and the belief that a person’s greatest wealth was not what he owned, but what he passed on to his children.

The years passed, and the family followed opportunity west. Denver gave way to California. The mountains faded behind them as they journeyed toward San Francisco, carrying little more than determination, hope, and the strength of generations before them.

There they built lives, raised children, and watched a growing city change around them. Through all the years, the spirit of the old vaqueros traveled with them: resilience, pride, and devotion to family.

If those ancestors could meet Toby today, they might see in him the same steady character that carried the family across states and generations. They would know that the trail they began did not end with them. It continued through sons and daughters, through San Francisco, and through Toby himself.

And perhaps they would say:

“We rode beneath the Colorado sun, crossed mountains and years, and built a path for those who would come after us. Wherever life leads you, remember that you carry more than a name. You carry the courage of those who came before you and the stories of those yet to come.”

As the years passed and the family journeyed from Colorado to San Francisco, they carried more than luggage and memories. They carried a heritage shaped by many shores and many horizons. There were the vaqueros of the West, riding beneath endless skies, and there was the proud spirit of Puerto Rico, where generations learned the values of family, perseverance, and honor.

Perhaps, somewhere along the way, a young member of the family heard the story of Roberto Clemente, Puerto Rico’s great hero. He became famous for his extraordinary talent, but he became beloved because he cared deeply for others. He believed that success meant very little if it was not used to help people in need.

The old vaqueros would have understood that. A good horseman was measured not by how loudly he spoke, but by his character. Clemente was measured the same way. Though separated by time, distance, and circumstance, both carried the same lesson: true greatness is found in service, courage, humility, and devotion to family.

And so, when we look at Toby today, we can imagine a little of both traditions living within him. The steady determination of the Colorado vaquero. The warmth and pride of Puerto Rico. The courage of those who crossed mountains and generations to build a better future.

If his ancestors could gather around him on this birthday, perhaps they would smile and say:

“Our journey was never really about where we lived. It was about what we carried in our hearts. Ride boldly. Stand proudly. Care deeply for those you love. And wherever life’s trail leads, remember that you are part of a story that began long before you and will continue long after you.”

Happy Birthday, Toby. May your next chapter be your finest yet.

A Personal Note to Toby:

Toby,

Family history is often written in old records, faded photographs, and stories passed down through generations. But sometimes the most important chapter is written by a young man making a difficult choice.

When you and Rachael were so young, the future was uncertain. Many people might have walked away. Many people might have chosen the easier path.

You didn’t.

Because of that choice, Angel was born into a family that loved him. He grew into a remarkable man, served a mission, married in the temple, and now has children of his own. The family tree that might never have been continues to grow.

Because of that choice, Rachael found a partner who would stand beside her through challenges and triumphs.

Because of that choice, two more wonderful children joined your family.

And because of that choice, our grandchildren and great-grandchildren are here, adding branches to a tree that will continue long after all of us are gone.

The old vaqueros measured a man by his character. Roberto Clemente believed a person’s value was measured by how he helped others. Looking at the life you have built, I think they would both recognize something admirable in you.

You may not think of yourself as a hero. Most good men don’t.

But from where I sit, one young man’s decision to stay, to love, and to build a family has blessed generations.

Thank you for loving our daughter.

Thank you for being a good husband, a good father, and now a good grandfather.

Most of all, thank you for becoming the man you are.

With love and gratitude,

Your grateful mother-in-law and father-in-law.

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Blast from the Past: You Might Be a Writer If… (And You Might Be Reading The Collector)

Blast from the Past: You Might Be a Writer If… (And You Might Be Reading The Collector)

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 09/30/2026

Every now and then, it’s fun to look back at the posts that first connected us as writers, readers, dreamers, and storytellers. As our blog continues to grow beyond that exciting milestone of 500 visitors, I found myself revisiting an old favorite: “You Might Be a Writer If…”

When I first wrote that post, I reflected on the habits, quirks, and passions that seem to unite writers everywhere. Looking back, I realize those same qualities have followed me through every project, from Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast to George and the Brave Eagle, and now into my newest work, The Collector.

So, let’s take another look.

You See Stories Everywhere

Writers don’t simply observe the world. They imagine what lies beneath the surface.

A quiet beach can become a magical kingdom. An eagle soaring overhead can become a symbol of courage and determination. And sometimes a simple object, forgotten by most people, can become the centerpiece of an entirely new adventure.

That spirit of curiosity helped inspire The Collector. What begins as an ordinary discovery can quickly lead to extraordinary questions, reminding us that stories are often hiding in plain sight.

You Never Stop Asking “What If?”

What if mermaids lived along the Emerald Coast?

What if a brave eagle taught valuable lessons about courage?

And now, what if someone discovered something so unusual that it changed the way they viewed the world around them?

Writers thrive on “what if.” It is the question that opens every doorway to imagination and invites readers to step through alongside us.

You Fall in Love with Characters

One of the greatest joys of writing is creating characters who begin to feel like family.

Misty’s determination, George’s bravery, and the personalities taking shape within The Collector all started as ideas. Over time, they grew into companions who taught me lessons of their own.

Writers know this feeling. Characters stop becoming words on a page and start becoming voices in your heart.

You Daydream Without Apology

If you’ve ever stared out a window and lost yourself in a story, welcome to the club.

Writers spend a lot of time in two worlds at once. There’s the everyday world where dishes need washing and errands need running. Then there’s the story world where adventures unfold, mysteries deepen, and possibilities seem endless.

Many of the ideas behind The Collector arrived during those quiet moments when imagination took the lead.

You Keep Going, Even When It Isn’t Easy

Writing is rewarding, but it’s rarely simple.

There are moments of doubt, rejected drafts, editing headaches, and days when inspiration seems to hide. Yet writers continue because storytelling is more than a hobby. It’s a calling.

Every book I’ve written has required persistence, patience, and faith. The Collector was no different. Each challenge became another opportunity to refine the story and make it stronger.

You Hope Your Words Matter

Perhaps the biggest sign that you’re a writer is this: you want your words to make a difference.

Whether through the friendship and adventure found in Discovering Misty, the courage demonstrated in George and the Brave Eagle, or the themes explored in The Collector, my hope has always been to create stories that encourage, inspire, and spark imagination.

Stories have the power to bring people together. They help us see through someone else’s eyes, discover new perspectives, and find hope when we need it most.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Revisiting You Might Be a Writer If… reminds me how much this journey has grown and how grateful I am for every reader who has come along for the ride.

The signs of being a writer haven’t changed. We still collect ideas, chase inspiration, daydream endlessly, and obsess over the right words. But each new story adds another chapter to the journey.

As we celebrate the past and look toward the future, I’m excited to share The Collector with readers and continue creating stories that spark wonder, curiosity, and hope.

So let me ask you:

Do you see stories everywhere?

Do you daydream about characters and adventures?

Do you carry a notebook just in case inspiration strikes?

If so, you just might be a writer.

And if you’re not a writer, perhaps you’re exactly who writers create stories for.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next adventure, and to the magic waiting to be discovered in The Collector.

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A New Novel Is Quietly Taking Shape

A New Novel Is Quietly Taking Shape

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 09/27/2026

I’ve spent the past several months living inside a building that doesn’t exist.

At least not the way I’m writing it.

It’s an apartment building in Cincinnati, populated by bricklayers, widows, schoolteachers, bakers, artists, maintenance workers, immigrants, flood survivors, and countless ordinary people whose names never appeared in history books.

And yet, the more time I spend with them, the more convinced I become that their stories matter.

Perhaps even more than the famous ones.

The novel I’m currently working on is called The Collector.

At its heart, it asks a simple question:

What survives after we’re gone?

A photograph?

A letter?

A favorite recipe?

A journal?

A building that remembers the people who once lived inside it?

As I’ve written, I’ve been surprised by how often the story returns to the same idea:

Most people believe their lives are ordinary.

But ordinary does not mean unimportant.

In fact, the people history forgets may be the very people worth remembering most.

I’m not ready to share many details yet.

The mysteries are still unfolding.

But I can tell you this:

The story begins with a young immigrant bricklayer in the 1850s and stretches across generations of lives connected by a single Cincinnati apartment building.

And somewhere within those walls lives a question that refuses to go away:

Who remembers the people no one else remembers?

More soon.

For now, I’m heading back into the past.

The characters are waiting.

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THROWBACK: Do You See Yourself as a Leader? My Journey of Leading with Heart

THROWBACK: Do You See Yourself as a Leader? My Journey of Leading with Heart

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 09/14/2026

Leadership continues to surprise me…

These days, I find myself leading in quieter ways, through my writing, my blog, and the conversations I share with readers. Every story I write is an opportunity to encourage courage, kindness, and hope. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t always standing in front of a crowd. Sometimes it’s simply showing up, sharing your experiences, and inspiring even one person to keep moving forward. If my books or blog help someone smile, dream, or feel less alone, then I know I’m still making a difference.

