We hope you enjoyed the May 2023 issue of This Awful Awesome Life. Many thanks to Lilly Kauffman, Orlando Bartro, and Linda Cahill for their contributions to each issue.

Everything in Between, is now available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book on amazon.com.

I love the cover! Thank you, Francis Cleetus for bringing my vision to life in such a spectacular way! Find out more about Everything in Between in this issue. Here is the link to purchase my book, https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Between-FrancesJoyce/dp/1960399861/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZS2347EON70H&keywords=Everything+in+Between+by+Frances+Joyce&qid=1682964829&sprefix=everything+in+between+by+frances+joyce%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1

Toby Gribben for Shout Radio will interview me about the book on June 6. 2023. We will update this page and our Facebook page with information about when the podcast will air.

The theme for our June issue is “Be Daring.” What is daring? Do you have to hang from tall buildings by your thumbs or drive a Formula One race car to be daring? For many adrenaline junkies this is probably true, but what about the rest of us? Being daring can mean doing something outside your comfort zone. It doesn’t have to be death defying. If it’s something you’ve wanted to do, but were afraid to try, that’s daring.

We’ll examine why people decide to do daring things, and we’ll feature a few daredevils who made history.

Ever tried Dragon-boating? It’s a safe adrenaline rush many breast cancer survivors are embracing.

This month, Orlando Bartro examines how Dostoevsky creates his characters. Spoiler alert – some of them are pretty daring. Lilly Kauffman is “Dressed to Dare.”

Sunday, June 18, is Father’s Day. We don’t have a dedicated article for Father’s Day this year, but I want to take the opportunity to recognize everyone who fills that role. Whether you are a biological father or someone who has stepped up to fill that role in a child’s life, thank you! You rock!

I lost my dad when I was thirteen. I was so blessed when my mom met a wonderful man named Bill who became the father we all needed. For over thirty years he provided the  stability and love that allowed our blended family to thrive. I’m missing two dads this year, but our family is blessed to have my brother, Len, my nephews, Carlos and Julian, and my son, Ian, who are exceptional fathers.

This month I reviewed The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. This book was recommended to me by Ian. It fits our daring theme because Hannah, the main character must be daring to honor her husband’s last message. It’s also timely because his message is about a father’s love for his child. Once you read the book, you will understand.

“What’s in a Word?” explores words related to daring activities or feelings.

“Dare to Believe,” is proud to feature two daredevils, Sam Patch and Annie Edson Taylor.

If you haven’t heard of them, you’ll never look at water the same once you read the stories.

of their daring exploits.

This month we also want to recognize Flag Day and Pride Month.

Our June 2023 salad in “The Twelve Months of Salad” is Salad Niçoise, a colorful and delicious recipe that originated in Nice, France. There are many variation on the traditional recipe and the recipe I chose is just right for a light summer supper.

Each month, Linda Cahill shares delicious recipes courtesy of The Pampered Chef. Her June recipe suggestions are ideal for the coming of summer, Father’s Day, Flag Day, graduation parties, or any time you gather with family and friends. Linda and her husband Joe are having fun in the Florida sun.

Don’t miss our June quiz, “Daredevils You Should Know.” This month we’re streaming a film starring Tom Hanks, and popular series on Hulu or Netflix. Each of these suggestions are daring in their own way. We have a few daring selections in our reading recommendations for kids and adults. Also, check out our Author page, June in Pictures, and our preview of the July issue.

I hope you voted in the recent primaries. The 2023 elections will include gubernatorial and state legislative elections in a few states and numerous citizen initiatives, mayoral races, and local offices. Senatorial and presidential hopefuls will begin campaigning for the 2024 elections which gives you time to start the vetting process. Please keep showing up and voting. We will never tell you who to vote for, but we will keep telling you to vote and do your homework! Vet all candidates and insist that all political parties do the same. Vote for the candidates who are the most qualified and who will safeguard our democracy.

Samantha Sayers has been missing since she disappeared on August 1, 2018, after a day of solo hiking at Vesper Peak near Seattle, Washington. Sam grew up in the Erie, Pennsylvania area where her parents Ron and Lisa still live. Her family is exploring all avenues of inquiry to find and bring her home. In the face of such an enormous challenge, they have chosen hope.

Please keep sending positive thoughts to Sam and her family. As promised, we will be displaying a yellow ribbon for Sam on the opening page of each issue of This Awful Awesome Life until she is home.

If you are a person of faith, please pray for her safe return to her family. Because we are an online publication, we can update this article with any news. We will also post information on our Facebook page, but only after it is verified. Thank you!

Please share our link, www.thisawfulawesomelife.com with your friends and family.

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When you subscribe to our free mailing list, each new issue of This Awful Awesome Life will be delivered directly to your inbox with a personal note from me. To subscribe use this link, https://www.thisawfulawesomelife.com/about

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Happy Reading,

Fran