Now Available: Bernie’s Paris…Travel Stories with Love
This memoir captures an improbable journey between a love-starved, Southern belle and an over-eager, homesick Parisian. If you’ve ever been to Paris or have always dreamed of going, this is a must-read full of savvy tips, funny mistakes, compelling drama—all entangled in the tender love story of two people who had mostly given up on a late-in-life relationship. You will chuckle; you will sigh; you will remember; and maybe, you will call your travel agent!
NOW AVAILABLE FROM BALBOA PRESS
Whether you have chosen to be a caregiver or were hijacked by circumstances, Catch Your Breath, a series of touching meditations by Linda Spalla, will become a wisp of sanity and a day-to-day stabilizer. Spalla retraces an eight month care-giving journey with her mother, captured in raw, candid images, truly becoming a walk in her shoes. What started as a thirty-days-to-live commitment of care in her home turned into an unexpected eight months of never-ending responsibility. You will feel a kinship with the roller coaster of emotions; from anger, confusion, surprise, resentment, guilt and ambivalence, to finally relief, recovery and celebration. You will learn through the various vignettes some refreshingly practical information on such topics as finding sitters, managing medicine, dealing with sibling rivalry, contracting with Hospice, moving to assisted living, doing will preparation and other legalities as well as funeral planning. You will laugh; you will sob; your heart will soar; your heart will break. You will find solace, encouragement and inspiration for one of life’s most daunting challenges. But especially, you will discover your best self, emerging stalwart, strong and forged by the fire of your caregiving experience. Give yourself a gift of renewal and Catch Your Breath.
Recent Posts
Parisian Drama Even on a Birthday!!
Bonjour mes amis, Well, what a day we had trying to celebrate Bernie’s actual birthday of November 15th. I hope this brings some laughter and amusement to you. Some of it wasn’t funny last night as I sat with tears in my eyes, but oh, the memories and stories we will tell in the future. […]
The Gang’s All Here and Ready to Party in Paris
Bonjour, Yesterday was a day to rejoice, to greet, to share memories, to laugh, to eat…oh yes, did I say eat? All of the birthday company has arrived, and we are pretending to run around like we are 50 instead of ancient! Happy 80th Birthday, Bernie!! The celebration continues as November 15 is his actual […]
Company’s a Comin’ for the Birthday Bash
Bonjour mes amis, I realize that there will be far too many photos to have a one week-long summary blog so here’s a few photos to whet your appetite. The last set of cousins from Alsace, Pierre and Laurie Verdier, arrive today by train. Like many who visit, Bernie’s brothers, Bill and Steve, are having […]
Cold Temps, Warm Hearts as Company Arrives in Paris
Bonjour, Busy day today so a quick post. Bernie is off to the airport to greet his two brothers from Alabama. His cousins, Curt and Diane Brewer, arrived yesterday after a not-so-restful flight that was devoid of any sleep. Their advice: don’t fly Comfort Class in the bulkhead seats! They were exhausted but glad to […]
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Books
Her first book entitled Leading Ladies published in 2003 offers practical leadership tips for women, encouraging them to embrace their femininity as a leadership asset.
In Catch Your Breath, Linda has written a raw, honest series of meditations for caregivers based on her experiences in caring for her own mother. These will evoke both laughter and tears as they offer insight and courage to those caught in the caregiving web.
In Bernie ‘s Paris…Travel Stories with Love, Linda describes with tender and often humorous clarity her eleven years visiting Paris with her best friend and lover, Bernard Verdier, a native Frenchman. From Southern belle to world traveler, she will delight you with her Parisian escapades, her love affair with “Bernie” and hopefully inspire you to fall in love with Paris as she has. Bernie’s photographs will ignite the urge to plan a Paris fling. The book is now available.