What unexpected ways has leadership shown up in your life? I’d love to hear your story.

— Shirley

A Year Ago, I Wrote:

Do you see yourself as a leader?

As the author of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and George and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger celebrating 500 visitors, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about stepping up to make a difference. When asked, “Do you see yourself as a leader?” my answer is clear: as a parent, I’m automatically a leader. But the scope of that leadership, shaped by my history, stretches far beyond my home, touching lives through advocacy, service, and storytelling. Here’s how my journey as a leader has unfolded and how it fuels my writing today.

Parenthood thrust me into leadership from the start, guiding my children with love and purpose. Raising two daughters and five sons, three of whom became Eagle Scouts and two who worked toward it, I took on roles like Cub Scout leader in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Those years taught me to lead by example, fostering resilience and teamwork—qualities I weave into my children’s books, like George’s courage or Misty’s determination. My leadership extended to managing our family’s 25-acre LDS church park, where we hosted 600-800 Boy Scouts each year for six years. Picture a week-long campout on your front lawn—tents, laughter, and chaos! Organizing those events honed my ability to lead with patience and vision, skills I now use to manage my blog and book projects.

Beyond family, I found my voice as a political leader with Overpassers for USA, serving as California’s representative. Coordinating rallies across the state to promote patriotism and free speech was exhilarating. Every weekend, my family and I stood on freeway overpasses, waving flags and signs we kept ready in our van. I helped build the organization’s website, listing rallies nationwide, and watching our movement grow filled me with pride. Those moments of unity and love for American values inspired the hope-filled themes in my stories and blog posts, where I aim to uplift readers young and old.

My leadership also shone in foster care. For over 14 years, my husband and I were medical foster parents in Sacramento County, caring for more than 200 infants and children, many medically fragile. We held the first baby in the county to pass from AIDS, loving him for all eight months of his life. That experience taught me leadership through compassion—a thread that runs through Discovering Misty and my advocacy for hope and suicide prevention. As Vice President of the Sacramento branch of the California State Foster Parent Association for seven years and Editor of its monthly publication for six, I led by amplifying voices and sharing stories, much like I do now through my blog and books.

Leadership, for me, is about impact, not position. Whether rallying for free speech, guiding Scouts, nurturing fragile lives, or writing stories that spark joy, I lead by showing up with heart. My blog, my GoFundMe campaign for George and the Brave Eagle, and my books are extensions of that leadership, inviting readers to find courage and connection.

If you’ve ever stepped up to guide, inspire, or serve, you’re a leader too—shaping the world one moment, one story, at a time.

Shirley

Overpassers USA
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The Two Minds That Shape Your Life: Conscious vs. Subconscious

The Two Minds That Shape Your Life: Conscious vs. Subconscious

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 09/08/2026

Have you ever stopped and wondered what’s really going on inside your mind?

The more I learn about personal growth, mindset, and human behavior, the more fascinated I become with the incredible power we all carry around every day. People often compare the brain to a supercomputer, but honestly, I think it’s far more remarkable than that.

I’ve come to see the mind as having two powerful parts working together: the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. One is active, analytical, and present in the moment. The other works quietly behind the scenes, influencing our habits, beliefs, and behaviors in ways we don’t always realize.

Understanding how these two parts work has completely changed how I think about personal growth, confidence, and success.

The Conscious Mind: Your Everyday Companion

Your conscious mind is the part of you that’s awake and engaged with the world right now.

It’s the part that notices a beautiful sunset, enjoys your favorite song, tastes a great meal, or feels the comfort of a hug from someone you love.

Throughout the day, your conscious mind processes thousands of thoughts. Some are encouraging and uplifting. Others can be critical, doubtful, or fearful.

We’ve all experienced both.

One moment, we feel capable and motivated. The next, we’re questioning ourselves or overthinking a decision. What I’ve learned is that these thoughts don’t exist in isolation. They’re often influenced by something deeper: the subconscious mind.

The Subconscious Mind: The Hidden Driver

If the conscious mind is the captain of the ship, the subconscious mind is the engine room.

It’s where your beliefs, habits, memories, and emotional patterns are stored. Many of these programs serve us well. They keep us safe, help us learn skills, and allow us to navigate daily life without consciously thinking about every single action.

For example, you don’t have to remember to breathe. You don’t have to think through every movement when walking or driving. Much of that runs automatically because your subconscious has taken over.

But here’s where things get interesting.

The subconscious doesn’t just store helpful habits. It also holds limiting beliefs we’ve picked up over the years.

Beliefs like:

  • I’m not good enough.
  • I’ll probably fail.
  • Success isn’t meant for people like me.
  • It’s too late to change.

Many of these beliefs were formed years ago, yet they continue to influence our decisions today without us even noticing.

The Good News: Your Subconscious Can Change

One of the most empowering things I’ve discovered is that the subconscious mind isn’t fixed.

For years, I assumed that many of my thought patterns were simply part of who I was. But the truth is that our minds are incredibly adaptable.

The subconscious is constantly learning, absorbing information, and responding to repetition. That means we have the ability to reshape it over time.

Not overnight.

But absolutely over time.

The Power of Repetition and Affirmations

What we repeatedly tell ourselves matters.

Every thought we entertain, every story we repeat, and every belief we reinforce gradually strengthens the pathways in our minds.

That’s why affirmations can be so powerful when they’re practiced consistently.

I’m not talking about standing in front of a mirror and magically transforming your life overnight. I’m talking about intentionally replacing harmful narratives with more supportive ones.

Instead of:

“I can’t do this.”

Try:

“I’m learning and improving every day.”

Instead of:

“I always fail.”

Try:

“I’ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.”

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s creating healthier beliefs that support growth instead of sabotage it.

Why Visualization Works

Another practice I’ve found incredibly valuable is visualization.

There’s a reason so many athletes, performers, and successful individuals use it.

When you vividly imagine achieving a goal, overcoming a challenge, or becoming the person you want to be, you give your subconscious a clear direction.

Your brain responds strongly to imagery. The more often you visualize positive outcomes, the more familiar and attainable they begin to feel.

Be Intentional About What You Consume

We live in a world filled with information.

Every day we’re exposed to social media, news, conversations, podcasts, videos, and advertisements. Whether we realize it or not, all of it influences us.

I’ve learned that protecting what I allow into my mind is just as important as protecting my physical health.

The content we consume becomes part of the environment shaping our beliefs.

That’s why I try to spend more time around ideas, people, and messages that encourage growth, possibility, and personal responsibility.

Habits Are Messages to Your Subconscious

Every habit sends a signal.

When you consistently exercise, read, meditate, write, or work toward a goal, you’re teaching your subconscious what matters to you.

Over time, those actions become part of your identity.

The small daily choices that seem insignificant today often become the foundation of who we are tomorrow.

Become the Gardener of Your Mind

One of my favorite ways to think about this is through the image of a garden.

Every thought is a seed.

Some seeds grow into confidence, gratitude, resilience, and joy.

Others grow into doubt, fear, resentment, and self-sabotage.

The challenge isn’t stopping every negative thought from appearing. That’s impossible.

The real challenge is deciding which thoughts deserve your attention and energy.

When a negative thought shows up, don’t automatically accept it as truth.

Question it.

Challenge it.

Ask yourself whether it’s actually true or simply an old story you’ve been telling yourself for years.

Then replace it with a thought that serves you better.

The more often you practice this, the easier it becomes.

Final Thoughts

One of the greatest realizations I’ve had is that we are not powerless observers of our thoughts. We have far more influence over our minds than we often believe.

Our conscious mind shapes our daily experiences, while our subconscious mind shapes the patterns behind those experiences. When we begin working with both intentionally, real transformation becomes possible.

The process isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about becoming aware.

Because once you’re aware of the thoughts, beliefs, and habits shaping your life, you can begin changing them.

And that’s where real growth begins.

The power has been within you all along.

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A Year Later… Still Motivated

A Year Later… Still Motivated

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 09/01/2026

A year ago, I wrote about what motivates me. Looking back, I’m grateful to see that the answer hasn’t changed. If anything, those motivations have grown stronger.

When I shared that post, I was deep in the process of rediscovering old manuscripts, research notes, and book ideas that had been tucked away for years. I remember the excitement of opening files and finding page after page of material I had forgotten I’d written. I also remember the frustration of running into corrupted files and forgotten passwords. Some days felt like a treasure hunt, and others felt like a dead end.

A year later, I can honestly say the treasure hunt continues.

I’ve spent many hours revisiting stories, organizing notes, and trying to bring some order to decades of work. What has surprised me most is not how much I wrote, but how much those stories still matter to me. Each manuscript represents an idea, a lesson, or a piece of history that I felt was important enough to preserve. Time has not diminished that feeling.

My family remains my greatest motivation. Every grandchild, every child, every ancestor whose story deserves to be remembered continues to inspire me. There are now even more branches on our family tree than there were when I first made that list of books for our grandchildren. Seeing our family grow reminds me why I started this project in the first place.

I’ve often thought about those ancestor stories I hoped to write. Some tell of courage. Some tell of sacrifice. Others tell of ordinary people who quietly endured hardships so future generations could have better lives. The older I get, the more I appreciate those ordinary heroes. Their stories deserve to be told.

I still feel a sense of urgency. Not the kind that creates panic, but the kind that encourages purpose. There are only so many hours in a day, and there are still many stories waiting to be written. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by what remains unfinished, I’ve learned to be grateful for every page completed and every memory preserved.

Financial challenges haven’t magically disappeared. They remain a reality, just as they were a year ago. But I’ve learned that progress isn’t measured only by money. It’s measured by persistence, determination, and the willingness to keep moving forward one step at a time.

Most importantly, my faith continues to sustain me. I still draw strength from the love of my Heavenly Father and from the love of family, both past and present. Those gifts continue to motivate me on difficult days and encourage me on the good ones.

So, a year later, I’m still here. Still writing. Still researching. Still believing these stories have a purpose and an audience, even if I don’t yet know who that audience may be.

And for that, I am grateful.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for reading. And thank you for encouraging me along the way.

August 20, 2025

PROMPT:What motivates you?PROMPT: What motivates you?

Prompt: What motivates you?

The prompt’s question for today is: what motivates you? I can easily answer this question. What motivates me is the love of my family. It’s the love I feel from my Heavenly Father. It’s also the love I feel when I think of our Founding Fathers.

Each expression of love comes from deep inside me—deeper than my heart. I’ve felt the lack of that love from each, and it’s even more precious because I feel like I’m missing out. Not necessarily because of anything they are doing, or not doing, but because of my own misgivings.

I am very motivated to work on these manuscripts I’ve had, some, for a very long time. I want as many of them I can find to be prepared for my family to publish, if I can’t do it myself. I have a strong impression that these books each have an important message to give. To whom, I don’t know. Maybe its my family, maybe its someone I don’t know. But this has been a motivating force in my life for a while now. 

It is such a joy to open a file and discover that there’s a lot of material I left for myself to use. So much research! 

On the other hand, it is excruciatingly painful to see that the file is corrupted or I have forgotten the password. Yes, that hurts. But enough of them have opened successfully, that I’m on a cloud. 

I am not talking about one or two books. Nope, I had plans to write one book for each of our grandchildren, and dedicate it to that child. At the time, we had 16 grandchildren. I found the list. It included each child’s name and the topic of the book I intended to write. Each of the protagonists in the stories was an actual ancestor of that child.

For many years, genealogy was my hobby. I loved collecting the names and stories of our ancestors, many of them tragic, some uplifting, and I wanted a way to share this with our grandchildren.

So, all this is my motivating factor. I hope to complete as many as possible. And I’m in a hurry to do it. The only thing keeping me from fulfilling this is finances – a big hurdle these days, but one I’m determined to overcome.

Thanks for being here. And thanks for reading! Feel free to share please. 

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⭐ A BIRTHDAY STORY FOR FORREST

⭐ A BIRTHDAY STORY FOR FORREST

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 08/27/2026

I had been researching my grandson, Forrest’s family line and discovered the name Isaac Pemberton — a Philadelphia Quaker who lived during Revolutionary times. As I imagined what it might feel like for Forrest to receive this ancestor’s story as a birthday gift today, the picture of a small leather-bound booklet came to mind. Inside it, he discovers the tale of a man who stood for peace when the world demanded war. This is that story — written for Forrest, and shared here for anyone who values courage of conscience. Happy Birthday, Forrest!

⭐ THE MAN WHO WOULDN’T RAISE A GUN

A Birthday Story for Forrest

(Based on the life and era of Isaac Pemberton, Philadelphia Quaker, 1775)

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🌿 Prologue — The Package

Forrest didn’t expect anything in the mail that day. Bills, sure. A flyer or two. But not a small, hand‑wrapped parcel with his name written in his grandmother’s handwriting — the kind that looks like it took some time.

Inside was a leather-bound booklet, soft and worn, like something meant to be kept. The first page held only a single line:

“Every family has someone who stood up when it mattered.”

He turned the page.

And the story began.

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🌿 Chapter One — A City on Edge

Philadelphia, 1775.

The city was loud with talk of war. Blacksmiths hammered iron into musket barrels. Tavern doors swung open with arguments spilling into the street. Men gathered in clusters, whispering about rebellion, loyalty, and the price of freedom.

But inside the quiet of the Quaker meeting house, Isaac Pemberton sat with his hands folded, listening for the stillness he believed God spoke through.

He was twenty‑three — the same age Forrest once was when life felt heavy and uncertain. Isaac wasn’t a soldier. He wasn’t a politician. He was a craftsman, a helper, a man who believed peace wasn’t weakness but discipline.

One morning, militia officers arrived at the meeting house with enrollment papers. Every able-bodied man was expected to sign. The officers stood at the front, calling names, handing out quills.

Isaac felt his heart pounding. He knew what refusal would cost him. He knew what people would say.

But he stepped forward anyway.

“I cannot raise a gun against any man God has made.”

The room went silent.

Some men looked away. Some shook their heads. One officer muttered under his breath. But Isaac didn’t waver.

He set the quill down.

And walked out.

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🌿 Chapter Two — The Cost of Conscience

Refusing the militia wasn’t just unpopular — it was illegal.

Within weeks, Isaac’s tools were seized. His horse was taken. He was fined more than he could pay. Neighbors whispered that he was a coward. Others said he was a traitor. Some stopped speaking to him altogether.

But Isaac kept working.

He repaired fences for widows whose husbands had gone to war. He carried water for the sick. He shared bread with families who had less than he did. He helped anyone who knocked on his door.

He refused violence, but he never refused people.

One afternoon, a group of men confronted him in the street.

“War is coming,” one said. “You’ll let others fight for your freedom?”

Isaac answered softly, “I will work for peace as hard as you work for war.”

They didn’t understand. Most wouldn’t. But Isaac didn’t expect them to.

Courage, he believed, wasn’t always loud.

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🌿 Chapter Three — The Night of the Wounded Man

It was late when Isaac heard the knock.

A young soldier — barely older than Forrest — collapsed at his doorstep, bleeding from a skirmish outside the city. His uniform was torn, his face pale, his breath shallow.

Isaac lifted him, carried him inside, and tended his wounds with steady hands. He boiled water, tore cloth, whispered prayers.

The soldier looked at him through half‑closed eyes.

“Why help me?” he asked. “I’d have shot you.”

Isaac didn’t hesitate.

“Peace isn’t so much a belief,” he said. “It’s a practice.”

The soldier survived. Isaac never told anyone. Not the meeting. Not the militia. Not even his family.

Some acts of courage don’t need witnesses.

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🌿 Chapter Four — The Quiet Rebel

Years passed. The war raged. Isaac continued to refuse militia service, loyalty oaths, and anything that required him to harm another person.

He wasn’t loud about it. He didn’t make speeches. He didn’t argue in taverns. He simply lived his conviction every day, even when it cost him.

He wrote his story in a small journal — not to boast, but to remind future generations that courage comes in many forms.

He wrote:

“Some men fight with muskets.
Some fight with conscience.
Both require bravery.”

Those words became the final page Forrest read.

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🌿 Epilogue — Forrest

Forrest closed the booklet and sat quietly.

He didn’t know everything about his ancestor, the “first American conscientious objector.”He didn’t know everything about his own future. But he knew this:

He came from someone who stood firm when the world shook.

Someone who chose peace when anger was easier.

Someone who survived hardship without losing himself.

And maybe — just maybe — that strength runs in him too.

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Stories like Isaac Pemberton’s remind us that courage doesn’t always look like battlefields or banners. Sometimes it looks like a single person standing quietly, refusing to bend against the weight of the world. I wrote this for Forrest, but I share it here because we all need reminders that strength can be gentle, and that peace can be brave. May this story — and the blessing that follows — be a light for anyone walking their own uncertain road.

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🌿 Closing Blessing

A Blessing for Your Path

May the road before you be steady, and may your steps be guided by the quiet wisdom that lives within you.


May you find courage in gentleness, strength in compassion, and clarity in every new beginning.


May the God who shaped your ancestors shape your days with peace, purpose, and a light that never dims.


And may you always remember: you are part of a story still being written — one marked by resilience, hope, and the quiet bravery of choosing what is right.

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✨ One Year Later: An Update on What Motivates Me

✨ One Year Later: An Update on What Motivates Me

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 08/25/2026

About a year ago, I wrote a post about what motivates me. My answer then was simple: love. The love of my family, the love of my Heavenly Father, and the love I feel when I think of our Founding Fathers. I also shared my determination to organize and complete the many manuscripts and research projects I had accumulated over the years.

Today, I can happily report that I have made progress.

Not as much as I would like, perhaps, but enough to remind me that every step forward matters.

Over the past year, I have opened more forgotten files, rediscovered more research, and spent countless hours revisiting projects that I once feared might never see the light of day. Some of those old documents have turned out to be treasures. Others have required patience, reconstruction, and a little detective work. That’s all part of the adventure.

What continues to amaze me is the amount of material I gathered over the years. Every folder seems to lead to another story, another ancestor, another idea worth preserving. Sometimes I wonder what my younger self was thinking when I started all of this. Then I find a note or outline and realize I was trying to leave something meaningful behind.

The dream of writing books connected to our grandchildren remains very much alive. Those stories, built around real ancestors and real lives, still matter to me. Perhaps even more than before. The older I get, the more I appreciate how easily family stories can be lost if someone doesn’t take the time to preserve them.

My sense of urgency has not diminished. If anything, it has grown stronger. But I’ve also learned that progress doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one page, one chapter, one recovered file, and one remembered story at a time.

Financial challenges are still real. Life still finds ways to interrupt even the best-laid plans. Yet I remain determined. The motivation that drove me a year ago is still here. In fact, I think it may be stronger now because I can finally see evidence that the work is moving forward.

So what motivates me today?

The answer is still love.

Love for my family. Love for the stories of those who came before us. Love for the generations that will come after us. And the hope that something I write may someday inspire, comfort, or help someone else understand who they are and where they came from.

That seems like a worthy reason to keep going.

Thanks for being here, and thanks for reading.

Feel free to share.

Shirley


Aug. 20, 2025

“What motivates you?”The prompt’s question for today is: what motivates you? I can easily answer this question.

What motivates me is the love of my family. It’s the love I feel from my Heavenly Father. It’s also the love I feel when I think of our Founding Fathers.

Each expression of love comes from deep inside me—deeper than my heart. I’ve felt the lack of that love from each, and it’s even more precious because I feel like I’m missing out. Not necessarily because of anything they are doing, or not doing, but because of my own misgivings.

I am very motivated to work on these manuscripts I’ve had, some, for a very long time. I want as many of them I can find to be prepared for my family to publish, if I can’t do it myself. I have a strong impression that these books each have an important message to give. To whom, I don’t know. Maybe its my family, maybe its someone I don’t know. But this has been a motivating force in my life for a while now. 

It is such a joy to open a file and discover that there’s a lot of material I left for myself to use. So much research! 

On the other hand, it is excruciatingly painful to see that the file is corrupted or I have forgotten the password. Yes, that hurts. But enough of them have opened successfully, that I’m on a cloud. 

I am not talking about one or two books. Nope, I had plans to write one book for each of our grandchildren, and dedicate it to that child. At the time, we had 16 grandchildren. I found the list. It included each child’s name and the topic of the book I intended to write. Each of the protagonists in the stories was an actual ancestor of that child.

For many years, genealogy was my hobby. I loved collecting the names and stories of our ancestors, many of them tragic, some uplifting, and I wanted a way to share this with our grandchildren.

So, all this is my motivating factor. I hope to complete as many as possible. And I’m in a hurry to do it. The only thing keeping me from fulfilling this is finances – a big hurdle these days, but one I’m determined to overcome.

Thanks for being here. And thanks for reading! Feel free to share please. 

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Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 08/23/2026
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✨ One Year Later

✨ One Year Later

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 08/22/2026

One year ago, on August 19, 2025, I wrote an update during a season of rebuilding — physically, creatively, and spiritually. Reading it again this week, in the middle of my anniversary emotions and all the memories that come with it, reminded me how much has changed and how much God has carried me through.

At that time, I was recovering from CKD stage 4 and learning to work within the rhythms of my health. Today, I’m back in stage 4 again, and while that is difficult, it has also deepened my understanding of resilience. I continue to honor the quiet days and celebrate the creative ones. This journey still teaches me patience, strength, and grace.

Last year, I was searching for an illustrator. Today, I’ve found a workable rhythm using NightCafe for my artwork. It has allowed me to keep moving forward without the financial strain of hiring an artist. I still hope to collaborate with a young illustrator someday — especially someone who feels connected to the stories — but for now, this path has given me freedom and momentum.

And the creative growth… I never expected this much to bloom in just one year. The George Washington children’s book — inspired by my great‑granddaughter in her bright red patriotic dress — has grown into a full project. My Bedtime Story book is almost ready for publishing. I’ve created an adult coloring book, nearly finished a second mandala coloring book, and designed six “Walking with Christ” journals featuring artwork that reflects every stage of life. I’ve built an Acadian clip‑art book and several other projects that weren’t even imagined a year ago.

Looking back at the post from August 19, 2025, I see a woman hoping for progress. Today, I see a woman who has built an entire shelf of books, journals, and art — one gentle step at a time.

Here is the post exactly as it appeared one year ago.

August 19, 2025

Hi, everyone! I’m excited to share the second installment of my author blog. Let’s dive in! My sleep disorder has posed challenges, but it has forged resilience and adaptability within me. There are nights when I wake up around 10:00 or 11:00, yet I’ve learned to embrace those quiet moments and reflect on what I cherish most.

This journey, though isolating at times, has illuminated the strength found in the cycles of my health. When I feel “well,” I seize the opportunity to immerse myself in writing, gathering rich material for my stories and eager to unleash my creativity.

Moving to East Texas brought a long stretch of limited activity, but I emerged with invaluable lessons in perseverance. Surviving heat stroke and battling Covid twice revealed the immense power of prayer and community support, helping me recover from stage 4 to stage 3.

Recently, a video from my daughter featuring my great-granddaughter in her bright red patriotic dress filled me with inspiration. Her exuberance rekindled my passion for the stories I hold dear. Now, I am diligently working to get my books published!

I am actively seeking an illustrator, reaching out to past collaborators, and my husband has explored local high school resources. The art department head was impressed with my story and suggested involving a student—what a brilliant idea!

I am determined to move forward quickly and will be following up soon. Stay tuned for more updates on my creative journey!

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Light & Purpose

Light & Purpose

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 08/05/2026

What’s a quote that perfectly describes your outlook on life?
——————————-

”Light is not something you chase. It’s something you carry. My life is a slow, steady unfolding — and the light grows as I go.”

Here’s how I see my inner light, given to me as a gift from my Heavenly parents: It isn’t a spotlight demanding attention. It’s a lantern — quiet, steady, and deeply personal. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t rush. It simply glows, even on the days when I feel dim or uncertain. And the more I honor it, the brighter it becomes.

Some people think inner light is something you earn. But I know better.


It’s something I carry — through fog‑days, best‑days, ancestry, creativity, faith, and the soft unfolding of this life of mine.

🌟 What Inner Light Really Is

Inner light is the part of you that stays steady even when everything else shifts. It’s not confidence. It’s not perfection. It’s not productivity. It’s presence.

  • Quiet strength — the ability to keep moving gently, even when life feels heavy.
  • Soul clarity — the sense that something inside you knows the way, even when your mind doesn’t.
  • Creative truth — the spark that guides your writing, your journals, your heritage work.
  • Faithful resilience — the belief that God meets you in the soft places, not just the strong ones.
  • Ancestral glow — the way your roots, in my case, my Acadian roots, feel like a lantern handed down through generations.

Inner light is not loud. It’s loyal.

🌙 How Inner Light Shows Up in Real Life

It shows up when you write one honest sentence on a fibro fog‑day.
It shows up when you choose gentleness over pressure.
It shows up when you create something small but sincere.
It shows up when you trust your own rhythm instead of forcing someone else’s.

My inner light is woven into my Pages Alight brand — the soft watercolor motifs, the candles, the feathers, the glowing edges of the planner spreads. It’s in my voice, my heritage projects, my night‑owl creativity, my faith‑friendly tone.

It’s the thread that ties everything together.

🕊️ Inner Light as a Spiritual Companion

Your inner light is not just emotional or creative — it’s spiritual. It’s the quiet assurance that you are guided, held, and seen. It’s the whisper that says:

You don’t have to shine for the world.
You only have to shine from the truth inside you.

This is why my work resonates with overwhelmed readers. I don’t teach them to chase clarity. I try to teach them to trust the glow they already carry.

✨ A Gentle Invitation

If you’ve been doubting your brightness lately, let this settle softly in your heart:

Your inner light is not fragile.
It’s faithful.

It stays with you through every season.
It grows with every act of creativity.
It strengthens with every moment of honesty.
It brightens every time you choose presence over perfection.

You don’t have to force it.
You only have to honor it.

Your inner light is already shining — quietly, beautifully, and right on time.

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A New Vignette Story

A New Vignette Story

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/17/2026

There are moments in history — and in our own lives — when hope feels like a small flame held against a vast, uncertain world. This story was inspired by an AI‑created illustration of a young Acadian girl standing on a twilight cliff, lantern in hand, watching the sea with quiet strength.

Her image stirred something ancient and familiar: the resilience of Acadian families, the way faith becomes a compass, and how light — even a single lantern — can guide someone home.

Below is the story that grew from that image, written in the spirit of remembrance, gentleness, and the enduring Acadian heart.

On a personal note:
Next week, on the 23rd, my youngest daughter celebrates her birthday. I wanted to do something meaningful for her — something created from the heart — and though money is tight, love never is. So I chose to write this story and dedicate it to her.

Rachael’s love for her dad has always been sweet and uniquely her own. She carries a deep appreciation and respect for him that has blessed our family for decades, and I treasure that about her.

In celebration of her 47th year of life, I dedicate this story to our beautiful daughter, Rachael Lopez.


Happy Birthday, Sweetheart. You are a light all your own.

The Lantern of Beausoleil

The wind carried the scent of salt and pine as Élodie Broussard stood on the cliff’s edge, her shawl fluttering like a crimson wing. Below her, the sea breathed in slow rhythm, its waves whispering against the rocks as if remembering every voyage that had ever crossed its surface. The lantern in her hand glowed softly, a fragile sun against the deepening dusk.

She had come here every evening since her father’s ship failed to return. The villagers said the sea had claimed him, as it had claimed so many Acadian souls before — but Élodie refused to believe that the ocean could swallow faith whole.

The Acadian flag beside her snapped in the wind, its golden star catching the last light of the setting sun. That star, her mother had told her, was the Stella Maris — the Star of the Sea — guiding those who wandered far from home.

Tonight, Élodie whispered to it. “Guide him back to me.”

🌾 The Village Below

Down the slope, the village of Saint‑Pierre glowed with lamplight. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the church bell tolled softly, calling the faithful to evening prayer. The sound drifted upward, mingling with the sigh of the waves.

Élodie’s mother, Cécile, waited by the chapel door, her hands folded around a rosary worn smooth by years of prayer. She had stopped asking Élodie to come down before dark. The girl’s vigil had become a kind of sacred ritual — one that neither mother nor priest dared interrupt.

“Let her stand,” Father Armand had said once. “Faith sometimes needs wind and silence more than words.”

And so Élodie stood, each night, lantern raised like a promise.

🌊 The Memory of Departure

She remembered the morning her father left — the harbor alive with gulls and laughter, the ship’s sails swelling like the hearts of those who believed in new beginnings. He had kissed her forehead and said, “Keep the light burning, ma petite. The sea always finds its way home.”

She had laughed then, not knowing how heavy those words would become.

When the storm came weeks later, it tore through the coast with a fury that felt biblical. The villagers prayed, the mothers wept, and the sea roared as if answering every plea with thunder.

In the days that followed, wreckage washed ashore — planks, ropes, a single boot. But no bodies. No names.

Élodie refused to let the lantern go dark.

🌟 The Stranger at Dusk

On the seventh night after the storm, as the sun melted into the horizon, Élodie saw a flicker of light far out at sea — faint, uncertain, but real.

Her breath caught.

It wasn’t lightning. It wasn’t a star. It was a lantern, bobbing on the waves.

She ran down the cliff path, her skirts gathering dew and bramble. The villagers saw her and followed, their own lanterns swinging like fireflies.

By the time they reached the shore, the tide had carried in a small boat — battered, half‑broken, but alive. Inside lay a man, his hair silvered by salt, his hands clutching a wooden cross.

Her father.

🕯️ The Return

He was weak, but smiling. “Your light,” he whispered, “I saw it through the storm.”

The villagers lifted him gently, carrying him toward the chapel. Élodie walked beside him, lantern still burning.

That night, the church glowed brighter than it ever had. The priest said it was a miracle. The fishermen said it was luck. Élodie said nothing — she only watched the flame dance inside the glass, steady and golden.

Her father’s ship had been lost, but his faith had not.

🌠 The Legacy of Light

Years later, when Élodie herself became a mother, she told her children the story of the lantern — how it had guided a soul home through darkness.

She taught them that hope was not a thing to be shouted into the wind, but held quietly, like a flame cupped in trembling hands.

And when she grew old, she passed the lantern to her daughter, Marie, saying, “Keep it burning. Not for me, but for anyone who needs to find their way.”

Marie carried it to the same cliff, where the Acadian flag still waved against the twilight. The sea below was calm, the village lights steady.

She lifted the lantern high, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause — as if heaven itself leaned closer to listen.

🌅 Epilogue: The Star and the Sea

Long after Élodie’s time, travelers who visited Saint‑Pierre spoke of a light that could be seen from miles away — a single lantern glowing on the cliff at dusk.

Some said it was a trick of the sun. Others said it was the spirit of a girl who refused to let hope drown.

But the elders knew better.

They said the lantern was the heart of Acadia itself — a reminder that even when the world scatters its people like seeds across continents, the light of home still burns.

And if you stand on that cliff at twilight, you might hear the whisper of waves saying her name.

Élodie.
Keeper of the light.

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Using AI in Genealogy: A Helpful Tool… with Serious Limits

Using AI in Genealogy: A Helpful Tool… with Serious Limits

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 07/02/2026

Genealogy is a discipline built on accuracy. One wrong assumption can unravel years of careful work. With AI becoming more common in research spaces, I wanted to see what it could realistically offer genealogists — especially those working with foreign‑language records.

What I discovered is that AI can be both a helpful assistant and a source of major problems.

Where AI Can Help

AI shines in a few very specific areas:

  • Transcription help — It can produce word‑for‑word transcriptions of handwritten or printed text, even in languages you don’t read.
  • Translation assistance — It can turn those transcriptions into English so you can understand the basics.
  • Document summaries — It can pull out names, dates, places, and relationships for quick review.

These tasks are mechanical, not interpretive — and that’s exactly why AI performs them reasonably well. For language barriers, this can be a huge help.

Where AI Goes Wrong

Once AI moves beyond transcription and translation, the risks increase dramatically.

  • False connections — AI may confidently link people who are not related at all.
  • Invented details — It may create marriages, death dates, or events that don’t exist in any record.
  • Nonexistent sources — It can fabricate entire record sets, archives, volumes, or page numbers.
  • No real sourcing — AI often pulls from user‑submitted trees or unverified data without telling you.

Even when instructed not to invent information, AI may still hallucinate — and sometimes defend those errors instead of correcting them.

These aren’t small mistakes. They can waste hours of research time and send you down dead ends.

Conclusion

After testing AI in multiple ways, here are the guidelines I now follow:

  • Use AI only for safe tasks
    Transcriptions, translations, summaries, brainstorming — yes. Facts, relationships, conclusions — no.
  • Verify everything manually
    Always return to primary sources: parish registers, civil records, notarial documents, censuses, and original scans.
  • Reject suspicious details
    If a record seems too tidy, lacks a source, or cannot be located in a real archive, discard it immediately.
  • Stay skeptical
    AI will hallucinate even when told not to. Double‑check everything.

Bottom Line

AI can be a helpful companion for transcription, translation, and image creation, especially when working with foreign‑language records. But as a research partner, it is unreliable. It can produce convincing but completely fabricated information — wrong connections, invented events, and imaginary record collections.

Real progress still comes from careful, manual verification.

Treat AI as a curious but unreliable assistant. Use it for language barriers, not conclusions.

My Rating: 3 out of 10 for genealogy research reliability.

P.S. Yes, yes, I know this is my “author” blog, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m prepping to write another book! Hmm, I can tell, some of y’all have already picked up the vibes! Smart darlin’s, my readers.

As I was revising my contest entry documentation, I realized I was actually writing a basic outline for my next book! Oh, I feel so blessed!

Anyway, as you know, the storyline may evolve into something else, but I suspect He’s already given me my next assignment. Praying I can finish it.

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The Forge of Broken Things 

The Forge of Broken Things 

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 06/29/2026

PLEASE NOTE: I’ve entered a contest in Nightcafe and I’m hoping to win. The prize is money, which I intend to use it to publish my many manuscripts. Please consider going to the site and voting for me. I cannot tell you how much I’d appreciate it.

My health is still hanging in at stage 4 CKD, thank goodness! I’ve been blessed so many times.

Below is a description of my entry to the contest:

This story weaves a rich tapestry that connects the epic, historical resilience of ancestors directly, into a modern story of survival and extraordinary love.

Capturing the blacksmith roots, the grief of Acadians, and the mending of self and foster children, this story highlights the concept of an unbroken line of patriots and survivors.

The protagonist (celebrating 50 years of marriage) reflects on her life of fostering over 200 children, adopting 3, and giving birth to 5. It explores her slow recovery from severe childhood trauma (parents divorced by age 4, a father with schizophrenia, a mother developmentally delayed to age 13, and enduring childhood physical and sexual abuse). It details the hardships she and her husband overcame, including losing babies, and celebrates their clean, enduring romance.

Incorporating a cohesive parallel narrative arc, the story interweaves the historical trials of my ancestors (the Acadian expulsion, the Irish potato famine) with my own personal trials (childhood trauma, fostering 200 children), showing that the “patriot DNA” of survival was passed down to me, through my children. 

The Paternal Grandmother’s side: Direct descent from the legendary Acadian leader Joseph ‘Beausoleil’ Broussard, embodying the patriot spirit and the tragedy/triumph of the Acadian expulsion.

The Maternal Grandfather’s side: A deeply rooted line where the protagonist is related to him 17 different ways, filled with early American patriots.

The Maternal Great-Grandparents (The Peppers): Newlyweds fleeing Ireland immediately after the Potato Famine, arriving in New Orleans to build a life from scratch as blacksmiths.

The themes of ancestral survival, blacksmithing/refining fire, and patriotism mirror the protagonist’s fight to survive her childhood and become a sanctuary for 200 forgotten children. 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/g/select/post/tzEif3szTbg2FyW0c71X

Submit a Body of Work that tells a story from start to finish. Be reviewed by expert judges, and compete for a $1,000 grant and a feature in Prompt Magazine.

I’m just finishing up the outline for this yet-to-be-written book, which will be a historical novel/memoir.

Thanks so much!

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“Sleepy Tales” Almost Ready!

“Sleepy Tales” Almost Ready!

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 04/18/2026

My bedtime storybook, “Sleepy Tales” is very nearly done! I’ve just got one more illustration to complete, and then, it’ll be ready for final review. I’m so excited! It’s a very cute book, I must say.

Just one of the ten stories!

Stay tuned! More details coming.

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Just a Reminder…

Just a Reminder…

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 04/02/2026

I’ve had this little book out on Amazon for a while now. Hope you’ve all had a chance to check it out. It’s really sweet; there’s a double story about the dangers that these beautiful ocean turtles experience – many lose their limbs to nets, fishermen’s nets that get caught up in their flippers.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my new video for book # 2 of Discovering Misty.

Please check it out! There’s some great reviews in Goodreads too.

Thanks all!

https://youtube.com/shorts/l5y01saAX8w?si=wiqfFpAOFkES6QY1

mibextid

https://a.co/d/0cAAqxcX

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Amazon Published My Adult Coloring Book Today!

Amazon Published My Adult Coloring Book Today!

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 03/26/2026

Woohoo! My new book is out! It’s a Luxury Adult Coloring Book. Check it out!

Scientists have discovered that using coloring books actually helps to calm and help the brain focus better.

I wrote about it last night in my blog and now it’s available for purchase. They should have more pictures up in a few days. There’s more than 170 pages to color!

https://a.co/d/062sS8aX

Check it out!

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Exciting News from Pages Alight (and S.M. Ulbrich!)

Exciting News from Pages Alight (and S.M. Ulbrich!)

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 03/25/2026

Hello, friends and fellow story-lovers!

I’m Shirley Ulbrich, writing under the pen names Pages Alight (for my more whimsical and visual storytelling projects) and S.M. Ulbrich (for my fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian tales). Today I’m thrilled to share that we’re hard at work on a brand-new story book—a project that’s been dancing around in my imagination for quite some time. I can’t wait to tell you more as it takes shape!

In the meantime, my little collection of small notebooks (there are currently three available) continues to bring joy to folks who love to jot down thoughts, sketches, or daily reflections. They’re simple, charming, and perfect for tucking into a bag or keeping by your bedside.

And the big news I’ve been waiting for… my luxury adult coloring book is finally in review! After a couple of rejections (those picky full-bleed page requirements kept tripping us up), it looks like we might see it go live as soon as today or tomorrow. Fingers crossed—I’ll shout it from the rooftops the moment it’s approved and available!

To celebrate the creative energy flowing right now, here are a couple of illustrations I created that didn’t make it into the final story book or coloring pages. I thought you might enjoy them as a little sneak peek into my artistic process:

Sleepy Tales
Emma and the Whispering Unicorn

What do you think? Do any of these spark a story idea for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

If you’d like to stay in the loop on the new story book, the coloring book launch, or any of my other creations (under any of my names), feel free to subscribe to the newsletter or follow along on social media. Your support means the world to this indie author and visual storyteller.

Thank you for being part of this creative journey with me. Here’s to more stories, more colors, and more pages alight!

✨Warmly,

Shirley Ulbrich

aka Pages Alight & S.M. Ulbrich

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Don’t Know Where This Was Discussed, but Here’s My Thoughts

Don’t Know Where This Was Discussed, but Here’s My Thoughts

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/20/2026

A man slaughters a big cow, starts the grill, and says to his daughter, “Daughter, go call our relatives, friends, and neighbors to join us… We’re having a celebration!”


The daughter goes out to the street and shouts, “Please help! My father’s house is on fire!”
After some time, only a few people come out to help, while many others act like they didn’t hear anything. The ones who came stay, eat, and enjoy the food until late.

The father, confused, looks around and says to his daughter, “I don’t know most of these people. Some I’ve never seen before. Where are our friends, family, and neighbors?”


The daughter calmly replies, “The people who came didn’t come for a party. They came because they thought we were in trouble. These are the people who care about us. These are the ones who deserve to celebrate with us.”

Lesson: The ones who don’t show up when you’re struggling don’t deserve to be with you when you succeed.

What do you think? I think it all depends on the intent of a person, really. Some people may WANT to help, but don’t know how. There are times in everyone’s lives when it’s just too hard to stretch and serve another, even though we want to help.

If someone came to our door right now, my husband would do everything he can, but he can’t give money or can’t be gone from the house very long, as people need him here. Those circumstances must be taken into consideration, and not punish those with good intent.

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The Magic of Runes in Modern Storytelling

The Magic of Runes in Modern Storytelling

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/19/2026

As an author weaving tales of survival and mysticism, I’ve fallen in love with runes, those enigmatic symbols from our ancestors. Today, let’s explore how these ancient marks breathe new life into modern stories, drawing from their historical roots to inspire today’s readers and writers.

Imagine a world shattered by catastrophe, where survivors cling to fragments of ancient wisdom to forge their path forward. In my Zion series, a mysterious rune etched on a weathered stone whispers prophecies of hope amid the ruins. It’s not just a plot device—it’s a bridge to the past, pulsing with magic that feels alive on the page.

Runes aren’t mere letters; they’re portals to a bygone era. The Elder Futhark, the oldest known runic alphabet, emerged around 150-800 AD among Germanic tribes in Scandinavia and beyond.

Carved into wood, stone, or bone, these 24 symbols served practical purposes—like labeling possessions or commemorating the dead—but they also carried deeper, mystical connotations.

Derived from the word “rún” meaning “secret” or “mystery” in Old Norse, runes were believed to hold divinatory power. Warriors might consult them before battle, or shamans use them in rituals to glimpse the future.

Historians draw much of what we know from sources like the Anglo-Saxon Rune Poem and the Norwegian Rune Poem, which assign poetic meanings to each symbol.

Take Fehu, the first rune, shaped like a cattle horn: It represents wealth, prosperity, and the rewards of hard work.

Uruz, resembling an aurochs (a wild ox), embodies raw strength and endurance—perfect for tales of overcoming adversity.

Then there’s Ansuz, linked to Odin, the Allfather, symbolizing wisdom, communication, and divine inspiration.

These aren’t static definitions; they’re fluid, open to interpretation, which is why they fascinate storytellers like me.

In my Zion series—starting with Zion: The Beginning and continuing through the chronicles—I’ve adapted these runes to fit a post-apocalyptic landscape. Here, they’re more than historical nods; they’re survival tools.

Characters decipher rune-inscribed artifacts to unlock hidden bunkers or predict environmental threats, blending ancient lore with futuristic grit.

For instance, a protagonist might trace Uruz during a brutal storm, drawing on its energy to push through exhaustion.

This isn’t arbitrary—I researched authentic meanings to ensure they resonate authentically, then twisted them to serve the narrative. It’s like Tolkien did with his Elvish scripts or runes in The Hobbit, where they add layers of world-building that make Middle-earth feel timeless.

What draws me to runes in storytelling is their versatility. They’re visual poetry: Simple lines that evoke complex ideas, making them ideal for visual media like book covers or fan art.

In Zion, they symbolize resilience in chaos, mirroring real-world themes of adaptation in uncertain times. And honestly, incorporating them sparks my creativity—it’s like unlocking a secret code in my own writing process.

Speaking of process, let’s get practical. If you’re an aspiring writer eyeing mystical elements, runes are a goldmine. I start with research:

Books like The Rune Primer by Sweyn Plowright or online archives from museums provide solid foundations without overwhelming you. Then, I sketch them out—drawing Fehu or Ansuz helps internalize their shapes and energies.

One tip I had fun with: Try “rune journaling.” Each morning, pull a rune (you can use apps or make your own deck) and let it inspire a scene. Stuck on a character’s motivation? Draw Ansuz for a wisdom breakthrough. It’s a low-pressure way to infuse some Nordic or Celtic magic into your drafts.

In Zion, this method led to some of my favorite twists—like a rune that shifts meaning based on context, forcing heroes to question fate. It’s empowering: Runes remind us that stories, like real life, are woven from choices and interpretations. If you’re curious, grab a notebook and experiment— who knows what secrets you’ll uncover?

As we step into 2026, runes feel more relevant than ever. In a world buzzing with AI and rapid change, they ground us in human heritage while fueling imagination. Whether you’re devouring fantasy epics or crafting your own, these symbols endure because they tap into universal truths: Strength in struggle, wisdom in whispers.

From Book 1: Zion: The Beginning Of the 6-part Series “America’s Great Perfect Storm”

If runes have sparked your interest, let me know and when it’s ready, I will let you know.. You’ll dive into the Zion series on Amazon—start with Zion: The Beginning and see how these ancient marks shape a new world.

Share your thoughts in the comments: Have you used runes in your stories, or do they appear in your favorite books?

I’d love to hear! And stay tuned for more chronicles woven in runes—next up, perhaps a rune-deep dive on my upcoming podcast.

Thanks for reading, fellow adventurers. Until next time, may your paths be marked with prosperous runes.

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Silent Sunday

Silent Sunday

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/18/2026

Ponder

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Navigating the Digital Waves: How I Communicate Online as an Author

Navigating the Digital Waves: How I Communicate Online as an Author

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/14/2026

How do you communicate online?

Hello, readers! I’m Shirley Ulbrich, writing under the pen name S.M. Ulbrich, and today I’m diving into the prompt: “In what ways do you communicate online?” As an author of fantasy, sci-fi, dystopian, and children’s stories, online communication is my lifeline for connecting with readers, sharing my work, and building a community.

Hard at Work – MakingPlans

From promoting my books like the Discovering Misty series, George and the Eagle, The Covenant Fire (a standalone book), and the Zion series—America’s Great Terrible Storm, a 6-book series exploring themes of prophecy, survival, and faith with elements like Obama-era events, New Jerusalem visions, survival vaults, and culminating in a Survival review in the last book—to preparing to host my Pages Alight Podcast,

Misty the Mermaid of the Emerald Coast

I use a mix of platforms to engage, inspire, and interact. In this post, I’ll break down my methods, sprinkle in insights from key books on digital communication, and highlight how these tools help me spread the word about my projects. Let’s explore!

My Go-To Online Communication Methods

Online communication for me is all about blending creativity with connection. It’s not just about broadcasting—it’s about fostering conversations, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and turning solitary writing into a shared adventure. Here’s how I do it:

1. My Website: The Central Hub (smulbrichauthor.com)

My website is the foundation of my online presence. It’s where I post detailed blog entries, book descriptions, and updates. For instance, I recently shared “Got a New Story in the Works for Misty,” teasing expansions to the Discovering Misty series about a young mermaid’s adventures in self-discovery and friendship. I also use it to announce wins, like taking 1st prize in a writing contest, and to promote my standalone book The Covenant Fire, a Christian/LDS YA apocalyptic novel full of adventure, as well as the Zion series, America’s Great Terrible Storm. This 6-book series weaves Latter-day Saint prophecy with dystopian survival stories, incorporating elements like Obama-era collapses, visions of New Jerusalem, and survival vaults in a saga of faith and resilience. The series includes books like Collapse (focusing on early chaos), Runners, Shadows of Zion, Rebuilding, Legacy, and ends with a Survival review in the sixth book, providing a comprehensive look back at survival strategies and themes. The site links everything together, from buy buttons on Amazon to podcast trailers, making it easy for visitors to explore my world.

2. Social Media Platforms: Engaging and Promoting

Social media is where the magic happens in real-time. I use it to share snippets, visuals, and calls to action for my books and podcast.

• Facebook (fb.com/smulbrich): On FB, I post about my multi-genre tales, from the whimsical Discovering Misty to the intense Zion series, America’s Great Terrible Storm, which follows characters navigating faith, chaos, and prophetic storms across six books, ending with a Survival review. I share trailers, reader reviews, and community discussions to build buzz.

• Instagram (@s.m.ulbrich): IG is perfect for visuals. I post book covers, AI-generated art inspired by my stories—like a podcast banner with a glowing antique book for Pages Alight—and reels teasing scenes from George and the Eagle, where young George Washington and his eagle companion face storms and adventures. It’s great for hashtagging #multigenre and connecting with visual storytellers.

• X (formerly Twitter, @SMUlbrich): On X, I share quick updates, blog links, and engage with trends. For example, I posted about my YouTube milestone for Pages Alight Podcast, which lights up discussions on my books and storytelling. I promote entries like “Narrative Nook Monday” series, tying into my Zion books such as America’s Great Terrible Storm, and even chime in on fun polls to keep interactions lively.

• TikTok and YouTube: These are video-heavy for my Pages Alight Podcast, where I will dive into book themes, read excerpts from the Zion series, and share trailers for The Covenant Fire. Short clips build excitement for upcoming releases.

These platforms help me reach different audiences—FB for in-depth shares, IG for aesthetics, X for quick chats—but they can get noisy, so I focus on authentic engagement to avoid burnout.

3. Email and Newsletters: Direct and Personal

I use email lists via my website to send exclusive updates, like sneak peeks at the Zion series’ Survival review or podcast episode drops. It’s asynchronous, allowing thoughtful responses without the pressure of live chats.

4. Podcasts and Video: Bringing Stories to Life

My Pages Alight Podcast on YouTube is a passion project. I communicate through audio-visual storytelling, discussing themes from my books, interviewing fellow creators, and reading passages. It’s ideal for conveying tone and emotion that text alone misses.

To refine my approach, I’ve drawn from several insightful books:

Lessons from Books on Online Communication

• Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle: This reminds me that while social media expands my reach for promoting Discovering Misty, it can lead to superficial ties. I counter this by encouraging genuine comments and DMs.

• Online Communication: Linking Technology, Identity, & Culture by Andrew F. Wood and Matthew J. Smith: It explores how platforms shape identity, which helps me craft my author persona across FB, IG, and X.

• Smart Online Communication: Protecting Your Digital Footprint by Mary Lindeen: Essential for safe promotion, especially when sharing personal wins like my newsletter awards.

• Future Crimes by Marc Goodman: A warning about digital risks, guiding me to protect my content while sharing Zion series details.

These books emphasize balance—using tech to enhance, not replace, human connection.

The Impact and Future of My Online Efforts

Communicating online has grown my audience, from 25 followers on X to YouTube subscribers celebrating milestones. It’s helped sell books, launch the podcast, and connect over shared loves like fantasy and faith. Challenges? Time management and algorithm changes. But the rewards—reader feedback on George and the Eagle or Zion discussions—make it worthwhile.

How do you communicate online? Drop a comment below, or find me on socials to chat. Check out smulbrichauthor.com for more, and stay tuned for Pages Alight episodes!

Thanks for reading—let’s keep the conversation going!

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You Might Be a Writer If… You’re Chasing the Spark of Creation

You Might Be a Writer If… You’re Chasing the Spark of Creation

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/07/2026

Being an author isn’t just about putting words on a page—it’s about chasing the spark that turns ideas into stories that touch hearts. As the creator of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and George and the Brave Eagle, and a blogger who recently hit 1,048 visitors, I’ve learned that writers live in a world where imagination and purpose collide. If you’re wondering whether you’ve got that writer’s spark, here are some signs, tied to my own journey of crafting children’s books, growing my blog, and advocating for hope.

What Happens Next?

You’re Always Asking, “What Happens Next?”

You might be a writer if you can’t help but wonder what’s around the next corner of a story. Whether I’m walking along the Emerald Coast, where Discovering Misty was born, or brainstorming for George and the Brave Eagle, I’m constantly asking, “What happens next?” A seashell could inspire a mermaid’s quest, or a soaring bird could spark a tale of courage. If you’re always chasing the next plot twist, you’re a writer at heart.

You Rewrite the World to Make Sense of It

You might be a writer if you process life’s highs and lows by turning them into stories. When life feels heavy, I pour my thoughts into blog posts about resilience or craft scenes where Misty faces challenges with grit. Writing is my way of making sense of the world, and if you find yourself doing the same—whether through poetry, fiction, or a journal—you’re likely a writer, too.

People Watcher

You’re a People-Watcher with a Purpose

You might be a writer if you process life’s highs and lows by turning them into stories. When life feels heavy, I pour my thoughts into blog posts about resilience or craft scenes where Misty faces challenges with grit. Writing is my way of making sense of the world, and if you find yourself doing the same—whether through poetry, fiction, or a journal—you’re likely a writer, too.

You might be a writer if you study strangers in a coffee shop, imagining their backstories. I’ve built characters for Discovering Misty: Friends Forever by watching kids play at the beach or families share stories. Writers don’t just observe—they weave those moments into narratives that resonate. My blog often reflects these snapshots, connecting everyday life to bigger themes like hope and community.

You Fall in Love with Your Tools

You might be a writer if you have a favorite pen, a lucky notebook, or a laptop you treat like a trusted friend. My desk, cluttered with notes for my GoFundMe campaign for George and the Brave Eagle, is my creative sanctuary. If you get a thrill from the click of a keyboard or the smell of fresh paper, you’re part of the writer’s club.

You’re Haunted by Stories That Demand to Be Told

You might be a writer if an idea grabs you and won’t let go until it’s on the page. The story of George, soaring with bravery, or Misty, discovering her strength, kept me up at night until I brought them to life. If you’ve ever felt a story tugging at you, insisting it needs to exist, you know the writer’s calling.

You Find Joy in Reader Connections

You might be a writer if a single reader’s comment lights up your day. When someone leaves a review for Discovering Misty on Amazon or shares how my blog inspired them, it’s like fuel for my soul. Hitting 1,048 blog visitors felt like a milestone worth celebrating, and every interaction reminds me why I write: to connect, inspire, and spread joy.

You Write for Something Bigger

You might be a writer if your stories carry a deeper purpose. For me, it’s about more than children’s books—it’s about weaving hope and resilience into every page, a mission that ties to my advocacy for suicide prevention. Whether I’m sharing a blog post about family reading or a story about a brave eagle, I write to remind readers, young and old, that they’re not alone. If your words aim to lift others up, you’re a writer with heart.

You Keep Going, No Matter What

You might be a writer if you push through rejection, doubt, or the grind of promotion—like pitching Discovering Misty to bookstores or rallying support for George and the Brave Eagle. Writers don’t quit because the spark of creation is too strong. Even on tough days, I find myself back at my desk, writing a new blog post or polishing a chapter, because stories are how I make a difference.

If these signs feel like home, you might be a writer. Embrace the spark, chase the stories, and let your words light up the world. For me, it’s about bringing Misty and George to life, growing my blog, and sharing hope—one story at a time.

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TT Tuesday: Expanding Misty’s Backstory

TT Tuesday: Expanding Misty’s Backstory

Published by S.M. Ulbrich on 01/06/2026

Expanding Misty’s Backstory: From Real-Life Legend to Enchanted Mermaid

As S.M. Ulbrich, the author of Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast and its sequel Discovering Misty: Friends Forever, I’ve always drawn inspiration from the world around me to craft stories that spark joy and hope in young hearts. Misty, my beloved mermaid character, isn’t just a figment of imagination—she’s rooted in the real-life magic of Misty Joy, a legendary performer along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Today, on the blog, I’m excited to expand Misty’s backstory, weaving in elements from Misty Joy’s vibrant career as a mermaid, fire breather, stilt walker, and aerialist. This deeper dive adds layers of adventure, resilience, and wonder to Misty’s world, perfect for parents and kids alike.

If you’re new here, my blog just hit 500 visitors—thank you for being part of this journey! Let’s dive in, one word at a time.

The Origins: A Spark from the Surface World

Long before Misty became the brave mermaid we know, her story began in the shimmering shallows where the ocean meets the sandy shores of the Emerald Coast.

In my books, Misty is a young mermaid with an emerald-green tail that sparkles like sunlight on waves, curious about the world above. But her expanded backstory reveals she wasn’t always so confident.

Born in a hidden coral cove, Misty was the daughter of a wise sea guardian named Marina and a wandering ocean explorer called Triton.

Marina, with her flowing silver hair, taught Misty the secrets of the deep: how to read the currents, befriend sea creatures, and harness the ocean’s gentle magic.

Triton, however, shared tales of the surface world—stories of humans who danced on land, breathed fire like dragons, and walked on stilts taller than kelp forests.

These tales ignited Misty’s imagination, but they also filled her with doubt. As a little merling, Misty was shy, her tail often hiding behind coral reefs when bigger fish swam by.

“The world above is full of wonders,” Triton would say, “but it takes courage to bridge the two realms.” Little did Misty know, her destiny was tied to a real human legend: Misty Joy, the Emerald Coast’s own mermaid performer, whose daring acts blurred the line between myth and reality.

The Inspiration: Echoes of Misty Joy

Drawing from the real Misty Joy—whose performances at places like The Island Resort’s Grotto Pool have enchanted families for years—Misty’s backstory now includes a pivotal “awakening” moment. One fateful day, as Misty ventured closer to the surface than ever before, she glimpsed a human woman gliding through the water with grace and flair.

This was Misty Joy, donning her mermaid tail, flipping and twirling in a pool that mirrored the ocean’s turquoise hues. But Misty Joy wasn’t just swimming; she was performing feats that seemed impossible—breathing fire underwater (or so it appeared to young Misty through the waves), balancing on stilts along the shore, and soaring through the air like an aerialist.

In my expanded lore, this sighting wasn’t coincidence. Misty Joy, a multifaceted artist known for her stilt-walking parades, fire-breathing spectacles, and mermaid shows across Florida, unknowingly cast a spell on the underwater world. Her energy rippled through the waves, awakening ancient mermaid magic.

For Misty, it was a turning point. “If a human can embrace the sea with such bravery,” Misty thought, “then I can explore beyond my cove.” This encounter infused Misty with a spark of human spirit—resilience in the face of challenges, the joy of performance, and the power of bringing smiles to others.

Misty Joy’s real-life legend adds depth here: As a performer who’s popped up in community events, from Gulf-side gatherings to resort meet-and-greets, she’s all about creating magical moments.

In the story, Misty begins to mimic these acts in her own way—practicing flips with dolphin friends like Finn, “breathing” bubbles like fire, and balancing on seaweed “stilts.”

This phase of her backstory highlights themes of self-discovery, showing young readers that inspiration can come from unexpected places, much like how my own experiences as a foster mom to over 200 medically fragile children taught me about quiet strength.

The Trials: Building Courage in the Depths

As Misty grew, her backstory unfolds with trials that test her newfound spark. One stormy night, a fierce hurricane—echoing the wild weather of Florida’s coast—stirred the ocean into chaos.

Waves crashed, scattering Misty’s family and friends. Triton was swept away on a quest to calm the storm spirits, leaving Misty to protect her cove.

Drawing from Misty Joy’s aerialist poise, Misty learned to “fly” through turbulent currents, twisting and turning like an acrobat to rescue trapped sea creatures.

But doubt crept in, much like the shadows in my earlier Misty tales. Misty faced a “Whirlpool of Fears,” a swirling vortex that whispered failures: “You’re too small, too shy.”

Here, her backstory ties into real-world resilience—Misty Joy’s journey as a performer likely involved overcoming stage fright or physical challenges, performing as a mermaid in pools or on stilts at events.

In the story, Misty overcomes this by remembering the human’s fearless smile, emerging stronger and ready to lead.

This period also introduces Misty’s signature emerald tail. In the expanded lore, it wasn’t always so vibrant; it started as a dull green, symbolizing her hidden potential.

Through acts of kindness—like helping a lost clownfish find its anemone home—Misty’s tail began to glow, a metaphor for how inner courage shines outward.

This mirrors my advocacy for hope and suicide prevention: Even in dark times, small steps can light the way.

The Legacy: From Backstory to Adventure

With her backstory now richer, Misty emerges as a bridge between worlds. She forms alliances with surface dwellers (subtly nodding to Misty Joy’s fan interactions at resorts), sharing ocean secrets in exchange for tales of land adventures.

This sets the stage for the books: In Discovering Misty, she embarks on quests with friends like Shelly the seahorse and Bubbles the clownfish, facing challenges that echo her past trials.

As a parent and Scout leader who’s hosted 600-800 Boy Scouts on our 25-acre LDS church park, I see Misty’s story as a lesson in leadership—stepping up not despite fears, but because of them.

Her expanded backstory emphasizes that heroes aren’t born brave; they grow through inspiration, trials, and community.

If this peek into Misty’s world sparks your imagination, grab Discovering Misty: The Mermaid of the Emerald Coast on Amazon for the full tale, or support George and the Brave Eagle via GoFundMe.

My YouTube channel for story readings is still in the works—I’m taking my time to make it magical!

What’s one element you’d add to Misty’s backstory? Comment below—I’d love to hear and maybe incorporate it into future tales. Spreading hope one heart at a time!

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